Melbourne suburbs – Doreen-returning home with groceries from Laurimar
Typical Melbourne weather
In Melbourne again! I visited last year in November, weather was fine and sunny. This is June, proving typical Melbourne weather for winter; rain, wind, cold, bleak and freezing. Almost three weeks, have had only two days of sunshine with blue skies. Can’t wait to get back to sunny north Queensland.
Melbourne suburbs – Doreen – Park-with-beehives and flying fox
Melbourne Suburbs – Doreen
Of all the Melbourne Suburbs I have visited recently, Doreen is one of the prettiest. I stayed in Doreen at Laurimar Estate, Yangoora Wells Village. Yangoora Wells Village so named because of the old wells in the area. Yesterday with the sun shining (surprise,surprise!), I ventured across to the park. This piece of parkland has three old wells, sealed and a brick beehive built over them; now part of a lovely park, children’s playground and family barbecue picnic area. The playground also has a large sturdy flying fox, no doubt a big hit with children.
Doreen-view-over-suburbs to green farmland and purple hills beyond-Melbourne
Green rolling farmland near Doreen – Melbourne suburbs
The Park has great views over the entire estate and the remaining green rolling farmland and purple hills beyond (many estates merge into one another). Late in the evening the hills are a browsing range for kangaroos.
Red Kangaroos watching me watching them! Doreen.Melbourne Suburbs.
One evening I watched a mob of at least thirty large red kangaroos leaping over fences across the hillside, obviously startled by something or someone. A marvelous sight! Most evenings you will see the roos grazing on the green hillsides. Above the Kangaroos are all watching me intently, ready for flight if I get to close. I also watched two big fellas boxing but couldn’t get close enough with my camera to video, such a shame, but what an experience! Something I will never forget.
Beautiful reflections on the Pond at dusk Doreen – Melbourne area
Despite the cold we have walked late in the evenings and couldn’t help but notice the beautiful reflection on the pond, as we go along the walkway. Laurimar has plenty of parks, walking paths with pond views and active bird life. The pond or wetland areas designed to attract and protect native wildlife, and interestingly to purify storm water before it enters the Plenty River.
Melbourne suburbs – Doreen- Reflections on the pond at dusk
Laurimar Shopping Center at Doreen
Laurimar has a small shopping center which covers most immediate needs and within walking distance of most homes. It has a Chemist, Doctor’s and Physio, Gym, excellent fish and chip shop, two Pizza places, about three coffee shops, newsagent, green grocer, hairdresser, Woolworth, bottle shop, a baker and a couple of restaurants. It’s all there and more. I’m sure I’ve missed a few.
Doreen – Elegant black swan glides effortlessly on the pond.
Wild Birds and Red River Gum Trees – Doreen – Melbourne Suburbs
A lone elegant black swan glided gracefully towards us one evening. I wondered if it was a member of the family of black swans I photographed here last year.
On the Estates at Doreen they have saved many of the ancient gnarled river gums. They stand stately but alone among the housing estate. Below the housing estates lies the river flats home to the Red River Gum forest along the banks of the Plenty River.
Doreen- river flats below suburbia are home to wildlife, horses and the Red River Gum forest
New Bridge at Doreen across the Plenty River
At Doreen a new bridge stretches across the Plenty River, providing access to Doreen and Laurimar estate from Plenty Road. Large commercial centers close to Doreen are Greensborough, Epping and Westfield Plaza all about 20 minutes away. However in peak hours 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm it may take 40 minutes. Doreen is about 30km from Melbourne CBD. On a clear run it takes 40 minutes to the Tullamarine airport, however you do need to allow for road works.
Melbourne suburbs – Doreen-new-bridge-at Doreen over-the Plenty River
The Plenty River Gorge is only 10 minutes away, while Kingslake National Park and the Yarra Valley wineries offer weekend opportunities. I haven’t visited the National Park or wineries yet, but maybe next time?
Melbourne suburbs – Doreen – View-Plenty-River-Gorge, Doreen
Melbourne suburbs – Bus Services – Doreen
There are several bus services running to and through Laurimar
Bus 520 Doreen to Greensborough
Bus 572 Mill Park to Bundoora
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About Lyn
This looks absolutely gorgeous – despite the weather!!! Currently trying to organise my gap year and things like this are just so useful! However, there are so many lovely places it’s difficult to decide what to drop and what to keep!!