Bush Trackers @ Woodlands Historic Park

 'Woodlands Historic Park is a great spot to visit if you live in the west, or north west of Melbourne, but it really isn't that far from Melbourne's CBD, so worth the drive as well.  Woodlands Historic Park is managed by Parks Victoria and is located, just north of Tullamarine Airport. You can gain access to what is called the 'Back Paddock' from Providence Road, which comes off Mickelham Road in Greenvale. Best to check maps here: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/315824/Park-note-Woodlands-Historic-Park.pdf
It is a lovely walk in along wide flat gravel tracks where you are likely to see Eastern Grey Kangaroos and hear lots of different woodland birds calling. Look out for Echidna diggings too and a tree that is fantastically curled over - great spot for a photo and a climb!
You will come to a gate to the Conservation Reserve. This is a great place to roam, wonder, climb and enjoy nature. This is also a reserve where the Eastern Barred Bandicoot has been reintroduced and is doing really well. The bandicoots are protected by a predator proof fence. Check out the info. board there on your way in.  While you probably won't see a bandicoot as they are nocturnal, you can look for traces of them... get your kids to be wildlife detectives and look out for conical shaped bandicoot diggings (see photo). They are actually very easy to spot and this will tell you how much activity and foraging was going on over the last few days. 
There are lots of lovely native grasses, large old 'skeleton' trees with lots of hollows for parrots and lorikeets and logs for children to climb and explore.
Good spot for a bike ride too. Always remember to check your maps, wear appropriate clothing for the bush, carry water, snacks, first aid kit and check the weather before you set out. 

Bandicoot digging