Discover Wheelers Hill: Jells Park and MAPh

Wheelers Hill offers a variety of ways to explore the area: at Jells Park, trails wind through wetlands and billabongs, while the architecture of the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) adds a cultural touch. There are also two play areas in the park and several places to observe wildlife or relax. When planning your trip, you can decide whether nature trails, photography and architecture—or a combination of both—will shape your stay.

Nature and trails at Jells Park

A nature trail runs along the eastern shore of Jells Lake through wetlands and billabongs. This landscape shapes the character of the trail: rather than focusing solely on the lake as a destination, the route also passes through wetlands. A nature trail in Jells Park also leads through wetlands and billabongs. If you are interested in the natural side of Wheelers Hill, you will find several ways to enjoy the outdoors here.

A bird hide along the nature trail provides a spot for observing native birds. It adds a specific way to engage with local birdlife to the experience of the wetlands. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus more on walking through the landscape or watching birds.

Play areas and spots by the lake

Jells Park is home to Jells Playscape and the Jells East playground. These two named play areas can each be included as a separate activity in your plans. Together with the nature trails, they offer a different set of options from a visit focused mainly on architecture and photography.

The picnic areas also differ in their stated features: The Pines offers shade, while The Elms has lake views. You can choose between these two options based on the setting you want, as they do not promise the same experience. One spot is defined by shade, the other by its view of the lake. When planning your day, you can consider which of these features matters more for your break.

Architecture and history at MAPh

The Museum of Australian Photography adds a distinctive touch to Wheelers Hill. The original part of the building was designed by Harry Seidler and is the only formal art gallery space he designed. In 2000, the MAPh building was expanded with additions by Cox Sanderson Ness. The original design and later additions give the building distinct architectural references that can be considered together.

The MAPh site was previously occupied by an early homestead. Today, the museum is set in landscaped grounds overlooking the Dandenong Ranges. The architecture, the site’s former use and its surroundings offer several ways of looking at the same place. If you are interested in architectural history as well as nature, MAPh offers a different focus from the trails and wetlands at Jells Park.

Planning your stay in Wheelers Hill

If you are more interested in architecture, MAPh is the place to explore. Play areas and the different features of the picnic spots round out the options. You can look for a holiday rental in Wheelers Hill to suit the themes you want to explore during your stay, and use the places mentioned here as a starting point for further planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Parkdale, Yarra Junction, Eumemmerring, Coldstream, Sassafras, Doveton, Moorabbin, Eden Park.

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