OVERVIEW

The Main Yarra Trail is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which follows the Yarra River through the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

It starts from near the Yarra's  mouth, through the city and suburbs to Westerfolds Park and Eltham. The Capital City Trail uses the same path up to Dights Falls, where it continues up the Merri Creek Trail as part of its loop around the city.

 

It terminates at the junction of the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail in Templestowe.

 

Bicycle Victoria has an ongoing campaign to have the path in Yarra Bend Park improved and the stairs at the east end of Gipps Street effectively removed from the trail by continuing the path on the west side of the river. Other alternatives include installing a ramp or installing a new footbridge near the Abbotsford Convent.

 

THE TRAIL IN THE YARRA PARKLANDS

The Trail extends some 16 km through the Parklands from the Burke Rd Bridge in East Ivanhoe, and ends at the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail, in Templestowe.

The Parklands sector was opened in November 1991,  between Banksia St and Eltham, and subsequently progressively extended.

 

The Trail is a combination of sealed and unsealed surfacing, and passes through a diverse environment of forest, river flats, river frontages, river rapids and open land. Some parts are rough, and others are steep! There are good views of the Yarra at various spots.

 

For much of its length, the Trail passes under or adjacent to the high-voltage power lines which start at the Templestowe Switching Station.

 

The route is well signed, and drinking fountains and Emergency Marke Posts are located along its length.

 

Bridges crossing the Yarra are at:

 

• Templestowe (Finn's Reserve)

• Westerfolds Park (East of Odyssey House)

• Plenty River Confluence

 

Areas of heritage interest may be explored at Petty's Orchard, Banksia Park, Yarra Flats Park, and Tikalara Park.