Wittons Reserve and River Trail, Warrandyte State Park

Witton's Reserve and car park is at the end of Reserve Rd, Wonga Park, in the Warrandyte State Park, about 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It is situated on the banks of the Yarra River, at the canoe launching ramp.

Nice beaches are excellent for swimming and paddling, and when the level is low, rocks and rapids are exposed.

A walking trail follows the river to the north, crossing Brushy Creek and continuing to Mt Lofty.

There are beautiful views of the river from this trail, and picnic tables and seats are in a delightful shady setting about 1 km from the start.

There is a nice beach near the picnic area, suitable for swimming, paddling, and exploring the exposed river rocks.

I hiked this trail as far as the picnic area on January 29, 2009. This was a frightfully hot day, with temperature on the trail hovering around 48 degrees!

There were many visitors, and their dogs, enjoying the coolness of the river.

If you are so inclined, hire or take a canoe or kayak on the river, a pleasant experience.

See the full set of Photos of this very hot excursion!

Canoes and Rapids at Warrandyte State Park

On October 22, 2008, I visited the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

I did a 3 km return walk from Norman's Reserve, opposite the Pound Bend Tunnel, following the Yarra River to the rapids, through bushland.

Kookaburras watched me!

Young people waved to me from their brightly colored canoes, as they paddled upstream as far as the rapids!

Opposite the rapids is the site of the former orchards, now part of Parks Victoria, and off-limits to walkers.

Seer the full set of Photos of my trip