Warrandyte River Walk in Winter

On July 11, 2008, a very cold winter's day, I completed the River Walk, at Warrandyte, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

This interesting and scenic walk follows the Yarra River for about 2 km, in the Warrandyte State Park.

It runs parallel to Yarra St, linking the Taroona Reserve with Mullens Rd.

The photos show the river environment, features, rapids, other walkers, ducks and dogs!

See the full set of Photos

Warrandyte - River Hike

Rocks at Tunnel


Rapids, Pound Bend

The Norman Reserve in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD is the starting point for two interesting bushland walks alongside the Yarra River.

Immediately opposite the Reserve is the well known Pound Bend Tunnel, which was constructed during the gold mining rush of the 1800s to divert the Yarra, allowing alluvial gold to be extracted from the river bed.

These are locally known as the South and North tracks, about 5 km return.

North Track leads to rugged rocks and rapids.

I completed these tracks on two visits - South Track on December 6 2007, and North Track on December 18 2007.

The full set of photos is at Warrandyte Walks

Mtr Lofty Ascent - Warrandyte State Park

Mt. Lofty is the highest point in the Warrandyte State Park, 35 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

From its summit, at 117m, there are magnificient views across the Yarra Valley to the Yarra Ranges, with Mt St Leonards the dominant peak.

The main track to the Summit starts at the car park at the end of Lower Homestead Rd, Wonga Park, opposite the Croydon Golf Course.

This is a circuit track, initially following the river past the observation platform, then a steep ascent to the summit.

There is a change in altitude from 65 m to 117 m.

I did this interesting track on November 28, 2007.

The full photo set is at Mt Lofty Ascent

Pigeon Bank Creek Track - Warrandyte State Park

Pigeon Bank Creek Track is in a remote northern section of the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km NE of Melbourne.

The Track, 4 km return, follows the clifftop for some distance, before descending to reach the Yarra River at the confluence with the Pigeon Bank Creek.

There are very good views of the Yarra from this seldom visited track.

The photo set is at

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/323825/index.html

Stane Brae Walk - Warrandyte State Park

Stane Brae is a section of the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of Melbourne.
It was originally a large grazing and farming property, prior to its purchase by the Victorian Government for incorporation into the Park. River frontages were also acquired.

The stables and outbuildings of the former homestead have been converted into a rest and picnic area, with basic free overnight accommodation facilities offered for walkers, Parks Victoria personnel, and canoeists.

Some of the original plantings remain, and extensive revegetation activities are continuing.

There are excellent views of the surrounding hills, the adjacent Yarra River, with rapids and a small beach, suitable for swimming, canoe launching/landing.

Access is by canoe or on foot, from Jumping Creek carpark. The walk is about 4 km return, following fire access tracks.

I did this circuit walk on January 13, 2007.

The photo set is at

http://worldisround.com/articles/323220/index.html