Showing posts with label yarra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yarra. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Thursday, May 29, 2014
The Yarra at Hawthorn
Pix of May 28, 2014.
This was a 3 km (return) hike along the east side of the Yarra, between the Victoria and Hawthorn Bridges.
The Hawthorn Rowing Club is located next to the Hawthorn Bridge.
Hawthorn Bridge crosses the Yarra River 5 km east of Melbourne connecting Bridge Road and Burwood Road.
It is a substantial riveted, wrought-iron, lattice-truss bridge with bluestone abutments and piers, designed by Francis Bell and is the oldest extant bridge over the Yarra River and is one of the oldest metal bridges in Australia.
This crossing was one of the earliest Yarra River crossing points and a major communication route in early Melbourne. The present bridge was constructed in 1861 during the early wave of major new infrastructure funded by the gold rushes.
Click here to see all of the Photos of my visit, in Slideshow or Static format!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Exploring Sill's Bend, Warringal Parklands, Banyule
\These pix were taken at Sill's Bend, in the Warringal Parklands, Banyule, on October 24, 2012, 15 km east of central Melbourne.
Nestled next to the Yarra River, this beautiful part of Heidelberg parklands was named after small farmer Mark Sill who used it for orchards in the 19th century. A few remnant fruit trees remain.
My exploration was a 3 m hike, starting at the Old Shire Offices off Beverley Rd, then along the Main Yarra Trail and on to the circuit track around the Bend.
Nearby is the Warringal Swamp - a small billabong is passed near the Bend.
Click to see a Slideshow of all of the photos of my visit!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Yarra Wetlands Hike - Christmas Hillls
Occupying an area of some 350 hectares (1.5 x 3 km - 800 acres) it opened in 1999 with the release of Stage One residential development, with the Jack Nicklaus-designed St John Golf Course opening in 2000.
The construction of the Stage Two, the Henley Golf Course, has recently been completed, and opened in 2006. The planning of Stage Three: Botanica, a residential development of apartments and villas, is under way.
The complex is huge. The St John Course and Country Club is located in Chirnside Park - the Henley Course is situated in the Christmas Hills district. A road bridge over the Yarra connects the two Courses.
Management of the area is carried out jointly by Melbourne Water, the Shires of Yarra Ranges and Nillumbuk, and the Country Club.
There has been bitter, continuing and strong resentment by environmental groups to this massive commercial development in a rural area which is regarded as one of the few original surviving flood-plain locations near to Melbourne.
There are Wetlands incorporated in both Courses, which I visited on Wednesday March 23, 2011, as a 6 km hike.
Walking access to the main formed trail is from the stile and gate at the canoe launching ramp at the end of Lower Homestead Rd, Chirnside Park. This trail follows the Yarra and main wetlands/lagoon next to a high metal fence on the boundary of the St John Course.
This trail continues past a viewing platform, overlooking the Henley Wetands, then across the bridge over the Yarra, to the entrance of the Henley Course.
Beyond the bridge, another walking trail then follows the Yarra past a series of billabongs, on the edge of the Course, eventually reaching private property in open farmland. Just beyond are the foothills of the Sugarloaf Reservoir catchment area.
Large mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos graze in the large cleared area at the eastern end of the Henley Course.
Information about the complex is at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heritage_Golf_and_Country_Club
See all of the Photos of my visit.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Yarra River Trail to Mt Lofty - Warrandyte State Park
They show the scenery along a 4 km (return) hike which followed the Mt Lofty Trail, adjacent to the Yarra River, starting at the Reserve Rd picnic ground.
See the Video and Photos of my visit!
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Warrandyte - River Trail - Yarra in Flood
Melbourne had been drenched by over about 60 mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, and the Yarra was bursting at the seams.
I followed the Yarra along the River Walk, about 3 km return, starting at the Taroona Reserve, and turn-around at the bridge.
See all of the Photos
Monday, November 23, 2009
Blue Tongue Bend Hike - Warrandyte State Park
On Saturday November 21, 2009, a very hot and humid day, I went over to the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km from the Melbourne CBD.
I did the 4 km return hike from the Jumping Creek Reserve to Blue Tongue Bend.
Good views of the Yarra and fishermen trying their luck!
See all of the Photos of my visit!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Norman's Bushland Reserve - Warrandyte State Park
On Sunday afternoon June 21 2009 I visited Norman's Bushland Yarra River Reserve, Warrandyte State Park.
This was reached from the car park and picnic area at the end of Bradley's Lane, opposite the Pound Bend Tunnel.
The 4 km return route followed the north bank of the river to the end of the track at the rapids, passing through bushland and regrowth forest.
There were nice views of the river, and colored fungi had appeared along the track.
See the full set of Photos of my visit, which shows images along the track, the river, the thick forest and cliffs on the opposite bank, the rapids, and the Pound Bend Tunnel.
There is also an image of two people at the base of the steep cliffs on the opposite bank, who had entered that section of the park through a "No access" gate, only to find that the track had vanished at the base of the cliffs!Saturday, April 18, 2009
Black Flat Trail - Warrandyte State Park
Black Flat Trail links the Jumping Creek Picnic Ground with the historical gold mining area of Black Flat.
It is in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
The Trail, 4 km return, follows the Yarra River Gorge for much of the way, passing through bushland and crossing Jumping Creek.
Some parts are steep and stony, and there are excellent views of the Yarra from the clifftop section.
This was my autumn visit, on Friday April 17, 2009.
See the complete set of Photos of my visit!
It is in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
The Trail, 4 km return, follows the Yarra River Gorge for much of the way, passing through bushland and crossing Jumping Creek.
Some parts are steep and stony, and there are excellent views of the Yarra from the clifftop section.
This was my autumn visit, on Friday April 17, 2009.
See the complete set of Photos of my visit!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Pound Bend Walk - Warrandyte State Park
On Sunday March 29 I visited the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km from the Melbourne CBD.
Leaving my car at the Pound Bend picnic ground, I walked through the forest along the main Pound Bend Track, reaching the large open field managed by Parks Victoria.
Then, back to the car.
Several other people were on the Track, enjoying the beautiful views of the Yarra, and looking out for koalas!
This was a 4 km return walk - sadly, no koalas were seen.
See the full set of Photos of this excursion!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Yarra River Reserve at Warrandyte
I visited the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km east of the Melbourne CBD, on February 27, 2009.
This was a 5 km return walk along the Yarra River Reserve, centred on the Taroona Reserve picnic ground, which took me from the western end of Everard Drive to the main bridge in the centre of town.
See the full set of Photos, which show the river, scenery, people having a good time, many hounds, some ducks, and young climbers on the steep cliffs.
It was a hot day, 35 degrees!
This was a 5 km return walk along the Yarra River Reserve, centred on the Taroona Reserve picnic ground, which took me from the western end of Everard Drive to the main bridge in the centre of town.
See the full set of Photos, which show the river, scenery, people having a good time, many hounds, some ducks, and young climbers on the steep cliffs.
It was a hot day, 35 degrees!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mt Lofty Summit - Warrandyte State Park
On February 23, 2009, I completed a pleasant 3 km circuit walk in the Mt Lofty section of the Warrandyte State Park, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
My route started at the Park gate on Lower Homestead Rd, in the municipality of Wonga Park, just before the canoe launching ramp on the Yarra River.
This took me up Stephen Track, passing the information board near the Mt Lofty Summit, then a descent to the Yarra, at the Water Point.
There are picnic tables at the Summit and the Water Point.
From there, I followed the somewhat overgrown foot-track next to the Yarra to the canoe ramp, passing the lookout, along a boardwalk, and then back to Stephen Rd.
This walk is one of the best in the Park, with superb views in all directions from the Summit, looking across the Yarra gorges to the Yarra Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.
New signposts have recently been built near the Summit.
Mt Lofty overlooks the adjacent large Heritage Golf and Country Club and the Wetlands.
See all of the Photos of my trip!
My route started at the Park gate on Lower Homestead Rd, in the municipality of Wonga Park, just before the canoe launching ramp on the Yarra River.
This took me up Stephen Track, passing the information board near the Mt Lofty Summit, then a descent to the Yarra, at the Water Point.
There are picnic tables at the Summit and the Water Point.
From there, I followed the somewhat overgrown foot-track next to the Yarra to the canoe ramp, passing the lookout, along a boardwalk, and then back to Stephen Rd.
This walk is one of the best in the Park, with superb views in all directions from the Summit, looking across the Yarra gorges to the Yarra Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.
New signposts have recently been built near the Summit.
Mt Lofty overlooks the adjacent large Heritage Golf and Country Club and the Wetlands.
See all of the Photos of my trip!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Blue Tongue Bend - Warrandyte State Park
The Blue Tongue Bend walking track is in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
The 4 km (return) track starts at the Jumping Creek Picnic Ground, off Jumping Creek Rd, and follows the Yarra River, through the Gorge.
The track, stony and steep in sections, passes through bushland until it ends at a sign "Blue Tongue Bend", where there are rapids.
My visit was on February 17, 2009.
See the full set of Photos of my trip!
The 4 km (return) track starts at the Jumping Creek Picnic Ground, off Jumping Creek Rd, and follows the Yarra River, through the Gorge.
The track, stony and steep in sections, passes through bushland until it ends at a sign "Blue Tongue Bend", where there are rapids.
My visit was on February 17, 2009.
See the full set of Photos of my trip!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Exploring Pound Bend - Warrandyte State Park
Warrandyte, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD, is the site of Victoria's first gold discovery. The find at Anderson's Creek by Louis Michel, in 1851, marked the start of the Victorian gold rush and an influx of people into the area. The approximate location of the site is marked by a cairn on Fourth Hill in the Warrandyte State Park.
Another major location of gold in Warrandyte and Melbourne was the Yarra River. All through Warrandyte the river shows signs of being exploited, a classic example is the tunnel at Pound Bend.
The Pound Bend Tunnel was created in 1870 by a goldmining company in order to divert the course of the Yarra River, thereby enabling the exploitation of the old riverbed. It is now a popular swimming spot.
The river was partially dammed at Pound Bend near Norman's Reserve at its eastern entrance and near Bob's wetlands at its western exit. Miners then blasted a 300m long tunnel through solid rock. The river was then fully dammed at the entrance and exit to the tunnel and water was diverted through 300m and out the other side leaving an astonishing 3.85 km of riverbed around Pound Bend exposed to the sun and the miners picks.
The Pound Bend Reserve is popular in summer. There are grassy areas for picnicking, a walking track along the river which supplies access to koalas and a variety of flora, toilets (including disabled facilities), information boards, canoeing, swimming and horseriding opportunities and a nature walk.
I visited this interesting historical place on February 12, 2009. This included a 4 km return hike along the main Walking Track next to the river along the river bank.
See the full set of Photos
Another major location of gold in Warrandyte and Melbourne was the Yarra River. All through Warrandyte the river shows signs of being exploited, a classic example is the tunnel at Pound Bend.
The Pound Bend Tunnel was created in 1870 by a goldmining company in order to divert the course of the Yarra River, thereby enabling the exploitation of the old riverbed. It is now a popular swimming spot.
The river was partially dammed at Pound Bend near Norman's Reserve at its eastern entrance and near Bob's wetlands at its western exit. Miners then blasted a 300m long tunnel through solid rock. The river was then fully dammed at the entrance and exit to the tunnel and water was diverted through 300m and out the other side leaving an astonishing 3.85 km of riverbed around Pound Bend exposed to the sun and the miners picks.
The Pound Bend Reserve is popular in summer. There are grassy areas for picnicking, a walking track along the river which supplies access to koalas and a variety of flora, toilets (including disabled facilities), information boards, canoeing, swimming and horseriding opportunities and a nature walk.
I visited this interesting historical place on February 12, 2009. This included a 4 km return hike along the main Walking Track next to the river along the river bank.
See the full set of Photos
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Yarra River and Wetlands, Chirnside Park
The Yarra Wetlands at Chirnside Park is an scenic area within the Heritage Heritage Golf and Country Club, adjoining the Yarra River, about 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
A well-maintained Nature Trail, 2 km return, follows the River from the Lower Homestead Rd canoe launching ramp, past the Wetlands, through interesting bushland.
I explored this Trail on Saturday February 7, 2009, a day of record-breaking heat when the temperature reached 46.7 degrees in Melbourne. This was the highest temperature ever recorded in Melbourne. The shade temperature in the images was in excess of 48 degrees.
Sadly, this day has become known as Black Saturday, where catastrophic bushfires ravaged huge areas of Victoria with up to 200 people killed, and enormous losses of homes and infrastructure.
See the Photos of this trip.
A well-maintained Nature Trail, 2 km return, follows the River from the Lower Homestead Rd canoe launching ramp, past the Wetlands, through interesting bushland.
I explored this Trail on Saturday February 7, 2009, a day of record-breaking heat when the temperature reached 46.7 degrees in Melbourne. This was the highest temperature ever recorded in Melbourne. The shade temperature in the images was in excess of 48 degrees.
Sadly, this day has become known as Black Saturday, where catastrophic bushfires ravaged huge areas of Victoria with up to 200 people killed, and enormous losses of homes and infrastructure.
See the Photos of this trip.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Bradley's Lane Walking Track - Warrandyte State Park
The Bradley's Lane Walking Track is in the Warrandyte State Park, 25 km from the Melbourne CBD.
It starts at the Norman Reserve carpark/picnic area, at the end of Bradley's Lane, reached from the Warrandyte to Research Rd.
The track follows the northern bank of the Yarra, passing through bushland, and eventually reaching a large exposed rock formation and rapids.
On the other bank, immediately opposite, are the old orchards, now part of Parks Victoria, an area of the Park in which walkers are not permitted.
I explored this interesting track on February 2, 2009, a journey of about 3 km return.
Sede the full set of Photos of my trip!
It starts at the Norman Reserve carpark/picnic area, at the end of Bradley's Lane, reached from the Warrandyte to Research Rd.
The track follows the northern bank of the Yarra, passing through bushland, and eventually reaching a large exposed rock formation and rapids.
On the other bank, immediately opposite, are the old orchards, now part of Parks Victoria, an area of the Park in which walkers are not permitted.
I explored this interesting track on February 2, 2009, a journey of about 3 km return.
Sede the full set of Photos of my trip!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Spadoni's Nature Trail - Yering
Spadoni's Nature Reserve is in the semi-rural district of Yering, 35 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
Next to the Yarra River, it features a circuit walking track, a billabong, wetlands, footbridges, and views to the Christmas Hills. It is managed by the Yarra Ranges Shire, and is at the end of Victoria Rd, which starts at Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.
Adjacent to it is the flying area for radio controlled model aircraft. the Lilydale regional airport, and the Melbourne Gun Club.
Next to the Yarra River, it features a circuit walking track, a billabong, wetlands, footbridges, and views to the Christmas Hills. It is managed by the Yarra Ranges Shire, and is at the end of Victoria Rd, which starts at Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.
Adjacent to it is the flying area for radio controlled model aircraft. the Lilydale regional airport, and the Melbourne Gun Club.
I explored the 3 km circuit track on January 31, 2009, on a very hot day with the temperature around 37 degrees!
See the full set of Photos of my trip
See the full set of Photos of my trip
Friday, January 30, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mt Lofty and Yarra River - Warrandyte State Park
On January 26, 2009, I completed a pleasant 3 km circuit walk in the Mt Lofty section of the Warrandyte State Park, 30 km east of the Melbourne CBD.
My route started at the canoe launching ramp on the Yarra River, on Lower Homestead Rd, in the municipality of Wonga Park.
From there, I followed the somewhat overgrown foot-track next to the Yarra, along a boardwalk, passing the lookout, and then back to to the Yarra, at Water Point.
I then did the steep climb to the Summit, along Stephen Track, passing the information board, then a descent to Lower Homstead Rd and back to the car park.
There are picnic tables at the Summit and the Water Point.
This walk is one of the best in the Park, with superb views in all directions from the Summit, looking across the Yarra gorges to the Yarra Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.
New signposts have recently been built near the Summit.
Mt Lofty overlooks the adjacent large Heritage Golf and Country Club and the Wetlands.
See the full set of Photos, which show the river, the scenery, canoeists, the surrounding terrain, and views to the Ranges.
My route started at the canoe launching ramp on the Yarra River, on Lower Homestead Rd, in the municipality of Wonga Park.
From there, I followed the somewhat overgrown foot-track next to the Yarra, along a boardwalk, passing the lookout, and then back to to the Yarra, at Water Point.
I then did the steep climb to the Summit, along Stephen Track, passing the information board, then a descent to Lower Homstead Rd and back to the car park.
There are picnic tables at the Summit and the Water Point.
This walk is one of the best in the Park, with superb views in all directions from the Summit, looking across the Yarra gorges to the Yarra Ranges, the Dandenong Ranges, and the Kinglake Ranges.
New signposts have recently been built near the Summit.
Mt Lofty overlooks the adjacent large Heritage Golf and Country Club and the Wetlands.
See the full set of Photos, which show the river, the scenery, canoeists, the surrounding terrain, and views to the Ranges.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Black Flat Hike - Warrandyte State Park
The Black Flat Walking Track is in the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and links the Jumping Creek and Black Flat Reserves.
It is about 4 km (return) and winds it way alongside the Yarra River gorge.
There are some steep and rocky sections on the cliff top, with great views of the Yarra.
New footbridges have been constructed over Jumping Creek, and side tracks lead down to the river bank.
I walked this track on December 31, 2008, starting at the Jumping Creek Reserve.
See the full set of Photos
It is about 4 km (return) and winds it way alongside the Yarra River gorge.
There are some steep and rocky sections on the cliff top, with great views of the Yarra.
New footbridges have been constructed over Jumping Creek, and side tracks lead down to the river bank.
I walked this track on December 31, 2008, starting at the Jumping Creek Reserve.
See the full set of Photos
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