Warburton River Walk
The Yarra River Warburton in flood
The Yarra Valley region has much to recommend it beyond its much-lauded wineries. This short loop walk in the pretty town of Warburton is one of them. We discovered this trail and others on a recent trip south.
This is a popular walk with locals and families and is also a favourite of birdwatchers and people who come to fish in the river. In the warmer months, it’s a local swimming hole.
Summary
Distance: 5km
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights
Riverside walking along the Yarra River
Beautiful mature trees, including a grove of redwoods
Several historic and modern bridges
Birdlife and riverside wildlife
Cafés and picnic spots in Warburton township
Trail Tips
Some sections can become muddy after rain
Flooding may occasionally affect access to riverside sections
Suitable for most walkers and families
Wheelchairs and prams may struggle in boggy sections
Getting there
The town of Warburton lies in the pretty Yarra region of Victoria. It’s about 75kms east of Melbourne and about ten minutes’ drive from Yarra Junction.
We parked in the parking area off the Warburton Highway just beyond the Mayor Bridge and set off from there although as it’s a loop walk, you could start from any point along the way.
The Trail
The trail follows the Yarra through parks and gardens, playgrounds and picnic spots, and the path is mostly level, with plenty of shade. The path along the northern bank is more peaceful than the south side which runs in one section along the highway.
The track, though well maintained, can get a bit boggy, and prams and wheelchairs might struggle at some points. When we were here the floodwaters were still up after some very heavy rain. We had to walk along the road at several points where you might usually stroll riverside.
The route takes you along the main street of Warburton (AKA the highway) where there are many places to stop for coffee, cake or a meal.
Highlights
The trail is a very pretty one with beautiful tall trees, both native and exotic, including an impressive grove of redwoods.
There is a variety of birdlife here too. We saw cockatoos and other parrots, kookaburras, honeyeaters and various waterbirds.
There are five bridges along the way including the Swing Bridge which dates back to the late 1950s and the Redwood Suspension Bridge, constructed between 1998 and 2000 by members of the Royal Australian Engineers. The latter (which marks the crossover point and begins the loop back) is made from timber sourced from the nearby Redwood Forest.
The town of Warburton itself is worth a stop for lunch, or pick up a picnic to enjoy nearby. The bank along the river behind the shops is a good place to stop, and If the day is warm, it’s a popular spot for swimming.
In the area
The O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail is another popular walking trail in the area and you could extend this walk to include part of it.
The Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail offers another nearby route through picturesque countryside. This one is perhaps better explored on two wheels though as you’ll cover far more of the mostly flat 38km track this way. The trail runs from Warburton Station to Lilydale Station and you can hire bikes at either end.
Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary is about 30 minutes drive away and offers a great opportunity to see Australian native animals in their natural habitat.
