Outer Circle Rail Trail is a 15km, grade 3 hike located in Melbourne Region, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
This is a well developed trail with detailed history boards, which winds through a variety of suburbs and urban parkland. From Fairfield to East Malvern it is known as the Anniversary Trail. Between East Camberwell and Alamein it runs beside the Alamein railway line. There are many busy road crossings, but most have lights.
You can cycle from Kew to Elsternwick by combining the Outer Circle and Rosstown rail trails. Total distance: 25km.
The trail begins in Boyd Park near Hughesdale Station. Follow a back street along the train line towards the city from Poath Road, on the north side. The trail continues through popular Boyd Park until Dandenong Road. Be careful around blind corners.
At Dandenong Road, it is safest to follow the service lane to your left for 200m to cross at the lights. Then turn right again, and enter the Urban Forest, once the site of the Waverley Road Station. This is a beautiful native bushland park with several trails running in parallel. Follow any of these to arrive at Waverley Road. This is the only unsealed section of the trail. Cross the road, and pass through East Malvern Station carpark. The trail meets the Scotchman's Creek Trail here, which you could follow to your right all the way to Jells Park.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Kew to Hughesdale in Melbourne Region
Eastern Melbourne suburbs, 6km from Melbourne
Sealed
Slightly hilly
Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.
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About the region
In the late 1880s land boom, a railway line was built through the then outer eastern suburbs. It was also supposed to link the Gippsland line with Spencer Street (now Southern Cross) station prior to the construction of the viaduct between Flinders and Spencer Street stations.
The line was opened in 1890. It operated in its entirety for only three years, being closed in stages between 1893 and 1895 as a result of the depression. The southern section was reopened as far as Ashburton in 1898 and was extended to Alamein in 1948. The section from East Camberwell to East Kew was reopened in 1900. The passenger service on this section was known as the Deepdene Dasher and was provided by a steam locomotive and two carriages. It was withdrawn in 1943.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.