For a great walk that gives you a little taste from all of Warburton's major natural attractions you can't go past the High-Low Aqueduct & River Walk.
From the idyllic river and the feeling of peace you get on the valley floor to the historic Aqueduct and its impressive fern walls between which you snatch wide vistas over the Upper Yarra Valley and plenty of native bushland, this is a great walk.
This loop takes walkers first out west along the riverbank towards the golf course. Crossing the river on Mayer Bridge, it heads back towards town before turning off and up a short but tough climb, one of the bonuses of which is the bragging rights you get at having marched up one of the Southern Hemisphere's steepest residential streets.
From there it's on to the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. Carved into the mountainside and benching along its contours, this trail was once the access road for one of Melbourne's most important water supply routes, an open concrete water race built between 1911 and 1914 to service the city's fast-growing eastern suburbs. Today the Aqueduct makes for a wonderful, mostly flat walk from Don Valley all the way out to O'Shannassy Weir, with Warburton placed roughly in the middle.
As you head east, you'll cruise past peaceful and tranquil forests of bright green understory watched over by impossibly tall and straight trees, maybe even spying a few lyrebirds, for which the Warburton Valley is famous. Remember that the Aqueduct Trail is shared-use, be mindful of runners, riders and horse-riders in addition to other walkers.
Just before crossing the Donna Buang Rd at the eastern end of Warburton, the route exits the Aqueduct Trail, linking a short roadside stretch back to riverside trails that lead you back into the township.
For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton
Can be undertaken all year round though in winter be prepared for cold temperatures and mud puddles.
Total distance: 8065 m
Max elevation: 326 m
Min elevation: 153 m
Total climbing: 301 m
Total descent: -301 m
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For more information about this trail go to Visit Warburton
From Melbourne City to Yarra Valley (via Eastlink Tollway) - Make your way onto the Eastern Freeway and travel towards Ringwood. The Eastern Freeway turns into the Eastlink Toolway after Springvale Road. If you have an Eastlink or Citylink pass, continue on the Eastlink Tollway and go through the Mullum Mullum tunnel - make sure to stay in the left lane as the turnoff is straight after the tunnel ends. Turn left after exiting the tunnel towards Ringwood. Turn left onto the Maroondah Highway towards Lilydale. Once past Lilydale, turn right at the Warburton Highway turnoff to explore the Warburton Valley. Follow Old Warburton Rd to Irruka Rd in Warburton. Continue to Station Road in Warburton.
By Public Transport Public Transport Victoria has regular trains heading to Lilydale Station. From Lilydale Station, catch a Martyrs bus to travel to Warburton .
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
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.
3 Reviews on “High-Low Aqueduct & River Walk (8km)”
Cris Hockey
Emily Smith
Catherine Reid
Alicia Mawdesley
Good hike!
Anne i would love to do this with you.
Can the track handle a pram?
Gavin Hulme…this one sounds good!
Enjoyed this walk 3 Feb on a mild sunny day. Its a circuit walk and the Trailhiking info and signs were enough to guide us. Truly very steep start to the walk, up Martyr Rd and the bushy steep walk up to the Aquaduct trail. Met another hiker who had seen two lyrebirds nearby but we didnt spot them. Many deer hoofprints in any muddy spots. Aquaduct trail itself is a lovely walking path, easy walking and beautiful scenery. Then down Yuonga Rd is steep but gravel and then ashphalt road. still a pretty section. Back on to River Walk which is easy walking and pretty despite nearby road. So many cafes to choose from. We parked in the carpark off Station st, near the Cog Bike cafe. One section was 4 hours parking but I think our section had no limit. Walk took about 2 hours at a fair pace but with many short photo etc stops.
Hahaha you think it going to be any time soon
Fancy seeing you guys here..
How was it?