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.
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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 .
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Yarra Ranges National Park
0 Reviews on “High-Low Aqueduct & River Walk (8km)”
Anne i would love to do this with you.
Can the track handle a pram?
Gavin Hulme…this one sounds good!