This walk closely follows the Yarra River using a section of track that is not marked on any map, but joins with other walks to allow a longer one-way hike. There are many beautiful river access points, plenty of wildlife and not a lot of people around. This track passes the old Stan Brae 'farm' buildings, where there is a picnic table. Please treat the area with respect, or access could be removed one day. Same for the small section of track between the fences.
At about the 4km mark, there is a vehicle creek crossing through a gate. From here, this is technically state forest, but it has been fenced (gate usually open) and the track is barely visible. Keep the river on the right, skirt around the scrub and watch out for rabbit and wombat holes. You will come to another fence with markers - go through the fence and continue.
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.
- Please treat the area between the fences with respect, or they may put up a bigger/better fence!
Contributed by Rob Collins
Total distance: 7525 m
Max elevation: 132 m
Min elevation: 37 m
Total climbing: 157 m
Total descent: -213 m
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Warrandyte State Park.
Start at the little car park at the Clifford Park gates. Follow Market Garden Track (popular for horse riding too) then Lucerne Paddock Track.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Doncaster East, Donvale, Eltham, North Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Research, Ringwood North, Templestowe, Warrandyte
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Warrandyte State Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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2 Reviews on “The Missing Link Along the Yarra Hike (7.5km)”
We were delighted to find this track as we’ve always wondered if it could be done. The missing link part is in very good condition and an easy and attractive addition to other tracks in this area.
Really glad to hear you found it, and enjoyed it. Thanks for the update on track conditions too.
Thank you very much for posting this. Had an excellent walk along this trail, which is pretty well maintained, just yesterday. I would not have found it, or had the confidence to look for it, without your post.
Thanks Natalie, really glad you found it and enjoyed it.
I’ve always hesitated at doing the walk as I thought it was private property in the section after the dairy (Jumping Creek side)?
Hmm, I’m not sure about the private property. Maybe someone local can offer advice? Sometimes along creeks and rivers, you have to watch out for landowners who may not realise that a lot of creek and river frontage is crown land. I was chased off one hike because the landowner thought he had rights that he didn’t.