Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 132m
Min elevation: 37m
Total Ascent: 157m
1,828 views
Hike overview
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.
Tips
- Please treat the area between the fences with respect, or they may put up a bigger/better fence!
Contributed by Rob Collins
Gallery
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 132 m
Min elevation: 37 m
Total climbing: 157 m
Total descent: -213 m
A note about sharing
Each trail on this site has been personally mapped and documented to support the hiking community across Australia. While some hike descriptions include information from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal work in curating, refining, and improving the details. Please don’t republish this content elsewhere (including AllTrails) without acknowledging Trail Hiking Australia as the source. This site is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Doncaster East, Donvale, Eltham, North Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Research, Ringwood North, Templestowe, Warrandyte
Getting to the trailhead in 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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Warrandyte State Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
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.
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.
10 Reviews on “The Missing Link Along the Yarra Hike (7.5km)”
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.