Warburton Rail Trail

Length:  38 kilometre
Cycle:  3 hours one way
Track:  Good
Grade:  Flat
Start:  Queen Rd, Lilydale
Finish:  Warburton Water Wheel and Visitor Centre
Nearby:  Lilydale
Permits/bookings:  None required

Built in 1901, the railway line from Warburton once carried produce to Melbourne and delivered tourists to the area on the return trip. Today it is an exciting trail ride or series of short walks. Look out for kangaroos, bird life and spring wildflowers between Lilydale and Mt Evelyn, and butterflies and tree ferns on the way to Wandin. Stop off at the old railway station at Yarra Junction, now a pioneer museum, before taking in the magnificent views of the Central Highlands and Yarra Ranges National Park along the section to Wesburn. Relax at the Sam Knott Hotel (licensed 1863) at Wesburn before setting off on the final five-kilometre stretch to Warburton, a popular retreat and the end of the trail.

Along this trail you will go through beautiful bush, lush fern gullies, sweeping grazing properties on the fertile Yarra River flood plains, past wineries, flower farms, the Yarra River and the Yarra Ranges National Park and state forest.

Take time to enjoy the spectacular views of the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges, the beauty of the Yarra River and the surrounding bush. For more information contact the Secretary of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail on 1300 368 333.