Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic 40 km recreation trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The trail follows the path of the historical railway line through the stunning Yarra Valley starting behind Lilydale Railway Station and finishing in the Warburton township.

Follow the trail past the old turntable and continue around behind Mount Lilydale Mercy College which links to the Maroondah Highway Overpass. Make your way up into delightful bushland surroundings and through the tunnel, take the time to enjoy the historic first aid post.

Follow the 'Warburton Trail' through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests. Cross the many restored bridges. Meander past remnants of the former station platforms and stop in at the original 1882 railway station, also known as the Upper Yarra Museum.

The Rail Trail's gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families.

Access to the trail is free, however permits may be required for events.

Trail Information

Lilydale - Mount Evelyn 6.9km

All day parking - Lilydale Railway Station, Warburton Hwy Lilydale (Melf ref 38 B4)
Toilets
Accessible facilities
Bike Hire - Yarra Valley Cycles (180 Main St, Lilydale)

The gateway to the Yarra Valley, just one hour by train or car from Melbourne. The trail begins at the rear of the Lilydale Railway Station car park. Enter the recreation reserve and cross the Olinda Creek bridge to start your journey.

Cross the new Maroondah Highway overpass and make your way up into delightful bushland surroundings. After the tunnel take the time to enjoy the historic first aid post.

Mount Evelyn - Wandin 5.4km

All day parking - Monbulk Road, Mount Evelyn (Mel Ref 120 C1)
Toilets
Accessible facilities

An excellent downhill walk or ride to Wandin through fern lined gullies and remnant bushland rich in wild flowers and bird life. Cross the first of 17 restored bridges and pass through native wetlands where platypus are said to live.

The Mount Evelyn township has parking, toilets, bakeries and cafes. The station house has been restored and transformed into the local library. The station grounds provide picnic facilities and a bike rack.

Wandin - Seville 3.4km

All day parking - Wandin Station site, Warburton Highway, Wandin North (Mel Ref 119 B10)

Once the bustling centre for transporting the districts fruits and vegetables to Melbourne, the restored platform (located 100 metres past the car park) is now a tranquil setting for picnics among rich bushland and bird life. Excellent parking is located just off the Warburton Highway close by the Wandin North township which offers public toilets, shops and cafes to refuel your energy stocks.

Seville - Killara 3.3km

Limited parking - Kylie Lane, Seville East (Mel ref 285 G5)

Take a small detour down into the Seville township to visit the Seville Water Play Park. Stop on the way to visit the unique Carriage Cafe, located in a beautifully restored train carriage.

Cruise through beautiful bushland down onto open pastures to Killara Station. The old stock yards and station platform were built in 1901 for the Syme family's major land holding which stretched to Woori Yallock, some of the best beef country in the state.

Rural views, picnic tables and horse yards make Killara an ideal rest stop.

Carriage Cafe Seville

Killara - Woori Yallock 4km

All day parking - Woori Yallock Station Site, Symes Road, Woori Yallock (Mel ref 286 E10)
The trail continues to descend into the Yarra River flood plains as you pass through rich grazing land and across the 175m Woori Yallock Creek bridge into Woori Yallock. Magnificent views of the Central Highlands to the north-east.

Be prepared to stop at closed crossing for farmers moving stock. Please leave gates as you find them.

Woori Yallock - Launching Place 6.4km

All day parking - Woori Yallock Station Site, Symes Road, Woori Yallock (Mel ref 286 E10)

A close view of rural life in action as you pass through timbered grazing land on the banks of the Yarra River.

Change 2018: Cross the highway with care to enter Launching Place, another popular starting point with the Home Hotel and large car park sitting next to the old station site.

The Home Hotel will no longer be an access point, with the carpark and amenities moving further down the road to The Launching Place General Store.
If you would like more information, contact Yarra Ranges Council

A large car park, picnic tables and horse yards make Woori Yallock Station a popular stating point for those not wanting to complete the whole trail.

The Woori Yallock Township is a 5 minute walk from the car park. It offers cafes and public toilets. A children's playground is located across from the Woori Yallock station car park.

Woori Yallock is a good halfway point for the trail and a popular starting/finishing point for visitors.

Launching Place - Yarra Junction 2.1km

All day parking - Warburton Highway, Launching Place (near hotel) (Mel ref 287 H6)

The trail follows the Warburton Highway up into Yarra Junction. Once Australia's busiest timber centre it is now a charming township on the Yarra River. The town features a large recreation reserve, community markets, eateries, accommodation and the Upper Yarra Museum. The museum is located in the original Lilydale Railway Station building, built in 1882, located right next to the trail.

Public toilets are available at the Yarra Junction recreation reserve.

Yarra Junction - Millgrove 5.2km

All day parking - Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve, Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction (near Yarra Centre & playground) Mel 288 D7
Toilets
Accessible facilities

Cross bridges over the Little Yarra River into the floodplain and travel through diverse farmlands with magnificent views to the mountains of the Yarra Ranges National Park. The trail is edged by tall gums and re-vegetated areas. The Wesburn wetlands attract a variety of water birds and the Millgrove timber mills are a reminder of the past.

Millgrove - Warburton 3.3km

All day parking - Millgrove Station site, Warburton Highway, Millgrove (Mel ref 289 D4) & Station Street, Warburton (behind the Warburton Visitor Information Centre)
Mel ref 290 B4
Information Centre
Accessible facilities

The last leg of the journey takes you through densely vegetated native forests, with the Yarra River bubbling away over its rocky bed & popular fishing holes. Nestled beneath the Yarra Ranges beside the river, Warburton is know as a place for travellers seeking revitalisation. It boasts fine restaurants, cafes, arts, crafts and accommodation.

The township is an excellent centre for many bushwalks and overnight hikes including connections to the O'Shannassy Trail. For those wanting something less adventurous the pleasant Riverside Walk meanders along the Little Yarra River with many picnic spots along the way.

Public toilets are available at the Millgrove Station site car park or via a short walk to the main street of Warburton.

Bike hire is available from COG Bike Cafe, located right on the trail.

For information and history on the Warburton township visit the Warburton Visitor Information Centre, located just off the rail trail, or Warburton Valley for all things local.

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail 

➼ www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

❊ Also See... ❊

➼ Carriage Cafe Seville






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