Living in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to engage in physical activity, whilst enjoying mother nature and all she has to offer. Whether it’s bushwalks or cycling, there’s a variety of places you can choose from, and they’re all within a 45-minute drive of Melbourne’s CBD.
In this article, the Noel Jones team have compiled some of the best walking tracks and bike paths across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
1,000 Steps – Kokoda Track Memorial Walk: Upper Ferntree Gully
This bushwalk is a round trip from the carpark. The trail spans around 4.3kms, following a creek up a beautiful valley in the lush Dandenong Ranges National Park. The first milestone is making your way to the top of the walking tracks; a sure-fire way to get your heart rate up. Once you’ve reached the top and rehydrated, it’s time to make your way back down, and it’s on this journey that you can truly appreciate the beauty of the green surroundings. Discover more ⟫
Bellbird Dell Reserve: Vermont South
Bellbird Dell is a 17.5-hectare reserve that extends 1.4km and consists of open space, shared trails, walking tracks, bike paths, feature ponds and picnic facilities. Enjoying a natural bushland setting, it’s a great place to explore with young children, incentivising them to keep active on their bike or foot, with the promise of time on one of the 2 fabulous children’s playgrounds that are found within the reserve. Discover more ⟫
Blackburn Lake Sanctuary: Blackburn
Those looking for the best bushwalks near Melbourne, whilst enjoying natural bushland surrounds amongst local flora and fauna, need look no further than the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. Its walking tracks span 1.7km, also making it viable for young children who will enjoy feeding the ducks, as well as a stopover at the visitor centre or the playground afterwards. Discover more ⟫
Blind Creek Trail: Boronia to Wantirna South
This 11.5km trail has shared-use paths for those on their bike as well as pedestrians on foot, whilst providing a variety of scenery from start to finish. Notable landmarks are the picturesque Tim Neville Arboretum and Westfield Knox Shopping Centre which can be spotted on the way through to its eventual end, which falls at the Dandenong Creek Trail, making these some of the best walking tracks in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Discover more ⟫
Dandenong Creek Trail: Kilsyth South to Carrum Downs
49.5kms of shared-use paths, crossing eastern suburbs including Bayswater, Heathmont, Vermont/Vermont South and Wantirna. The Dandenong Creek Trail connects to several more of the eastern suburbs’ best walking tracks and trails including the Tarralla Creek Trail, Belgrave Rail Trail, Blind Creek Trail, Scotchmans Creek Trail and the EastLink Trail. The trail is appropriate for all fitness levels and there are railway stations close to either end for those who don’t want to do a return trip! Discover more ⟫
Koonung Creek Trail: Bulleen to Donvale
Following the Koonung Creek, and running alongside the Eastern Freeway, this 10km trail is best for every local running, walking or on their bike. The landscape offers a mix of natural settings, indigenous bushland and open parkland. It links at either end to the Main Yarra Trail and the EastLink Trail. Discover more ⟫
Gardiners Creek Trail: Burnley to Box Hill
This trail boasts 17kms of beautiful wetland areas where ducks, birds and frogs can be found. You will travel through several parks and reserves, adjacent to local sports grounds where you can watch the action as you walk or bike through.
These are just a handful of the wonderful places to keep active within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, however, they’re some of the most popular with locals and visitors alike. And the best part is many of them pass popular cafes and eateries on the way, potentially providing you with the added incentive you need to get out and about! Discover more ⟫
Longridge Park: Warrandyte
Longridge Park is located in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and offers stunning views of the Yarra River. The walking tracks are well-maintained and hold a variety of terrain, making them perfect for leisurely strolls with family and friends, or challenging bushwalks suitable for all fitness levels.
The track winds its way through native bushland and lush greenery, providing a serene and peaceful setting. There are also several benches and lookout points along the walking tracks delivering some unmatched, panoramic views. Plenty of birds and wildlife can be spotted along the track, and it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you are looking for a beautiful walking track that is away from the crowds that also holds a variety of bird watching spots, canoeing and kayaking availability, and some unmatched fishing, too, then Longridge Park is definitely worth a visit. It is one of the best walking tracks in Melbourne, and it is sure to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience. Discover more ⟫
Damper Creek Reserve: Mt Waverly
Damper Creek Reserve is a hidden gem, located near the Melbourne CBD in the eastern suburbs. It’s perfect for peaceful bushwalks through dense nature, with scenic views of the creek, the pleasant sound of running water, kookaburras laughing above head, and a serenity consistent across the 11 hectares of bushland with a 1.5 km narrow strip throughout the valley.
There are many reasons why Damper Creek Reserve is one of the best walking tracks in Melbourne. The Reserve provides a stunning natural setting for a leisurely stroll, invigorating bushwalks to get your heart rate up, or even bike paths for those who would prefer to cycle. The picturesque walking tracks and bike paths wind their way through tall eucalyptus trees and native bushland, offering the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, and Its proximity to the city makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.
So, why not head to Damper Creek Reserve the next time you’re looking for great walking tracks and bike paths in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne? Discover more ⟫
Maroondah Reservoir Park: Maroondah
Finally, Maroondah Reservoir Park holds a variety of the best walking tracks in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
The park has several different bushwalks and bike paths, as well as plenty of picnic spots to relax along the way. What’s more, visitors can cross the pedestrian bridge to fully experience the magnificent, tumbling spillway of the 41-metre-high dam wall, providing a scenic lookout point that also includes manicured gardens, sloping forestland, and of course, the tranquil reservoir lake.
The park is located near the city centre, and it’s easy to get to by public transport. Once you’re there, you can choose between the shorter Maroondah Forest tracks, the 1.4 km sloping Henderson’s Hill Track, or continue to arrive at Donnellys Weir in the Yarra Ranges National Park. Discover more ⟫
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