Mt Evelyn aqueduct walking trail

Mt Evelyn aqueduct walking trail created by Ray Peace

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Summary

This mostly flat heritage walk follows the former Mt Evelyn aqueduct, constructed in 1927-31 as part of Melbourne's water supply. Tall shady trees, much birdlife, and seats for rests.

Description

The district of Mount Evelyn was settled in the 19th century, but settlement was sparse until the opening of the railway from Lilydale to Warburton in 1901. The railway station, the highest on the line, was opened as Olinda Vale.
Local residents did not feel the name reflected the area, and wanted it changed to Mt Evelyn. Unfortunately, some anonymous bureaucrat at Victorian Railways hated long-winded station names. The name was changed to just Evelyn, after the County of Evelyn.
The name was finally changed to Mt Evelyn in 1919. In the 1920s, the line was well patronized, as there were numerous holiday homes and weekenders in the area.
After World War II, rail traffic gradually declined, and the line became uneconomic to operate. The last passenger train ran in August 1964; the line closed early in 1965. The station buildings were demolished, and the site sold to a timber yard.
In 1984, local interest started with the idea of a cycling and walking rail trail along the disused rail line. Over the next two decades, land that had been sold off was gradually resumed, the path surfaced, bridge and culverts were rebuilt, and trailside facilities added. Nearly all of this was carried out by volunteers. In the 21st century, cafes have been constructed at strategic points, dangerous road crossings provided with traffic lights, and parking areas added. The 38 km trail is now very popular.
The Mt Evelyn aqueduct has a different history. This was constructed in 1927-31, when the Silvan reservoir was added to Melbourne's water supply system. In the early years of the Great Depression, the works were a much-welcomed lifeline for local workers.
The aqueduct was de-commissioned in the 1960s as the surrounding area became built up. The present walking trail dates from the late 20th century.
The walking trail dvides into two sections, east and west of York Rd. We start out walking east from the Station House community centre, to the traffic lights at York Rd. The buildings here and the platform are all modern.
East of the York Rd traffic lights, the rail trail descends gently through a deep cutting; steam locos laboring up the 1 in 30 grade to the station must have looked and sounded impressive. The connecting path to the aqueduct is 400m from the lights on the right. This is short but steep; the aqueduct trail is of course almost flat.
The aqueduct itself has been removed and filled in. There are numerous tall exotic trees, and much bird life. The trail loops back to York Rd a short distance below the traffic lights, which are a better crossing point on this busy road.
The section west of York Rd is open and easy going. Near Channel Rd there are views of the Dandenongs main range on the left.
Hill Dr crossing carries light traffic. About 300m west of Hill Dr, the trail drops steeply where the aqueduct entered a pipeline section down to Swansea Rd. Return to Mt Evelyn shopping centre via the same route.

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Points of Interest

1. Station House

These buildings are all modern, but reflect the area's rail heritage. This section is very popular with cyclists and walkers of all ages on weekends.

2. Railway cutting

The deep cutting is shady and cool on a warm day. Bird song takes over from traffic noise in a greener envirnment. The connecting trail is not signposted on the right beyond the cutting.

3. On the aqueduct

Being designed to convey water downhill, aqueduct grades are even gentler than rail trails. Away from the main road, native birds are numerous and the walking pleasant and easy.

4. York Rd crossing

The aqueduct is directly across the road, but York Rd is very busy. Walk 200m back up to the lights, then back down on the west side to enjoy the next section, seen here.

5. Scenic view

The trail has an excellent view of the Dandenongs main range. The TV tpwers, erected in the 1950s, are on the far right.

6. Channel Rd playground

Take a break, pull up a seat, and watch the local kids enoying themselves on the play equipment. Only a short way to go now.

7. The drop - off

The open channel entered a pipeline at this point for the steep descent to Swansea Rd. Tackle it if you feel up to it, but the easier option is to return to the satrt point.