Underground Lovers Loop: Rushall station/Merri Creek/Dights Falls/and back

Underground Lovers Loop: Rushall station/Merri Creek/Dights Falls/and back created by Lifestylehack

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Summary

This loop along Merri Creek will get your 10,000 steps in with ease. Starting and ending at Rushall Station it takes you to the junction of the Yarra and picturesque Dights Falls.

Description

Begin at Fitzroy North's romantic Rushall Railway Station, which was immortalised in the fourth album title released by Melbourne indie band the Underground Lovers. You will meander along the picturesque bends and cheerful rapids of Merri Creek, sharing the mostly paved path with bike riders who generally are polite enough to ring their bell as they approach (although not all, so keep your wits about you). The landscape undulates, rises and falls, with one particularly steep section worth noting just past Heidelberg Road. The landscape is a mix of native Australian plantings and willow trees, which gives over to indigenous vegetation closer to Dights Falls. Here you can pause and take refreshments (if you brought some along - there's no store or cafe) and take in the scene over the roar of water flowing down the might Yarra River. Look out for local legend Salvatore the seal, who has been spotted downstream feasting on carp. Then cross the Merri and weave your way back along the northern bank, which is generally higher and less hilly, although the track is dirt and gravel in substantial sections, particularly through Yarra Bend Park. Take care crossing Heidelberg Road (there is no pedestrian crossing here) and enjoy snooping around the well-to-do homes and recent architectural renovations in the pocket of Northcote along Cunningham Street. The lofty pedestrian bridge back to Rushall Station warrants a stop to admire Merri Creek and hipster cafes such as Mitte are not far away should you be in need of a caffeine hit or more fuel for walking. Mitte Cafe, Fitzroy North Friends of Merri Creek

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Points of Interest

1. View at Dights Falls

Some great opportunities to watch the Yarra River roaring over the manmade rapids at Dights Falls

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2. Merri Creek Labyrinth

Have a meditative wander through the Merri Creek Labyrinth, if you aren't in a hurry.

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3. Rushall Station underpass

Watch out here for bike riders who sometimes don't dismount as they wiz around corners.

4. Footbridge over Merri Creek

These low footbridges sometimes become flooded so take care in wet weather. But they are lovely spots to pause and admire the creek as it runs towards the Yarra.