Summary

A fantastic walk along Darebin Creek trail from the urban bushland oasis of Darebin Parkland to the confluence of the mighty Yarra River, Birrarung. 5 km return

Description

Starting at the brilliant Darebin Parklands, this 2.5 km (5km return) walk meanders along the Darebin Creek through bushland and reserves before reaching the iconic Yarra River.

Although only 7 km away from CBD, this walk looks and feels at times like you're in the bush. Tune into the sights and sounds of nature as you walk along the creek. There's a huge variety of indigenous plants and birdlife. In the trees, nesting boxes provided hollows for gliders, possums and birds.

From Darebin Parkland, the trail passes under and over a series of bridges including the stunning bluestone bridge at Heidelberg Road. Sparks Reserve has an off-lead dog park and Napier Waller Reserve gives a glimpse at the former home and studio of artist Napier Waller (not currently open to the public). The trail then passes La Trobe Golf Club and over a footbridge. Through the trees, it is almost possible to see where Darebin Creek meets the Yarra River. The final section of this walk traverses beautiful bends of the Yarra and leads to Willsmere Park.

Return along the same path.

Toilets and drinking water are available at both ends of this walk.

Extend this walk:
If you want to explore Darebin Parklands further, Darebin Parklands loop walk takes you on a circuit of the park. With stepping stones across the creek and gravel tracks it is less accessible than this walk.

If you want to extend this walk from Willsmere Park, it is possible to join the Yarra Main Trail and head towards Fairfield Park Boathouse and Collingwood.

Public transport:
Alphington Station is 700 metres from the starting point of this walk.

Dogs:
Dogs must be on-leash at all times.
Off-lead dog parks are located at Sparks Reserve and Willsmere Park Off Leash area.

This map was supported by Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways incentives program.

3608 Views

Points of Interest

1. Heading out through Darebin Parklands

From the main entrance of Darebin Parklands, this walk follows a well-paved and signposted path.

2. Ponds and wetlands

The trail weaves between ponds that are home to Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Ducks, Coots and Purple Swamphens.

3. Kookaburra

The natural bush setting of Darebin Parklands is rich in wildlife. Photo credit: Darebin Creek Management Committee

4. Railway Bridge

The first old bridge overhead carries trains on the Hurstbridge line.

5. Crossing into Ivanhoe

The first of many footbridges on this walk crosses Darebin Creek from Alphington to Ivanhoe.

6. Darebin Creek bluestone bridge

Walk underneath the heritage bluestone arched bridge.

7. Sparks Reserve, Ivanhoe

Sparks Reserve has an off-leash dog park for four-legged friends and a playground with slides and basic play equipment for little ones.

8. The confluence

Through the trees, you can almost make out where Darebin Creek meets birrarung, the Yarra River.

9. Footbridge across the Yarra River

The trail leads past Latrobe Golf Club, over the final footbridge over the Yarra and on to Kew Billabong and Willsmere Park.

Features

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Dog off-leash area

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden