Como Park and River Walk

Como Park and River Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

This lovely 5km pram friendly walk follows a pretty Yarra River bend along bushy paths before a loop around Grange Rd Wetlands. It returns to the marvellous open spaces of Como Park North and South.

Description

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With bushy riverside and open green space walking paths, this walk is an inner urban stunner. Stroll the stroller, take the dog, take your time by foot or pound the pavement. You will love it! When you are done take a seat to savour your surroundings either in one of the reserves or over a tea or coffee at a cafe right on the river embankment.

Amongst the Yarra River highlights are views to the sweeping curves of the waterway and its native bushland corridors. Stonnington City Council’s Yarra River Biodiversity Project is delivering remarkable regeneration and revegetation by putting in 150,000 new plants.

By contrast, the open to the sky, grassy swards of both Como Parks North and South are a special highlight as well. If you walk to the higher parts of these parks there are views to the city and a sense of rising above the urban hubbub.

There are many features to enjoy. The walking paths are smooth, firm and wide. Picnic tables and seating can be found in a variety of settings. Try the outdoor gyms or a game of Petanque. For entertainment take a seat along the path to people or bird watch or even beside one of the fantastic off leash dog play spaces to watch the dog fun.

Initially, the route follows the river to some loops below MacRobertson Bridge before returning to separate loops around the Como Parks North and South. Of the 5 kilometres mapped for this walk, a length of 650 metres is designated as a shared pathway. This section has recently been upgraded to a width of 3.0 metres for safer travelling. The different sections of the walk are connected by pedestrian crossings.

There are informative signs along the way that describe in text or connect you to audio via “Listening Stations” to local descriptions and history.

There are public toilets at Como Park South.

Como Park South offers open off leash dog play on the oval. Como Park North offers fenced off leash dog play divided into “active” and “quiet” areas. This space is on the high ground of the Reserve at the Thomas Oval. Otherwise, dogs must be on a leash.

Public transport
Bus No. 605 stops at Como Park on Alexandra Ave.

Car parking
There is two-hour parking along Alexandra Ave between Como Park North and the Yarra River. Williams Rd North has unlimited parking outside the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.

Other City of Stonnington walks
Urban Forest Accessible Walk
Zelman Cowen Park Accessible Walk
Central Park and Hedgeley Dene Gardens Walk
Princes and Victoria Gardens Walk

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Points of Interest

1. A river embankment cafe

This cafe marks the start and finish of the walk as mapped. Carrying something to eat and drink on a walk is always a good idea. On this walk there is also the option to take a cafe break.

2. Parallel paths

Most of the walking paths along the river as mapped run independent of or parallel with the Yarra River shared pathway. You can choose to use either.

3. On the water

If you are keen to get right down to the water, there is a ramp beside the Powerhouse Rowing Club rooms to the floating launch jetties.

4. A section of shared pathway

From the Powerhouse Rowing Club rooms to the Grange Road Wetlands (650 metres) the walking path becomes a marked shared pathway. It has been upgraded to 3.0 metres wide for safer travel.

5. Above the water

The embankment rises high directly above the river along this section. An improved safety fence has been constructed.

6. River views

There are many fine river views along this walk. Looking north from opposite Loys Paddock is a lovely stretch.

7. Path surfaces

Paths are generally sealed, smooth and firm.

8. Listening post signs

Look for listening post signs to learn more about local heritage and natural history. This one describes how Stonnington Council built the Grange Road wetlands to improve water quality and habitat.

9. A walk for every generation

You will see people of all ages enjoying this walk.

10. Picnic tables

You will find picnic tables in a variety of settings in Como Park South, North and at the Grange Road wetlands near MacRobertson Bridge.

11. Rest areas and drinking water

Recessed seating areas are provided throughout the walk. Accessible drinking water fountains are also available.

12. Connecting Como Park North with the Yarra

A conveniently located pedestrian crossing connects the middle of Como Park North with the Yarra River section of the walk across Alexandra Ave.

13. Como Park North boardwalk

Another leafy corridor, but this time a boardwalk, takes you to the top of Como Park North. This elevated part of the park has views across the park below and to the city.

14. Thomas Oval Fenced Dog Park

A new space for off leash dog play, this fenced area of Como Park North is even divided into two zones. There is a quiet zone for more sedate animals or active for the more robust! It's fun to watch.

15. Garden plantations

There are many pleasant plantations emphasising native plants along the walk.

16. Outdoor gym equipment

For those who want to supplement their walking with other exercise, outdoor gyms are installed along the walk

17. Williams Rd crossing

A traffic light pedestrian crossing provides an easy link between Como Park South, North and onto the Yarra River section of this walk.

18. Popular for exercise (human and canine)

Como Park South consists of lush treed sloping lawns plus a grand multi use oval. Strollers, walkers and runners of the human and canine variety love it. The oval is popular for off leash dog play.

19. Como Park South

The large oval has sealed paths, surrounding seating with great views, a sheltered picnic table and bins.

20. A leafy corridor

This attractive, smooth and firm compacted gravel path corridor runs through Como Park North parallel with Williams Rd North. It takes you back to the start point.