Yarra Bend Park Walk, Studley Park, Kew

Yarra Bend Park Walk, Studley Park, Kew created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Yarra Bend is the largest area of natural bushland in inner Melbourne. The broad grassy parklands, forested woodlands, river meanders and escarpments make for gorgeous walking.

Description

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This extensive bushland park in the heart of the city never disappoints. The walking paths beside twisting river meanders capture the majestic River Red Gum forested beauty of Yarra Bend Park. The ridge lines above river escarpments provide views across the canopy to the city of Melbourne.

There are many BBQ and picnic areas, playgrounds, shelters and venues for everyone to enjoy, but it is the natural delights that are the highlights of walking in this wonderful park. Please take your rubbish home.

The Parks Victoria Yarra Bend Park Walk takes advantage of the natural features in this section of the park. It begins in the well appointed Studley Park Picnic Area. It then loops through the forest on the accessible Bushland Circuit before crossing Kanes Bridge for uninterrupted river views. The second loop follows the pretty riverside downstream to a steep incline to Galatea Lookout on the ridge. It continues to Deep Rock, crosses Merri Creek and visits Dights Falls before returning. You will cross back to the bridge via the sporting ovals (once home to a lunatic asylum) while enjoying stunning city views.

The open woodland lends itself to wildlife observations such as woodland and water birds and animals including the amazing evening "fly-out" as thousands of Grey-headed Flying-foxes launch into the sky for foraging across the city. Also expect to see the likes of kingfishers, silvereyes, wagtails, rakali and reptiles. If you are lucky you may even spot a platypus.

320 indigenous plants have been identified in the park. 100 species are considered significant. There are seasonal wattle and wildflower displays. When the eucalypts are in flower the canopy is busy with wattle birds, honeyeaters and parrots during the day, gliders and possums at night. Listen for the call of Yellow-tailed black cockatoos. They love to crack the cones and hard cased seed pods in the park.

Paths are of varying width and a combination of surfaces including asphalt, compacted gravel, dirt or rough concrete. Surfaces may be uneven with lips, erosion or sizeable tree root intrusions. They may be puddled, muddy or slippery when wet.

Studley Park Boathouse offers food and drink services as well as boat hire. There are public toilets both sides of the river in Studley Park picnic area and near the Loop picnic area.

Dogs must remain on a leash except in designated off leash areas. The Deep Rock area is off leash where signed.

Cyclists may share some pathways.

There is no public transport into the Studley Park Picnic Area. Buses 200, 202 and 207 stop on Studley Park Rd. From there you can walk to the Boathouse. Car parking is available at Studley Park picnic area or Yarra Bend Rd across Lanes Bridge. It can be busy.

Book a Parks Victoria volunteer led Park Walk here.

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Points of Interest

1. Studley Park picnic area

All amenities walkers may need can be found at the picnic ground. There are accessible BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities. Studley Park Boathouse serves food and drink. Signs show a map and features.

2. The Bushland Circuit

The Bushland Circuit is an accessible section of the walk. It has interpretive signs describing natural features of the area. Use this link to find the Bushland Circuit Accessible Walk

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3. Kane's Bridge

This impressive wooden suspension footbridge spans the Yarra and connects the 2 loops of the Park Walk.

4. Kanes Bridge river view

Looking toward Studley Park Boathouse. Kane's Bridge offers great river views from either side.

5. Beginning of the riverside section

After you leave Kane's's Bridge and walk up the asphalt to the left, a compacted gravel path marks the start of the riverside section of the walk. Note: there are some eroded areas.

6. View to Studley Park Boathouse

This view of Studley Park Boathouse across the river shows how substantial it has become. It has a kiosk, cafe and restaurant. There are rowboats and canoes for hire.

7. Magnificent River Red Gums

These enormous trees are characteristic of the open woodland along the Yarra.

8. The track surface

Much of the track is of a dirt or compacted gravel surface. However, tree roots, muddy patches and rocky rises do appear in different sections. Keep an eye on the ground.

9. An excellent family walk

At 2 - 3 kilometres this loop walk is a comfortable distance and diverse enough to maintain the interest of all the family. Every step is a new experience throughout the 2 loops.

10. The narrowing

The path narrows here as the embankment steepens above you.

11. Galatea Point view

Looking downstream across to the narrow rive bend that is Galatea Point.

12. Switchbacks to Galatea Lookout

This rough concrete switchback path takes you up the embankment to Galatea Lookout at the ridgeline.

13. Deep Rock historic river swimming site

For around 40 years in the early 20th century this spot was so popular for swimming it had its own Life Saving Club.

14. Merri Creek foot bridge

The perfect spot for observing the Merri Creek / Yarra River confluence, this footbridge has clear views from the creek to the river.

15. Dights Falls

Dights Falls is a concrete weir that backs up the Yarra River water level for 16 kilometres. There is an excellent viewing platform built over a fish ladder from which to observe the water spill.

16. Slalom course

If you are lucky you might get to watch some of the talented kayakers who take on the rocky rapids below the weir through the slalom gates suspended overhead.

17. The turbines

The power of the Yarra was harnessed at Dights Falls from the 1840s to power various flour mill constructions. The water driven turbines can still be seen in their housing from an overhead platform.

18. Yarra Bend Golf House road crossing

This path takes you to a road crossing. There is no pedestrian zone, it is only ramped on the river side. There is no formed path on the nature strip opposite. Take care.

19. Loop Picnic Area and Playground

Atop the ridge on the site of the old asylum is a large lawn with a BBQ and picnic area. It has accessible features including shelter, BBQs, picnics tables, drinking water and parking.