Visit Melbourne: Yarra Bend Park
Yarra Bend Park is a great place to go if you are looking for Australian Bushland close to the city. The park is situated in inner Melbourne, bordered by the suburbs of Kew, Fairfield, and Abbotsford. Yarra Bend Park is close to the city. It is easy to access if you have your own or have hired a car. It is also possible if you are prepared to walk 15 minutes to go via bus or train. The easiest way to find the park is to make your way to Studley Park Boat House. Directions here.
Yarra Bend Park.
Yarra Bend Park is a popular destination for locals and overseas visitors. The park is great for walking but also offers other outdoor activities. There is a great cafe. You can also find picnic areas where you can eat. Enjoy walking, canoeing, riding, or birdwatching.
One of the park’s most spectacular sights for tourists is its flying-fox colony. During the day, thousands of grey-headed flying-foxes can be seen roosting in the trees. At sunset they fly out, filling the sky. If you like flying foxes this is a great place to visit. They are not aggressive at all. They will stay high in their trees. You don’t need to worry about them attacking you if you are a bit scared.
For picnics there are four great areas you can visit that have barbecues and shelter. Studley Park Picnic area, Westfield Picnic area, Bellbird Picnic area, and Lower Loop Picnic area. These spots have great facilities. The Lower Loop Picnic area is ideal for families with children. It has a great playground where they can play.
If you want to have fun on the water, you can do that too. At Studley Park Boathouse you can hire a canoe, boat or Kayak. Prices start from $35 per hour (at time of writing) and all equipment is provided. Hours for hire: Sunday – Thursday: 8am – 4pm and Friday – Saturday: 8am – 8pm.
If you are a dog lover, the park is dog-friendly, with off-lead zones available for dogs to roam freely. One popular spot for dogs is below Deep Rock. Let’s take a look at the hikes.
Yarra Bend Park is great for walkers and cyclists. Many people use this park as the Main Yarra Trail winds its way from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the city. There are also several unsealed trails, which are great for those with a mountain bike to have fun exploring. For walking try one of these great trails.
Bushland Circuit Trail
Distance: 850m return / Time: 25 minutes
Begin this walk at Kane’s Bridge, near the Studley Park Picnic Area. The trail loops back along the Yarra River. It takes you through Red Gum Woodland. This short walk is perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. You can spot Black‐faced Cuckoo Shrikes, Silvereyes, or Red‐rumped Parrots during this walk.
Dights Falls Trail
Distance: 3.2km return / Time: 1 hour
Begin this walk at Kane’s Bridge. This trail takes you through Melbourne’s history. You will see the remnants of the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum. Continue to the lookout over Galatea Point. The highlight is reaching Dights Falls. It is an artificial weir with a fascinating history related to the early flour mills of Victoria.
Westfield Extension of Dights Falls Trail
Distance: 6.3km Loop / Time: 2 hours
For those looking for a longer adventure, continue from Dights Falls along the Main Yarra Trail. This extension takes you through serene woodlands along Merri Creek, offering panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline. You’ll pass a picnic area at Westfield with facilities for a relaxing break before heading back to Kane’s Bridge.
Bat Colony Nature Trail
Distance: 500m return / Time: 20 minutes
The walk begins at the Bellbird Picnic Area. This trail leads to the Flying‐fox Lookout. Here, you can watch Melbourne’s famous bat colony in action. Thousands of grey-headed flying foxes hang from the trees, providing a unique wildlife experience. The trail continues along the Yarra River. It offers an opportunity to enjoy pristine bushland.
Andrews Reserve Trail
This walk is a bit more challenging. It has narrow, uneven paths and steep steps. However, it offers some of the most rewarding views of the Yarra River and city skyline. The trail descends through riparian vegetation, a lush riverside habitat filled with birdlife.
River Trail
Distance: 1.7km / Time 30 minutes
This trail begins at the car park beside the Fly Casting Pool. It offers stunning views of the Yarra River’s escarpment. The track winds down to the riverbank. A small waterfall and billabong is home to Water Rats and Striped Marsh Frogs.
Yarra Ben Park Loop
Distance 9.2km / Time 2 – 2.5 hours
This circular trail can start and Studley Park Boathouse or Fairfield Boathouse. It is a great spot for a long walk with beautiful views and coffee stops along the way. There is a narrow section that can be quite challenging in some areas. The trail does a full loop around the rim of the park. This is my favourite hike. You will visit Dights falls and Kane’s bridge.
More details on these walks can be found here:
