The Warburton Trail is a local term for the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, a walking and cycling track in eastern Victoria, Australia. It runs a distance of 38 km between Lilydale and Warburton, along the former Warburton Railway Line.
History edit
Since the closure of the Warburton railway line in July 1965 and the dismantling of the track in the 1970’s the land had gone to waste. On two occasions (1984 and 1996) the state government attempted to sell off the land only to be thwarted by locals who saw the opportunity to create a linear reserve, which could have great environmental and economic advantages for the towns along the route, not to mention the enjoyment of the general public. In 1996 the appointment of a Committee of Management consisting of local volunteers resulted in several years of hard work in clearing the land, restoring 13 bridges and surfacing of the trail. Negotiations were undertaken with neighbouring farmers who had previously occupied the reserve, to erect fencing and gates where necessary.Insert non-formatted text here By 1998 the trail was continuous from Maroondah Highway, Lilydale to the site of the Warburton station. In March 2007 there were reports in local newspapers that the State government had appointed the management duties of the trail to the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, effectively making the then Committee of Management redundant.
The Surface edit
The trail’s compacted gravel surface between Lilydale and Millgrove is pram and wheelchair friendly and accommodates activities such as walking, cycling and horse riding. The surface of the last 4 km between Millgrove and Warburton is sealed. The trail meanders through scenic bushland, open river flats and some of the many farms in the Yarra Ranges district. Most of the original timber bridges along the route have been restored and have safe handrails with a timber deck.
Flora And Fauna edit
There are many rare species of plants and animals to be seen by the keen observer along the trail.
The Route edit
The trail generally follows the route of the old Warburton Railway Line and actually continues to East Warburton where it ends at a picnic area on Woods Point Road opposite Riverside Drive and Rupert Road. The section of trail From Lilydale to the old Warburton station site is known as the Warburton Rail Trail and the section between Corduroy Road in Yarra Junction and East Warburton is known as the Centenary Trail.[1][2]. The overlapping section is known by both names.
Some sections of the trail deviate slightly (and others not so slightly) from the original railway alignment. Following are some of the deviations of the trail (Some of the descriptions may seem pedantic but are included for completeness.)
Lilydale Station to Beresford Road edit
The Warburton line originally occupied what is now Siding C in the Lilydale stabling yard so the trail begins at the northern end of the eastern car park at Lilydale Station and sits between the yard and Olinda Creek. At the end of the yard, the trail turns sharp left and then right, onto a wooden deck of the bridge over Olinda Creek, beside the existing disused track to Healesville (the extension of Siding D). The trail then veers east a little up Beresford Road where it crosses to meet the original alignment.
Anderson Street to Maroondah Highway, Lilydale edit
Approximately 800 metres further the trail crosses Anderson St. and under an historical bridge where the original alignment of Anderson Street passed over the railway. Immediately beyond the bridge the trail deviates around a school to the north, east and south. The eastern and southern parts of the deviation are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. The school currently leases the land formerly occupied by the railway. On the southern boundary of the school the deviation runs up a steep hill to meet the original alignment of the trail, which then continues south to Maroondah Highway. The Victorian State government has granted funding for the construction of a bridge over Maroondah Highway to complete the trail’s continuity. Construction of this bridge is expected to commence in 2007.
Mt. Evelyn Station to York Road edit
Just to the east of the Mt. Evelyn station site the trail seems to be displaced slightly to the south by a timber and hardware retailer.
Eastbound approach to Monbulk Road, Mt Evelyn edit
This section is on a gently downward sloping embankment which follows the curve of Monbulk Road, away from the original level crossing site.
Barak Drive, Launching Place to Yarra Junction edit
Barak Drive is the original alignment of the Warburton highway that makes two large loops away from and back towards the railway alignment between Launching Place to Yarra Junction. Warburton Highway has since been realigned over the top of the old railway site so the trail now exists along the south side of the highway and allows crossing to the north side near Corduroy Road where the Warburton Rail Trail shares it's name with the Centenial Trail.
References edit
- Bike Paths Victoria sixth edition, 2004. Edited and published by Sabey & Associates Pty Ltd. pp143. ISBN 0957959117
- Bike rides around Melbourne 2nd edition, 2006, Julia Blunden, Open Spaces Publishing, ISBN 0-9752333-2-7
See also edit
External Links edit
The Official Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Website
Bicycle Victoria's Warburton Trail Page
Rail Trails Australia's Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Page