Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, affectionately known as the Warby Trail, is one of Victoria’s most popular rail trails, taking riders for around 40 km through Melbourne’s outer east and the spectacular Yarra Valley to Warburton. Following the former Warburton railway line, the trail passes through Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Seville, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Millgrove before finishing in Warburton beneath the surrounding Yarra Ranges. The mostly fine-gravel trail with some sealed sections follows gentle railway gradients, making it suitable for gravel bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, e-bikes and recreational riders. Along the way, expect a changing landscape of native bushland, farmland, vineyards, river flats and forest, with views towards Mount Donna Buang and Yarra Ranges National Park. Historic station sites and railway infrastructure provide reminders of the original line, while the towns along the route offer cafés, bakeries, toilets, water and plenty of opportunities to break the journey into shorter sections. For riders wanting the full experience, Lilydale to Warburton is around 40 km one way or approximately 80 km return, while shorter options such as Woori Yallock to Warburton or Yarra Junction to Warburton make excellent half-day rides. Lilydale Station also provides convenient train access from Melbourne, making this one of the easier regional Victorian rail trails to reach without a car. RTS Tip: Don’t feel like you need to smash out the entire return trip in one day. The Warby Trail is perfect for a relaxed Yarra Valley cycling weekend — ride from Lilydale to Warburton, stop at the towns and cafés along the way, stay overnight and ride back the following day. If you’re only chasing a shorter ride, start at one of the numerous trail hubs along the route. Watch carefully at road crossings and remember the trail is shared with walkers and, on some sections, horse riders.