Outer Circle Rail Trail

The Outer Circle Rail Trail, also widely known as the Anniversary Trail, is a 17 km shared cycling and walking trail through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, running from Fairfield to Hughesdale. Following much of the alignment of Melbourne’s former Outer Circle Railway, the trail winds through Kew, Deepdene, Canterbury, Camberwell, Burwood, Ashburton and East Malvern, combining leafy linear parks, historic railway cuttings and suburban cycling connections. With an almost entirely asphalt or concrete surface, it’s well suited to road bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, families and everyday recreational cycling. One of the most attractive sections runs through Kew and Canterbury, where the trail follows the former railway alignment through a deep, tree-lined cutting that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding city. Further south, riders pass alongside the operational Alamein railway line between East Camberwell and Alamein, the only part of the original Outer Circle route still carrying trains. The trail then continues across Gardiners Creek, through the Malvern Urban Forest and Boyd Park, before finishing near Hughesdale Station. The trail also has some fascinating Melbourne railway history. The Outer Circle Railway opened in 1890–91 but operated as a complete railway for only around three years before sections began closing. Parts later reopened, including the famous Deepdene Dasher passenger service, while the East Camberwell–Alamein section eventually became today’s Alamein Line. Historic station sites and interpretive signs along the trail help tell the story, while the old railway bridge across the Yarra River at Chandler Highway has now been repurposed for the trail. One of the biggest advantages of the Outer Circle Rail Trail is how well it connects with Melbourne’s wider cycling network. Riders can link directly with the Main Yarra Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail, Koonung Creek Trail, Scotchmans Creek Trail and Djerring Trail. Combining the Outer Circle with the Rosstown Rail Trail also creates a roughly 25 km cycling route from Kew towards Elsternwick, opening up plenty of options for longer Melbourne bike rides. RTS Tip: The Outer Circle is easy riding, but navigation and road crossings are the main things to watch. There are busy crossings around Harp Junction, Toorak Road and Dandenong Road, and the route can be slightly confusing where it leaves the old railway alignment or intersects other shared paths. Download the route before setting out and take your time at crossings. With Fairfield and Hughesdale railway stations near either end, it’s also a great trail to ride one-way and use Melbourne’s train network for the return journey.