Yarra Valley Trail

The Yarra Valley Trail, in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley east of Melbourne, is a developing shared cycling and walking trail that will eventually connect Lilydale, Yarra Glen and Healesville before linking into the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail to create a huge valley-wide cycling network. The currently open section runs for approximately 8.5 km from Lilydale through Coldstream and Yering, following the historic railway corridor across open farmland with sweeping views towards the surrounding Yarra Ranges. Starting from the trail junction near Beresford Road in Lilydale, the route heads north through pasture and scattered bushland towards Coldstream. The former Coldstream Station site provides parking, toilets and a pump track, while a shared path provides access into the township. From there, the trail continues through classic Yarra Valley countryside towards the former Yering Station site. Beyond Yering, riders cross McIntyre Lane before continuing for around 900 m along the old railway embankment. This newer section includes two rebuilt railway bridges and uninterrupted views across the surrounding farmland before reaching the current trail end. The predominantly fine-gravel surface and gentle railway gradients make the route suitable for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, e-bikes and recreational riders. The trail follows the former railway towards Yarra Glen and Healesville, which originally opened in 1889. Its future development is particularly exciting: Stage 1 will ultimately extend the trail to Yarra Glen Railway Station, with further stages planned towards Tarrawarra and Healesville. Longer-term plans would connect back into the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail around Seville East and Woori Yallock, creating an impressive loop through the wider Yarra Valley. The existing trail is also easy to combine with the Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail. Both routes split from the same general area in Lilydale, so stronger riders can explore the Yarra Valley Trail towards Yering before returning and continuing towards Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Woori Yallock and Warburton. RTS Tip: The Yarra Valley Trail is still a work in progress, so don’t assume you can currently ride all the way to Yarra Glen or Healesville. For now, an out-and-back from Lilydale to the current trail end beyond Yering gives you roughly 17 km of easy riding, with Coldstream making a handy stop along the way. The route is exposed across sections of farmland, so pack sun protection and water on warmer days. Keep an eye on the trail’s development too — once the planned connections are completed, this will become part of one of Victoria’s most impressive recreational cycling loops