Lilydale Wandin

Lilydale, Distance: 24km return
Region: Regional Victoria/Eastern Melbourne
Written up by: U3A Yarra City OYB
Last ridden: 9 November 2016

Cafes  |  Terrain  |  Ride Details  |  Variations  |  Maps

Rainforest on the way to Wandin Station

Rainforest on the way to Wandin Station

Overview

This wonderful ride is through the delightful countryside of the Yarra Valley. It is a return ride from Lilydale.

The ride follows the old railway line that ran to Warburton. This abbreviated version of the full Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail can easily be done in one day. The first section is a gentle climb along a linear path, lined by trees and behind houses overlooking the township. Highlights on the way to Mt Evelyn are the weathered steel Maroondah Highway Overpass, the tunnel under Hereford Road, and the historic First Aid Post Reserve. Mt Evelyn, at the top of the hill, is an excellent spot for a break.

You then freewheel through some lovely remnants of rainforest to Wandin Station. This is the most delightful part of the ride. For more information about the Lilydale-Warburton Trail see Lilydale Warburton Rail Trail.

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Cafes and Toilets

There are cafes at the start of the ride and in Mt Evelyn. Our favourite is Mt Evelyn Bakery and Cafe which has a great selection of cakes and other food. There are public toilets at Mt Evelyn, just after you cross Birmingham Road.

Terrain

The trail is well maintained compacted gravel. Mostly the ride has long steady uphill and downhill sections which are easily ridden as the gradients are gentle. There is one very short steep climb, early in the ride, at the point where the trail climbs behind the playing fields of Lilydale Mercy College up to the old railway embankment.

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Ride Details

  1. The ride starts at Lilydale Station.
  2. Exit the station on the east side and turn left, past the bus stop into the railway car park. Keeping the station on your left ride through the car park to find the Warburton Trail in the back corner.
  3. Follow it across a stream and immediately turn left.
  4. The trail crosses Gardiner and Anderson Streets.
  5. Approximately 250 metres after you cross Anderson Street the trail turns right to climb onto the old railway embankment.
  6. Follow the trail to Wandin Station.
  7. Turn around and retrace your steps.

 

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Variations

The ride may be shortened or extended by choosing another turn around point on the Warburton Trail. If you want to do the whole trail there is plenty of accommodation in Warburton.

 

Maps

  • Melway or Melway Online: Starts at map reference 38 D4
  • Google: 
    • Please click on box with arrow at top left corner to see the map legend.
    • Please click on box at top right corner to see the map in Google Maps. You must be logged into Google Maps to do this.
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