Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
4.5
About
The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic 39 km recreation trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The trail follows the path of the historical railway line through the stunning Yarra Valley commencing at the rear of the Lilydale Railway Station and finishing in the Warburton township.Follow the 'Warburton Trail' through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests. Cross the many restored bridges. Meander past remnants of the former station platforms and stop in at the original 1882 railway station, also known as the Upper Yarra Museum.The Rail Trail's gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families. Access to the trail is free for the public, however permits may be required for events.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
149 reviews
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99
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Anne T
Moruya, Australia55 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Well worth it, I did this ride starting in Lilydale to Warburton. From warburton I added the Aqueduct trail which runs along the mountain just above Warburton,total 90ks. Amazing scenery, I’d class this as an easy ride, the only step part is the climb to the Aqueduct section. Highly recommend to future cyclists...
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C...
Victoria, Australia64,501 contributions
Apr 2022
Recently I walked along this part of the way in Mount Evelyn ... it is exceptionally beautiful with highlights and information boards along the way. The trail is a 40 km recreation trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The trail follows the path of the historical railway line through the stunning Yarra Valley starting behind Lilydale Railway Station and finishing in the Warburton township.
You can access it at any point and enjoy what it has to offer...it will take you past many remnants of former station platforms.The Rail Trail's gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families.Â
You can access it at any point and enjoy what it has to offer...it will take you past many remnants of former station platforms.The Rail Trail's gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families.Â
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ascott150
Melbourne, Australia1,414 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
The Warburton Bike Trail or Warby Trail (as it is known locally) is a phenomenal opportunity for anyone interested in riding bicycles through a wonderful scenic piece of the Australian landscape. It is a comfortable and non threatening experience. It has proved to be a safe and secure enviroment on the many rides that I have had.
Whether it is riding through peaceful vineyards, classic Australian country or bushland scenes or Australian farm environments that you want, the Warby trail has them all.
The Australian country scenes include views of rivers (calm and rapids), rolling hills and mountains, valleys and towns and villages (including classic pubs, homesteads and town main streets). The scenery is relaxing and enjoyable, and the domestic animal spotting whether parrots, other birds, kangaroos, wombats or echidnas (all seen on the trail), is enjoyable and non threatening.
Farm environments seen along the Warby trail include Fields of beef and dairy cows, sheep, horses, hay, grain and vegetables, shetland ponies, deer and emus (and even an ostrich).
As any decent trail should have, it includes many good cafe or coffee opportunities along the way. These are spread along the trail with strongly recommended examples at Mount Evelyn, Morrison on the Park, at Wandin, Yarra Valley Deli and Cafe, at Seville, Carriage Cafe, at Launching Place, the Home Hotel, at Yarra Junction, Amanda's Cafe and at Warburton, Cog Bike Cafe and Warburton Pantry. The trail includes numerous wineries nearby, including a number of Seville wineries, Killara and Bulong.
The Warby trail, as a converted old railway track, has only fairly gentle slopes and the trail meanders through the valleys rather than over the hills. It is 38 kilometres one way, with well staggered sections:
- Lilydale to Mount Evelyn - 6.9 km and the steepest incline from 102 metres over sea level at Lilydale to 230 metres over sea level at the high point of the trail at Mount Evelyn ;
- Mount Evelyn to Wandin - 5.4 km;
- Wandin to Seville - 3.4 km;
- Seville to Killara - 3.3 km;
- Killara to Woori Yallock - 4 km with Woori Yallock being the low point of the trail at 94 metres above sea level ;
- Woori Yallock to Launching Place - 6.4 km;
- Launching Place to Yarra Junction - 2.1 km;
- Yarra Junction to Millgrove - 5.2 km; and
- Millgrove to Warburton - 3.3 km and at 168 metres above sea level.
The trail is of good quality and well maintained, but it is not all sealed and has gravel for significant sections and some somewhat corrugated bridges at times. Hybrid or mountain bikes are therefore recommended as it is a bit rough for road bikes at times, though they are often seen on the trail.
It is not busy but has walkers, cyclists and horse riders regularly passing by as you meander through the countryside.
Having only tried overseas bike trails in Bordeau and Burgundy, it is difficult to compare the Warby trail internationally, but it is better than any other I have ridden in Australia or overseas for recreational country cyclists. We are very lucky to have the Warburton Rail Trail available to all.
Whether it is riding through peaceful vineyards, classic Australian country or bushland scenes or Australian farm environments that you want, the Warby trail has them all.
The Australian country scenes include views of rivers (calm and rapids), rolling hills and mountains, valleys and towns and villages (including classic pubs, homesteads and town main streets). The scenery is relaxing and enjoyable, and the domestic animal spotting whether parrots, other birds, kangaroos, wombats or echidnas (all seen on the trail), is enjoyable and non threatening.
Farm environments seen along the Warby trail include Fields of beef and dairy cows, sheep, horses, hay, grain and vegetables, shetland ponies, deer and emus (and even an ostrich).
As any decent trail should have, it includes many good cafe or coffee opportunities along the way. These are spread along the trail with strongly recommended examples at Mount Evelyn, Morrison on the Park, at Wandin, Yarra Valley Deli and Cafe, at Seville, Carriage Cafe, at Launching Place, the Home Hotel, at Yarra Junction, Amanda's Cafe and at Warburton, Cog Bike Cafe and Warburton Pantry. The trail includes numerous wineries nearby, including a number of Seville wineries, Killara and Bulong.
The Warby trail, as a converted old railway track, has only fairly gentle slopes and the trail meanders through the valleys rather than over the hills. It is 38 kilometres one way, with well staggered sections:
- Lilydale to Mount Evelyn - 6.9 km and the steepest incline from 102 metres over sea level at Lilydale to 230 metres over sea level at the high point of the trail at Mount Evelyn ;
- Mount Evelyn to Wandin - 5.4 km;
- Wandin to Seville - 3.4 km;
- Seville to Killara - 3.3 km;
- Killara to Woori Yallock - 4 km with Woori Yallock being the low point of the trail at 94 metres above sea level ;
- Woori Yallock to Launching Place - 6.4 km;
- Launching Place to Yarra Junction - 2.1 km;
- Yarra Junction to Millgrove - 5.2 km; and
- Millgrove to Warburton - 3.3 km and at 168 metres above sea level.
The trail is of good quality and well maintained, but it is not all sealed and has gravel for significant sections and some somewhat corrugated bridges at times. Hybrid or mountain bikes are therefore recommended as it is a bit rough for road bikes at times, though they are often seen on the trail.
It is not busy but has walkers, cyclists and horse riders regularly passing by as you meander through the countryside.
Having only tried overseas bike trails in Bordeau and Burgundy, it is difficult to compare the Warby trail internationally, but it is better than any other I have ridden in Australia or overseas for recreational country cyclists. We are very lucky to have the Warburton Rail Trail available to all.
Written October 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this great review and information.
Written October 14, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven C
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
About 40km gravel ride Lilydale to Warburton. Fairly flat apart from a bit of a climb to Mt Evelyn. A few cafes and easy access to local shops. Lots of water fountains.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jkl1965
Melbourne, Australia56 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
I had a wonderful afternoon a few days ago riding my bike from Mt Evelyn to Yarra Junction and back. The track is excellently maintained and hikers and riders seem to get on well :)
However, one thing surprised me though ( ... and hopefully people from the local council will read this ... ) ... there are no public toilets on the main key points of the track between Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction (nearly 25 kms!!!). Yes, you can go off the track and walk 500 meters or so to public toilets in the little townships you ride or walk past but next to the track itself there are none! This in my opinion could be improved and would make the whole trail experience a 5 out of 5!!! :)
However, one thing surprised me though ( ... and hopefully people from the local council will read this ... ) ... there are no public toilets on the main key points of the track between Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction (nearly 25 kms!!!). Yes, you can go off the track and walk 500 meters or so to public toilets in the little townships you ride or walk past but next to the track itself there are none! This in my opinion could be improved and would make the whole trail experience a 5 out of 5!!! :)
Written November 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam J
8 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
This is a good track for everyone. Walkers riders and families with kids.
There are a few problems if you are a rider or just walking.
People with dogs who decide to not have them on a lead. Owners who think they have full control of their dog have no idea or care for other walkers or riders.
Riding from Mt Evelyn to Lilydale has now become dodge the dog.
There are a few problems if you are a rider or just walking.
People with dogs who decide to not have them on a lead. Owners who think they have full control of their dog have no idea or care for other walkers or riders.
Riding from Mt Evelyn to Lilydale has now become dodge the dog.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cocpaan
15 contributions
Jul 2013
Completed the whole journey on a great winters day. Had previously read reviews that stated that the ride was reasonably flat, and short. Although most of the trail was flat- the hills around Mt Evelyn were a killer. Our journey was 7 hours all together riding at a leisurely pace. We aren't from the area and began the ride at 11.30AM, which resulted in a very dark and scary trip home! Despite all of this the Lilydale to Warby trail is the prettiest track I've ever ridden on. Such a great day out!
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
platypus150
Melbourne, Australia27,390 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
We are not fit walkers, carrying various injuries, but we really wanted to walk the Trail. We have resolved to do it in parts. The local bus services have routes between Lilydale and Warburton and also to Mt Evelyn. To a large degree the roads shadow the railway route, so you can walk between settlements from bus stop to bus stop. Last time we walked the Lilydale end, which is a big loop around the town. So this time we decided to bus to Mt Evelyn (#697) and then walk to Wandin North; bussing back to Lilydale (#638) from there. All this was Zone 2 on our Myki, so no additional charge. The walk from Mt Evelyn was mostly down hill and in a forested area. It gradually became Mountain Ash and the bird life increased to parrots and small woodland birds. When we emerged near the old Wandin station, we were on a bus stop and the hourly bus was only 6 minutes away. We only had to walk about 5km. No facilities along the trail, so if you need food, drink, toilets you can leave the Trail for local shops at the settlements you pass through.
Written May 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments. We hope you continue to return and use the trail.
Written August 2, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GeelongPhantom
Geelong37 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
The rail trail is brilliant. I did the Lilydale to Warburton to Lilydale trek (80km), but there is a smaller section of this trail suitable for anyone. Pack plenty of food/drink so you can stop anywhere to enjoy the view.
Written January 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
styloe
SGP4 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Very scenic countryside route. We cycled from Warburton to Lilydale, one way (38km).
Generally easy cycling, except the last 10km, which is a long slope approaching Mt Evelyn.
For family, it'll be easier if you can start your ride in middle of the trail, as elevation is a mild "V" shape.
We took around 4 hrs to complete, including lunch and crashes. :-P
Generally easy cycling, except the last 10km, which is a long slope approaching Mt Evelyn.
For family, it'll be easier if you can start your ride in middle of the trail, as elevation is a mild "V" shape.
We took around 4 hrs to complete, including lunch and crashes. :-P
Written May 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imogen T
Hastings, Australia1 contribution
I want to horse ride this trail - where’s the best start point I can park a horse truck?
Charis K
1 contribution
What is the walking distance between lily dale station and the next town? Can we catch a bus back from another town? I’m wanting to take my client who is deaf and blind who loves walking.
Steven C
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
It’s about 5km from Lilydale to Mt Evelyn. It’s all slightly uphill but not too steep.
There are busses from Mt Evelyn to Lilydale.
Thanh H
4 contributions
I want to ride the full trail from lilydale to Warburton and was wondering if it is recommended to use my road bike.
Evolution Time
Melbourne, Australia2,287 contributions
Sure.....great path....road bike should do the job with ease
I'm wanting to ride the trail starting at Wandin or Seville and leave my car overnight there (staying the night in Warby) and then return the next day. Is there anywhere safe to park, even in Mount Evelyn?
Mei Y
Nullagine, Australia1,332 contributions
I usually park near the police station. Talk to the police for guidance, and I am good to go. Our bush walking club even park for a few days on long walks. Unless you have a nice glaring flashy car! Enjoy our beautiful trails!
Jazzmine E
2 contributions
Hello, I am going to do this trail in the upcoming long weekend and am wondering, because I've never been or even seen it, how hard would it be to pull a trailer with my dog in it plus camping gear? I am of moderate fitness, I ride around 20ks a day to work and back and on the weekends I ride too but I've never actually ridden with a trailer but it may be my only option as I can't get anyone to look after my dog so I can go away for the weekend! Thanks everyone in advance.
G C
Busselton, Australia221 contributions
Track is wide so towing a bike trailer shoud be fine.
There are some steeper hills at the lilydale end that yu may have to push a bike with trailer.
PurpleGreenGirl
Melbourne, Australia128 contributions
Are there any interesting places to stop along the trail such as wineries without having to go too far off the track?
YRCouncil
8 contributions
hi There, are you going all the way from Lilydale to Warburton?
PurpleGreenGirl
Melbourne, Australia128 contributions
I would like to walk from Lilydale to Warburton over a few days, roughly 10 to 20km a day. Any suggestions for accomm options in towns alomg the way?
YRCouncil
8 contributions
you can also try websites like visitwarburton
good luck - there are many small b&b's and pedal pick up small business on facebook
Alibelle83
London, United Kingdom8 contributions
I'm planning a weekend away riding the Lilydale to Warburton rail trail- are there any wineries close by the trail that we could visit along the way??
YRCouncil
8 contributions
hi there, have you visited the region yet?
Christine C
Bellara, Australia306 contributions
We want to ride one way, from Warburton to Lilydale. Is there a way to get riders and bikes back to Warburton rather than have to do a car shuffle before and after?
YRCouncil
8 contributions
You can try Yarra Valley Cycles in Lilydale or Cog Bike Cafe in Warburton. They maybe able to advise. I hope this helps.
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Claim your listingLilydale to Warburton Rail Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
- Hotels near Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail:
- (0.51 mi) Yarra Valley Motel
- (3.53 mi) Yering Gorge Cottages
- (7.87 mi) Gracehill Accommodation
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- Restaurants near Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail:
- (0.46 mi) Hutch & Co
- (0.29 mi) The Lilydale General
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Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail Information
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