With summer here, now is the perfect time to escape the city and enjoy what has affectionately become known as the ‘Warby Trail’.
The Warburton trail starts at the northern end of the Lilydale Train Station car park with signposts marking the beginning of the trail. From here the only real point of confusion is when the trail meets the Maroondah Highway. The trail rejoins directly opposite and whilst a footbridge will be built over the highway in 2010, for now users have to scramble across the six lanes or head to the crossing north or south on the highway.
The first stage of the ride involves a very gradual 125m climb over 6.9km to Mt Evelyn. The fact that this is the most challenging aspect of the whole trail is testament to how perfect this ride is suited to even the most novice rider.
For those squirming at the idea of riding 40km in the saddle, a growing number of riders are choosing to begin their ride at Mt Evelyn where there is plenty of parking available and the attraction of the Cog Bike Café (see our separate story).
The chart below gives you an indication of the distances between each station.
Distances to Warburton
| Start |
Finish | Distance |
| Lilydale Station | Mount Evelyn Station | 6.9 km |
| Mount Evelyn Station | Wandin Station | 5.4 km |
| Wandin Station | Seville Station | 3.4 km |
| Seville Station | Killara Station | 3.2 km |
| Killara Station | Woori Yallock Station | 4.1 km |
| Woori Yallock Station | Launching Place Station | 6.4 km |
| Launching Place Station | Yarra Junction Station | 2.1 km |
| Yarra Junction Station | Wesburn Station | 3.7 km |
| Wesburn Station | Millgrove Station | 1.6 km |
| Millgrove Station | Warburton Station | 3.3 km |
| Total | 40 km |
Most regular “Warby Trail” users agree, that the trail really comes into its own from Killara Station onwards. It’s here along the Valley floor that the land and views start to open up around you. The gorgeous mountains of the Yarra Ranges National Park including Mount Donna Buang provide the perfect backdrop and motivation to keep you pushing the pedals all the way to Warburton.
If you have a bike then you should get on it and ride the Warburton Trail as soon as you can. It’s a must do attraction in the Yarra Valley, it’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s good for you. There’s not too many things you can say that about nowadays!
If your like the Warby Trail you will also enjoy the recently completed O’Shannassy Trail.
Warburton Trail – Latest Information
Construction of the Maroondah Highway bridge has begun! This is exciting news for the Warburton Trail as the bridge will make the trail a lot safer and user friendly for all users. The completion of the bridge is set for late 2010.
Fantastic photos, I really want to do this ride!
The bridge over the Hwy at Lilydale is finished and open now.
[...] of the main attractions to booking this weekend away was the opportunity to cycle the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. Although we could have easily taken the train to Lilydale anytime to tackle this journey, it was [...]