Yarra Valley Parklands offers a variety of recreational activities along the Yarra River, including picnicking, canoeing, and camping.
Popular parks in the area include Westerfolds, Banksia, Birrarrung, Candlebark, Yarra Flats, Sweeneys Flat, and Longridge Park Camp.
The parklands in the metropolitan area consist of interconnecting trails, linear parks, wetlands, and waterways. Community groups plant about 30,000 trees annually, leading to the re-establishment of various wildlife species.
Longridge Campground
Longridge Camping Area offers a tranquil camping spot along the Yarra River, with exclusive use of the campground for groups of up to 40 people. Guests can enjoy the quiet woodland surroundings, swimming, and canoeing on the river.
Longridge Camping Area, located along the Yarra River, provides a tranquil camping experience for one group at a time, offering exclusive access to a private riverside retreat.
The camping area at Longridge Park in Warrandyte can accommodate up to 40 people and is located in a quiet woodland setting, making it an ideal location for a weekend getaway with family and friends.
You can cool down by going for a swim in the river or exploring the Yarra in a canoe. There is a canoe launching ramp just 100m away from the campground. You can also try your luck fishing in the river.
The campground provides amenities for a cookout, including a wood BBQ, picnic tables, drinking water, and a dishwashing area. It also offers accessible toilets and hot showers for individuals with limited mobility.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and camping at Yarra Valley Parklands, where they can relax by the fire pit and appreciate the peaceful surroundings of the bush. A morning walk by the river may even offer the chance of spotting a platypus.
Address: Alexander Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113, Australia
Opening hours: Round-the-clock
Westerfolds Park
Westerfolds Park is an urban park located on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It spans over 120 hectares and offers recreational and environmental activities such as picnicking, cycling, canoeing, jogging, and walking. Visitors can also spot wildlife and birds while exploring the park’s grassy woodlands and the Main Yarra Trail that runs through it.
The Westerfolds Loop Track is a 4.8km circuit that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. This gentle walk passes through parklands, old manors, woodlands, and native shrublands. Visitors can observe ancient Red Gums, kangaroos, and wombats grazing in the open areas, particularly early morning.
The Main Yarra Trail, which spans 33km, passes through Westerfolds Park on its route from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the CBD. The trail is well-liked by runners, walkers, and cyclists. Along the Yarra River, viewing platforms and bridges offer scenic views of the river and rapids. Dogs are allowed in the park but must always be on a leash.
The park contains Grassy Woodlands with River Red Gum and Manna Gums in small patches, providing habitat for native wildlife such as Eastern Grey Kangaroos. Observant walkers can also spot other animals like wombats, sugar gliders, possums, echidnas, and snakes. It is advised to be cautious and vigilant while exploring the park.
Observing the bird species in the park, including the rare Swift Parrot, which helps control insect populations, is a highlight. Powerful Owls have also been spotted in the area.
Canoeing offers a unique way to explore the Yarra River and enjoy park views. The canoe launching area is 60m from the Canoe Launch Carpark, off Fitzsimmons Lane.
The park has multiple picnic areas available for visitors. Westerfolds Ridge Picnic Area offers amenities like barbecues, a picnic shelter, tables, and a playground. Red Stringbark Picnic Area features a large shelter with tables underneath, along with woodfired barbecues and provided wood. Porter Street Picnic Area includes a large pavilion with tables, electric barbecues, and a nearby accessible toilet.
If you want to add service to your holiday, we recommend Yarra Valley winery tours, where you will enjoy the views and appreciate fine wines and delicious food from local produce.
Address: Fitzsimons Ln, Templestowe VIC 3106, Australia
Opening hours: 06:00-21:00 every day
