Warrandyte State Park (Warrandyte)

The closest state park to Melbourne, Warrandyte is a haven for picnickers, bushwalkers, canoeists, birdwatchers and those who enjoy peace and solitude.

The lightly wooded landscape is dominated by the Yarra River as it winds through the Warrandyte Gorge. The hills around Warrandyte have a distinctive bluish-green hue, typical of the Red Box foliage common in the area.

Things to do

Suggested Walks

Pound Bend River Walk (3.5km 1-1.5hrs return)
A short walk leading from Pound Bend Picnic Area will lead you to the historic Pound Bend Tunnel. In 1870, the Evelyn Tunnelling and Mining Company dug through 145 metres of hard rock at Pound Bend to divert the Yarra through what is now known as the Tunnel. This left five kilometres of the old river bed exposed to dredge for gold. Be careful though. because the rocks around The Tunnel can be particularly slippery.

Follow the track upstream along the river but don't forget to look up as there are often Koalas lounging in the tree tops. At the half way point the walk leaves the river and loops back up towards the road, along the top ridge and back to the carpark.

Jumping Creek Nature Walk (2km 30-60minutes return)
This informative walk introduces you to the various flora and fauna species in the park.

Mt Lofty to Wittons Walk
Located in Wonga Park, Mt Lofty features spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountain ranges. Bushwalking is the most popular leisure activity, with tracks leading from either Reserve Rd (Wittons Reserve) or Lower Homestead Rd carparks. Lower Homestead Rd is a departure point for canoeists who paddle to Wittons Reserve or even further.

Gold Heritage Walk - Fourth Hill
This walk takes you around landmarks and remnants of yesteryear when those down on their luck, sought riches from the gold-laden hills of Warrandyte.

Jumping Creek Reserve

Jumping Creek has a large recreational area with wood barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and an information shelter. Some wood is provided but it is advisable to bring your own. For those who enjoy getting out on the river, there is a canoe launch at this reserve.

Jumping Creek is also a pleasant spot for walking - especially for those interested birds and wildflowers. The Jumping Creek Nature Trail (2km, 30-60 mins return) is an informative walk that provides a good introduction to various flora and fauna in the park.

Whipstick Gully

Several relics of the gold mine boom remain amongst old mines. A poppet head stands near the information shelter. An excellent history of the area is provided on the information shelter. There is a self-guided walk of the area that forms part of the broader Gold Heritage Walk.

Fourth Hill - Gold Memorial

Accessibility to the river from the carpark at Fourth Hill is quite rough. There are two square accessible picnic tables close to the river.

Black Flat

Open woodlands, old mine diggings, a meandering riverside track and varied birdlife are some of the main features of Black Flat.

Swimming

At the point where water flows out of the Pound Bend tunnel you can sit and let the water wash over you or go a bit further downstream for a gentler swim. The tunnel is dangerous and should be avoided. The area is lightly-wooded and there's a picnic area with wooden tables and toilet facilities. This section of the Yarra is a popular summertime location for floating, canoeing and picnicking.

The Yarra does a big loop between the start and end of the tunnel and a fun activity is to float on a lilo or tube between these points. Be prepared for a few rapids along the route.

Warrandyte State Park (Warrandyte)

** Swimming Safety at Pound Bend **
It is very important to consider safety when swimming in the Yarra River since there have been several drownings and rescues in recent history.

It is key to know the conditions and read safety signs. On days of extreme fire danger rating Parks Victoria closes the entire Warrandyte State Park including Pound Bend Reserve. Find out more about fire danger road closures
The river temperature, height and current can affect how safe is it to swim. Conditions can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology, Yarra Watch,
Melbourne Water, or CFA websites.
The EPA recommends avoiding swimming in the Yarra shortly after a storm or rainfall event.
Inexperienced swimmers or those with unregulated floatation devices and equipment may suffer accidental injury or drowning. Please ensure equipment has been tested.
Manningham council recommends utilising one of the many businesses and community groups that are experienced, insured, and adhering to the Australian Adventure Activity Standards for aquatic activities such as floating, rafting and paddling.
Never swim alone. Take someone with you and inform others of your location when visiting the river for aquatic recreation.
Don't overestimate your ability and underestimate the dangers of the river. Lifejackets are recommended, especially for children and any boating activities.
Actively supervise children. A lifejacket is not a substitute for active supervision, it only provides a level of buoyancy and visibility. The current in the Yarra is significant, variable and can also operate below the surface.
Learn how to save lives. Safety and first aid courses can provide a level of reassurance and risk
minimisation, especially in emergency situations.
Stay sober. The consumption of alcohol or drugs will only increase the risk of injury or accidental drowning.
Take your rubbish with you, and avoid bringing glass. Glass should be avoided completely as it can break and injure visitors and local wildlife.
Adhere to parking restrictions. Please be mindful to observe parking rules when at Pound Bend to ensure access for emergency vehicles. o Emergency vehicles need access from time to time and visitors should make sure that parking does not impede traffic thoroughfare.

Pound Bend Reserve

Pound Bend has a delightful picnic area with tables, toilets, a canoe launching ramp and great views of the river. There are easy walks and tracks around this area.

A suggested walk is Pound Bend River Walk (3.5km, 1-1.5hrs return). This short walk leaving from the picnic area will lead you to the historic Pound Bend Tunnel.

In 1870, the Evelyn Tunnelling and Mining Company dug through 145 metres of hard rock at Pound Bend to divert the Yarra through what is now known as the Tunnel. This left five kilometres of old river bed exposed to dredge for gold. Follow the track upstream along the river. Keep a look out for koalas lounging in the tree tops. At the halfway point, the walk leaves the river and loops back towards the road, along the top ridge and back to the carpark.

Canoeing

Canoeing on the Yarra River in Warrandyte State Park is a popular thing to do. Make sure you allow sufficient time for this activity. The journey from the canoe access ramp at Wittons Reserve (Mount Lofty) to Jumping Creek Reserve is about six hours.

Abseiling at Whipstick Gully Quarry

Whipstick Gully Quarry is a good spot for abseiling or rock climbing. Make sure you contact the ranger first on 13 1963.

Horse riding

This is a great park for horse riding. There are several areas in the park where you can go horse riding. Designated horse riding trails or bridle trails are located in the following sections: Whipstick Gully (Mel ref. 23 E12) Fourth Hill (Mel ref 35 E2) Timber Reserve (Mel ref 35 H2). See attachment below.

Facilities

The park consists of a number of different sections. each with its own character and attractions for visitors.

Jumping Creek has a large recreational area with wood barbeques, picnic tables, toilets and information shelter. Some wood is provided but it is advisable to bring your own. For those who enjoy getting out on the river, there is a canoe launch at this reserve. Pound Bend has a delightful picnic area with tables. toilets a canoe launching ramp, great views of the river and carpark. There are easy walks and tracks for visitors with limited mobility.

History

Aboriginal Heritage - The area now known as Warrandyte State Park is located within the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri willam of the Woiwurrung language speaking group. The Wurundjeri willam inhabited the area on a seasonal basis to exploit seasonally available flora and fauna species for food. clothing, medicine, transport, temporary shelters, hunting implements and many other culturally important items.

The confluence of the Brushy Creek and Yarra River (Birrarung), near Mt Lofty. is said to be the birthplace of William Barak, a prominent Wurundjeri Elder. Asa child William Barak witnessed the signing of the 'treaty between elders of his group and John Batman.

European Heritage - After overlanding cattle from Sydney. James Anderson arrived at Warrandyte and settle in 1839 on the flats of what is now know as Andersons Creek. Twelve years later Warrandyte made headlines "GOLD!" It is believed to be the first officially recognised discovery in Victoria.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are not permitted within most of Warrandyte State Park, however there are three areas set aside to allow dogs on-lead. These areas include:
- Norman Reserve, Taroona Reserve and Koornong Reserve.

Location and Access

The park is 24km north-east of Melbourne. Access is mainly via three sealed roads: Warrandyte Road. Research-Warrandyte Road and Ringwood-Warrandyte Road. Warrandyte State Park has a rich gold history. It is believed to be the site of Victoria's first gold find in 1851 and remnants of the gold rush remain at Fourth Hill.

Review:

We went on the Pound Bend River Walk to see the tunnel. We started at the intersection of Everard Drive and Pound Road in Warrandyte. There are 85 steps down to the area where the tunnel is located. Gold was discovered at Warrandyte in 1851 and mining continued well into the 20th century. The Evelyn Tunnelling and Mining Company constructed the Pound Bend tunnel in 1870 to divert the river enabling the river bed to be dredged for gold. It is possible to see to the other end of the tunnel. Swimming is possible in the area near the tunnel outlet.

It is a short walk along the river bank to the Pound Bend Reserve Canoe Launch ramp. Above the ramp area is a car park, picnic tables and information boards. There are a series of displays about the effect of mining and the influx of miners and new settlers on the traditional life of the Wurundjeri people.

You then follow the wide, well formed track along the river before it heads inland and finishes a loop. The last part of the trail is on a gravel road. When the track leaves the river it passes a rock with a memorial which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the YHA in Australia. The first YHA Youth Hostel in Australia was established at that site in 1940.

Make sure you look high in the trees for a (remote) chance to see a koala which live in the riverside Eucalypts. There are plenty of birds to hear and see among the route and a few spots to play along the river bank.

Photos:

Web Links

→ Warrandyte State Park (Parks Victoria)

→ Warrandyte State Park (Park Note)

→ Warrandyte State Park (Gold Heritage Walk)

→ Warrandyte State Park (Jumping Creek Nature Trail)

→ Warrandyte State Park Horseriding (Park Note)

→ Friends Of Warrandyte State Park on Facebook

→ Wurundjeri Stories at Pound Bend