Blue Tongue Bend Walk (Warrandyte North)
.jpg "Blue Tongue Bend Walk (Warrandyte North)")
The 3.5km return Blue Tongue Bend Walk is one of the hidden gems of Warrandyte State Park, offering a peaceful riverside walk through open eucalypt forest to a beautiful bend in the Yarra River. Starting from Jumping Creek Reserve, the trail follows the river through habitat that is home to kangaroos, colourful birdlife and, if you're lucky, the eastern blue-tongued lizard that gives the bend its name.
Begin from the Jumping Creek Reserve car park and follow the signed walking track downstream through open woodland. The path gently undulates as it winds beside the Yarra River, passing towering eucalypts and patches of native understorey.
Before long you'll reach Blue Tongue Bend, a picturesque curve in the river where large gum trees lean over the water and rocky banks provide excellent places to stop and enjoy the scenery. The area is particularly attractive during the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the trees. After enjoying the river views, simply retrace your steps to the car park.
Facilities include a picnic shelter with two tables, five unshaded tables and toilets. For those who enjoy getting out on the river, there is also a canoe launching site with a lookout platform with views of the river. Solid fuel BBQ's are not permitted. Camping and fires are not permitted.
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There are three walks that you can do in this part of the Warrandyte State Park - Black Flat Walk, Blue Tongue Bend and the Jumping Creek Nature Walk. The walks are clearly sign-posted along the way. If you're taking the Blue Tongue Bend route, simply follow the dirt track to the right of the picnic area.
The direct track itself is easy to follow and has a few steep sections. It can be a little muddy and slippery if walking after recent rains or in otherwise damp conditions so make sure you have appropriate footwear. You can either return by retracing your steps, or taking the vehicle track (a shorter route but less scenic, also has steep sections).
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Blue Tongue Bend Walk Map
Interactive map
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Getting There:
From Warrandyte travel east along Yarra Street, which becomes Ringwood–Warrandyte Road. At the roundabout, turn left into Jumping Creek Road. Travel about 1.5km, then turn left at the sign for Jumping Creek Reserve. Follow the access road downhill to the picnic area and car park.
Review:
A really enjoyable walk. The Blue Tongue Bend Walk and the first five markers of the Jumping Creek Nature Walk are the same part of the trail. The Nature Walk diverts off to the rights while Blue Tongue Bend Walk continues ahead following the river northwards.
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Initially there is a narrow path above the river and in winter there were carpets of bright green moss and a nice range of fungi.
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There are a couple of lookout points with views of the river but generally the river is obstructed by bushes and trees.
We decided to take the road back from Blue Tongue Bend rather than return on the same path as we came. Halfway along the return route, the road splits - take the right hand road which goes downhill towards the river. As you get closer to the picnic ground, there is a chance to do a loop through the bush for markers 7-11 on the Jumping Creek Nature Walk.
Photos:
Location
Jumping Creek Road, Warrandyte North 3113 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/jumping-creek-reserve
→ Warrandyte State Park - Blue Tongue Bend (Walking Maps)
