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, tables and toilets. For those who enjoy getting out on the river, there is also a canoe launch. Solid fuel BBQ's are not permitted. Camping and fires are not permitted.

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 Trail. 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).