Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

A lovely 5km return walk along Darebin Creek trail from the urban bushland oasis of Darebin Parklands to the confluence of the mighty Yarra River.

Starting at the brilliant Darebin Parklands, this 2.5 km (5km return) walk meanders along the Darebin Creek through bushland and reserves before reaching the iconic Yarra River.

Although only 7km away from CBD, this walk looks and feels at times like you're in the bush. Tune into the sights and sounds of nature as you walk along the creek. There's a huge variety of indigenous plants and birdlife. In the trees, nesting boxes provided hollows for gliders, possums and birds.

From Darebin Parkland, the trail passes under and over a series of bridges including the stunning bluestone bridge at Heidelberg Road. Sparks Reserve has an off-lead dog park and Napier Waller Reserve gives a glimpse at the former home and studio of artist Napier Waller (not currently open to the public). The trail then passes La Trobe Golf Club and over a footbridge. Through the trees, it is almost possible to see where Darebin Creek meets the Yarra River. The final section of this walk traverses beautiful bends of the Yarra and leads to Willsmere Park.

Return along the same path.

Note: There is a flood warning system along the trail. Do not use the path when the boom gates are closed.

Facilities: Toilets, shelter with table and BBQs, unshaded tables and drinking water are available at the start of the walk and toilets and drinking water are available at the end of the walk.

Extend this walk:
If you want to explore Darebin Parklands further, Darebin Parklands loop walk takes you on a circuit of the park. With stepping stones across the creek and gravel tracks it is less accessible than this walk.

If you want to extend this walk from Willsmere Park, it is possible to join the Yarra Main Trail and head towards Fairfield Park Boathouse and Collingwood.

Public transport:
Alphington Station is 700 metres from the starting point of this walk.

Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

Interactive map

Points of Interest

1. Heading out through Darebin Parklands
From the main entrance of Darebin Parklands, this walk follows a well-paved and signposted path.

2. Ponds and wetlands
The trail weaves between ponds that are home to Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Ducks, Coots and Purple Swamphens.

Note: Contact with water in the Darebin Parklands may be harmful to people and/or animals - swimming, fishing any other contact with this water is not recommended. Darebin Parklands sits on a former landfill site. Landfill leachate is liquid that is formed when rain and ground-water mixes with garbage. The leachate from the former tip is being treated in a unique leachate treatment system made up of a series of cascading wetland ponds. Contact with the water in the wetland ponds by park users and pets should be avoided.

3. Wildlife
The natural bush setting of Darebin Parklands is rich in wildlife.

4. Railway Bridge
The first old bridge overhead carries trains on the Hurstbridge line. Alphington railway station is 450m away.

5. Crossing into Ivanhoe
Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

The first of many footbridges on this walk crosses Darebin Creek from Alphington to Ivanhoe.

6. Darebin Creek bluestone bridge
Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

Walk underneath the heritage bluestone arched bridge.

7. Sparks Reserve, Ivanhoe
Sparks Reserve has an off-leash dog park for four-legged friends and a playground with slides and basic play equipment for little ones.

8. The confluence
Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

Through the trees, you can almost make out where Darebin Creek meets Birrarung, the Yarra River.

9. Footbridge across the Yarra River
Darebin Creek Walk from Darebin Parklands to the Yarra River (Alphington)

The trail leads past Latrobe Golf Club, over the final footbridge over the Yarra and on to Kew Billabong and Willsmere Park where there is a playground, toilets and water tap with dog bowl. At this point the Darebin Creek Trail joins to the Main Yarra Trail.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs must be on-leash at all times on the walk.
There are dog off-lead areas at Darebin Parklands, Sparks Reserve and Willsmere Park.