Pound Bend Yarra Loop Walk (Warrandyte)
The 3.6km Pound Bend Yarra Loop Walk is one of the best short bushwalks in Melbourne's north-east, combining tranquil riverside scenery, native bushland and fascinating gold rush history. Beginning at Pound Bend Reserve in Warrandyte State Park, the circuit follows the Yarra River before looping back through peaceful eucalypt forest to the starting point.
The walk begins by following the river upstream beneath magnificent manna gums, where the Yarra winds through a deep bend surrounded by remnant bushland. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded in the area and visitors may also spot kangaroos, echidnas, koalas and, with a little luck, a platypus in the river. Native grasses, orchids and seasonal wildflowers add to the beauty of the walk.
A highlight of the circuit is the historic Pound Bend Tunnel (Evelyn Tunnel), completed in 1870 to divert the Yarra River so miners could work the exposed riverbed for gold. The impressive 145-metre-long tunnel remains one of Victoria's most significant surviving gold mining engineering works and is well worth exploring from the viewing area.
Beyond the tunnel, the circuit leaves the river and returns through quiet open woodland on well-formed bush tracks. This section provides a different perspective of the reserve, with towering eucalypts, abundant birdlife and occasional glimpses back towards the river before rejoining the picnic area.
Although the trail is generally easy, there are some uneven surfaces, exposed tree roots and short hills. Good walking shoes are recommended, particularly after rain when some sections can become slippery.
Pound Bend Reserve is an excellent place to spend several hours, with picnic facilities beside the Yarra River, canoe launching, fishing opportunities and easy access to several shorter walks. Many visitors combine the loop with time exploring the tunnel or relaxing by the river.
Facilities include car parking, toilets, picnic tables, BBQs and open grassed picnic areas.
Pound Bend Yarra Loop Walk Map
Interactive map
Points of Interest
1. Canoe launch site
If you have come equipped for a floating paddle, this is the place to launch.
2. You never know what you might see
Look all around you for local birds and wildlife. You never know what you might see.
3. Wurundjeri Story
A series of interpretive signs tell the story of the presence of the Wurundjeri people on this site. These signs are a must read. Other signs also offer worthily information about local features.
4. Picnic tables
On the flat between the river and the car park you will find several picnic tables and seats amongst grassy lawns. Note: solid fuel fires and BBQs are not permitted.
5. Footbridges
There are a number of footbridges across small waterways entering the river. Note the no dogs and no bicycles signs.
6. River views
Take in the beautiful views of the Yarra as you walk.
7. Paddling
There is more to the idea of paddling in the river than just by foot. Paddling in various sorts of boats is also popular.
8. Directional signs
You will sometimes encounter other tracks crossing your path. Directional signs are placed throughout the walk to keep you on track.
9. Service tracks
There are places where the route uses vehicle service tracks. Please leave gates as you find them.
10. Site of Victoria's first Youth Hostel
A plaque commemorates the 1940 location of the first Youth Hostel in Victoria.
11. Road crossing
Pound Bend Rd is crossed by the walking track. The road has little traffic, but watch out just the same.
12. Wildflowers
Most seasons will deliver some sort of floral display along the track.
13. Tank Track
Tank Track travels the ridge above the river through open woodland with a sparser understory and dryer surface.
14. The steps
There is a relatively steep descent down these steps to the Evelyn Tunnel.
15. Evelyn Tunnel
Built by gold miners in the 1870s, the Evelyn Tunnel connects the narrowest land bridge of the Yarra River bend. The idea was to drain the bend bed for alluvial mining. Costs were too high to mine.
16. Sealed Tunnel path
The only sealed path is to the Evelyn Tunnel from the car park.
17. Car parking
The car park is quite large. However, it can also get quite busy. Consider the timing of your visit.
18. Public toilets
The public toilets can be easy to miss because they are up the slope further down and behind the car park.
Location
Cnr Pound Bend Road and Everard Drive, Warrandyte 3113 View Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/pound-bend-reserve
→ Pound Bend Yarra Loop Walk, Warrandyte (Walking Maps)
