Cycle The Family Trails Of Manningham

See the world differently on a bike—little legs, big wheels, backpacks laden with high-energy snacks to keep the wheels turning. Family bike rides are heaps of fun in Manningham, with plenty of picturesque, safe, beautifully maintained trails to explore.

Pump up the tyres, ready for a season of cycling fun, and see nature with fresh eyes. Cycle or walk, long or short, out and back or a big loop, you can explore for hours, cutting through pristine bushland, along riverbanks, and past villages and parks.

These top 5 destinations form a fun trail to explore with the family and promise something for everyone. Just connect the dots! Voted the most popular trails with the locals, the hot tip is to keep your eye out for wildlife. Embrace the breeze and leave the city behind! (even though it’s never too far away!)

MAIN YARRA TRAIL, CBD TO TEMPLESTOWE

With gorgeous views of the Yarra River and loads of spots to stop and take in the world, the Main Yarra Trail is one of those iconic Melbourne trails on everyone’s ‘must-do list’. If you’re feeling energetic, you can ride the Main Yarra Trail to Southbank in the CBD, a 33-kilometre ride that passes through Westerfolds Park (read more below) and passes by old Westerfolds Manor sweeping the rider through woodlands and varied ecosystems.

WESTERFOLDS PARK FITZSIMONS LN, TEMPLESTOWE

Westerfolds Park is a great destination for a riding day of fun. Plenty of safe cycling away from the hustle and bustle on 5 kilometres of easy to moderate tracks. The Westerfolds Park Circuit joins the Main Yarra Trail which, if you follow it to the east, will take you past one of the region's last remaining orchards. Pettys Orchard is situated where the Main Yarra Trail and the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail join and is a perfect place to pop in for some organic produce or a coffee on the weekends. More info

MULLUM MULLUM TRAIL, DONVALE

A nature lover's trail along the Mullum Mullum Creek to the Yarra River, from Templestowe to Donvale, a journey of about 19 kilometres. Nature watching includes Tawny Frogmouths, cockatoos, Butcher Birds, koalas, and platypus. There are gorgeous wildflowers (especially in spring), picnic tables, playgrounds and drinking water stations for comfort stops. Stop at the nursery for a refuel along the way with a coffee or milkshake! It’s an easy to moderate path that takes about 2.5 hours from start to finish. The Mullum Mullum Trail also links the Koonung, EastLink and Main Yarra Trails. Keep an eye out for platypus! More info

RUFFEY LAKE PARK, VICTORIA ST, DONCASTER

The perfect trail for testing out the region’s best playgrounds! Begin at the Victoria Street adventure playground at Ruffey Lake – with a flying fox, climbing challenges and plenty more; it will keep the kids entertained for hours! Save some energy by exploring Ruffey Lake Park. There are many different circuits around the lake. Then take the Ruffey Trail, an easy 3-kilometre off-road ride, directly to Finns Reserve and the awesome Wombat Bend Playspace. More info

FINNS RESERVE AND WOMBAT BEND PLAYSPACE, DUNCAN ST, LOWER TEMPLESTOWE

Finns Reserve has something for everyone. Nestled in a little bend on the Yarra River, a great trail takes you along the river and through some stunning Australian bushland. Enjoy art, a picnic, a BBQ, and more – and don’t forget the playground with great sensory play activities, maze panels, and a nature play area. Take the suspension bridge over the river to the Main Yarra Trail and keep an eye out for platypus! More info

And if you don’t have bikes, these trails are wonderful walks and for doggos too!