Launching Place

Launching Place has many outdoor areas ideal for active families (or anyone) keen on hiking, cycling or boating in the Yarra River. Here it's possible to try your hand at archery or find yourself on the Warburton-Lilydale Rail Trail for cycling, walking and jogging.

Here you'll also find a long-established general store for any basic needs, or visit Launch Fresh for an incredible array of local produce and extremely helpful service. The classic and historic Home Hotel has also been a local favourite for over 60 years.

It's believed that Launching Place is named after the spot on the Yarra River where the freshly cut logs from down the valley were floated down the river to be milled in Melbourne. That is, the logs were 'launched' at this place along the Yarra River, prior to the construction of the Upper Yarra Reservoir.

Did you know?

Originally the terminus for flat-bottomed timber boats taking supplies to the Wood's Point gold diggings, Launching Place was once called Ewart's after the landlord of the Home Hotel.