Ride difficulty: 2*
Bicycles: mountain, hybrid, cyclo X
•Drive to Warburton.
•Ride east from the Yuonga Rd car park on the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail through to the O’Shannassy Weir – approximately 17km.
•Note that there some short climbs in this section of the Aqueduct Trail – where the aqueduct goes into a conduit, and the trail traverses gullies.
•The O’Shannassy Weir is the entry basin for the Aqueduct, and marks the eastern end of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. There are some very pleasant open areas in the weir area for a picnic lunch stop. You will pass by some interesting pieces of old infrastructure on the way This is an out-and-back ride - return via the same route.
Note that the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail east of Warburton is a little more demanding than the well-tended section of the trail to the west. The surface is generally a little rougher, you might find more tree-fall and litter on the surface. There are some short sections of moderate climbing where the aqueduct goes into a conduit, and the trail crosses gullies. This section of trail is quite isolated, with no food or water supplies available, and mobile telephone coverage is variable. Take all necessary supplies with you, make sure you have adequate repair equipment, and take care. This is an out-and-back ride.
SERVICES & FACILITIES ALONG THE WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL
Trail-side cafes:
•Morrison’s Cafe, Mt Evelyn Station site, Mt. Evelyn
•Penny Olive Bakery, Mt Evelyn - at the Warburton Trail crossing of the Monbulk Rd
•The Carriage Cafe, a few hundred meters west of the Seville station site
•Home Hotel, Launching Place
•Amanda’s Cafe, Ranges Café, Yarra Junction township
•Millgrove Bakery and Millgrove General Store, Millgrove village
•COG Bike Cafe, at the Warburton Station site, adjacent to the Warburton township
A little further off-trail you will find a range of cafes, restaurants and hotels in the various towns and villages along the way.
For bike hire, sales and repair:
•Ride Time Yarra Valley, 108 MAIN Rd Lilydale
•COG Bike Cafe, Trail-side, Warburton Station site (Thursday-Sunday)
For tourist information and details of local rides:
•Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre, 3400 Warburton highway, Warburton – call 03 5966 9600
*Ride difficulty:
We have indicated a level of difficulty for each ride based upon the following ratings
1. Basic cycling fitness required. Could ride flat or gently undulating surface for 1 – 2 hours
2. Moderate fitness required. Could ride some hills and a duration of over 2 hours
3. More advanced fitness level required. Could ride long distances and climb hills over extended periods
4. High levels of fitness required. Competition-level fitness, can maintain constant high-level output, well developed muscular and cardiovascular ability