About Trail Running in the Warburton Valley

If you’re looking for a range of off-road running options, be sure to pencil a trip to Warburton into your running calendar. Nestled in the Upper Yarra Valley 74 km east of Melbourne, Warburton offers runners a feast of trail runs, from long, flat compacted trails that will satisfy every budding marathoner, to the most challenging mountain climbs that will test the mettle of any hardcore trail junkie.

The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail (total length: 40 kms)

The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail is a must for any runner wanting to zone out from all distractions and lock in that essential long Sunday morning run. At 38 kilometres end to end, this is the ideal destination to bank a lot of uninterrupted k’s on a flat, firm gravel trail.

The trail follows the old Warburton Railway route that once linked Melbourne with vital timber supplies further up the valley, and will have you meandering through scenic farmland, wineries and river flats. Toilet facilities are located on the trail at Warburton, Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Mt Evelyn and Lilydale.

For a completely flat out and back run, leave the car at Millgrove and head west. Or for a run with a kick in the tail, make your finish line at Warburton, which will have you returning on a smooth bitumen section that gradually rises over the last 3.5 kms from Millgrove. But your efforts will be rewarded. There are numerous options for restoring your reserves of caffeine and carbs – some conveniently located right on the trail.

There are many convenient entry points to the Trail including Warburton, Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Launching Place, Woori Yallock, Killara, Seville, Wandin, Mt Evelyn and Lilydale.

O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail (total length: 32 kms)

If it’s a secluded run you seek, head for the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. Once an off-limits vehicular maintenance track for the O’Shannassy Aqueduct, this is possibly the flattest, most pleasant off-road run you’ll find. Don’t be fooled by the landscaped car parks, tourist maps and sign posts this remains one of Warburton’s best-kept secrets, and one can’t help thinking that the efforts to promote the trail are low-key for a reason.

The open concrete aqueduct which once supplied Melbourne with water is over a century old, and has been disused for some years.. Today, the project’s legacy is a lovely, compacted gravel trail that accompanies the aqueduct on a flat, meandering course, following the contour and hugging the curves and ferny gullies of Mt Donna Buang.

Suggested access points: The trail’s closest access point from Warburton is at the end of Yuonga Road, just a couple of minutes northeast of the town centre, off Donna Buang Road. Leave the car here and head west, where you will be rewarded with an unbroken 7 km stretch through the shade of towering mountain ashes, to the Dee Road car park.

Loop back to Warburton: This section of the trail is ideal if your training schedule demands either a fast, flat PB, or a leisurely recovery trot with commanding views down the valley. A 16 km loop can be created by taking Dee Road down to the Warburton Highway, where you can pick up the Rail Trail back to Warburton, then link up with your starting point at Yuonga Road.

From Dee Road: There is ample parking at the Dee Rd carpark, with great running to be had back towards the Yuonga Rd end. Take your pick

On a warm sunny day, a number of creeks that tumble under the trail are a welcome relief for overworked feet, but if it’s potable drinking water you’re after, don’t forget to pack your hydration gear. The trail is isolated enough for GPS coverage to be sketchy at best, so if you’re addicted to technology, this is the place to begin your withdrawal.

Or further west: The trail continues west for a further 5 km or so from Dee Road to Don Road (not to be confused with the nearby Doon Road), before the aqueduct goes underground for about a kilometre. The trail continues though, and is eventually rejoined by the aqueduct, but both are given over to farmland beyond Parrot Road to the west.

Around town – the River Trail

Park at the bottom end of Martyrs Rd. Start the run by heading back towards the Golf course on Damman’s Rd, then cross the Mayer Bridge to your left and head down to the river bank. Cross the river again at the Swing Bridge by the tennis courts. Turn right down the steps and follow the trail to the Redwood Bridge. Run over the bridge and continue on beside the river towards the caravan park. Follow the trail to where it meets the Warburton Highway then turn and head back the same way.

Cement Creek Road/ O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail – Park at the far northern end of Cement Creek Rd. Turn left on the O’Shannassy trail towards Warburton or right towards Reefton. Out and back as far as you like.

For a magical experience head down Cement Creek Road for about 1.3km and left into the gates of the Redwood Forest. Take the path down and run the loop around the Redwood Forest and alongside the Yarra River and Cement Creek.

TOUGHER RUNS.

For the Trail Runner who is looking for something more demanding and technical, we have the following:

O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail East

For the more adventurous trail runner, taking the aqueduct trail east from Yuonga Road will have you encountering a rougher surface and sections where the aqueduct disappears into mountainsides. Thankfully, the authorities have connected these sections, providing for a more challenging, secluded run, which can take you as far as the O’Shannassy Weir – 20 km further up the valley. This trail is more technical and hilly with some boggy creek crossings, and will really appeal if you want a mix of distance and hills, with some reminders of your high school cross-country days.

Mt Donna Buang Trail (15km return)

The Mt Donna Buang Trail can be tackled from the picnic area at the bottom of Martyr Road. First, you have a 27% climb up Martyr Rd before getting to the trail itself. If this doesn’t get your heart racing, the trail will. From the top of Martyr Rd, it drops into the bush, then immediately dips, weaves and climbs its way for 4 km straight up to Donna Buang Road.

The only flat section is where it crosses the Aqueduct Trail a few hundred metres from the start. It is possible to reach the summit via the road, but this would be too easy, and you don’t want cyclists smiling at your muddy legs.

The trail continues into the bush towards Mt Victoria, where you will see the local communications tower. From here the trail veers to the left and is a straight forward, picturesque 3.7 km run along the saddle through open bush between the two peaks. The views from the top are fantastic, and if your quads comply, the summit tower climb is worth the effort.

This trail is not for softies. Expect a narrow, slippery trail through lush forest, plus barbed-wire fences, curious cows, leeches, fallen trees, and a climbing altitude of 1,000 metres. Depending on your leg strength, the return might be more of a test than the climb. Either way, take some replenishments and a full drink bottle, and you’ll remember this run for a long time.

Mt. Little Joe Trail

Park at the Scotchman’s Creek car park and head up the backstairs track. At the top turn right and run along until just before you head down a steep fire trail. Turn left and go down a steep hill. You will come up approx a 900 meter climb (might have to walk) Get to the top and veer right along a trail which then takes you into the Wesburn oval. Cross over the Warburton Hwy, down Settlement Rd and then turn right onto the Lilydale Warburton Rail Trail taking in Millgrove and then back to Warburton.

Thanks to Jeff Wallens and Lesley Grimes