Merri Creek/Yarra River & Dights Falls Hike

Enjoy a relaxing summer's day exploring the Merri Creek/Yarra River including the mighty Dights Falls and Yarra Bend Park reserve on a fun and challenging hike! Situated within inner Melbourne's largest area of bushland, the area including Studley Park, provides the perfect setting for enjoying some of the Yarra's natural and cultural heritage.

GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium-Hard (with a few rough unformed tracks), some short steep hills and narrow rocky unsealed sections of track in some parts.  Other sections of track are sealed and well maintained. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. Length of approximately 10.5 km. 

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Explore the Merri Creek and Yarra River trails on a 10.5km walk through the natural bushlands of the area, grassy woodlands and open forest that provides significant habitat for the park's native wildlife including Rainbow Lorikeets, Cockatoos and the Eastern Pobblebonk frog.

A short way downstream, the Merri Creek meets the mighty Yarra River which marks an important traditional gathering place for the Wurundjeri people.  Here we will spend time at Dights Falls which was originally a natural rock barrier in the Yarra River that was first converted into a weir in the 1840s. The purpose of the weir was to divert water to drive a flour mill on the northern bank of the river which we will get to explore.

We will spend time exploring the park's bushland trails, take a walk across a 1930's suspension bridge and visit Melbourne's oldest public boathouse. We will enjoy an hour for lunch picnicking among the gum trees at Studley Park Reserve before exploring Dights Falls from the opposite bank of the Yarra.  The walk will conclude at Collingwood train station. The tracks are uneven in parts so good footwear is encouraged.

BOOKING: By Friday 18th February. To register, click on Get Tickets.
Unsure if you've already booked? Click View my bookings.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Yarra Bend Park (parks.vic.gov.au)

NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 220219: Merri Creek/Yarra River & Dights Falls Hike.

MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:45am at Merri Train Station, Northcote (South Park Street Side)

MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 193 grid H9 | Google map https://goo.gl/maps/jxg3p2WGL7ioMAss9

DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 6 km, approximately 15 minutes to drive, 20 minutes by public transport.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: This is a public transport friendly event. Take the Mernda train from Flinders St and alight at Merri Station. The walk will terminate at Collingwood train station (same line) where you can continue your journey home.  For those driving you may park your car at Merri or Collingwood and collect your car at the conclusion of the hike.

FOOD: Carry lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. We will spend approximately an hour at the Studley Park Reserve. Food and drinks can be purchased at the Boathouse as well.

APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots/shoes preferred.  There are quite a few rough sections of track with loose rocks and some short steep hills.  Sturdy foot attire is recommended.  Dress according to the weather forecast, bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses as the UV level will be quite high.

BRING MYKI CARD: Bring a Myki Card even if travelling by car, as we will need to return to the starting point to collect your car, or if leaving the car at the end of the hike, you will need to take the train to the start of the walk. Don't forget to bring a face mask with you as this is a requirement for taking public transport. You may also make use of carpooling or the use of Uber if you are concerned with using the train to return to the starting point.

LEADER: Jason T. | Email LeaderJasonT.thenomadsinc@mail.tidyhq.com if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.

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