Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

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lilydale warburton rail trail cycle touring

Where: Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne

Length: 79km

Difficulty: easy

Terrain: flat/slightly undulating

Surface: well-made crushed gravel. Can be done on a road bike. 

What: attractive pastoral areas, fresh produce, wineries, Yarra River, forested hills

THE RIDE

A short out-and-back ride starting and finishing in Lilydale in Melbourne's east. OK, there's no shortage of info about, or awareness of the Warby Rail Trail, but I feel I have to include it because it's just such a good beginner's ride-easily accessible via the metro train network, completely off-road, no great hills or distances, well-serviced by bike shops and cafes, and just so damned nice! There are usually plenty of people on the trail, the scenery is gorgeous, and the valley is known as a gourmet destination, so check out the related tourist info if you're into that. 

ATTRACTIONS

WHEN

Any time

GETTING THERE

Jump on the Lilydale train line which will take you to the start at Lilydale. 

MAPS

OTHER LINKS

OTHER RIDES LIKE THIS ONE

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Where: Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, east of Melbourne 

Length: 184km

Difficulty: moderate/hard

Terrain: a mix of hilly and flat

Surface: about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike 

What: attractive pastoral areas, fresh produce, wineries, Yarra River, tall mountain ash forest, rainforest, challenging climbs, fast descents, historical mining settlement, Victoria's tallest tree!

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Length: 170km 

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Flat with a couple of short hills

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Length: 333km

Difficulty: hard

Terrain: a mix of hilly and flat 

Surface: mostly gravel/dirt. Rough sections. Includes some creek crossings. Gravel-type bike recommended. Wide tyres will help. 

What: temperate rainforest, eucalypt forests, rivers, good free camping, lots of climbing, a couple of breweries, rural areas, Lake Eildon 

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Length: 169km

Difficulty: hard

Terrain: very hilly until the Warby Rail Trail

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Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail
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Where: Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne

Length: 79km

Difficulty: easy

Terrain: flat/slightly undulating

Surface: well-made crushed gravel. Can be done on a road bike. 

What: attractive pastoral areas, fresh produce, wineries, Yarra River, forested hills

Nor-easter
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Difficulty: moderate/hard

Terrain: flat and hilly

Surface: sealed & well-made gravel. Can be done comfortably on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. 

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Difficulty: moderate/hard

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Disclaimer: should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. Although all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of writing, Adventure Cycling Victoria cannot guarantee that the information herein is 100% correct. The information published is meant as a guide only, and should be combined with your own due diligence and planning. Adventure Cycling Victoria and its contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following this route.