Frequently Asked Questions
Project management
The Yarra Valley Trail will be completed in stages. Timing of each stage is funding dependent. Please refer to Project Stages for the latest information.
The Trail will be built in stages by contractors appointed by Yarra Ranges Council.
Yarra Ranges Council will manage and maintain the Yarra Valley Trail network.
Design considerations
The trail alignment will require some road crossings. These will be designed with traffic engineering input to make sure road crossings are safe.
Yarra Ranges Council works closely with Yarra Valley Railway, including agreement regarding the sharing of facilities at the Yarra Glen Railway Station and keeping the option open for a tourist railway between Yarra Glen and Lilydale in the future.
The existing railway tracks between Lilydale and Yarra Glen are in poor condition and will be removed to accommodate the trail. Extensive bridge and rail construction works will be required to accommodate any future rail provision along the corridor.
The project planning has been undertaken with input from the Traditional Owners and a A Cultural Heritage Management Plan for Stage 1B has been endorsed.
The rail corridor includes several historic timber bridges, but they are not safe for use. These bridges will be retained and returned to a safe standard. Restoration works will preserve as much of the existing structure as possible, reinforcing each bridge were necessary.
Horse riding is permitted on Yarra Valley Trail between Lilydale and Yering. Horse float parking and a tie up area is located at Yering Station. Horse access will be considered for future stages.
Yarra Valley Trail features a well-formed, unsealed surface, stabilised with a 3% mix of cement where necessary.
This surface type has been selected based upon a range of factors, including commonality with the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, maintaining a rural / natural character, construction cost, and its ability to cater to a wide range of trail users.
Public toilets are located at Lilydale (Main Street) and Coldstream Station. Public toilets will be considered at future trail nodes.
Drinking fountains are located at Beresford Road in Lilydale, Coldstream Station, and at Yering Station.
Picnic tables are located at Beresford Road in Lilydale, Coldstream Station, and Yering Station.
Seating is located at various points along the trail.
Interpretive signage and kilometre marking signs are provided along the trail.
Plan your journey along the Yarra Valley Trail using the Yarra Ranges Council Interactive Trails Map.
Landholders and property owners
The Trail is bordered by several agricultural properties and includes infrastructure associated with agricultural land use, i.e. crossing points for machinery / farm animals and areas that are managed through grazing. Similar mixed land use occurs along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and is managed successfully.
Careful consideration is given to the needs of residents and businesses during the planning and construction of Yarra Valley Trail.
Community benefits
Yarra Valley Trail will provide a recreational link to gourmet, cultural and tourism destinations and will connect trail users to businesses across the Yarra Valley.
The trail will be a significant tourist destination and is forecast to attract approximately 370,000 visitors to Yarra Ranges each year, including 87,000 overnight visitors. The estimated $33.5 million increase in regional economic spend is a significant opportunity for businesses across Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Valley Trail will:
- Provide an active transport link that connects towns and communities across the Yarra Valley.
- Promote positive social, health and wellbeing outcomes among locals and visitors by offering an accessible form of active recreation and encouraging nature connection.
- Encourage a sustainable increase in visitation to the Yarra Valley. Increase regional spending will support local businesses, create local jobs, and revitalise communities across the Yarra Valley.
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
P.O. Box 105, Anderson Street
Lilydale, VIC 3140
T : 1300 368 333