Trail Users Survey Results

What’s the best thing about our trails? The people who use them! 

Every year thousands of locals and visitors walk, run, cycle, horse ride, scoot and enjoy our fabulous trail network. 

Recently, Intercept Trail User Surveys were conducted along the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail and Yarra Valley Trail, to find out more about who, how, when and why people are on the trails. 

Intercept surveys speak directly to trail users, these, combined with trail counters placed at intervals along the trails, help us get a more complete picture of trail use.  

This information supports a range of activities from trail maintenance schedules, grant applications, and project upgrades. 

What did trail users enjoy? 

Overall, trail users found the trails to be an accessible and safe way to get outdoors, enjoy beautiful scenery, and move between townships. 97.5% percent of those surveyed enjoyed their experience on the trails. 

76% of visitors from outside Yarra Ranges said the trail was their primary reason for visiting the region. Over half of those surveyed were planning to stop off at a cafe or local business as part of their journey. 

When asked to select the reasons they used the trail, health and fitness (81%), relaxation and mental wellbeing (74%), and enjoyment of scenery and nature (65%) scored the highest. 

Trail Users Said: 

“The whole experience is fantastic and you can stop off at various points” 

“Always clean, always feels safe, convenient, pram friendly, accessible, it’s just a nice place to walk.” 

“It’s good, great to see more trees being planted.” 

“I enjoy the scenery, accessible to walk along, parking at each station so that you can join it at any stage.” 

” Being able to go a long distance on a well maintained track.” 

What can we improve? 

We heard that many trail users would like to see more information about trail etiquette, more lighting and more bins and water taps – this kind of feedback goes towards better outcomes for trail users.  

Road crossings were the most significant safety concern, and there’s strong support for further trail extensions – with connections to Yarra Glen and Healesville most requested. Both of these are key issues in Yarra Ranges Council’s advocacy campaign leading up to the State election.