Darebin-Yarra Trail Link
The missing link of Melbourne's North
December 2012
The Darebin Creek Trail involves the construction of a 1.8 kilometre shared trail that will link
Mebourne’s six most popular bike trails by a bridge over the Yarra River, seamlessly
connecting the Darebin Creek Trail to Melbourne’s eastern cycling network.
The new bike path will make it easier and safer for people who already cycle in Melbourne’s north while
providing a real incentive for new cyclists to give it a try.
Completion of the Darebin Creek Trail is one of the key missing links in the Principle Bicycle Network and will
connect to the Main Yarra Trail and Outer Circle Trail. The project will be delivered by VicRoads.
The $18 million investment by the Victorian Government will open up hundreds of kilometres of bike paths
throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area for people in Melbourne’s north, providing a more viable option
for people to commute to work in the CBD, and for children to travel across the river to school by bike.
Finally, it will be easier to get on your bike for a weekend ride into the city, or along the bay.
Improving the connectivity of Melbourne’s cycling network – to make it easier and safer for people to get around
on a bike - is one of the key aims of the new cycling strategy for Victoria, Cycling into the Future 2013‑ 2023, and
this project demonstrates the government’s commitment to a more bike-friendly state.
The Darebin Trail extends 14 kilometres from the Metropolitan Ring Road Trail in Bundoora to Sparks Reserve
in Ivanhoe. Banyule City Council is currently completing the section under Heidelberg Road to Sparks Reserve
in Ivanhoe.
The link will include:
A new major bridge over the Yarra providing access into Willsmere Park

3 bridges across Darebin Creek and providing access into Napier Waller Reserve

Sealed pathways along the entire trail
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Golf club ramp/boardwalk at the Yarra River Bridge
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Design and construction
Concept designs have been completed as well as cost estimates for the trail including land acquisition, sealed
paths, landscaping, fencing, and required bridges. These detailed designs were made with input from
stakeholders.
Design elements along the trail embrace the character of the Yarra River and respond to the natural river
environment. Some key features of the concept design include:

Yarra Bridge spanning 50 metres and featuring a ‘stick inspired’ skin, textured concrete and timber
surface, tranquil outward curved lookout space over the Yarra River, integrated stair access to
Willsmere Park.

Ramp to Yarra Bridge from Willsmere Park provides all-ability access while being designed to
complement the surrounding red gum trees.

The Napier Waller Bridges (south and north bridge spanning 25 metres each) design will respect
the natural qualities of Darebin Creek and nearby historic Napier Waller House.
The project will begin in 2013, including finalisation of detailed designs and completion of land acquisition. Given
the scale of the project, it is expected it will take around three years to complete.
Cycling into the future
The Victorian Government recognises the important role that cycling plays in our state – as part of the
transport system, as an enjoyable recreation activity, a healthy form of exercise and a tourism drawcard.
In the financial year 2012/13, the government is investing more than $30 million in a range of cycling projects,
including improved cycling paths, new trails, bike cages and hoops as well as education and awareness
campaigns and support for cycling events.
There has been a significant increase in cycling over the past 10 years and we expect this trend to continue.
To support this growth and encourage even more people onto their bikes, we need to address a range of
issues and take a more coordinated and strategic approach.
Cycling into the Future 2013-23, sets out the Victorian Government’s 10-year plan to grow and support cycling.
For the first time in Victoria, the strategy takes a holistic approach to cycling by considering the needs of
transport and recreational cyclists, as well as metropolitan and regional requirements.
The strategy aims to make it easier for people to get out on their bikes and safer for people who already ride. It
aims to help improve the wellbeing of Victorians, create better places to live, support a stronger economy and
generate jobs and contribute to a healthier environment.