We’re extending the Main Yarra Trail to provide a connection from Warrandyte to the CBD. The trail will benefit pedestrians and cyclists by joining the Main Yarra Trail, Mullum Mullum Trail and the Eastlink Trail.
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Where is it?
We’re building the trail in four stages: Beasley’s Nursery to Alexander Road, Alexander Road to Pound Road, Pound Road to Taroona Avenue, and Taroona Avenue. Find out more about the trail sections in our flyer.
Why it's needed
The Main Yarra Trail extension will link the Main Yarra Trail, Mullum Mullum Trail and the Eastlink Trail - connecting Warrandyte to Melbourne CBD.
The trail will provide a safe and convenient route for pedestrians and cyclists to commute to school, shops and work, promoting physical activity and active lifestyles within our community. This crucial link will also be a drawcard for recreational cyclists and tourists.
The trail is listed in several of Manningham’s strategic plans, including the Manningham Bicycle Strategy and the Active for Life Recreation Strategy.
When it's happening
The plan for this trail has evolved over 20 years and is being built in four sections.
1. Beasley’s Nursery to Alexander Road
Completed in August 2023.
2. Alexander Road to Pound Road
Completed in 2020.
3. Pound Road to Taroona Avenue
The third stage of the trail will provide a connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Pound Road and Taroona Avenue.
At our last community session in November 2024, residents asked us to explore the options for the shared path along Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road. We’ve now developed two designs – one on the northern side and one on the southern side – and compared them to find the best fit.
Option 1: Southern side
This option keeps the path mostly within the existing road area, which minimises any impact on the surrounding environment. By widening the road towards the hill side and working around the land conditions, we can avoid disturbing vegetation at the top of the embankment and keep tree removal to a minimum.
Option 2: Northern side
This side has steep slopes, so building the path would require retaining walls, lots of fill, and extensive road safety barriers. It would also mean removing a significant amount of vegetation.
After reviewing both options, we’ve chosen Option 1 as the preferred design. It is the most environmentally friendly, technically feasible, and cost-effective solution.
Read the Options Assessment.
4. Taroona Avenue (entire road)
We’re upgrading the footpath along the entire road, providing a continual connection for the Main Yarra Trail.
Following community feedback in late 2023, we have reduced the path size from a proposed shared path to a footpath. We will also trial a section of stone kerb to help the path better blend with the environment.
The design for this stage is complete, and construction is underway with expected completion in mid-late 2025.
For more information
If you have any questions about this project, ask us online or contact us at 9840 9333 or manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.
Options Assessment - Main Yarra Trail Stage 3 - Pound Road to Taroona Avenue (1.3 MB) (pdf)