By Kath Gannaway
Years ago, many of the passengers on the Lilydale-bound train, stayed on.
They might have broken their journey for ‘light refreshments’ at the charming refreshment rooms* before they chuffed along to Mt Evelyn and the other stations along the way to Warburton.
These days, Lilydale is the end of the line for train travellers, but not for walkers and cyclists who can still make their way along the 40 kilometre long former railway line with Lilydale station as a starting point.
The trail begins at the rear of the railway station car park from where you enter the recreation reserve and cross the Olinda Creek bridge to start your journey.
Head out past the old turntable and continue on to the ‘new’ Maroondah Highway Overpass.
The overpass replaced the original railway bridge over Maroondah Highway and for anyone who loves a bit of industrial engineering, it’s an early highlight of the trip.
As you head into Mt Evelyn you’ll come across another unusual bit of engineering quirkiness, the corrugated iron tunnel under Hereford road, reminiscent of the old nissan hut design.
Following the Trail it’s worth taking time as you travel through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests to imagine the rhythmic clackity-clack of the train wheels on the rails and the passengers peering through the windows as the changing landscapes flashed by.
It’s all about leisure these days, and the pace on foot, on wheels or on the hoof, is much more conducive to appreciating the landmarks and taking in the Valley’s fresh air.
The trail crosses a number of restored bridges and meanders past remnants of the former station platforms, including the original 1882 railway station at Yarra Junction which now houses the Upper Yarra Museum.
The Rail Trail’s gentle gradients make it ideal for all levels of fitness including families.
Visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au for information on the various stages of the Trail which range from 2.4 to 6.8 kilometres, and for details of facilities such as car parking, toilets, water stations, bike racks, shelters, horse yards and picnic areas and nearby townships.
*The Victorian Railways Institute opens the now historic Refreshment Rooms on Fridays for ‘refreshments’. If you’re starting or finishing your Rail Trail experience between 3pm and 9pm, pop in and enjoy a bit of rail history.
