Join Explorer Claire on her bikepacking trip along Victoria’s Yarra Valley Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail. With just as many cafes as views this easy weekender is stuffed full of moments to savour.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail or the ‘Warby Trail’ is a beginner-friendly 91km overnight bikepacking trip that follows the former Warburton railway line in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

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Quick Overview

The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail has to be Melbourne’s most accessible overnight bikepacking trip. The trail begins close to Lilydale Station, just an hour’s train ride from the city. You’ll pass through townships regularly along the route, so you never feel too far from civilisation (or a snack stop!), even while riding through forested trails.

Spend the night in Warburton, a quaint town on the Yarra River, before heading back to Lilydale via the scenic O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail for an extra dose of adventure.

 

Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail Quick Facts

Distance: 91km
Duration: 6.5 hours, over two days
Elevation gain: 723m
Nearest town: Lilydale/Warburton

About the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

The ‘Official Warby Trail Pocket Guide’ advertises the Lilydale-Warbuton Rail Trail as ‘one of the great train journeys of the world… minus the train!’ – but I reckon it should be rebranded to ‘one of the great beginner bikepacking journeys of Melbourne’.

The relatively flat trail winds through the Yarra Valley – between the Dandenong Ranges and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range – along what used to be the Warburton Railway. It passes through bushland, wineries, and farmland, and you’re never far from a cafe, bakery, or pub to refuel.

 

13 Best Walking Trails in Warburton, Victoria, Photo credit: Warburton Adventure Co., Warburton hiking/biking trail,

Image via Warburton Adventure Co.

 

The trail is mostly hard-packed gravel with minimal climbing (which we love).

I tackled the route as an overnighter from Melbourne, starting at Lilydale Station and finishing in Warburton. The next morning, we looped back via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail.

Staying overnight in a motel in Warburton meant we didn’t have to bring much gear on the bikes, which just adds to this route’s ease.

Read more: What Should You Carry In Your Bike Repair Kit?

Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail History

Built in 1901 (by pick and shovel!), the Warburton Railway once transported fresh produce and timber from the Dandenong Ranges to Melbourne. 

After closing in the 1970s due to declining passenger numbers, locals successfully lobbied for the disused railway to be turned into a recreational trail. 

In 1998, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, or the ‘Warby Trail’, officially opened.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

13 Best Walking Trails in Warburton, Victoria, Photo credit: Warburton Adventure Co., Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, sign, bike trail, hiking trail

Photo via Warburton Adventure Co.

How to Get to the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

By train

The beauty of the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail is its ease of access by public transport from Melbourne.

Hop on the train from Melbourne and take the Lilydale line to Lilydale Station, which takes around an hour. The trail begins on Main Street, Lilydale, through Lilydale Recreation Reserve, just 400m from the station.

By car

You can drive and park at one of the many access points along the trail including Lilydale Station, Woori Yallock, Yarra Junction, or Warburton. This is handy if you’d like to tackle a shorter section of the trail.

Read more: 10 Best Melbourne Walks Accessible By Public Transport

 

10 Best Melbourne Walks Accessible By Public Transport, Photo by Brianna Laugher on Flickr, Two cyclists on Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, bikes

You’ll see more than a few bikes at this train station | Photo by @pfctdayelise via Flickr | License

Where to Stay Along the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

We stayed at the charming Warburton Motel. The basic room was clean and comfortable is located right near town. Plus, they had a secure shed to store bikes overnight (with e-bike chargers, too!).

There are heaps of accommodation options in Warbuton to suit all travel styles and budgets – and plenty that are bike-friendly, too!

Read more: Best Walking Trails in Warburton

 

Photo sourced from Warburton Motel

Nearby Accommodation

Where to Eat on the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

One of the best things about the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail is that it’s very well supported by cafes, pubs, and bakeries at conveniently spaced points.

Notable places to fuel up include:

 

The Carriage Cafe at Seville

Skill Level

Beginner

The Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail is suitable for riders of all fitness levels and is great for beginners and families. It has a mostly gentle gradient and no overly technical sections to navigate. There are a few road crossings, so be sure to take care at these.

If you’re new to bikepacking, covering up to 47km one way, or 91km round trip, might be a challenge. But the regular townships and rest stops make it easy to pace yourself and break the ride into manageable sections.

Emergency markers are installed at regular intervals along the trail. If you get into any serious difficulty, you can call 000 and quote the alphanumeric code on the marker closest to you.

Read more: Here’s Proof That Registering Your Adventure Could Save Your Life

Essential Gear for the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

Read more: Osprey Makes Bikepacking Bags Now and We Took Them for a Spin

 

5 Reasons to Bring a Bandana Bikepacking, Mattie Gould - Bikepacking, Bike, Gear, Bandana

If you want to challenge yourself, you can carry your gear |  @mattiejgould

What it’s Like to Bike the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

Day 1 – Lilydale to Warburton

Distance: 44km
Duration: Approx 3 hours riding time
Navigation: Day 1 GPX route

After hopping off the train with our bikes at Lilydale Station and fueling up with a quick coffee at Yarra Valley Soul Cafe, my partner Kurt and I rode the 400m to the beginning of the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail at Lilydale Recreation Reserve.

 

The adventure begins

 

From here, the trail climbs 130m to Mount Evelyn through semi-urban bushland. It was a good feeling knowing that most of the day’s elevation gain was already done, and only 7km in!

It was mostly downhill for the next 16km to Woori Yallock. The forested gravel trail was nice, easy riding, and we even spotted a wombat!

At Seville, you can stop at the Carriage Cafe, which is inside a restored 100-year-old railway carriage. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day (Monday) we were there.

From Woori Yallock, the trail opens up to views over Mount Riddell and Donna Buang.

Read more: Cycling at Mt Donna Buang in Yarra Valley

Halfway to Yarra Junction, we took a slight detour to Gladysdale Bakehouse for a lunch break. The pies and sweet treats were 10/10, I could’ve taken one of everything on the menu! Feeling refuelled and on a sugar high, we jumped back on the bikes.

The trail continued to offer magnificent views of Yarra Ranges National Park as it followed the river closely towards Warburton. The last 3km were my favourite of the day. This stretch of the trail is sealed and is really beautiful, winding through native forest alongside the Yarra River up to Warburton.

We rode through redwood trees along the Yarra River Walk to reach our accommodation on the other side of town at Warburton Motel. We were able to lock up our bikes in their handy storage shed and spent the rest of the day in bed, pretty spent after a big day riding!

 

As much as you enjoy the ride, nothing beats the relief of arriving at your endpoint

Day 2 – Warburton to Lilydale via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail

Distance: 47km
Duration: Approx 3.5 hours riding time
Navigation: Day 2 GPX route

The next morning we started the day with the best coffee in Warburton at Silva Coffee Roasters (you know it’s good when they offer three bean options!). Feeling caffeinated, we were ready to hit the trail again.

Read more: Best Camping Coffee Makers in Australia

While you can easily hop back on the rail trail and return the same way you came, we opted to go via the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail to change things up for day two.

After a very steep climb up to Sussex Street from Warburton, we reached the aqueduct trailhead. The O’Shannassy Aqueduct was built in 1914 to deliver water to Melbourne’s metro area. Now disused, its steady downhill grade makes for cruisey riding.

Surrounded by tall trees and ferns, we had great views down to Warburton Valley – this was my favourite section of the ride!

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Coffee first

Views second

After turning onto Don Road, we rejoined the rail trail just down from Launching Place.

Given yesterday was mostly spent riding gradually downhill, it meant today’s ride was mostly gradual uphill, which I really started to feel toward the end of the ride! But, after plenty of snack stops, we were back at Lilydale Station and rolling on the train home to Melbourne before we knew it.

Tips for Bikepacking the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

  • During the fire season, visit the CFA website to check current fire danger rating and bushfire warnings
  • The trail can get busy on weekends and during school holidays
  • There are toilets and water at regular intervals along the trail
  • It’s not ridiculous to take a PLB with you (it’s actually a great idea!) but make sure you know how to use it

 

FAQs Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail

Is the trail accessible by car?

Yes, there are several access points along the trail, including Lilydale Station and Warburton, where you can park if you prefer to drive and ride shorter sections.

What kind of gear do I need for the bikepacking trip?

Essential gear includes a bike, helmet, bike repair kit, small overnight bag, and snacks. Don’t forget your phone and portable charger for emergencies.

How do I get to the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail?

You can catch a train from Melbourne to Lilydale Station in about an hour. The trail starts just 400m from the station, making it easy to access.

What is the skill level required for the Warburton Rail Trail?

This is a beginner-friendly trail, with minimal climbing and no technical sections. It’s great for first-timers or anyone looking for a relaxed bikepacking experience.

Once you’ve finished this trail, try these: Bikepacking Victoria – 12 Best Overnight Bikepacking Routes in Victoria

More Adventures Near Victoria’s Yarra Valley

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