The historic Dee Slip Bridge on the foothills of Mount Donna Buang has reopened to the public, after extensive repair works. Located on the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail in Yarra Ranges National Park, this timber trestle bridge was first built in 1947. The bridge was closed in 2021, after a pine tree collapsed on top of it, and since then, walkers and cyclists along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail have had to take a detour. Now that the bridge is finally open, visitors can experience the full 30 kilometre trail in all its glory.
Dee Slip Bridge
This trestle bridge was first built after an aqueduct collapsed, and the force of the water flow eroded the embankment. As the years went on, the timber began to degrade and rot, and the bridge was closed to vehicles after an engineering assessment in 2017. After the pine tree incident in 2021, visitors have had to use a temporary bypass on the low side of the bridge.
Extensive repair works began in November last year, restoring its charm and preserving its heritage for Victoria. They tried to keep as much of the existing timber as possible, with modern steel supports integrated into the bridge for long-term durability. They replaced the existing timber deck and handrail, and added new abutments at either side of the bridge to support the end spans.
The Dee Slip Bridge reopened to the public last month. The new and strengthened deck also means that it can support firefighting vehicles that weigh up to six tonnes. To read more about the project, click here.
O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail
This 30 kilometre trail weaves its way along the southern slopes of the Yarra Ranges. Connecting Don Valley to East Warburton, this track for pedestrians and cyclists follows the old aqueduct through native bushland. As you go, you’ll journey under towering mountain ash trees, past fern gullies, and along bubbling creeks taking in spectacular views of the Upper Yarra Valley.
The trail can be divided into smaller sections, and is suitable for all levels of fitness due to its gentle grade. You can even use a part of the trail to reach the Redwood Forest in East Warburton, although it would be a 16km round trip.
This track also runs parallel to the 40-kilometre-long Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, which follows and old railway line. If you can’t resist a bike ride, there’s also the massive Warburton Bike Park nearby.
To learn more about the trail, click here.