If you love the great outdoors, it’s likely that you’ve taken a leisurely stroll or ridden your bike along the Main Yarra Trail. Winding along the Yarra River, from the north-eastern suburbs to the city, this trail takes you past notable locations like Dights Falls, Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford Convent and Yarra Bend Park. This long scenic route is a lovely way to spend a day, but there are some steep steps at Gipps Street in Abbotsford. The Main Yarra Trail will get an upgrade at this particular spot, with a new elevated pathway to replace the steps. Construction is currently underway, and this section is expect to reopen in mid-2024.
Main Yarra Trail upgrade
This curling ramp will make the Main Yarra Trail more accessible for people of all abilities, cyclists, dog walkers and families with prams. The new elevated path will be 200-metres long, and follow a gentle gradient to link with Collins Bridge.
The steep steps will also be demolished as part of this project, and new steps will be rebuilt nearby.
While they’re at it, Parks Victoria will also revegetate the river embankment, plant new trees, clean up any historical contamination and weed out any invasive species.
“Users of the Main Yarra Trail have been keen to see improved accessibility and connectivity, so we’re excited to be closer to delivering a dramatically improved and far more accessible experience for all,” said Sarah Eggleton, District Manager Waterways of Parks Victoria. “The addition of an elevated walkway at Gipps Street will provide opportunities for more people to get active in nature and soak up the ambience of the Yarra River along the trail.”
If you’re travelling along this trail any time soon, there are detours in place in Abbotsford. All you need to do is follow the signs to continue your journey.
Stay up-to-date with the project here.