The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Sugarloaf Reservoir Park

Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a 40-kilometre multi-use path following a former railway line through Victoria’s Yarra Valley, linking Lilydale with Warburton. It’s an easy mix of sealed and gravel surfaces, passing through bushland, farmland, and several small townships with plenty of access points. Along the way, there are multiple restored bridge crossings and the remains of historic stations, making it both accessible and rich in railway heritage. It's a lovely route for spending time outdoors, perfect for enjoying a walk or bike ride in nature without leaving the city.

This bright red steel bridge over the Maroondah Highway is a well-known sight along the rail trail, providing a safe way to cross the busy road. It’s key to connecting Lilydale Station with the main trail away from traffic, and it marks the shift from the urban surroundings to the beautiful natural bushland as you head toward Mount Evelyn.

Lilydale Recreation Reserve is a community sports and open space area at the start of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, providing a key access point for walkers and cyclists. The reserve includes sports fields, open grassy areas, walking paths, a pavilion, and toilets. Located alongside other recreational areas such as Lilydale Pool and Melba Park, it’s both a local sporting hub and a convenient trailhead for exploring the Yarra Valley.

Mount Evelyn Station is a former railway stop along the line, now repurposed as a community space along the rail trail. The restored station area includes toilets, picnic areas, and several cafés nearby, making it a popular rest point for walkers and cyclists. Set within the township, it reflects the trail’s heritage while providing convenient amenities and access to local services.

Jumping Creek Reserve is a family friendly park with amenities like restrooms, a car park, a canoe lunch and covered and uncovered picnic area with BBQs. This reserve can get busy on a hot summer day, being right on the bank of the Yarra River, so come early when its warm!

Black Flat Picnic Area, in Warrandyte State Park, is a green space along the south shores of the Yarra River. There are dirt tracks around Black Flats, passing under towering eucalyptus trees and following the river's edge for a scenic walk immersed in nature.

The Yarra River flows 242 kilometres from near Mount Matlock to the Yarra Valley to Melbourne. Here the river cuts though North Warrandyte, creating lovely green spaces along the banks to swim, walk, picnic and enjoy.

The Chris Phillips Walking Track follows the edge of Sugarloaf Reservoir, linking open shoreline sections with stretches through bushland. The path is well formed, with wide gravel surfaces and mostly level terrain, making it an easy, steady walk. Wildlife is a standout here. It’s worth keeping an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles overhead, along with kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas in the surrounding bush. You’ll get regular views across the reservoir as you move between more open and sheltered sections.