Bikes, Bowls & Big Trees by the Birrarung Weekender
Details
UPPER YARRA VALLEY SUMMER RIVERSIDE WEEKEND GETAWAY
FRI FEB 20 to SUN FEB 22
“Doon Reserve is one of the locals’ best kept secrets. The organic flow of the river is shady, gentle and mostly shallow making it a fantastic natural lazy river.”
FRIDAY
Metro train to, or park car at, Lilydale Station.
Catch the 10:41 am LILYDALE train from FLINDERS STREET, arriving Lilydale at 11:33. We will have pre-ride fuel at the nearby Yarra Valley Smokery (96 Main Street), before pedalling off around NOON
A leisurely WARBY TRAIL ride from Lilydale to Yarra Junction (30kms):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53909466
ALTERNATIVELY, if you can’t make the early Friday afternoon start, you could always ride up from Lilydale later on Friday afternoon or evening, or catch a 683 Warburton bus WITH your bike (see pic - the LAST bus from Lilydale on Fridays departs at 9:45pm). You are also welcome to come up on the Saturday.
I have booked two large, adjoining RIVERFRONT campsites, close to amenities, for two nights at Doon Reserve Caravan Park on the Yarra. Maximum 6 people per site:
https://www.doonreserve.com.au
Cost will be about $60 per person for the two nights (TBC - payment details to come).
I have booked a bowling rink from 5:30PM for FRIDAY EVENING BAREFOOT BOWLS at the nearby Yarra Junction Bowling Club, complete with bar, food truck, bbq, and live music!
SATURDAY
48 km loop ride to the stunning REDWOOD FOREST via the rail trail, Millgrove Market, Warburton riverside trails and quiet back roads. Return via O’SHANNASSY AQUEDUCT TRAIL and quiet back roads and trails:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53909582
Alternatively, you are welcome to pursue other activities in the area:
https://www.doonreserve.com.au/attractions
DINNER at a local pub or eatery, or cook up your own in the camp kitchen.
SUNDAY
Casual return to Lilydale on the rail trail (30 kms)
People might be interested in visiting either:
https://www.raynersorchard.com.au or
https://montdelancey.org.au/event/draught-horse-festival/
on the way back to Lilydale to fill out the day.
You will need to bring tent, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, swim gear etc. all carried on your suitable bicycle. Caravan park has toilets, showers, and basic camp kitchen, and some basic snack and grocery supplies, etc. BYO breakfasts, camp cooking gear if you want. A couple of floatation devices will be provided for river activities at camp. Plenty of food, beverage, grocery and cafe shop options in the area over the weekend.
Photos and Ride with GPS route maps form part of the ride description.