By Taylah Eastwell
Community members are now able to walk, run and ride from Lilydale to Yering, with Stage 1A of the Yarra Valley Trail announced as open to the public.
Stage 1A begins as a fork at the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail on Beresford Road in Lilydale and runs for seven-and-a- half kilometres, ending at Yering Station.
Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said the trail will give visitors and community members alike a view of the Valley that few people will have had in four decades – following the former railway line between Lilydale and Yarra Glen.
“We expect this project to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the valley every year – visitors who will stop for coffee and food, stay in the region and enjoy the stunning views we’re privileged to experience every day of the year,” Cr McAllister said.
Construction of the next part of the trail is set to begin mid this year. Once complete, visitors will be able to use the track to make their way between Lilydale and Yarra Glen. The second stage of the trail will connect Yarra Glen to Healesville, and the third stage is set to connect Healesville to the Warburton trail, creating a loop.
Yarra Ranges Council is preparing maps for visitors to show the first areas trail alignment, nearby roads and connections and has been working alongside Yarra Valley Railway to ensure the trail complements the proposed opening of the tourist rail from Healesville to Yarra Glen.
