The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Yarra Bend Park

Galatea Point sits on a bend of the Yarra River surrounded by open woodland, riverside bush, and wide views across one of the quieter corners of Yarra Bend Park. The area is known for its large River Red Gums and calm stretches of river popular with kayakers, rowers, and waterbirds moving through the park. Walking tracks loop around the point and connect into the wider Yarra trail network towards Dights Falls and Studley Park.

Collins Bridge crosses the Yarra River in one of the quieter sections of Yarra Bend Park, linking riverside walking and cycling tracks beneath a canopy of River Red Gums. From the bridge, you get open views along the river corridor and down towards the surrounding bushland, with rowers, kayakers, and waterbirds regularly moving through this stretch of the Yarra. It’s also a good spot to pause before continuing towards Dights Falls or Galatea Point.

Heritage Gardens sits beside the Yarra River with open lawns, mature trees, picnic areas, and walking paths linking into the wider Yarra Bend trail network. The gardens were developed on former institutional grounds and now form one of the calmer sections of the park, with easy river access and regular views across the surrounding bushland and escarpments.

Dights Falls is a picturesque rocky cascade on the Yarra River, situated at the junction with Merri Creek. The falls were created by a low bluestone weir constructed in the 19th century, resulting in a series of rapids that have become a distinctive feature of the river. Surrounded by lush parkland and shared walking and cycling trails, this area is a favourite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as for those who enjoy watching kayakers skilfully navigate the rushing waters.

Connecting Richmond and Hawthorn, Walmer Bridge (Walmer Street Bridge) is a key crossing along the Yarra River used by walkers and cyclists. The metal truss structure carries a shared path over the river, linking sections of the Main Yarra Trail on both sides. From the bridge, you get clear views up and down the river corridor, with a steady flow of foot and bike traffic throughout the day.

This small punt-style ferry crosses the Yarra River to Herring Island, operating on weekends and public holidays, typically between late morning and mid-afternoon. The crossing itself takes only a few minutes, making it one of the shortest ferry rides in Melbourne. Once across, the island features walking tracks, open bushland, and a collection of outdoor sculptures spread throughout.

Stretching for over 30 kilometres, the Main Yarra Trail follows the Yarra River from the city through Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, linking with tracks like the Capital City Trail and Gardiners Creek Trail. This section at O'Connell Reserve runs alongside the river through open parkland, with a wide shared path used by walkers and cyclists. The reserve itself provides direct river access, including mooring at Richmond Landing. Dogs may be off-leash before 9am and after 5pm, so awareness is needed along the track during these times.

Yarra Bend Park is home to one of Australia’s largest colonies of grey-headed flying foxes, with numbers often reaching into the tens of thousands. During the day, they roost along the Yarra River, hanging in dense groups before taking flight at dusk. The colony is nationally significant but under pressure from habitat loss and heat stress. Conservation efforts are ongoing here, so it’s worth observing from a distance to avoid disturbance.