Yarra Bend Park

A woman and man wearing lifejackets sit in a small rowboat as four white ducks paddle around them in a river, with trees stretching out from the banks on either side.

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    Yarra Bend Park

    Yarra Bend Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wurundjeri Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

    Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. Hire a canoe at historic Studley Park Boathouse, paddle upstream, and spot flying foxes.

    Explore the wild river escarpments, open woodlands, formal parklands and sports fields that make up Yarra Bend Park.

    Set out on the Dights Falls Walk and discover the site of a former asylum, the river red gum dominated landscape of Galatea Point, Deep Rock which was home to the Deep Rock Swimming Club and of course, the iconic Dights Falls.

    Arguably the parks best known feature, the artificial weir was built in the 1840s to provide water to the Ceres Flour Mill, one of the first in Victoria. The falls were later to become known as Dights Falls after the owners of the mill.

    As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Yarra Bend Park is a safe and enjoyable one.

    Things to do in the area

     
    Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water.

    Dights Falls

    The park's best known geological feature is Dights Falls. Dights Falls is an artificial weir built on a natural rock bar across the Yarra. The weir was built in the 1840s to provide water to the 'Ceres' flour mill, one of the first in Victoria. The Dights Fall Loop Walk highlights the rich history and versatile landscape of Yarra Bend Park.
    Up close and personal with a Grey Headed Flying Fox in Yarra Bend Park.

    Grey Headed Flying Fox

    Entry to the Grey-headed Flying‐fox walking trail and access to the viewing platform is via Bellbird Picnic Area.Visitors to the trail will learn about the flying-foxes through interpretive signage and experience the animals in their natural environment.Grey‐headed Flying‐foxes can be seen roosting in the park during the day and at sunset they create a unique spectacle when they "fly‐out" in large numbers.
    A Grey Headed Flying Fox hangs upside down from a tree in Yarra Bend Park.

    Yarra Bend Flying Fox Discovery Tour

    Learn all about the fascinating Grey-headed flying foxes that inhabit the beautiful inner-city park at Yarra Bend from our passionate Park Guide volunteers. See the flying foxes up close in their natural habitat and experience a truly unique wildlife encounter.
    Four friends relax by the edge of the Yarra River as their curly brown dog gets ready to jump in the water

    Dog walking in Yarra Bend Park

    Visitors can bring up to 4 dogs into Yarra Bend Park, and journey on-lead around much of the park. Popular off lead areas include Westfield and Deep Rock. Please note: dogs are not allowed on the golf courses, playgrounds, the Fairlea Netball Courts, Galatea Point or on sporting ovals during events.
    Two couples in two boats rowing down the Yarra River with two white ducks in the water

    Canoeing and kayaking

    Canoeing and kayaking creates opportunities for exploring, photographing wildlife or a healthy work out. We recommend the ramps at the Lower Loop Picnic Area and Bellbird Picnic Area to launch your non-motorised vessel. Boat hire is also available at Studley Park Boathouse. Please be conscious of the native wildlife while traveling on the river.
    The 12th hole at the Yarra Bend Golf Course.

    Yarra Bend Golf Course

    Whether you are making your way around the scenic open access golf course, working on your game at the driving range or entertaining your kids with a round of mini golf, you will be struck by the beauty of this venue. Yarra Bend Golf is a public access location, where all are made to feel welcome .
    A ground take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

    Guided Park Walks

    Meet new people and connect with nature on a free guided Park Walk in one of Victoria’s beautiful parks. Walks are led by our trained and friendly volunteers, so you can relax, enjoy the serenity of the bush and chat with other group members. Go on a walk as a once-off to explore somewhere new or become a regular and add it to your wellbeing or fitness routine.
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    Day trips

    Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
    A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

    Family activities

    Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.

    Tours and adventure experiences in parks

    One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

    There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

    Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

    Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

    Find a Licensed Tour Operator

    How to get there

    Yarra Bend Park

    Yarra Bend Park

    When you're there

    Download the Yarra Bend Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the experiences to be had within its borders.

    Related Sites

    Need to know

    Yarra Bend Park

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Lower Loop Picnic Area (Yarra Bend Park)

      Lower Loop Picnic Area - Toilets and barbecues out of order

      The Lower Loop Picnic Area barbecues are out of order and the adjacent toilet block at Corben Oval is closed. This is due to an electrical supply problem that is expected to be early by mid 2025.

      The nearest toilets and barbecues are opposite at the Studley Park Picnic Area, accessed by foot across Kanes Bridge. There are other facilities at Westfield Picnic Area to the north on Yarra Bend Rd.

      Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience.

    • Yarra Bend Park

      Dickinson Reserve Playground

      The playground at Dickinson Reserve has been removed due to safety concerns.

      The nearest playground with climbing structures, slides and swings is at Andrews Reserve, accessed from the Yarra Boulevard. Andrews Reserve is approximately 1 km from Dickinson Reserve.

      Parks Victoria apologises for any inconvenience caused.

    How we keep it special

    Yarra Bend Park Strategy Plan

    The Yarra Bend Park Strategy Plan 1999 directs the management and development of the park until the plan is reviewed.

    Parks Victoria is proud to be a key partner in the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo. Delivering the plan is a Victorian Government commitment to protect our treasured Yarra River, Birrarung, and its parklands for future generations.

    Corben Oval electrical and pavilion upgrades

    Due to a significant fault in the electrical power supply line, the power has been disconnected at Corben Oval in Yarra Bend Park since 2019. A project is now underway to install a new power connection to service the pavilion, toilet block and Loop Picnic Area BBQs and facilities, and renovate the interior of the pavilion so it can be reopened to the public and local sporting groups. Find out more about the Corben Oval electrical and pavilion upgrades.

    Use of motorised vehicles

    Many tracks and trails at Yarra Bend Park are popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. There may be times where the authorised personnel use these tracks to undertake works related to park maintenance and management. We ask that visitors follow the direction of onsite signage, and not personal motorised vehicles, including motorbikes, trailbikes and motorised bicycles, on Management Vehicle Only tracks and shared use trails.

    Fishing

    Yarra Bend Park is home to a range of native wildlife, including the Grey Headed Flying Fox. For the safety of native wildlife, fishing is not allowed in Merri Creek from the Merri Creek Valley and Escarpment picnic area, or in the Yarra River between the Eastern Freeway to Molesworth Street, which includes Bellbird Picnic Area.

    Yarra Bend Park

    Yarra Bend Road
    Fairfield VIC 3078
    13 1963
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