Jells Park shared-use trail

Project status

Image shows project timeline. Community was consulted in early 2022. Draft designs were developed and shared with the community in early 2023. Designs were finalised in mid to late 2023. Contractors were appointed in late 2024. Works will commence in late 2024. The project is forecast for completion in mid-2025.

Works have finished and the two new shared-use bushland trails at Jells Park are now open to the public to enjoy.

Last updated: July 2025

The project

This project was delivered on Wurundjeri Country.

Jells Park is a much-loved park in Melbourne’s south-east, offering plenty of opportunities to soak up the benefits of being in nature. From its fantastic contemporary playspaces, great access for visitors with diverse needs, big open spaces for exercise and several picnic areas for recreation.

Initially, the project included a new shared-use Bushland Trail, made up of some new track and through the resurfacing of existing trails at the park.

Following community consultation, an additional shorter loop Lake Trail was also included. This trail appeals to a wide variety of visitors and is focused around the café and playscapes with views across the lake.

The project also included lighting, signage, drinking fountains and seating installed along the trails.

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments informed exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.

Jells Park is a much-loved park located in Melbourne’s south-east on Wurundjeri Country. Its fantastic green spaces, picnic areas, playscapes and all abilities features make it one of Melbourne’s most popular parks, hosting close to a million visitors each year. The Victorian Government has invested more than $13 million to deliver a range of projects across Jells Park, ensuring visitors continue to enjoy this special location.

Project benefits

Visitors

The new trails provide visitors with more opportunities to exercise in the park. The shared-use trails enable visitors to walk, run or cycle along the tracks, taking in views of Jells Lake and the open green spaces of the park. The Lake Trail focuses on safety, ensuring the space can be enjoyed by all park users.

Environment

The development of new pathways is expected to improve drainage into Dandenong Creek.

Community

The community was consulted in 2022 and their feedback has helped to shape the final designs - ensuring the trail meets the expectations and needs of park users.

Project funding

The Victorian Government invested $5.9 million to deliver this project.

Environment and cultural heritage management

We worked with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to develop and implement a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to ensure the cultural values of the site are protected.

Environmental impacts were minimised wherever possible for this project.

Who we worked with?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Monash City Council
Melbourne Water

Related information

April 2025: Community update

News December 2024: Works begin on Jells Park trails

News December 2023: Final designs for Jells Park's new trails released

News January 2023: Draft designs released for Jells Park trails

News July 2022: Community helping shape new trails at Jells Park

June 2022: Community feedback summary report

News March 2022: Have your say on a new trail at Jells Park

News October 2021: Two new Jells Park play spaces swing into action

Jells Park