Darebin Parklands to Willsmere Park

Starting from Smith Street, Alphington, this walk takes you to Willsmere Park via the Darebin Creek Trail, going through Sparks Reserve along the way. A slice of nature in the busy city of Melbourne, this track can be perfect for a workout for both you and your dog. You'll notice the refreshing feel of the creek whether you're whizzing by or taking your time. There is drinkable water on both ends, along with toilets. The track can get quite busy, so avoid peak times for a more secluded experience. Keep an eye out for snakes, especially between October and April. There is an informational signpost on what to do if your dog gets bitten. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Smith Street & Separation Street (-37.7731151,145.0322929)
Mode	Bus Car Train
Directions	From Eastern Freeway, M3, Kew. Turn on to Chandler Highway Offramp then drive for 460 m Keep left onto Chandler Highway Offramp and drive for another 45 m Turn left onto Chandler Highway, 21 and drive for another 2 km Turn right onto Separation Street and drive for another 530 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Smith Street & Separation Street Start (a highway\|cycleway). Find the car park at the start. Find the toilet at the start. Find the sign at the start. Find the water tap at the start. This water tap is wheelchair accessible. Find the shelter at the start. Find the BBQ at the start. Veer right, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 8 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 95 m pass a seat (6 m on your left)., has a backrest. After another 80 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to a viewpoint nearby. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 90 m pass the "Rockbeare Park" (20 m on your left). After another 205 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long) After another 120 m cross the bridge (about 70 m long) After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 55 m long) After another 250 m cross the bridge (about 45 m long) After another 60 m cross the bridge (about 55 m long) After another 145 m (at the intersection of Darebin Creek Trail & Alphington Link) continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 60 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. Then pass the car park (6 m on your right). After another 235 m cross the bridge (about 195 m long)
	After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 195 m (at the intersection of Darebin Creek Trail & Willsmere Walkway) continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Darebin Creek Trail. After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 160 m come to a sign.
	Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.6 km to get back to the start.

This optional side trip takes you to a viewpoint nearby.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m continue straight.
	After another 50 m turn sharp left. After another 55 m come to a viewpoint. The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 125 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Darebin Parklands to Willsmere Park

Grading

	Class 1/6 Smooth & flat
Length	5.3 km
Time	1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 50 m from the start.

Toilet: There is one 45 m from the start.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	45 m	[toilet]
Shelter	50 m	[shelter]
Seat	130 m	[seat]
Seat	210 m	[seat]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track
Get more information

Videos

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Watsonia Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  12°C → 19°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 9mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the late afternoon and evening. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 19.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:50am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  10°C → 19°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers near the Otways, medium chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 18.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  8°C → 19°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the southwest, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 19.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  6°C → 20°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  The chance of morning fog. Sunny afternoon. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching around 18.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  7°C → 22°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  9°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  12°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Parks Victoria Alerts
  When planning and before starting your trip please check Parks Victoria closure website for anything that may impact on your plans.

Weather Forecast

Alerts