The Yarra Flats offers a lovely, green run in Melbourne’s northeastern suburbs. This popular route offers a lot of variety: open fields & parkland, wooded terrain, and wetlands. There are two sections of this route, which can be run separately or combined 20+ km!  Our thanks to Jonah G. for suggesting this route!

For the Yarra Flats section, start at Eaglemont tennis court and heading up the Main Yarra trail. It’s a flat, gravel trail along the Yarra River. The majority is relatively open running next to paddocks/football fields on one side and a river bank on the other. At 3.2 km, cross Manningham Rd., into the Warringal Parklands.

There are a couple of options here. Run for up to 6 km east through the Banyule Flats to Martins Ln., passing the 100 year old Banyule Cattleyards & Banyule wetlands. There are wonderful city views at the top of the hill. For a longer option, follow Jonah’s route, which includes a ~10 km loop around the Lower Plenty Area. Some parts of this loop are on a slightly more rugged trail, with some elevation.

Warringale Parklands is also home to Parkrun, a free group 5k held every Saturday morning @8am. Course map & info