Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park

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

    Dog walking

    Round up your dog, grab the lead and visit dog-friendly parks near Melbourne and across Victoria.
    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 in the area

    Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.


    If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.


    Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.

    View all local tours

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    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.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Stay safe this summer around lakes and rivers

      Inland waterways may have hazards such as strong fast-flowing currents, colder than expected water temperature and submerged branches and debris. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or using a watercraft. Flash flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall. Water levels may rise quickly and without warning.

      Stay safe this summer around waterfalls

      It is not safe to swim under or near waterfalls. The pool at the base of a waterfall can be deep and very cold with the risk of hypothermia, and the force of the falling water can cause difficulties for even strong swimmers. Rocks around waterfalls are often wet and slippery so it is easy to slip and fall in the water or down a cliff, leading to serious injuries. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Stay behind safety barriers around waterfalls –they are there to keep you safe.

    How we keep it special

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

    Yarra Bend Park

    Yarra Bend Road
    Fairfield VIC 3078
    13 1963
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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