The best road cycling routes in Plenty Gorge Park

Well worth the short detour off the Darebin Creek Trail to view the Picturesque views of the lake along the path

The Plenty River flows 47 kilometres from Mount Disappointment south to the Yarra River. It is a beautiful river that is often paired with green spaces as it flows through urban areas that attract bushwalkers and mountain bikers and birdwatchers. At this location on the Plenty River Trail a pedestrian only bridge spans the river.

Bundoora Park is a large parkland in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, nestled along the upper reaches of Darebin Creek. There is plenty of open grassland, remnant bushland and wetlands, with a strong focus on conservation and recreation, including walking and cycling paths. The park is also home to a heritage farm and wildlife area, making it one of the more diverse green spaces in the region.

Darebin Creek is a picturesque waterway in Melbourne’s northern suburbs that flows south from near South Morang toward the Yarra River at Alphington. It runs through a mix of urban parklands, wetlands, and remnant bushland, forming an important green corridor in an otherwise built-up area. Sections of the creek have been heavily modified over time, but many parts now support restored vegetation and local wildlife within surrounding reserves and trails.

Darebin Parklands is a beautiful bushland reserve in Alphington set within a natural bend of Darebin Creek. Surrounded by red gum woodland, the walking tracks and open grassy areas create a peaceful natural pocket close to the inner city. The parklands are also important for birdlife and ecological restoration, with ongoing efforts to protect and re-establish native vegetation along the creek corridor.

Darebin Creek Trail is a popular shared walking and cycling path in Melbourne’s northern suburbs that follows Darebin Creek for about 25 kilometres from near the Yarra River up toward Epping and South Morang. It passes through a mix of bushland reserves, wetlands, parks, and suburban areas, including places like Darebin Parklands, Preston, Reservoir, and Bundoora Park. The trail is mostly flat and is a lovely mix of natural sections near the creek and urban settings closer to residential and industrial locations.

Janet Millman Reserve is an urban bushland reserve in Perth’s eastern suburbs. It’s a relaxed spot with picnic areas and barbecues, and you’ll often see locals out walking their dogs. Dogs are allowed on leash, but don’t worry, your barbecue will be safe - they must be kept at least ten metres away from picnic and barbecue areas.

Plenty Gorge Park spans roughly 11 kilometres along the Plenty River and covers diverse landscapes, including steep gorges, woodlands, wetlands, and open grasslands. The river has carved a dramatic gorge through softer sedimentary rock, creating varied habitats that support hundreds of native plant and animal species, making the park one of the most ecologically diverse in the Melbourne area. Today, the park is a hub for recreation, with walking trails, picnic areas, and restored former quarry sites, such as Blue Lake, for plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife.