Werribee River Trail

Follow the Werribee River as it winds from the lush Dandenong Ranges to the coast on this varied multi-use trail. A favourite for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, the Werribee River Trail offers a peaceful escape into nature just 30 minutes southwest of Melbourne. The trail passes through river red gum forests, basalt plains and the historic Werribee Park, with birdlife and wildflowers in abundance.

Highlights & What to See

• Werribee Park & Mansion – Explore the grand 1870s Italianate mansion, formal gardens and the adjacent Victoria State Rose Garden (over 5000 roses).
• Werribee Open Range Zoo – A safari-style zoo where you can see rhinos, giraffes and zebras roaming the plains (book ahead).
• River Red Gum Woodlands – Ancient trees line the river, home to koalas, kangaroos and a dazzling array of parrots and cockatoos.
• Werribee River Weir & Footbridge – A scenic spot for a picnic; watch for platypus at dawn or dusk.
• Point Cook Coastal Park & Cheetham Wetlands – Where the trail meets the bay; a haven for migratory birds and stunning sunset views over Port Phillip.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors ride or walk a 10–15 km section in half a day. The full trail from Werribee South to the You Yangs is about 30 km – allow a full day for a leisurely ride with stops. For a shorter outing, start at Werribee Park and head downstream to the coast (2–3 hours one way). Combine with a morning at the zoo or mansion for a full day trip from Melbourne.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• You Yangs Regional Park – Granite peaks with Aboriginal rock art and panoramic views; great for hiking and mountain biking.
• Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula – Waterfront dining, historic woolstores and the Bellarine Rail Trail.
• Great Ocean Road – Start your journey at Torquay, just 30 minutes southwest, for world-class surf beaches and the iconic coastal drive.
• Werribee South – Strawberry farms, pick-your-own fruit and the Werribee South Foreshore for swimming and fishing.

Please check official sources for current details.