Merri Creek to Darebin Parkland via Darebin Yarra Link Trail (Kew Billabong) return scenic off-trail along the Yarra river

Starting Merri Creek trail from the Esplanade,Clifton Hill, cross the bridge on Heidelberg Road turn right onto T H Westfield Reserve, follow Trail up towards Yarra Bend then it connects to the Main Yarra Trail continue and follow signs to FairField Pipe Bridge, crossing over Yarra River. Follow Trail to Wurundjeri Spur Lookout which is located on Yarra Boulevard, turn left, and follow until you reach Chandler Hwy which has recently built a new pedestrian path that connects to the Main Yarra Trail.

A huge new collaborative art piece, painted by local and Wurundjeri artists, has been unveiled along the Chandler Highway bridge underpass as the finishing touches continue on this important upgrade.

The continuous 60-metre-long artwork is now complete which reflects the cultural heritage of the Yarra River and its ongoing importance to the Aboriginal community.

Primary artists Ash Firebrace and Tom Civil were selected to create the public piece having previously worked together on projects at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court and a 150-metre-long mural beside the Maribyrnong River.

Created in consultation with Aboriginal elders, the design celebrates the local flora and fauna and tells the Wurundjeri story as told by Barak of how the Yarra River was formed.

Now complete, the artwork which took four weeks to create, has been treated with an anti-graffiti coating to ensure it is protected against vandalism and can be enjoyed by the public for years to come.

Continue walking on Main Yarra Trail until you come across Willsmere Walkway which has a gate that you need to open and close behind you. This magical part of the walk takes you to Willsmere Billabong also known as the Kew Billabong.

Willsmere-Chandler Park provides a critical native flora and fauna corridor for the Middle Yarra River. It's one of the City of Boroondara's most significant natural heritage assets.

The park is located along the northern-most edge of the City of Boroondara.

The two billabongs are an integral part of the Yarra River's floodplain and help to maintain the ecological health of the river system. They are the last remaining billabongs within the lower reaches of the Yarra River.

The park comprises around 23ha bounded by the Yarra River to the north, the Eastern Freeway to the south, Yarra Bend Park and Chandler Highway to the west, and residential properties and Green Acres Golf Club to the east.

Continue walking trail until it connects to the Darebin Creek Trail, follow as you pass through Sparks Reserve onto a Boardwalk, then to Darebin ParkLands. I took the first right off trail and loop anticlockwise and crossed the creeks and returned the the same way back to starting point. Toilets are located near bbq area.

On the way back next to the chandler hwy underpass I turned right off into an off trail that follows the Yarra river, very scenic root that connect back to the main Yarra trail before the Pipe Bridge.

BEST part of the Circuit! Enjoy!!