Section 7
Mt Evelyn to Lilydale
6.8km
Distance: 6.8km
Walking Time: 2 hours
Food: Mt Evelyn, Lilydale
The final section of the Dandenong Ranges Trail is probably the most urban, but this doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. The Hull Road Wetlands and Lillydale Lake Park are the main feature of this section, both offering very pleasant walking. If you are going to time in for lunch, grab something in Mt Evelyn before leaving and enjoy a nice picnic lunch in one of the parks.
Note: Lilydale town and Lillydale Lake have different spells - it is not a typo!
Transport
Getting There
Suburban Train. Electric trains depart regularly from Melbourne city to Lilydale. The journey takes you from the busy city centre out through the sprawling eastern suburbs, finishing in the foothills of the Dandenongs. See the PTV website for timetables and details.
Bus. There are two buses from Lilydale Station to Mt Evelyn, 663 & 679. If you need to travel from Belgrave direction bus 663 will get you there. See the PTV website for timetables and details.
Along The Trail
There are buses at the following points along the trail:
2km - bus 663 can be found at the point where you cross Swansea Rd. A bus from here will take you directly to Lilydale Train Station.
Day Walk
Lilydale is your best starting point if doing this as a day walk. Take the train to Lilydale or park your car there and take the bus to Mt Evelyn.
Accommodation
While there is more accommodation available in the area than on our list, these are the the places to stay closest to the trail so you don’t have to walk too far off-trail to get to your overnight stop.
$ = less than $100
$$ = $100-$200
$$$ = more than $200
For budget options take a look at AirBnB as they have a wide range of prices available. Their map view is useful to find a place to stay close to the trail.
Lilydale
Map
View this section on the AllTrails website to navigate your way along the route. You can also download the AllTrails App and add our routes to your library.
Route Notes
0km
Mt Evelyn
The section begins at the corner of York Rd and Wray Cr in Mt Evelyn. Head south west towards the IGA Supermarket. After 100m having passed the supermarket turn right onto the Aqueduct Trail.
1.6km
Johns Cres
Cross over Johns Cres to descent steeply on single track. After 200m cross over Commercial Rd to continue heading straight downhill.
2.0km
Swansea Rd
Emerge at the busy Swansea Rd. Carefully cross to the other side and turn right on the Olinda Creek Trail. After 500m the trail moves away from Swansea Rd and passes a small farm with a huge pig, as well as sheep and cows, and a sign with the names of all the animals.
2.9km
Hull Rd
Just before Hull Rd the track spilts at a Y intersection. Take the left track over the steel bridge. 100m after the bridge is Hull Rd. Turn right here and walk 150m before crossing to the other side of the road and turning right to follow the track on the other side. Stay right at each track intersection from here.
3.9km
Bellbird Dr
Emerge at Bellbird Dr and suburban housing. Turn right here to walk along Bellbird Dr.
4.5km
Lillydale Lake Park
Where Bellbird Dr veers left and steeply uphill, go right through a gate into “Lillydale Lake”. After 50m turn right onto a track that takes you through a wetland area and bird hides. After 200m turn left at the T intersection and then after another 200m right at the next T intersection.
You will now be walking along the edge of Lillydale Lake. Keep veering left to follow the lake around. In this area there are car parks, toilets, drinking water, playgrounds and usually plenty of people.
5.7km
Dam Wall
When you reach the dam wall continue walking straight as if to walk away from the lake. Then turn immediately left to the start of the lower dam wall track. Almost immediately again turn right to take a track that heads into the bush alongside the creek.
Continue on this track as it turns to the right eventually merging onto a sealed track 300m after leaving the dam wall.
6.2km
Hardy St
Reach Hardy St, a busy urban road. Cross over Hardy St, turn left, cross over the bridge, then turn immediately right to walk onto the Olinda Creek Trail.
6.5km
Maroondah Hwy
Emerge at Maroondah Hwy in the centre of Lilydale town. Cross over the highway at the pedestrian crossing. There are toilets here. Turn left to walk down the main street of Lilydale, past the Olinda Hotel and many shops.
6.8km
Lilydale Train Station
Celebrate reaching the end of the Dandenong Ranges Trail. At this point is the Lilydale Train Station which has trains back to the centre of Melbourne.