Outer Circle Trail
Description
The Outer Circle Trail, also known as the Anniversary Trail or Anniversary Outer Circle Trail or even the Outer Circle Anniversary Trail, is a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians, which follows the Alamein Line through the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[1]
The trail follows the right-of-way of the old steam era Outer Circle Line. It runs from the Yarra River Trail near the Eastern Freeway at Fairfield, down to Gardiners Creek Trail in the south. The Outer Circle train line opened in 1891. Parts of the trail were opened 100 years later in 1991, hence the Anniversary.
It is heavily used by local residents and recreational cyclists, due to its proximity to other paths, many suburbs, and connecting transport. The path has recently been upgraded (Dec 2006) and is now fully sealed and divided. Signs are still lacking. The path, in some stages, follows the direct line of the old railway, in others it weaves through parks, and follows the side of the Alamein Line, continuing beyond Alamein Station underneath the still standing pylons for the overhead wiring to the Gardiners Creek Trail in Malvern East.
Following the Path
Leaving the Yarra River Trail head south on the Chandler Highway and the Anniversary Outer Circle Trail can be found 0.6km later, just across the bridge that crosses the Eastern Freeway. A safer alternative is to continue along the Yarra River Trail from the Chandler Highway to Willsmere Park - 1.5km. You can cross under the Eastern Freeway at Willsmere Park and traverse to the Anniversary Outer Circle Trail via Hyde Park.
Despite numerous upgrades to the path, it can still be hard to follow in some sections:
Coming from the north the trail arrives at the junction of Harp Rd, High St and Valerie St. Located in the junction is a tram stop and some vegetated median strips. Just circumvent all this as best as possible, while maintaining a direct line and the path will be refound on either side of High St.
340m past the Canterbury Rd underpass, there is scouthall on the right (south east). Continue straight down the hill, rather than taking the path to the right at this point, which leads to East Camberwell Station.
The path soon comes to an end at Myrtle Rd. Take a right turn and continue along the footpath beside Myrtle Rd and cross under the railbridge. The path restarts nearby on the south side of Warbuton Road.
At Prospect Hill Rd, 500m south of the train line underpass, the path appears to terminate again. Cross Prospect Hill Rd and turn right, continuing along 30 meters and take a left into Spencer Rd. Ride along Spencer Rd until Riversdale Park is seen on the left (east). Ride across the park to the pedestrian crossing on the far side of the park at Riversdale Road.
Cross Riversdale Road and proceed left (east) towards Fordham Avenue, then turn right down it (south). Follow the designated path, and turn right just before the scout hall. From here, the path is clear cut until its finish, which is a shambles.
Between Burwood and Ashburton stations you pass by a small park with a playground (Summerhill Park). The Ferndale Park Trail starts here and acts as an alternative route to the Gardiners Creek Trail.
At the very southern end of the trail you can access the Gardiners Creek Trail. Previously access was provided via the small footbridge at the south end of Solway St. Due to flood damage the bridge has been closed since at least April 2006. Consequently a detour needs to be made to reach the Gardiners Creek Trail and Scotchmans Creek Trail.
Once on the Gardiners Creek Trail, the Scotchmans Creek Trail can be reached by riding along the path that goes through the Malvern Valley Golf Course. Then up and over the footbridge that crosses the Monash Freeway and on past East Malvern Station. Chadstone Shopping Centre and Homesglen Institute of TAFE are nearby.
Facilities
The path is fully sealed, either bitumen or concrete, and busy road crossings are serviced by pedestrian traffic lights. At various locations along the path, there are barbecues (at the park adjacent to Whitehorse Road crossing and Frog Hollow Reserve). Many parks are dotted along the path, such as ovals, playgrounds, tennis courts and cricket pitches.
Connections
Yarra River Trail in the North. Gardiners Creek Trail and Scotchmans Creek Trail in the south. The Ferndale Park Trail acts as a short cut to Gardiners Creek Trail.
North end at 37°47′18″S 145°01′31″E / 37.788267°S 145.025162°E. South end at 37°52′31″S 145°04′25″E / 37.875385°S 145.073662°E.
References
- Bike Paths Victoria sixth edition, 2004. Edited and published by Sabey & Associates Pty Ltd. pp104. ISBN 0957959117
- Bike rides around Melbourne 2nd edition, 2006, Julia Blunden, Open Spaces Publishing, ISBN 0-9752333-2-7
External links
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