Melbourne’s north is one step closer to enjoying more ways to experience the Plenty Gorge Regional Park, with a contractor appointed to begin building the new Plenty River Trail.
The Plenty River Trail project will create a shared-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists travelling from Doreen to University Hill, helping to connect communities located in the north and south of the park.
Five new lookouts will be built to offer spectacular views of Wurundjeri Country, and two new bridges will provide additional river crossings for visitors to explore the beautiful bushland.
The existing Maroondah aqueduct pipe bridge will also be refurbished.
The northern section will travel from Bridge Inn Road down to the Hawkstowe visitor precinct.
This section will include the construction of the Carome Homestead lookout and the Lone Pine lookout.
The Hawkstowe section will journey through the Hawkstowe picnic area. The picnic area will also receive a new accessible toilet, new play spaces and improved pathways and access.
There are still some construction considerations to work through, but the project is expected to commence onsite later this year.
The Plenty River Trail project, worth $19.3 million, is part of state government’s Suburban Parks Program.
The final trail designs have been informed by consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Traditional Owners, the local community, councils and other stakeholders.
Sofia De Lesantis from Parks Victoria said northern residents have plenty to look forward to.
“The new Plenty River Trail will offer locals more connections to neighbouring communities and nearby public transport options, like Hawkstowe Station and Mernda Station,” she said.
“We know people love to visit Plenty Gorge Park for its stunning bushland and wildlife. With new trails, lookouts and bridge crossings, we’re thrilled to be providing more ways for visitors to connect with nature.”
Gerald Lynch
