Warburton Rail Trail: Lilydale to Seville

The Lilydale-to-Seville leg is the first and longest stretch of the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail, running 28.6 kilometres from Lilydale Station out through Mt Evelyn and into the vineyard country around Seville. The surface is hard-packed crushed gravel with a gentle gradient throughout, which makes it manageable for most dogs, but the full distance takes 7-8 hours, so plan on walking a section rather than the whole thing in one go.

The walk: from Lilydale the trail climbs steadily toward Mt Evelyn before settling into a long, easy descent toward Seville. It moves through suburban streets, then bushland and forest, then open vineyard country, so the scenery changes noticeably depending on which stretch you pick. This is the opening section of the longer Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, and it's a good taster if you're not ready for the whole route.

The rules: Yarra Ranges Council manages the trail and requires dogs to be on a lead and under control at all times. It's shared with runners, cyclists and horse riders, so a reliable lead manner matters more than off-lead recall here. Pick up after your dog, the council enforces this strictly.

Water: there are water fountains and bowls at points along the trail, especially near the old station sites, plus plenty of benches and shaded, grassy spots that work well for a dog picnic. Public toilets are available in Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Seville.

Hazards: the trail can turn muddy after heavy rain, particularly through the forested middle sections, so check conditions if you've had wet weather recently.

Getting there: start at Lilydale Station near Beresford Road, reachable on the Belgrave/Lilydale train line. Parking is available near the station or near the old Seville Station site off the Warburton Highway. The Martyrs Bus Service runs between Lilydale and Warburton, so you can walk one way and bus back rather than doubling up on the return leg.

Nearby with the dogs: let your dog stretch off-lead before or after at the Lillydale Lake North West Dog Off-Leash Area, refuel with a coffee at the Carriage Cafe in Seville, and if you're making a weekend of it, Westering Cottage in Wandin North makes a handy base.

When to go. Go on a cool morning in autumn or spring, when the gravel is firm and the vineyard sections are at their best. Good for steady, sociable dogs who are happy on lead around other trail users.

Sources

• Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail - Visit Yarra Valley · www.visityarravalley.com.au
• Warburton Rail Trail/Yarra Valley Trail - Rail Trails Australia · www.railtrails.org.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.