Warrandyte State Park - Pound Bend Reserve image

Warrandyte State Park - Pound Bend Reserve

Tourist attraction Park

👍👍 It was a lovely place for the kids. We went a bit early so got a lovely spot on the rocks up and so were able to set up the picnic mat. Water is cold but was perfect by around 12 on a 27 degree day. Dogs are not allowed and make sure to carry a bag for the rubbish as no bins. Plenty of picnic space... People often mention river, spot, walk, Great, picnic, water, area, nice, walking, Warrandyte,


Address

Pound Bend Rd, Warrandyte VIC 3113, Australia

Contact

+61 131963

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (286 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 7 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 7 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), 7 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: river (32) spot (27) walk (23) Great (19) picnic (18) water (17) area (16) nice (13) walking (13) Warrandyte (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rochelle M. 1 year ago on Google • 7 reviews
    It was a lovely place for the kids. We went a bit early so got a lovely spot on the rocks up and so were able to set up the picnic mat. Water is cold but was perfect by around 12 on a 27 degree day. Dogs are not allowed and make sure to carry a bag for the rubbish as no bins. Plenty of picnic space if you just want to relax. There is a nice walking path along the river as well.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul Di G. 1 month ago on Google • 536 reviews New
    Great spot for a swim in the Yarra River. Grass areas for a picnic. Slightly isolated, so don't walk too far from here (can't walk to Warrandyte unless you go back to top of the hill on Pound Rd)

  • 3/5 chand p. 11 months ago on Google • 473 reviews
    Enjoy picnicking at Pound Bend Reserve, situated on the river flats. Follow the interpretive trail to learn about the history, culture and life of the Wurundjeri people. View the Yarra River as it flows through the Evelyn tunnel, a relic from Warrandyte’s gold history. Pound Bend River Walk – 2.4km – 1hr return is a gentle and easy walk which will take you upstream along the Yarra River. Listen to the calls of the many birds as you walk through riparian forest dominated by towering manna gums.

  • 5/5 Melbourne G. 2 years ago on Google • 23 reviews
    This is not just a place for picnics and river walks in summer. Rugged up in colder months, Pound Bend Reserve is a welcome respite from city living. It is also quieter, so finding a spot in the car park is easy and you are likely to enjoy the tracks and viaduct alone. Most of the tracks are reasonably level as they run along the river, though there are stairs across the top of the viaduct would be challenging if your mobility is impaired. There are a limited number of benched tables, but bring a plastic-backed picnic rug and you'll find plenty of spots to sit. Oh, and expect birds. You're in their home now, and they don't seem to mind reminding you!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The PM T. 4 months ago on Google • 188 reviews
    Beautiful reserve on the river. Great spots to picnic. Lovely walks. Excellent facilities.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hayden A. 1 year ago on Google • 271 reviews
    It is situated about 35 minutes from my place, and I am happy I made the trip. Good place to enjoy afternoon with the family. We explored the nearby areas and it worth it too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Debi S. 4 years ago on Google
    The Pound Bend Reserve is on the south side of the river. The tunnel that extends from the north to the south side of the river is also interesting and has amazing history - well worth reading. I've included some photos of the history of the area of the Wurundjeri people who are the First People of this nation. The information has come directly from the interpretation boards that are sprinkled on the south side of the river at Pound Bend Reserve which is inside the Warrandyte State Park. There is plenty to see here. Follow the signs as you enter and please note speed limits, no dogs, opening times and other relevant information. Parking is in the designated bays. There are toilets. Picnic tables and large wooden seats are in and around the area. Shade can be found. In spring, the wildflowers are lovely. Generally it is wheelchair friendly with good tracks and paths. Definitely kid friendly, bring your swimmers on a warm day as there are some lovely pools on the south side of the river for kids to play in. Note that there can be strong currents and underwater snags so adult supervision is a must. Another important note is that if you want to walk through the tunnel it is treacherous. There are large slabs of rock that aren't eas to navigate along. Water levels can rise quickly. And it's a long tunnel. When you start at one end, the light at the other end is a pinprick. Takes around a half hour. Lots of snags and log jams inside as well. People have died trying to go through the tunnel. Plenty of wildlife, but not very visible. Magpies and kookaburras are in abundance and happy to take your food - please don't feed them though. Cockatoos will fly overhead and many parrots can be heard. Haven't seen a koala here for a while or a platypus but that doesn't mean they aren't there. In all my years in Warrandyte, I've rarely seen a snake but yes, the are around so be cautious. If you want to start on the north side of the river and float, paddle around to the other side, it'll take anywhere between 2 - 4 hours depending on the craft you're using and your determination to get from A to B. Views up and down the river are exquisite. Note: This is not the place to visit on a Total Fire Ban day and you may in fact find that the park is closed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Iva I. 2 years ago on Google • 226 reviews
    We love exploring different rivers and love the scenery here however it is quite rocky to get down to and the entire river floor is covered with rocks. It was excruciatingly painful to walk. Lucky we got floaties to float. There's no coal BBQ allowed, no dogs allowed and hard to get parking

  • 5/5 Ingrid 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    Such a lovely dog friendly river way/walk way. Beautiful on sunny days, lots of people out enjoying on weekends. Pooch always loves a little splash in the water. Lovely in Feb also when the pottery markets are in and there’s live music. Always such a beautiful walk.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Umar N. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect family spot along yarra river walk, free parking, Electric BBQ and few Sitting benches makes it a wonderful place to spent beautiful Sunny day Perfect family spot along yarra river walk, free parking, Electric BBQ and few Sitting benches makes it a wonderful place to spent beautiful sunny day. And yes one more thing; the place could be very muddy in rainy days Places and spaces Taffy Jones Ruin Firewise garden display demonstrates how home gardens can be designed to reduce the potential impacts of bushfire There is a special swing that caters for children with limited leg movement by enabling them to swing using their arms. The swing seat is large enough for adults. Warrandyte Bakery is next door and other cafes are located on Yarra Street Picnic or barbecue along the river at Lions park, Stiggants Reserve or next to the Old Post Office Museum Paths and trails Relaxing Riverside Ramble - Warrandyte Riverside Walking Guide Built on Gold - Warrandyte Historic Town Walking Guide Off the beaten track with Building in the Warrandyte Style - Historic Warrandyte Architectural Walking Guide Getting there and car parking There are lots of car parks along Yarra Street and at the nearby attractions and facilities. You can park the car at any of the places below: The Bridge (East of Yarra Street Bridge) - canoe launch and toilets Lions Park - Federation Playground and toilets Webb Street - bus stop The Diary Tree - picnic area Gospel - toilets and bus stop Stiggant Street - Stiggants Reserve playground, barbecue and picnic area Catching the bus? The buses that visit the area are: 906 - City to Warrandyte SmartBus service Bus routes 364, 578, 579 Hence, Warrandyte River Reserve is a great place to explore with many activities and places of interest to enjoy. Fishing, swimming, paddling, local history, walking, picnics and barbecues are all popular at Warrandyte.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 pw 1 year ago on Google
    I honestly do not understand all of the 5 star reviews here, genuinely baffling. This swamp, this hole, this... bog, is disgusting. There are few redeeming features and I'd advise people to stay far, far away from here. Firstly, it's a horrible spot for picnicking. Few flat areas and little to no grass. If you enjoy sitting in a barren, grey area of dirt, you will feel right at home here. Secondly, the water. Mud brown, stale, polluted and complemented with a bed of excruciatingly sharp rocks. Not the usual smooth flowing river rocks which have been gently rounded throughout the aeons with running water. No no no, you get relentlessly jagged, rough, pointy spears of discomfort. Without some kind of footwear walking in the shallows is impossible. I cannot stress this point enough, you have been warned. Thirdly, parking. A minor quibble: there isn't enough.Infuriatingly, you will find many cars taking up two bays. The positives are the people here, mostly young adults, polite and seem generally nice. Good vibes. It's very close to the city and very easy to find. But that's it. All in all, find somewhere else. For everyone who gave a high rating, great! Keep going there and enjoy your mud hole! It means less people visiting genuinely pleasant areas.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antony B. 9 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    Great place to go walking. Was able to see a massive group of kangaroos. Didn't see much other wildlife though unfortunately. It was super quiet when I was there and the walk was very chill.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark A. 6 years ago on Google
    A great walking experience through bushland with the river close by. Picnic area, large carparks, toilet and seating dotted about. Loads of birdlife about, did not get tired of the very active and noisy kookaburra's. No dogs and take your rubbish home rules apply.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ilja k. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place, sometimes busy but not very often
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Grady C. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    So much biodiversity. Great place for a leisurely walk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mick B. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting history, nice picnic spot, swimming area, walks etc.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mj M. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to spend a warm day of summer. There are quite a few shady spots around but those with limited mobility might have a bit of trouble reaching the area around the tunnel entrance and the toilet is quite far from the actual swimming point. Otherwise good place to visit, large carpark. The current isn't too strong, and the shallow water around the base of the rapids is perfect for kids. I personally wouldn't recommend swimming here with very young kids as might get hurt on sharp rocks under feet. The water quality can be a little iffy or muddy especially after rain, I would recommend to wear water shoe to prevent hurting. Family picnic area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 verity d. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice spot, not too busy on hot days. There is a little bit of a current but even in the deep parts it's not too deep. HIGHLY recommend sandals that you don't mind getting wet as the rocks in the shallows are sharp and can hurt your feet
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 christoph k. 2 months ago on Google • 36 reviews New
    A unique place, to wander along the Yarra River.

  • 1/5 Tess L. 1 month ago on Google • 27 reviews New
    Parking situation is very poor

  • 5/5 kathy g. 1 month ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    This park is awesome, the water was clean and so refreshing . Plenty of parking and not crowded . Can’t wait to go back

  • 4/5 JDingle12 3 years ago on Google
    Open the car park bloody

  • 5/5 Emily B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, serene area with abundant bird life, and the wonderful river. Great for a bushwalk! There's a shelter as well for unexpected rain or for some shade.

  • 5/5 Yumna J. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice place to relax

  • 5/5 Dush B. 3 years ago on Google
    The best place for a great dip in the hot weather. Cool safe place for a great day out.💙😊

  • 5/5 Rozan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 4/5 Alexander B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great spot for a swim and relax. Quite rocky along and in the water, some might prefer rock socks or similar. Nice to relax on an inflatable and just float downstream. Inexperienced swimmers should note there are some strong currents here. Some history here too as an old gold mining site.

  • 5/5 Leigh M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little spot you can park the car and walk around. There’s a spot that had a little beach area you can swim and watch the water run through the cave that runs through the rock from the other side. Nice little spot. Great for a little picnic as well as the park is pretty big.

  • 4/5 Majid A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's very nice but no BBQ (Original) انه جميل للغاية ولكن ليس موجود BBQ

  • 5/5 melanie H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful native reserve with historical significance

  • 5/5 Alice K. 3 years ago on Google
    So nice.such a great place for family & friends to hang out

  • 5/5 Siddharth B. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful day picnic in nature's arm.

  • 5/5 Nicholas O. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 Grainne Ni C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful as always

  • 4/5 Emma G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful surrounds, good facilities a few more tables would be helpful but otherwise lovely spot to be outside

  • 5/5 sudheer b. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful spot close to city. Less crowdy, decent current makes it a nice spot for a sunny afternoon.

  • 5/5 Rafid Ameer G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to visit i recommend you picnic here it is such amazing place.

  • 5/5 david m. 3 years ago on Google
    Just a lovely place to escape from the hustle and bustle, sit by the Yarra or under a tree and watch the kangaroos go about their business, listen to the cockatoos.

  • 5/5 Nat I. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy in the hot day 🌞 for swimming or inflatable.

  • 5/5 M M. 4 years ago on Google
    Came here to go for a walk, the scenery was very nice

  • 5/5 Yuan X. 3 years ago on Google
    lovely water play area。 but no dogs.

  • 5/5 Robert B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great swimming places, good, flat walk. Picturesque.

  • 4/5 Hewey H. 4 years ago on Google
    What a lovely little spot. Busy with a few people of all ages and most obviously having Christmas picnics etc. But just a nice place to relax, swim, watch the river and trees or explore via swimming, kayaking or canoeing. A couple had the right idea with some inflatable rings and just floated along. The tunnel is a feature of years past but cool to explore whilst the water levels are lower. Worthwhile checking it out for some outside adventure.

  • 5/5 Serena 1 year ago on Google
    Have been coming here to swim and chill out for 20+ years. Very common to see kangaroos, beautiful birds and the odd fox. Lots of shady spots, dirt road carpark and great entry points for swimming in the river. Highly recommend wearing river shoes for rocks.

  • 5/5 Dean A. 1 year ago on Google
    A wonderfully historical place, about 25 minutes from the city, in 1870 a minding company made a tunnel through bedrock,a remarkable achievement, it also has historical significance to the Aboriginal people, this is told through many signs in the park, unfortunately there's not enough signage guiding you to the tunnel. I do find this annoying as, even though the Aboriginal peoples are the original custodians of Australia and deserve recognition for this, achievements of all things by all peoples good or bad should also be told

  • 4/5 Lyn K. 4 months ago on Google
    We went here as a painting group during the week - a lovely bushland setting along the river and the iconic ‘tunnel ’ spouting water is beautiful too. Toilets are in the area - in the car park zone. There are several spots along the stretch where you can access the river.

  • 1/5 Xin W. 3 years ago on Google
    If just walking is fine, but totally boring place.

  • 5/5 John K. 4 years ago on Google
    A river in the bush. Beautiful. Enough said

  • 5/5 Alexander L. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredible, quiet nice spot for swimming and walking

  • 4/5 Johnno P. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a old swimming hole .Swimming is not recommended here as people have drowned . It was part of the gold Rush days and their is a tunnel though the hill . I walked though it once many years ago, but that was really silly..To get here you turn off old Warrandyte road and go to the end of the road. There is a car park and it’s a short walk. it’s BYO everything and no toilets

  • 5/5 Rob B. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning spot for the kids with beautiful family friendly walks.

  • 4/5 Lindah D. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely area for a picnic and swim but can get terribly busy.

  • 5/5 Adem T. 4 years ago on Google
    Family time

  • 5/5 Ben F. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 4/5 Hanna B. 4 years ago on Google
    A great spot to swim, though it’s usually quite busy. There’s plenty of parking about a 100m walk from the water - follow the signs. When you start walking towards the water, the first spot where you can jump in is the most popular. If you keep following trail for another 100m or so, you’ll get to quieter spots. When it’s crowded, you’ll struggle to find a place to sit on the “shore”, so don’t plan a huge picnic. Don’t stress though, the river is huge and there’s plenty of room to float around! My best tip: bring shoes to wear in the water, the rocks hurt and you’ve got to scramble over quite a few to get in.

  • 4/5 Peter C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very peaceful and nice walks

  • 4/5 Rachael V. 3 years ago on Google
    Happy childhood memories

  • 4/5 Chee N. 4 years ago on Google
    near the river and close to nature

  • 5/5 May P. 3 years ago on Google
    Love, love, love walking the trail in Pound Bend. Easy trail with a pair of hiking boots. Some loose rocks. A variety of scenic views. Can be muddy in winter.

  • 5/5 Stefany R. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice to go to walk, is not allowed pets ?, is a nice place though

  • 5/5 Shara H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great walks

  • 5/5 Marnie B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for a picnic, walk, and dip to cool off on a warm day.

  • 5/5 Stuart U. 4 years ago on Google
    Best place for a float... it'll take a good 3 hours to get around, but what else do you have to do on the weekend??

  • 5/5 Samrat S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place in the lap of nature to spend your day with family & friends! Highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Kat M. 4 years ago on Google
    Pound Bend is a delightful hidden gem. Although to avoid disappointment, plan ahead and get there early!! Especially during Summer on the weekends- it gets super busy on warm, sunny days and the only time you'll usually get a park in the afternoon is if someone happens to leave when you arrive!

  • 4/5 Justin K. 5 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for a walk with great views of the Yarra River including signage with history of the tunnel and the local indigenous people. No toilets and take your rubbish away with you. Good paths and signage.

  • 5/5 Roberto T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great walking track to observe nature and get some exercise along the way!

  • 5/5 Paul M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot for walking,lookout for kangaroos,also good spot for swimming,can get really busy on hot days though

  • 5/5 Ashley B. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the most fun warm afternoons imaginable includes taking an inflatable along here for 3-4 hours.

  • 5/5 Munyi E. 3 years ago on Google
    Very quiet place for meditation, kinds skill tech, walk and even lone mom ta if you need one.

  • 3/5 Jennifer D. 3 years ago on Google
    BEWARE: we drove 35 minutes to get here but it was closed due to “extreme weather warning”. I think because it was a high fire risk day (that is: summer). Not sure if there is a website that would let you know. Bummer.

  • 5/5 Dimitra F. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to enjoy the warm summer days and a. Lovely place for the kids to have a good time and a nice dip.

  • 5/5 ANDREW K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great spot to go for walk/sit have lunch next to yarra river.

  • 4/5 liron n. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and very close to Melbourne. Great place for a family hike and a water splash over the weekend

  • 5/5 Aina TV V. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to play water for free!! bring you own float or inflatable boat 😂. And it’s 25 Minutes Away drive from the city!

  • 4/5 Martin K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice spot

  • 5/5 Luke H. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely stretch of the Yarra. Feels like the bush despite being in the suburbs.

  • 5/5 Darilyn A. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice area, picnic, walking, toilet block, car parking.

  • 5/5 Cameron L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Bush environment for a panic or BBQ ... has tables but not BBQ facilities

  • 5/5 Thomas F. 3 years ago on Google
    So peaceful for a Sunday arvo walk. Secluded trails, as well as busier areas with families and DOGS 😍

  • 5/5 Zeph 4 years ago on Google
    Yarra river and birds.

  • 4/5 Jihong L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Near the Yarra River, the forest is dense and the scenery is pleasant. The road is flat and suitable for walking with children. But did not see the bathroom. (Original) 临近亚拉河边,森林茂密,景色宜人。道路较平坦,适合带儿童步行。但沒看到卫生间。

  • 5/5 Waqas M. 4 years ago on Google
    Good picnic spot

  • 5/5 MickAff 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, with great history

  • 5/5 Alejandro Correa P. 4 years ago on Google
    Looking for Koalas is not easy but views are amazing!!

  • 5/5 Dave M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bushland park. Good access to the river. Really peaceful spot

  • 3/5 Gerry K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice natural environment. The tunnel is impressive when the river is running high.

  • 4/5 Eglantine G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great to spot wildlife, river to bathe, picnic table... all you need for a outdoor day.

  • 5/5 kris l. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for a swim


Call +61 131963 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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