A flat riverside path through Melbourne's largest area of natural bushland along the Yarra River, from the historic Studley Park Boathouse to the confluence at Dights Falls.
The Studley Park to Dights Falls Riverside Walk starts at the historic Studley Park Boathouse on Boathouse Road in Kew, reached from Kew Junction via Tram 109 or bus 200/207 followed by a short walk down into Yarra Bend Park. Limited free parking is also available near the boathouse. No permit is required.
The walk to Dights Falls and back covers about 6 kilometres return and takes roughly 1.5-2 hours at a relaxed pace, with minimal elevation change -- just a few gentle rises where the path moves away from the riverbank. The route is graded easy, following a well-formed path suitable for most fitness levels and a popular option for a shorter riverside outing close to the city.
The path surface is a mix of sealed and compacted gravel trail, running along the Yarra River through Melbourne's largest remaining area of natural bushland, with intermittent shade from river red gums and other native trees along the bank. Some sections are more exposed where the path runs closer to open parkland.
Landmarks along the way include the Studley Park Boathouse itself, a heritage-listed timber boathouse dating to the 1860s with kayak and boat hire, and Dights Falls, a small natural weir at the confluence of the Yarra River and Merri Creek that marks the walk's turn-around point. The path also passes below the Kew and Eastern Freeway overpasses.
There is no potable water source directly on the path beyond the boathouse itself, which has a cafe and toilets at the start. Walkers should carry water for the return leg, since there are no facilities near Dights Falls.
| Distance | 6km return |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5-2 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Tram 109 or bus 200/207 to Kew Junction, then a short walk down to Studley Park Boathouse |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Address | Boathouse Rd, Kew VIC 3101 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yarra Bend Park, Kew/Collingwood
What to bring
Walking shoes, water
Location
Boathouse Rd, Kew VIC 3101
-37.8017, 145.0089 View on map
Highlights
- Historic Studley Park Boathouse dating to the 1860s
- Dights Falls at the Yarra River and Merri Creek confluence
- Riverside path through Melbourne's largest natural bushland reserve
- Easy, flat walking suitable close to the city
Tips for visiting
- Combine the walk with a coffee or boat hire at the Studley Park Boathouse cafe
- Path can be busy with cyclists on weekends; stay to the walking side where marked
- No facilities near Dights Falls, so carry water for the return leg
- Accessible year-round, though the path can be muddy after heavy rain
When to visit
Pleasant year-round; weekday mornings are quieter, while weekends bring more cyclists and boathouse visitors.
Accessibility
The path is mostly flat and sealed or compacted gravel, making it accessible for wheelchairs and prams for much of its length, though some sections narrow near the riverbank.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the walk suitable for prams and young children?
Yes, the mostly flat, well-formed path is suitable for prams and young children over the full 6 kilometre return distance.
How do I get to the Studley Park Boathouse?
Tram 109 or bus routes 200/207 to Kew Junction connect within a short walk of the boathouse; limited free parking is also available on site.
What is at Dights Falls?
Dights Falls is a small natural weir marking the confluence of the Yarra River and Merri Creek, and the turn-around point for this walk.
Is there somewhere to eat on the walk?
The Studley Park Boathouse has a cafe at the start of the walk; there are no facilities near Dights Falls.