Candlebark Park (Templestowe)

Candlebark Park, which is named after the Candlebarks (Eucalyptus rubida), is significant as it represents the gateway to the conservation areas of the parks along the Yarra River. Candlebark Park is an important environmental link between Warrandyte and the Lower Yarra region.

Things to Do

Cycle, jog or walk along the Main Yarra Trail. Candlebark Park forms a 1.6 km extension of the Main Yarra Trail from Westerfolds Park to the western boundary of Pettys Orchard, a part of this region's cultural heritage. The trail continues a further 1 km through the orchard. From Westerfolds Park, the Main Yarra Trail winds its way along the Yarra River corridor for 33 km to Southbank in the city and beyond.
Bring your binoculars and try bird watching or pack a picnic and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Once you have reached the first board walk, stop for a minute and close your eyes. Take a slow deep breath and soak in all the different sounds. As you walk on, don't forget to use your other senses.

Facilities

There are many ideal spots along the trail to have a picnic. Wood fire barbecues are located in the nearby Westerfolds Park. Fires or gas barbecues are not permitted in Candlebark Park.
Toilets, including facilities for the disabled, are available in Westerfolds Park 100 metres west of the Fitzsimmons Lane Bridge along the Main Yarra Trail.
Information, an observation platform, walking trails, board walk and carparks are all provided.

Fauna
As you move along the board walk, look carefully among the grasses, shrubs and trees. You may spot an Eastern Grey Kangaroo, wombat, echidna, koala or Southern Yellow Robin going about their daily business.

Vegetation
The Candlebarks (Eucalyptus rubida) that line a ridge at the south end of the park are some of the last remaining remnants of this vegetation in the Yarra area.

Their presence is very important as they represent a small proportion of what was once a common species throughout most of the surrounding hills.

Towards the end of the board walk are a number of giant Manna Gums (Eucalyptus viminalis) along the Yarra River. These trees are well over 200 years old and have survived countless floods, droughts, fires and years of altered land use including timber cutting.

Opening Hours:

Candlebark Park is accessible to pedestrians at all times. Car parking is available from the 'River Car Park' in Westerfolds Park, open 8am - 5pm. General 24 hour car parking is available just east of the Fitzsimons Lane bridge off-ramps.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs permitted on Main Yarra Trail only. Dogs to be on leads at all times.

Review:

Candlebark Park is a nice location for either walking or bike riding. We started in the parking area just off Fitzsimmons Lane, south of the Yarra River. Next to the car park area is an observation deck with a view of the Yarra. You then follow a gravelly path with stones towards the huge Petty's Orchard (access is via appointment only). Parallel to the track are a number of tracks through the trees for BMX riders. Before you get to the orchard, there is a trail (Diamond Creek Trail) leading off to a bridge with crosses the river and goes to Eltham Lower Park (where the miniature train runs on Sundays). You then reach a series of boardwalks and after 1.6km from Fitzsimmons Road, you will reach the huge area where the orchard is located. To reach Tikalara Park (the confluence of the Yarra River and Mullum Mullum Creek) is another 1.7km. Keep your eyes open because we saw a mob of kangaroos in an open grassy area.