Glen Eira Self-Guided Walking Tours
If you love walking and history, you'll love the range of self-guided walking tours on offer in Glen Eira. Explore our artistic and cultural heritage, learn about the original inhabitants of the area or take a short walk through our parks and gardens and learn about the resident trees.
We've developed some fantastic short walks around Glen Eira to encourage people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our parks and open spaces. Some of these walks offer interpretive trails, guided by comprehensive brochures and/or signage.
The Glen Eira Walking Tours app offers instant access to commentary, historic images and an interactive map with GPS tracking. The commentary covers all eight sites on the walk and is available as audio and printed text. It's a great companion during the Boyd walking tour, or even in the comfort of your own home. You can download the app from the App Store or get it on Google Play by searching 'Glen Eira Walking Tours.' You don't need wi-fi to download the app, but you should check your phone's mobile data allowance before you download it. Free wi-fi is available at all Glen Eira Libraries.
If you can't access the app, get a free printed walking maps by calling us on 9524 3333 or email arts@gleneira.vic.gov.au for your free copy.
Walks include:
Boyd walking tour - The Boyd family have had a huge influence on Australia's art and cultural heritage, and a lasting connection with the Murrumbeena community. Our Boyd walking tour explores key Boyd family historical sites, while giving you insights into their stories and legacy.
Elsternwick Historical Tour - Did you know that the first electric tram service ran down Glenhuntly Road in 1913? Or that the cinema building in Gordon Street was originally earmarked as a skating rink? Take to the streets and discover our local stories with a brand new self-guided walking tour of Elsternwick. Download the free mobile walking app now for instant access to historic images and an interactive map with GPS tracking. There are a great range of shops, cafes and eateries along Glenhuntly Road and surrounds, so support your local traders and make a day of it.
Caulfield Park short walks - Once known as Paddy's Swamp, Caulfield Park became a permanent public reserve in 1879. There are three short walks in Caulfield Park, each between 400 and 500 metres long. The flat terrain takes you around the western end of the park, past the Caulfield War Memorial and across the lake. There's a range of tree species and native gardens, as well as ducks, geese and other birdlife.
Greenmeadows Gardens short walks - Greenmeadows Gardens is one of Glen Eira's oldest parks, tucked away in the grounds of the original Greenmeadows Estate. There are two short walks in Greenmeadows Gardens, each between 400 and 500 metres long. You'll take in a range of period homes along historic Lempriere Avenue, as well as diverse plant species, ornamental gates and lamp posts.
Mallanbool Reserve interpretive walk - We've developed a cultural and botanical interpretive trail through Mallanbool Reserve that allows you to learn about the Kulin (aboriginal) community, who were the original inhabitants of the area. The trail takes you on a journey through the Kulin way of life, which included harvesting plants, fishing and hunting. The botanical element outlines the native plant life that was abundant before European settlement. The walk is around 400 metres long, leading into Packer Park with its meandering pathways and landscaping beauty.
Hopetoun Gardens tree walk - Hopetoun Gardens was established in the late 19th century. It contains around 12 different species of trees, some quite unusual and others more familiar. Species include English Oaks, Bull Bay Magnolias, Wild Plums and Bunya Pines. As much an eye-opening exploration as a historical trail, this relaxing walk will reveal your inner arboriculturist.
Rosstown Rail Trail - The Rosstown Rail Trail takes you along the extinct Rosstown railway line and its fascinating story. You'll love the trail if you're a rail enthusiast or just love your local history. Better still, you can explore it by foot, bicycle or car!
The trail charts the original course of the private line, which was the lifelong dream of entrepreneur William Murray Ross. Unfortunately, the project was plagued by problems ranging from a lack of funds to construction delays. The accompanying brochure explores his contribution to the City and its surrounds.
The trail is suitable for all ages and is generally flat terrain. It starts at Elsternwick Plaza and finishes at Oakleigh Junction. It's 8.5km long which, for the walk, will take you around 3.5 hours. You can also take an optional 3.1km detour, which will add about an hour to the total time. If you're a cyclist, it should take you around 1.5 hours.
✆ (03 9524 3333
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Glen Eira Self-guided Walking Tours
