Ruffey Creek Linear Park

Features
Bike tracks
Bus accessible
Bushland area
Off Lead Areas
Rivers and creeks
Shared trails
Walking trails

Ruffey Creek Linear Park runs along Ruffey Creek Valley in Templestowe from Ruffey Lake Park (King Street) to Finns Reserve, where the creek enters the Yarra River. The park is almost entirely a bush experience landscaped with native vegetation alongside a recently constructed shared path. Highlights of the Linear Park include the fantastic destinations at each end.

Places and spaces

  • Ruffey Trail - bicycle and pedestrian path
  • Wetland and bush areas
  • Wombat Bend Playground and Main Yarra Trail at Finns Reserve
  • The Boulevarde, Church Road North and Victoria Street playground at Ruffey Lake Park
  • Barbecues, picnic shelters, open parkland, bushland and public toilets at all destinations

Pedestrian links

  • James Street
  • Montpellier Crescent
  • Glen Court
  • Kersey Place
  • Montpellier Crescent

Bring your dog

Off lead reserve, except within 15 metres of a playground, barbecue area or where a sporting event is in progress. Once the trail is completed (refer Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan 2017), dogs will be required to be on-lead within five metres of the trail.

Vegetation

Within the Linear Park, Ruffey, Biosite 30 comprises 7.35 hectares remnant vegetation located in three sections; one at the Yarra River at Finns Reserve, another upstream of Foote Street at St. Kevins Primary School and the third in Ruffey Lake Park. The vegetation is considered high priority in Council’s Healthy Habitats Bushland Management Strategy 2012. The creek valley has always been considered important as a wildlife corridor and appropriate screen planting of indigenous vegetation, weed management and integration of these adjoining reserves should continue.

Ruffey Trail

The Ruffey Trail, a major feature of the Linear Park, offers a bushland experience for pedestrians and cyclists on an off-road three kilometre shared path. The trail crosses four major roads between Finns Reserve and Ruffey Lake Park. There are underpasses (with lighting) at King Street and Williamsons Road and road crossings at Foote Street and Parker Street. Cyclists and pedestrians currently also use Eumeralla Avenue as there is no footpath or trail in this section.

Trail Length

3.0 km (sealed)

Topography

Valley

Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan 2017

Major recommendations from the The Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan include:

  • Pedestrian operated lights at Foote Street
  • Completing the two major Trail gaps between Foote Street and Parker Street
  • Creating a shared path on Eumeralla Avenue between St Georges Avenue and Nambour Road
  • Improved safety and amenity at road crossings
  • Trail head facilities at McLachlan Street (including shelter, seating, picnic setting and carparking)
  • Rest areas at Kersey Place, Montpellier Crescent, Dellfield Drive and James Street
  • Playground at Montpellier Crescent
  • Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan September 2017
    Ruffey Creek Linear Park Management Plan September 2017
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