Walk Description

From the Eltham Environs Walking Group, walk 4E

Commences at 10.10 am at Jolimont Railway Station, allowing for a few minutes delay. To arrive at this time, a train leaves Eltham Station at 09.22, Montmorency at 09.25, Greensborough at 09.29, Watsonia at 09.32, and Rosanna at 09.39 (2011 timetable).

Leave Jolimont Station, cross Wellington Road South, and follow the path to walk about 250m south to a point where the Melbourne Cricket Ground is close to Jolimont Terrace. Veer right, and use the concourse to walk a short distance to a large overpass. Use the overpass to cross Brunton Ave and the rail/tram lines. Turn right, and follow the path with the Rod Laver Arena on the right. Cross Batman Ave and Olympic Bvd (Swan St), using several pedestrian crossings with lights. Next, cross Swan Street Bridge, and then Alexandra Ave. Turn left, and use the Tan Track to walk about 600m to the Gate G entrance to the Royal Botanic Gardens. At this point, there are two alternatives:

Alternative 1: Enter Gate G, and use paths to visit the ‘Temple of the Winds’, and the succulent garden. Descend steps to paths around the north and east sides of the Ornamental Lake, then search out areas such as the herb garden, oak lawn and children’s garden. Stop off at the Observatory Café for an early lunch.

Alternative 2: Walk past Gate G along the path adjacent to Alexandra Ave to the Anderson Street corner. Turn right through Gate A into the Botanic Gardens, and follow the paths on the left, close to Anderson St. Explore Guilfoyle’s 1876 water storage ‘Volcano’ and garden, the eucalypt garden, follow the path close to Birdwood Ave which passes the glasshouses, and explore other close by garden beds or areas. Have an early lunch at the Observatory Cafe.

Exit the Gardens via the Observatory Gate, and follow the Tan Track adjacent to Birdwood Ave. After 350m, veer right to walk through King’s Domain, crossing Government House Dve along the way. Continue on through Queen Victoria Gardens, at some point veering left into St Kilda Rd. Cross the Yarra River, and use Flinders St Station to catch a Hurstbridge Line train at 13.27, 13.47, 14.07 or 14.27.