Mel 30 B7
This walk is probably best undertaken in school holiday periods, if heavy morning peak traffic is to be avoided. During school time, allow about 50 minutes to drive from Eltham.
Commences at CERES near the corner of Roberts St and Stewart Street, East Brunswick. Roberts St is off Blyth St, which is an extension of Separation St and Arthurton St. Although parking is limited, space can usually be found in Lee St (off Roberts Rd) or in Stewart St.
Walk to Merri Creek via the winding path through the CERES property. Turn right onto the Merri Creek Trail, and walk 1.4km, keeping Merri Creek on your left. You are now at the sizeable St George’s Rd bridge. Continue under this, ignoring the path leading up on your right to the road. After going under the bridge, turn right onto a path that rises steeply to St George’s Rd. At the top, turn right and cross the bridge, then right again, such that you will now be walking with Merri Creek on your right on what is the continuation of Merri Creek Trail. Walk about 450m, and turn right onto a footbridge to cross Merri Creek again. Continue for about 150m on the path that extends beyond the bridge, ignoring a path on the right which traverses Thomas Kidney Reserve. A further 350m brings you to Rushall Station. Continue on Merri Creek Trail for about 600m, passing under the High Street bridge. When the trail climbs quite steeply, you have reached Heidelberg Road. At this point, about turn. Most of the return journey is a retracing of the route. However, a variation is possible at Rushall Station. To do this, cross the bridge at Rushall Station, and walk 150m along McLachlan St. Turn left at Cunningham St to join the Trail after 100m. Walk 800m to the St George’s Rd bridge. Cross the bridge, and immediately take the steeply sloping path down on the left. This takes you back onto the Merri Creek Trail.
