With the completion of the new Hawkstowe picnic stop area, work on the Plenty River Trail work will move further north this year.
At the Hawkstowe picnic area visitors can enjoy 680 metres of new and upgraded paths with new BBQs, playground, and lake viewing platforms.
Landscaping and completion of the new toilet block are underway and expected to be completed by May. Yarra Valley Water is installing a new pump station and pressurised sewer system which will service the toilet block.
The $21 million trail will connect bike riders and walkers from Doreen to University Hill, linking communities through the park.
Two elm trees (Ulmus glabra) near Le Page Homestead show advanced decay and will be removed for the safety of park visitors. Up to seven smaller trees near the new Hawkstowe play areas are also decaying and will be removed.
Parks Victoria will plant new trees during winter to offset these removals.
The Red Gum picnic area playground is now closed and will be removed now that the Hawkstowe playground is open to visitors – signage will redirect visitors.
The Red Gum toilet block will be closed but remains onsite until the new Hawkstowe toilet block opens in mid 2025.
Landscaping of the northern section will begin in mid 2025 to complete the trail from Bridge Inn Rd (Mernda Station) to the Hawkstowe picnic area, including a lookout at Carome Homestead and rest area with seating near Wilton Vale Road.
Parks Victoria is completing cultural heritage and environmental assessments for the central and southern sections which will guide the scope and timing of these stages.
These sections include constructing the trail from the Hawkstowe picnic area to the southern end of the park, where it will connect to an existing path near the Metropolitan Ring Road.
There may be a requirement to restrict or redirect public access to certain sections of the planned trail during construction but on-site signage will explain any access changes.
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