Merri Creek

I love the Merri Creek — I think it’s fantastic that there is a trail that runs from Abbotsford along the Merri Creek up to Glenroy. The bike trail is a leisurely 20k for those who have the time to do it. You definitely won’t regret it. It’s beautiful along the path.
Having lived in Melbourne for some time, I didn’t even think to look for leisurely bike trails — I usually ride through the city with a purpose to get to A and B with some stops in between. Merri Creek is a very similar ride, but with the booze stops.
You find some interesting things along the way. I found the Brunswick Club Velodrome — that was awesome. I discovered where CERES was finally at even though I didn’t go in. In Coburg, there’s also an outdoor gym thing if you want to do exercises outdoors. Okay, that one is slightly weird, but cool nonetheless.
If you’re looking for something free and want to discover a bit of the non-​city parts of Melbourne, check out Merri Creek.

Having been for a Sunday afternoon cycle along the Merri Creek, I have to wholeheartedly agree with Sam that is is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Melbourne.
The Merri Creek trail runs for 21 km and is perfect for grazing, walking, running or as we did cycling. We joined it at St Georges Road and followed it North for 10 or so clicks. Along the way are numerous play areas and areas prime for picnicking, sports clubs and the Brunswick cycling outdoor velodrome (this was a lot of fun).
You can also stop for a coffee at the CERES café. A truly great place in Melbourne that is perfect for a leisurely afternoon in the summertime.
My friend who trains for triathlons only runs here. Now I know why!

The Merri Creek is quite simply the greatest natural thing that exists in Melbourne. The creek runs for approximately 70kms, beginning near Heathcote Junction, on Melbourne’s northern outskirts, and joining the Yarra River at Dight’s falls in Collingwood. Through its journey, the creek meanders through suburbs, under highways and foot bridges and in recent times a concerted effort to clean the thing up has been taking place.
Spearheaded by not-​for-​profit Friends Of Merri Creek, the clean up and re-​vegetation of the banks of the creek is redeveloping this amazing environment around the creek. Birds and other native animals (notably, snakes) are moving back into the growing bush lands and there have even been reports of Platypus sightings in Thornbury.
If you haven’t been to the creek, take a rug and go down there to relax in the sunshine under a tree. It is so very peaceful and gives me warm fuzzies just thinking about it.