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WALKINGWhen you come to stay at the CWA B&B you may find yourself wondering over your continental breakfast, “What’s the best way to start my day?” Why not take a brisk stroll along one of Australia’s most picturesque walking tracks: the Yarra Trail? Starting from the B&B head north up Lansell Road. Take in the stately mansions which make Toorak the renowned location it is. Multi-storey, architectural masterpieces will surround you at every step. At the base of Lansell Road turn left into St George’s Road. Again, be astounded at just how luxuriously ‘the other half’ of society lives. After a steep downward incline you’ll come to the intersection of St George’s Road and Alexandra Avenue. Just before the foot of this incline you’ll catch a magnificent panoramic view of Melbourne city, including the MCG, the Eureka and Rialto Towers, the CBD and (fingers crossed!) a gorgeous blue sky. Turning right at the Alexandra Avenue roundabout, head below MacRobertson’s Bridge and you’re now on the Yarra Trail. Alongside the Yarra River all the way into the city, the Trail is a haven for walkers, runners and cyclists all day long. It is also a safe means of exploring some of Melbourne’s most well known features. After about half a kilometre you’ll come to the first of many Yarra River boatsheds. Don’t be surprised to see a number of rowing clubs’ crews powering up and down the River, some of which hail from Melbourne’s most prestigious secondary schools. Further along, at the junction of Alexandra Avenue and Williams Road, is ‘Kanteen’ – a very popular eatery and coffee shop managed by the daughter of none other than our club chairperson Carol Clay. Walking further, you’ll see Como Park and its sports oval on your immediate left. Another couple of hundred metres will bring you to the intersection of Alexandra Avenue and Chapel Street. Head below the Church Street Bridge and hear the rumbling of early morning traffic and trams just feet above your head. After emerging from the underpass, you’ll find Melbourne High School on your left. Further down this block is another underpass, this time below the Richmond-South Yarra railway line. The passing trains make a thunderous roar as you stroll below. Back in the sunlight (or rain, if the weather has turned against you!) you’ll have Darling Gardens on your left. All the while, on your right, the Yarra continues to wind its way into the city. While this is usually where I turn around and head back to the B&B, further footsteps will bring you to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Olympic Park, Kings Domain, Melbourne Park, the MCG, Princes Bridge and eventually the City itself. Things to remember when out walking: be prepared for a number of steep inclines, stray dogs and fast cyclists. Otherwise, the Yarra Trail is a highly recommended means of starting your day/s at the CWA. Approximate length: 4.1 kilometres (8.2 kilometres when you have returned from Darling Gardens). Happy walking! Ashley Braybon CWA B&B night duty person |