Djerring Trail facts for kids

The Djerring Trail is a fantastic path in south-eastern Melbourne, Australia. It's a shared use path where you can walk, run, or cycle. The trail runs right next to the Cranbourne and Pakenham train lines. It connects to 13 different train stations, making it super easy to access!

A Bit of History: How the Trail Began

The Djerring Trail was created as part of a big project called the Level Crossing Removal Project. This project removed all the dangerous level crossings (where roads cross train tracks) between Caufield and Dandenong. They did this by raising the train tracks above the roads.

As part of this huge upgrade, 12 kilometres of new shared paths were built. These new paths were then joined with existing ones to form the Djerring Trail.

Choosing the Trail's Name

In early 2018, the community got to vote on what to name the new path! People submitted ideas like Kerrboo onool Trail, Urban Parkland Trail, and Eucalyptus Trail. Over 1,800 votes were counted.

On September 26, 2018, the winning name was announced: 'Djerring Trail'. It received 30% of all the votes, showing it was a clear favourite! The word 'Djerring' was definitely the most popular choice.

While people were voting on the name, construction of the trail was already happening. It was built at the same time as nine level crossings were removed along the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.

Exploring the Djerring Trail: What You'll See

The Djerring Trail is about 17 kilometres long. It offers a great way to explore different parts of Melbourne. Here's a quick look at what you might find along the way:

From Caulfield to Carnegie

Your journey starts near East Caulfield Reserve. The trail follows the train line closely. You'll pass a small fitness area right under the train line. You'll also cross Grange Road and Koornang Road, where there are special traffic lights just for bikes. Soon, you'll arrive at Carnegie Station.

From Carnegie to Murrumbeena

Leaving Carnegie Station, the trail runs alongside Woorayl Street. It even goes directly underneath the train line in some spots! You'll see connections to smaller streets before reaching Murrumbeena Station.

From Murrumbeena to Hughesdale

After Murrumbeena Station, the trail runs next to Railway Parade. This road also has bike lanes, so it's a popular area for cyclists. You'll pass connections to Nerrim Road and other streets. The trail then meets the Outer Circle Trail before you get to Hughesdale Station.

From Hughesdale to Oakleigh

This part of the trail starts by crossing Poath Road. It curves a bit and then runs parallel to the train line. You'll pass Galbally Reserve and connect with the Rosstown Railway Heritage Trail. The trail goes under Warrigal Road before reaching Oakleigh Station.

From Oakleigh to Huntingdale

At Oakleigh Station, you'll use an underpass to get to the other side. The trail then goes off-road, back next to the train line. You'll pass under Hanover Road and continue towards Huntingdale Station. Along the way, you'll see industrial areas and connections to various streets.

From Huntingdale to Clayton

Leaving Huntingdale Station, the trail becomes off-road again. It goes under Haughton Road and runs alongside the train line. At one point, it crosses over the train line to the south side. You'll pass a fitness area and cross Clayton Road before arriving at Clayton Station.

From Clayton to Westall

After Clayton Station, the trail curves under the station itself. It runs next to the raised train line, passing a bus lane and the station car park. You'll see the Clayton RSL Memorial space. The trail then bends to the north side of the train line. You might spot two basketball courts and public seating under the train line. After crossing Centre Road, you'll pass the Clayton Urban Park. The trail then leads you to Westall Station.

From Westall to Springvale

This section starts by leaving Westall Station and going under Westall Road. The trail continues with the train line, connecting to places like Springvale Reserve. You'll then cross Springvale Road to reach Springvale Station.

From Springvale to Sandown Park

The trail weaves through the bus interchange and car park at Springvale Station. It then runs close to Lightwood Road. You'll pass the Sandown Park Greyhound Racing Track before arriving at Sandown Park Station.

From Sandown Park to Noble Park

Continuing from Sandown Park Station, the trail connects to Sandown Raceway. It runs parallel to Lightwood Road and the train line, crossing Corrigan Road. After the road, you'll find a connection to the Noble Park dog park and Ross Reserve. There's also an exercise area and a playground and skatepark near Heatherton Road. Finally, you'll reach Noble Park Station.

From Noble Park to Yarraman

After Noble Park Station, the trail crosses Leonard Avenue and then switches to the north side of the train line. It passes a car park and then goes back to the south side, running next to Douglas Street. You'll connect to Mons Parade and Mile Creek. The trail then follows Hanna Road until you reach Yarraman Station. This is the last part of the trail that doesn't share its path with other major trails.

From Yarraman to Dandenong

In this final section, the Djerring Trail joins up with the EastLink Trail. It runs south alongside the EastLink freeway. It crosses Cheltenham Road, then leaves the EastLink Trail to join the Dandenong Creek Trail. You'll follow the Dandenong Creek Trail until Hammond Road, where you use the footpath to get to Dandenong Station.

Connecting to Other Great Trails

The Djerring Trail is super connected! It directly links up with the Dandenong Creek Trail and the EastLink Trail.

Nearby, to the north, you can also find the Gardiners Creek Trail and the Anniversary Trail. In the middle of the Djerring Trail, it connects to the Rosstown Rail Trail. A little further south, near Huntingdale Station, you can connect to Monash University - Clayton campus using the path on North Road.