Description
Bellbird Rd, Kew, off Yarra Blvd. Wooden sloping kayak launch ramp into the Yarra, at time of writing this (2019), it could use some maintenance, but still fully functional. Sealed steep path from carpark down to launch area on the river. Never had an issue with parking. Except for times of flood, the water is slow moving, flat, and easy paddle in either direction. From here if you head up stream, it is a 4.8km return trip to Fairfield Boathouse, going under the Eastern Freeway and Fairfleld Pipe Bridge. Good idea to bring some rope so you can secure your yak up at the Boathouse, should you feel like drink or something to eat. You can continue upstream for several more kms, well past the Chandler Hwy Bridge. Heading down river from Bellbird Park you can do a 5.7km return trip to Studley Park Boathouse, passing under Kanes Bridge. If you continue down stream past Studley Park Boathouse you will see the Yarra Bend Park kayak launch point. A further 1.5km downstream will take you to Dights falls "an artificial weir built on a natural rock bar across the Yarra", also where the Merri Creek joins the Yarra. Below the Weir is a small section of small rapids, and note from below the Weir the Yarra becomes a tidal river, with clear access all the way into the city. Bellbird Park launch point is home to a VERY large colony of Grey-headed (occasionally loud and smelly) flying-foxes. These guys hang out in the surrounding trees, mostly on the other side of the river. People visit this park just to see them, and the park does have a viewing platform. If you are doing a sunset paddle these guys take to the sky, and look pretty amazing. If the weather has been really hot, you may see them skimming the river on their evening flight. Please also keep a lookout for snakes around this launch point, as have spotted two or three in the past. Just keep clear of them if you spot one, and they leave you alone.
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