Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail

Bicycle Routes‎ > ‎Melbourne - planned‎ > ‎

Status: Planning for the Box Hill to East Camberwell section (December 2011)

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Cycle Trail is route that is planned as a shared use path (cycling and walking) that follows the railway line corridor from Hawthorn to Box Hill to Ringwood. It is part of the City of Boroondara 10-year Bicycle Strategy to improve the bicycle network and facilities for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

UPDATE Dec 2018

The Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Level crossing removal project could deliver the section from Box Hill to the Aniversary Trail [link]

Shared path at Bayswater station

UPDATE 13 Feb 2019

The RACV released a "roadmap for cycling superhighways" on 13 Feb 2019 that includes the Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail route. However it is not listed in their "top ten routes", it should be. There appears to have been no consultation with Bicycle User Groups.

Why is it needed?

There are many reasons, the major one being that there is no safe and direct East-West off road cycling path through central Boroondara. Cyclists wishing to travel along the route between Box Hill and Richmond have to wend their way through side streets or risk riding on Canterbury Road, Burwood Road or Riversdale Road. The Hawthorn to Box Hill Trail will overcome these difficulties, and will also provide linkages and connections with a number of existing and planned paths, helping to build an integrated cycling network in Melbourne’s East. These include: The Anniversary Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail, The Yarra River Trail and the proposed Box Hill to Ringwood Rail Trail.

Is this idea new?

No. There has been a concept for an Eastern Rail Trail since at least 1995 and plans were drawn up at that time. However nothing has happened to date. The BHRBP is also identified as a priority route in Boroondara Council’s 10 Year Bicycle Strategy.

Why has it become topical now?

There is increased traffic congestion on the roads that cyclists use when travelling along the central east west corridor through the City of Boroondara. There is increased interest in cycling within the community and there is strong demand for a network of safe and convenient bike paths.

The Hawthorn to Box Hill Bike Path would:

Provide transport linkages between the Camberwell and Glenferrie Road Central Activity Districts (CADs) and several smaller shopping centres.
Help promote sustainable transport in a future likely to be impacted by rising fuel costs and the need to reduce carbon emissions.
Reduce traffic congestion.
Promote healthy lifestyles for people of all ages through recreational and commuter cycling.
Provide a dedicated cycling route that will keep bicycles separate from cars
Encourage many people to cycle who otherwise wouldn't and would greatly improve safety for those who already do

Will it help students wishing to cycle to school?

Yes. There are twenty schools and other education institutions either adjacent to the trail or within one km.

These include Camberwell High School, Strathcona, Camberwell Primary, Canterbury Primary, MLC, Chatham Primary, Auburn South Primary, Surrey Hills Primary, Mont Albert Primary, Box Hill Senior Secondary College, Our Holy Redeemer School, Canterbury Girls Secondary College, Swinburne Senior Secondary College, Swinburne University, Glenferrie Primary, Fintona, Rossbourne School, Hawthorn West Primary, Carey Baptist Grammar, Preshil, Camberwell Grammar, Scotch College, Camberwell Girls Grammar

Schools near Hawthorn to Box Hills shared trail

Costs and Construction details

The trail could be built in three stages at an estimated cost of $9.2M.

Stage 1 Box Hill – East Camberwell $2.6M

Stage 2 East Camberwell – Glenferrie $3.2M

Stage 3 Glenferrie – Yarra River $3.4M

What you can do to support the bike path

Add your name as a supporter, with a brief statement of how the trail would benefit you.
Complete our survey of how you would like to use the trail
Ring, write or email your local councillors.
Ring, write or visit your local state members of parliament. Go to our website for contact details for our elected representatives.
Tell your friends, neighbours, fellow students and work colleagues.