In what's sure to be music to the ears of the avid outdoor lovers among us, a historic bridge on a popular walking and biking trail in regional Victoria is finally being repaired, meaning the track will be restored to its former glory. Dee Slip Bridge, which makes up part of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail near Warburton, will soon reopen to the public after falling into disrepair.
Located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, the timber bridge was originally used to access the O’Shannassy Aqueduct and the 30 kilometre trail that runs alongside it. It was constructed back in 1947 when the aqueduct collapsed, and was used by cyclists and walkers alike to get to the popular mountainside track that runs from East Warburton to the Don Valley.
But in 2021, the bridge was badly damaged when a big pine tree fell onto it, and it had to be closed off to the public, with a temporary bypass created instead.
Now, the state government has announced plans to restore the heritage bridge, preserving the structure by keeping the same design and retaining much of the original wood.
Dee Slip Bridge is expected to reopen in early 2026, meaning it won’t be long before there’ll be direct access to the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail once again. If you’ve never visited the trail, it’s certainly worth a visit. Set in the mountain ranges, it’s surrounded by lush greenery, with tall trees and ferns lining the track. Plus, it offers incredible views of the picturesque Yarra Ranges. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it’s one to keep in mind for a sunny day trip.
Find out more about the Dee Slip Bridge repairs on the Parks Victoria website.
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