Self-guided walking tours

The Boyd family have had a huge influence on Australia's art and cultural heritage, and a lasting connection with the Murrumbeena community. Our Boyd walking tour explores key Boyd family historical sites, while giving you insights into their stories and legacy.

The digital tour offers instant access to commentary, historic images and an interactive map with GPS tracking. The commentary covers all eight sites on the walk and is available as audio and text.

The tour starts outside the newsagency at 456 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena. It's right near Murrumbeena train station, which is on the Cranbourne and Pakenham Lines. You can also get to the starting point by using bus routes 822 and 624.

Available on Glen Eira Walking Tours app

You can download the app from the App Store or get it on Google Play by searching 'Glen Eira Walking Tours.' You don't need wi-fi to download the app, but you should check your phone's mobile data allowance before you download it. Free wi-fi is available at all Glen Eira Libraries.

Did you know that the first electric tram service ran down Glenhuntly Road in 1913? Or that the cinema building in Gordon Street was originally earmarked as a skating rink?

Take to the streets and discover our local stories with a brand new self-guided walking tour of Elsternwick. Download the free mobile walking app now for instant access to historic images and an interactive map with GPS tracking. 

There are a great range of shops, cafes and eateries along Glenhuntly Road and surrounds, so support your local traders and make a day of it. For further information, including how to get there, visit the Elsternwick Village website.

Available on Glen Eira Walking Tours app

Download the app from the App Store or get it on Google Play by searching Glen Eira Walking Tours.  You do not need wi-fi to download the app, however, please check your phone's mobile data allowance prior to downloading. Free wi-fi is available at all Glen Eira Libraries.

The Rosstown Rail Trail takes you along the extinct Rosstown railway line and its fascinating story. You'll love the trail if you're a rail enthusiast or just love your local history. Better still, you can explore it by foot, bicycle or car!

The trail charts the original course of the private line, which was the lifelong dream of entrepreneur William Murray Ross. Unfortunately, the project was plagued by problems ranging from a lack of funds to construction delays. It’s quite a story.

The trail is suitable for all ages and is generally flat terrain. It starts at Elsternwick Plaza and finishes at Oakleigh Junction. It’s 8.5km long which, for the walk, will take you around 3.5 hours. You can also take an optional 3.1km detour, which will add about an hour to the total time. If you’re a cyclist, it should take you around 1.5 hours.

For something a little different, we’ve also called on writer, comedian, and gag-cracking historian Ben Pobjie to offer his take on the history of one of Victoria’s most disastrous rail projects – a reminder that people and events in the past were often a bit silly, a lot weird and, at times, very funny.

Available on Glen Eira Walking Tours App

You can download the app from the App Store or get it on Google Play by searching 'Glen Eira Walking Tours.' You don't need wi-fi to download the app, but you should check your phone's mobile data allowance before you download it.

The Glen Eira Signal Box Project was devised to assist in reducing graffiti tagging and beautify the streetscapes of the City of Glen Eira. There are now 47 signal boxes which have been beautifully painted by local artists who live, work or study in Glen Eira.

These artists have taken the time to create an audio information clip about their artwork which can be found on the our free walking tour app below.

You will see the signal boxes are located all over the city, so take the time to look up the locations as there might just be one right near you!

You can download the app from the App Store or get it on Google Play by searching 'Glen Eira Walking Tours.' You don't need wi-fi to download the app, but you should check your phone's mobile data allowance before you download it. Free wi-fi is available at all Glen Eira Libraries.

Once known as Paddy's Swamp, Caulfield Park became a permanent public reserve in 1879.

There are three short walks in Caulfield Park, each between 400 and 500 metres long. The flat terrain takes you around the western end of the park, past the Caulfield War Memorial and across the lake. There's a range of tree species and native gardens, as well as ducks, geese and other birdlife.

For more information and a map of the area, download our Caulfield Park short walks guide (PDF, 2MB).

Greenmeadows Gardens is one of Glen Eira's oldest parks, tucked away in the grounds of the original Greenmeadows Estate. 

There are two short walks in Greenmeadows Gardens, each between 400 and 500 metres long. You'll take in a range of period homes along historic Lempriere Avenue, as well as diverse plant species, ornamental gates and lamp posts.

Please be aware of puddles on tracks during rain and fallen leaves in Lempriere Avenue during autumn.

For more information and a map of the area, download our Greenmeadows Gardens short walks guide (PDF, 2MB).

We've developed a cultural and botanical interpretive trail through Mallanbool Reserve that allows you to learn about the Kulin (aboriginal) community, who were the original inhabitants of the area. The trail takes you on a journey through the Kulin way of life, which included harvesting plants, fishing and hunting. The botanical element outlines the native plant life that was abundant before European settlement. 

The walk is around 400 metres long, leading into Packer Park with its meandering pathways and landscaping beauty.

For more information and a map of the area, download our Mallanbool Reserve short walks guide (PDF, 2MB).

For further information about the interpretive signage at Mallanbool Reserve, download the following information sheets:

• Mallanbool Reserve — history (PDF, 343KB)
• The Kulin — 'the local mob' (PDF, 377KB)
• Women’s business (PDF, 350KB)
• Traditional hunting (PDF, 294KB)
• The Kulin continuum (PDF, 209KB)

Hopetoun Gardens was established in the late 19th century. It contains around 12 different species of trees, some quite unusual and others more familiar. Species include English Oaks, Bull Bay Magnolias, Wild Plums and Bunya Pines. As much an eye-opening exploration as a historical trail, this relaxing walk will reveal your inner arboriculturist.

This tree walk is well signed, but you can also download a copy of the Hopetoun Gardens tree walk brochure (PDF, 341KB)