Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve is in Mitcham, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, along the Mullum Mullum Creek Valley.

The main entrance and Visitors Centre are at 1A Ashburton Drive, Mitcham, with access via local streets, nearby bike paths, and walking trails.

Visitors can enjoy bushwalking on signed tracks, birdwatching, nature photography, and quiet time in native bushland.

You can also join guided walks, citizen science surveys, and community events listed on our Events page.

Yes. The reserve has established walking tracks and riverside paths, with walking information and maps available through our “Walking in Yarran Dheran” information and at the Visitors Centre.

These help you choose walks of different lengths and difficulty levels.

Yarran Dheran is a public bushland reserve and is generally accessible during daylight hours.

For safety and to protect wildlife, we recommend visiting during the day and checking local council notices for any temporary closures or works.

The reserve supports a variety of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and frogs, thanks to its 7.2 hectares of remnant and restored bushland along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

Regular bird and frog surveys help us monitor species and guide habitat protection.

Yarran Dheran links key habitat corridors in the Mullum Mullum Valley, helping wildlife move safely between bushland areas.

Ongoing revegetation, weed control, and habitat restoration by volunteers and council protect native plants and animals in an increasingly urban landscape.

No. All plants, logs, leaf litter, and natural features must stay in the reserve to protect habitat and soil health.

Leaving everything as you find it helps native species survive and keeps the bushland healthy for future visitors.

Our “Upcoming Events” page lists current guided walks, talks, surveys, and community activities at Yarran Dheran.

You can also sign up to our email updates to hear about new events and opportunities to get involved.

Many events require registration so we can manage group size and safety.

Event listings include registration links or contact details, so please check the individual event for how to book.

Yes. Many walks, clean-up days, and community activities are family-friendly and designed to help children connect with nature.

Some events involve uneven tracks or night-time surveys, so always check the event description for age and fitness guidance.

Volunteers are central to caring for Yarran Dheran. You can join regular working bees, assist with events, help with wildlife surveys, or support community engagement by visiting the “Volunteer” or “Get Involved” pages and completing the expression-of-interest form.

No. All training, tools, and guidance are provided on the day by experienced volunteers and council staff. You just need sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an interest in helping care for the reserve.

Yarran Dheran is managed by Whitehorse City Council, with advice and on-ground support from the Yarran Dheran Advisory Committee and volunteers.

This partnership ensures the reserve is managed for conservation, education, and quiet recreation.

Basic visitor facilities are located near the main entrance and Visitors Centre area, with seating and spots to rest and enjoy the bushland.

Larger picnic and BBQ facilities are available in nearby parks managed by council.

Some paths near the entrance and along the creek are relatively level and may suit prams and people with limited mobility, while other tracks are steeper or uneven bush trails.

We recommend checking track information and choosing routes that match your needs.

Yarran Dheran is primarily managed for wildlife conservation, and dog access may be restricted or require dogs to be on-lead at all times.

Please follow all signs at entrances and check council’s website for the latest rules on dogs in the reserve.