The Dandenong Creek Trail (sometimes also referred to as the Bay to Ranges Trail can extend to almost 43kms from Kilsyth in the east to the mouth of the Patterson River in Carrum by the bay. I'm not suggesting you take your kids all the way, but there are multiple sections of the trail that have great parks along the way to stop for a rest or even a picnic. This review will be based on my local stretch of the path which begins just off Colchester Road in Bayswater North. If it is not safe for you to ride to this starting point you can drive and park at Colchester Reserve (just opposite the starting point) on Beresford Drive.
The path is relatively flat and smooth and very easy to navigate with clear signage. You will arrive at a sign that says "Allambanan Drive" which if you follow leads to a great little park for toddlers with toilets, BBQs and a water cooler. I suggest you keep going straight until you reach Glen Park a bit further up the path which is a little hidden gem as it houses the Glen Park Community Cafe which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm. The cafe is mainly staffed by volunteers and they have a brand new menu for 2012. It is worth popping in to receive a coffee loyalty card - buy 5 coffees and get the next one free. A great little reward for your pedalling.
However about 3.5kms into the ride you hit the Bayswater Park or "Train Park" as it is known by the locals which I believe is worth pedalling a few extra kilometres. This stopping point is an ideal turn around point for young riders. It is a fantastic park for kids of all ages and a review of the park can be found here. The park is also across the road from a train station so you could use this as a starting point if you wish. Take a picnic and enjoy the grassy areas or utilise one of the tables on offer.
After your pit stop at any one of these parks you will reach HE Parker Reserve. Just before this is a turn off to another path which will take you on a one way path back towards Bayswater. I would only suggest venturing down this path if you have ridden the route several times and are looking for a change of scenery.
If you are feeling adventurous (or fit) you can meander onwards after your pit stop to the Eastlink Trail which is a further 5kms. From there you can venture along the Eastlink Trail to visit Chesterfield Farm (9kms) or continue on the Dandenong Creek Trail to Jells Park. Both of these could comprise an entirely separate blog post, suffice to say there are plenty of activities on offer for kids at both venues including cafes, picnic spots and toilets.
The Dandenong Creek Trail connects to numerous other paths: the Tarralla Creek Trail, Belgrave Rail Trail and Blind Creek Trail in the north. Centrally to the Scotchmans Creek Trail and the EastLink trail. In the south at Dandenong, it connects to the Hallam Bypass Trail and finally the Bayside Trail at Carrum. There are literally dozens of options to choose from to keep you spinning all day long!
Once I have my new wheels I will be reviewing other parts of this fantastic path.