The Upfield Shared Path (also known as Upfield Bike Path) is an easy Melbourne bike ride suitable for the whole family.
Approximately 10kms one way, this sealed Melbourne Cycle path begins from Royal Park train station and extends north along the Upfield railway line to Box Forest Rd in Hadfield, ending just before Gowrie train station.
Passing Brunswick, Coburg and Fawkner, this is a very safe and flat bike path to Melbourne from the northern suburbs.
As this is a shared path, please be mindful about pedestrians when cycling as the path can be narrow in some parts.
Connecting with the Capital City Trail bike path on the southern end, this provides you with access to most Melbourne cycle paths including Merri Creek Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, St George’s Road Path, Main Yarra Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail and the Bay Trail.
The Upfield Shared path also has vegan friendly cafes that I’ve listed below and is an awesome free activity to do in Melbourne. All you need is a bicycle!
SECTION ONE: ROYAL PARK TO MORELAND TRAIN STATION
You can begin from Royal Park Train Station (which means you’ll have to cycle up the hill first)
Or you can begin from here, Poplar Oval, which is where the Upfield Bike Path intersects with the Inner Circle Rail Trail.
There’s a few traffic lights where you need to stop and wait to cross and this powerful artwork of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Adern, comforting a Muslim woman after the terrorist attack in Christchurch.
SECTION TWO: MORELAND TRAIN STATION TO BOX FOREST ROAD
Between Moreland and Coburg train stations is the really nice path under the railway line that has lots of amenities. One side is for bicycles and the other side is for pedestrians as you can see it’s marked in the below photos.
Moreland Train Station also has a playground underneath the raised train line. It’s a great place to take the kids if you’re looking for a playground with a bike path in Melbourne.
IMPORTANT: Over the next few years, the Victorian State Government is planning on removing 8 level crossings along the Upfield line which will mean a lot of construction and detours. Nothing has begun yet but I’ll update this note when it starts.
WATER REFILL STATIONS
There are a lot of water refill stations a long the shared path where cyclists and pedestrians can stop for water or to refill their water bottles. They are all marked on the map below.
BIKE REPAIR STATIONS
Along Upfield Bike Path there’s a few bike repair stations. These include pumps and tools for minor repairs. They are listed on the map below.
VEGAN FRIENDLY CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
The Upfield Shared path is within easy access to the large amount of restaurants and cafes on Sydney Road in Brunswick. But if you want to stick closer to the bicycle path, here is a list of eateries you can visit along the path.
Acustico
Located at the southern end of the bike path on Union Rd, you’ll ride directly past Acustico. It has a cool inner city Brunswick vibe with recycled and sustainable materials used for their interior and open plan seating.
Highlights: Acai Bowl, Vegan Baguette, House Made Lemonade
New Age Coffee
On Dawson Road, in between Jewel and Brunswick train stations, this cute and funky walk in cafe has great coffee.
Highlights: Vegan Falafel Wrap, Iced Latte
Albert St Cafe
This beautiful heritage building right next to Brunswick Train Station has outside seating and is a great place to stop and have a drink and some food.
Highlights: Vegan Sausage Roll, Vegan Vege Toasted Focaccia
Crazy Lover
Opposite Anstey Train Station and directly on the Upfield bike path, this Bangladeshi restaurant has a fabulous atmosphere with delicious food.
Highlights: Vegan Daal-Bhaat Plate with Niramish, Vegan Chai
The Eastern Bloc
Near Coburg train station, this cafe has some cute outdoor seating and is a nice place to grab a drink
Highlights: Mork Hot Chocolate, Iced Latte
O’Hey Cafe
This adorable green/pink and white cafe is a vibe and totally Instagram-worthy! Located on O’Hea Street, a few minutes from Batman Train Station, this is a lovely place to stop and eat some delicious vegan food.
Highlights: Raspberry Smoothie Bowl, Poke Bowl, The Bircher, Smoothies, Fresh Juices and Vegan Cakes and Slices
OTHER INTERESTING THINGS
Free Book Library
There are a couple of free libraries along the path where you can find free books.
Fenced Dog Park
There’s an enclosed dog park under the train tracks that is fully fenced in and has a water station too.
Outdoor gyms and basketball courts
For sporty people, there are free basketball courts and outdoor gyms a long the bike path.
MAP
