Werribee River walk

Werribee River walk created by Happy Wanderer

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Summary

A scenic walk from Werribee station north along Werribee River, passing public sculptures and bird life, sports fields, riverside homes and market gardens, finishing at the Riverbend Historical Park.

Description

A gentle walk along paved walking paths, with options for wandering off the beaten track.

DIRECTIONS: This walk starts at Werribee Station and follows Werribee River north away from the busyness of town. Listen for the sound of bellbirds as traffic noises start to fade away.

SCENERY: There's plenty to admire along this walk, including the ever-changing Werribee River with sections covered in a fluorescent moss green algae, as well as birds, ducks and other wildlife.

HAZARDS: Watch out for snakes and other reptiles if you venture off the paths and be sure to bring a hat if it's a sunny day.

AMENITIES: There are one or two drinking fountains along the walk but no public toilets located on this walk. Deviate to Presidents Park if you need the loo. It's located 500metres west of Werribee River, after crossing the Shaws Road bridge. (see points of interest for more details)

There are BBQs at the final destination if you fancy a picnic spot or you can grab a snack or meal from any number of cafes along Watton Street, behind the station.

TRANSPORT: There's a bus service, (route 181 to Werribee Station) for tired walkers who need a break. Catch this from Heaths Road, near the Shaws Rd bridge or the Riverbend Historical Park.

LUNCH: There are plenty of cafes and bakeries in Watton Street, Werribee. A tree-lined boulevard that's perfect for a meal at the end of your walk or to stock up on snacks at the start.

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Points of Interest

1. View of Werribee River

Walk over the bridge, away from Werribee Station, and stop to admire the view. Cycling and walking tracks travel north and south in Wyndham Park, but today we'll walk north under the railway bridge.

2. Giant sewing needles sculpture

You can't miss this sculpture! Three sets of giant sewing needles frozen in mesh form appear to be walking along the trail. Created in 2012, 'Jive' is part of Wyndham Council's public art collection.

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3. Keep an eye on the river

As you walk along, notice how the Werribee River changes in colour. It may look as if the river is covered in a blanket of grass! It's a native fern called Azolla and it thrives in warm water.

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4. Meet the locals

Werribee River is home to many unusual species, along with more common species such as parrots and lorikeets, and the threatened Growling Grass Frog. Watch how these ducks navigate moss-like Azolla.

5. Shaws Rd bridge (cross over here)

Walk under Shaws Rd and over the bridge, to follow the path north on the other side of the river. If you stay on the westerly side of the river, the path is more rugged and ends at the Diversion Weir.

6. Presidents Park (600 metres away)

If you'd like a fun detour, walk west from the river to Presidents Park (McGrath Rd). There's an excellent playground, skate park, BBQs and toilets too. Difficult to see from the river walking track.

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7. Diversion Weir

Approximately 110km long, the Werribee River belongs to a complex web of regional water channels. The Diversion Weir was built in 1910 to help supply water to the Werribee South market garden area.

8. Riverbend Historical Park

The Riverbend Historical Park offers a riverside spot to rest, have a picnic or use the public BBQs. There's even a launching deck for water enthusiasts keen to explore the river by kayak or canoe.

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9. Walk, bus or kayak back to Werribee

Werribee River continues north, flanked by market gardens and pathways. You can walk further or return to Werribee Station on foot along the river or catch a bus from nearby Heaths Rd (Route 181).

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10. Start at Wyndham Park

Walk 100 metres west from Werribee Station, along the edge of the public parking area, until you reach this bridge. Wyndham Park offers walking and cycling paths, north and south along Werribee River.

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