Horseshoe Bend Loop and Old Iron Bridge

Horseshoe Bend Loop and Old Iron Bridge created by Yarra Walker

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Summary

A circular walk around the Horseshoe Bend in the Maribyrnong River, opposite Brimbank Park. This walk finishes with an extended stroll to an historic iron bridge.

Description

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An easy circular walk starting at Horseshoe Bend Road. You'll trace a lovely hook in Melbourne's Maribyrnong River - a quieter part of the river to stroll along.

The walk begins at Horseshoe Reserve, the site of an old farm (the buildings are no longer open to visitors).

Some of the land is now used for a community garden which you can wander through as part of this walk.

After you have traced the horseshoe bend, you can continue up the river through Bonfield Reserve to the old iron bridge (built in 1868) crossing the Maribyrnong next to the Old Calder Highway.

Continue back to the start of the walk, or you could stay on the other side of the river (ut note it is a much longer walk back with the only other bridge located at Brimbnak Park (point 10 on the map).

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Points of Interest

1. Entrance to Horseshoe Bend Farm

The Farm remains closed but the gate to the right is open; but you will need to park in the road. The weblink below, although out of date, gives some useful background to the Farm.

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2. Old gum tree by the Maribyrnong

It is called the Wetland Circuit, but apart from the river there is not much wet land here! But some nice trees along the path.

3. Old farm windmill

A footprint of one of the old farms

4. Across to Brimbank Park

Some litter or weed clearing going on across the river.

5. Reflections in the rain

Just a nice photo, if I do say so.

6. Old farm buildings

Some places to sit and shelter among the empty car parks and farm buildings

7. Steps down to Bonfield Reserve

After completing the circuit, you can follow the path that runs above the river next to Horseshoe Bend Rd, and down these steps towards Bonfield Reserve

8. Roadside sign about the iron bridge

Cross over Brimbank Reserve (not worth a photo in its current state) and take the forked path under the road or up to Bonfield St. This sign gives interesting information about the 1868 bridge.

9. The Iron Bridge

But quite safe for pedestrians. From here you can cross the river and walk along the much longer path around the left bank of the Maribyrnong or walk back the way you came.

10. Alternate bridge (Brimbank Park)

This is an alternative place to cross the river if you want to do the outside of the horseshoe! Note that this bridge can become flooded after rainfall.