Best of West Melbourne to Docklands
Best of West Melbourne to Docklands
Beginning at the Flagstaff Gardens, this day walk takes you through Melbourne's popular market, its art-adorned laneways and to the waterside views of the Docklands.
Summary
Beginning at the Flagstaff Gardens, this day walk takes you through Melbourne's popular market, its art-adorned laneways and to the waterside views of the Docklands.
Description
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens' places you in a prime position to explore this marvellous city by foot. If you're fit you could do this walk in two hours, but we advise you to take your time and make the most of the many photo, shopping and dining opportunities on the way.
If you do not wish to walk the whole 8.5km, you can break the walk into two and explore the city (east) end of the walk on one day, and the Docklands (west) end on another.
Or, hop on a La Trobe Street tram to take you from the city to Docklands sites. This will cut the walk by 1.7km each way from the Welsh Church (point 11) to Marvel Stadium (point 13). This tram trip is within Melbourne's free tram zone so you will not need to purchase a ticket.
WALK DESCRIPTION: Begin with a ramble through the lovely Flagstaff Gardens before heading down to Blender Studios. Maloney Lane next to the studio is a constantly evolving canvas and you may even catch some artists at work. Alternatively book in for a street art tour here led by the artists themselves.
From Dudley Street, head east to the bustling Queen Victoria Market (open every day except Monday and Wednesday) - popular with tourists for souvenirs and fresh produce, but also with many locals who travel into the market for groceries.
From the market, take in more great street art at Blender Lane before heading south to Hardware Lane, a great place to stop for coffee or a bite to eat. You can explore more of Melbourne's Central Business District including department stores, or head west to continue this walk and to see an entirely different side of Melbourne.
Walk or tram along La Trobe Street until you get to the water. You'll see one of sport-loving Melbourne's arenas (Marvel Stadium) and take in views across the Yarra River to the Bolte Bridge. Imagine this place as it was - a busy port after white settlement, and before that a wetlands providing the indigenous Wurundjeri people with plentiful food and resources.
Trace the water's edge along Newquay Promenade and take a right to explore The District Docklands shopping precinct and to view the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel before heading back to Flagstaff Gardens.
EATING: There are plenty of cuisine options in and around the market, Hardware Lane (point #9), and The District Docklands (point #13).
TOILETS: Public toilets are located at Flagstaff Gardens ( corner William and Dudley streets), at the Queen Victoria Market, and at point #19 in Docklands.
More information below.
* This is a sponsored walking map.
3589 Views
Points of Interest
1. Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
Make Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens your home base in Melbourne. Its convenient location opposite the city's oldest public gardens means you can greet each day with a relaxing stroll before breakfast!
2. Flagstaff Gardens
The gardens were named for the flagstaff erected in 1840 at the settlement's highest point (see if you can find it!) and established as a public park in 1862. It remains a valued green space.
3. Blender Studios (Street Art)
Blender Studios started almost 20 years ago (in a different location) and is credited with kick-starting Melbourne's street art scene. The artists run tours but you may see some at work here.
4. Flagstaff Gardens playground
If you have children in tow, you may wish to go via the playground. There are also toilets located in the corner of the gardens. Photo: Visit Victoria (Josie Withers)
5. Queen Victoria Market (upper sheds)
The outdoor sheds are home to many souvenir and clothing stalls, and host night-time food markets throughout the year. See link for details. Photo: Mitchell Luo (Unsplash)
6. Toilets and ATM , market opening hours
If you need to use the toilet or an Automatic Teller Machine (cash) then you'll find them here between the upper and lower market. Market opening hours in link.
7. Queen Victoria Market deli halls
Fresh produce including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bakery and deli goods can be found in the eastern (or 'lower') end of the market and the heritage-registered halls, built in the late 1800s.
8. Blender Lane
Always bold and colourful, Blender Lane is arguably where Melbourne's street art scene began. To explore more of Melbourne's famous street art laneways see the link below for a self-guided tour.
9. Hardware Lane dining precinct
Hardware Lane runs from Lonsdale Street to Bourke St, and is a popular spot to grab a sit-down lunch or dinner with a variety of cuisines. Photo credit: Visit Victoria (Robert Blackburn)
10. Historic church
This lovely Gothic Revival church was designed in 1871 and built to service Melbourne's Welsh community and later housed a women's hospital. See the link for information about its current custodians.
11. Walk or tram to Docklands
If you don't fancy walking to Melbourne's harbour precinct, hop on a modern #30 or historic #35 (City Circle) tram, heading west along La Trobe Street and alight when you are by the water.
12. Sports and event stadium
Able to seat about 70,000 people, this stadium hosts football games, rock concerts and other events. It was the first stadium in the southern hemisphere built with a retractable roof.
13. Melbourne Docklands
From here you'll get lovely views across the Yarra to Bolte Bridge. Once Melbourne's busy port, this area was redeveloped from the 1990s and is now home to tens of thousands of apartment dwellers.
14. Cow up tree
One of Melbourne's more unusual art works, this 8-metre-high sculpture delights many. It was actually inspired by Australia's often harsh climatic conditions. See link for more information.
15. Newquay Promenade
Take a stroll along the promenade - often busy with tourists (and boat crew). Stop for an ice-cream and turn right at this building where you see the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel beckoning.
16. The District Docklands (shopping mall)
Just beyond the small park is The District Docklands. This is a great place to browse for clothing and homewares and there are plenty of eating options too. (Photo: The District Docklands.)
17. View of the Melbourne Star
This 120m Ferris wheel opened in 2013, inspired by London's 'Eye'. It stopped operating in 2021 but hopefully a new buyer can be found to provide views on a clear day to Mt Macedon and Athurs Seat.
19. Public toilet
Take a final look back over Docklands before heading back to Flagstaff Gardens by foot or tram. There is a public toilet located at this corner. Tram stop locations in link.
20. Tram or walk back to Flagstaff Gardens
It's been a long day! You can jump on the route #30 or #35 tram to head back east along La Trobe Street until you see Flagstaff Gardens again. Photo: Visit Victoria (Josie Withers)
Features
Public Transport
Playground
Drinking water available
Seating available
Public toilets
Pram friendly
Historical interest
Art and culture
Lake, creek, river
Park / Garden
