Footscray Park riverside loop walk

Footscray Park riverside loop walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Enjoy the Edwardian jewel in Maribyrnong City's crown from both sides of Maribyrnong River - Footscray Park. This walk crosses the river twice to view the Park from within as well as across the water.

Description

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This appealing 3.5 kilometre loop walk along both sides of the Maribyrnong River takes in views of the delightful exotic plantations and the extensive lush grassy embankments that are Footscray Park. The two bridge crossings offer excellent views along the river to Edgewater in the north and the grand cityscape in the south. Along the way you will also pass Flemington Racecourse, where you can peek through to the stables and the track itself.

Designed in 1911 by architect Richard Alsop, Footscray Park works began in 1913 and continued over the following decades. On the embankments above the section of the Maribyrnong River Trail on which this walk is based are several other paths through formal ornamental beds and plantings originating more than a century ago. It is worth your while to add to your experience of the views of Footscray Park from the River by exploring deeper into the Park itself.

Paths are sealed and wide on both sides of the River. The route includes many features to make walking more enjoyable and comfortable. There are shelters with BBQs, picnic tables and bins. Drinking water fountains, seats and public toilets are available. The play spaces include an accessible playground. There are also exercise stations, land based jetties and on water pontoon platforms for water based recreation such as fishing or simply watching the water slide on by. Launch steps for canoes and kayakers are also readily available.

Dogs must be on a leash except for the designated off leash area near Footscray Rowing Club. Dogs are not permitted in playground areas.

Cyclists may share these paths.

Public transport
Buses 409 and 472 stop on Farnsworth Ave near the bridge.
Alternatively, walk to the walk from the nearby Geelong Road / Droop St Number 82 tram stop.

Car Parking
Park in either Jensen Reserve (free) or Footscray Park (metered).

Other walks in Maribyrnong City:
Cruickshank Park loop walk
Footscray Wharf riverside loop walk
Newell's Paddock / Riverside Park loop walk
Cranwell Park Maribyrnong River walk

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Points of Interest

1. Over and under - Farnsworth Ave Bridge

To the north, Farnsworth Ave Bridge connects the western bank (Footscray Park) of the river to the eastern bank (Flemington Racecourse). There are footpaths over and under, or paddle your way!

2. View from Farnsworth Ave Bridge

Jetties, launching ramps and date palms line the path along this section of the walk.

3. Getting to the eastern bank from Farnsworth Ave Bridge

The only steps on the walk are those beside the Farnsworth Ave Bridge down the eastern embankment. Alternatively, you can walk beside the driveway into the Flemington Racecourse stables car park.

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4. Take a peek

If you cross the Flemington Racecourse stables car park there is a fine view through the fence to the grandstands and across the track to the city

5. Views to the city

Views to the Melbourne CBD along the river are also just great.

6. Fishing

Fishing from the river bank is a popular pastime.

7. Wildlife

So close to the CBD and still the bird watching is good. If you wonder whether there really are fish in the river, just watch a White-faced heron hunt the rocky water edge for a bit.

8. Angliss Stock Bridge

Once a stock bridge connecting Newmarket to the Angliss meatworks complex, this sturdy bridge now caters exclusively to human foot traffic crossing the river.

9. View from Angliss Stock Bridge

Looking upstream the view follows the path between the river and Newell’s Paddock Wetlands Reserve. Find the walking map for this area below.

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10. View across the Wetlands

Views are not the only delight on the walk. There are surprises tucked between the river and Footscray. Few people would expect the lovely Newells Paddock Wetland to be so rich with wildlife.

11. Floating platforms for .....

Floating platforms with ramped access ride the highs and lows of the river giving romantics, contemplators, thinkers and dreamers close proximity to the calming water.

12. Outdoor Gyms

If all this walking isn't enough exercise for you, there is always an outdoor gym to burn off a few extra calories.

13. Riverside gardens, play-space and public toilets

The beautiful formal gardens are a pleasure to see. You will also find two playgrounds for children, one an accessible play space with public toilets nearby.