Cranwell Park Maribrynong River walk
Cranwell Park Maribrynong River walk
From the attractively terraced Cranwell Park, wind your way to the Maribyrnong River for a beautiful bushland walk. The views along the river are gorgeous.
Summary
From the attractively terraced Cranwell Park, wind your way to the Maribyrnong River for a beautiful bushland walk. The views along the river are gorgeous.
Description
Cranwell Park sits high above the water. This walk winds down to the Maribyrnong River from the Park and follows it upstream and down. There are many views along the river to enjoy in this enchantingly picturesque setting.
The bushy river banks are covered in flourishing vegetation and home to birds and wildlife. Observations right down the food chain may be made if you look carefully. Watch for raptors high above, other birds large and small along the river, insects in the trees and understory, frogs and fish in the water.
The walking path down to and up from the river starts from Cranwell Park at the bottom of Lacy Street. The path has been recreated to reduce the steepness of the slope by laying sealed, smooth and wide concrete switchbacks. The park itself has a playground with BBQ shelter and drinking water. Public toilets are slated for construction, but they are not there yet. There are public toilets in nearby Churchill Avenue at Braybrook Park.
The walking paths make exploring both banks of the river without crossing Solomon’s Ford easy. You can do this via a U turn at the footbridge.
A loop walk is also possible. Please note: the loop walk involves a river crossing over rocks which requires a good level of fitness and mobility. Good footwear is recommended. This crossing is not to be attempted during or following heavy rains when the water levels are higher.
Dogs
Cranwell Park has an off leash area below the playground. Dogs must be on leash within 30 metres of the playground. Dogs must be on leash on the walking path.
Cyclists may share these paths.
Public Transport
Walk to the walk. Buses 215, 220 and 410 stop 250 metres away at the corner of Lacy Street and Ballarat Road.
Car Parking
There is free car parking in Cranwell and Lacy Streets.
Other walks to enjoy in Maribyrnong City:
Cruickshank Park loop walk
Footscray Park riverside loop walk
Newell's Paddock / Riverside Park loop walk
Footscray Wharf riverside loop walk
944 Views
Points of Interest
1. Cranwell Park playground
A good stop for the kids, the playground has a sheltered BBQ, picnic tables and drinking water (public toilets are planned, but not yet present). There is plenty of parking along Cranwell Street.
2. Cranwell Park terracing
If parking in Cranwell Street, walking through the Cranwell Park terraces to the top of the walking path is an alternative to walking along Lacy Street.
3. View from the switchbacks
The river looks gorgeous from many viewing spots along the banks. A smooth, wide, sealed path of switchbacks takes you steadily down to the waterway.
4. The shared path
The shared path on the Maribyrnong City side of the river is sealed, smooth and wide.
5. Quang Minh Buddhist Temple gardens
The Temple sits right on top of the steep embankment above its own pathways, vegetable and landscaped gardens.
6. Solomon's Ford
This rocky crossing requires a good level of fitness and mobility. Good footwear is recommended. This crossing is not to be attempted during or following heavy rains when the water level is higher.
7. Above the ford
Water banks up behind the ford to create a calming broad waterway.
8. Scenic bushland
In many places the bushland scenery would have you believe you are far away from the city.
9. Birds large and small
It is easy to spot the Herons and Cormorants on or near the water. There are plenty of smaller birds to enjoy too. Try looking for the likes of these Silvereyes in the Fennel.
10. A gravel path
The path on the opposite side of the river is gravel all the way between ford and footbridge.
11. Footbridge access north side
The path ascending to the footbridge on the north side runs along the embankment. You have to walk a bit beyond the bridge to locate it. If you go as far as this small jetty you have gone too far.
12. For art lovers
This handsome ceramic greets you on the northern end of the footbridge.
13. The footbridge
The very solid footbridge crosses high above the water offering great views downriver.
14. A tranquil place
The peaceful river, the splendid canopy and feeling of being far from the city combine to create a sense of calm.
Features
Public Transport
Playground
Picnic spot
Drinking water available
Seating available
Dog off-leash area
Public toilets
Nature trail
Lake, creek, river
Park / Garden
