Footscray Wharf riverside loop walk

Footscray Wharf riverside loop walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Footscray Wharf has been recreated as a quality riverside walking and recreation space. You can easily make it a loop by crossing the bridges over the Maribyrnong River at either end.

Description

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The historic Footscray Wharf is a great place to walk, but there is more. Bridges over the Maribyrnong River give you access to excellent views of the surrounding area with fascinating vistas of green and industrial features. This 3 kilometre loop walk takes full advantage of the river and its setting.

A refurbishment master plan for the riverfront was prepared in 2014. The work done over recent years to refurbish local historic structures while improving the experience of the area has been marvellous. Footscray Wharf was originally constructed in the 1880s. It supported river transport for 100 years. The retained sections of rail spur line running parallel with the river date back to 1917. These tracks connected waterfront goods transport to the railway network. Imagining the bustle of the past is easier with these features retained.

Of course, the Maribyrnong River itself remains the highlight of the walk. It is a pleasure to walk beside it and savour its moods. It also has many natural offerings. Drop a line to catch a fish and keep an eye open for birdlife such as hunting Herons and Cormorants.

Paths are sealed and wide. Signs along the paths provide interesting insights into past use of the spaces and structures around you. Did you know the Bunbury St Railway Bridge immediately connects to an historic railway tunnel into the west bank?

Walking is made easier by the many amenities provided along the route. BBQ shelters and picnic tables, drinking water and public toilets, frequent seating including swinging recliners and waterside platforms for fishing or canoe launches.

The route as mapped includes two stops for refreshments, one at the Footscray Community Arts Centre and the other in the apartment complex on Dynon Road (check opening times). Before the latter location an alternative walking path can take you directly up to the Hopetoun Bridge (Dynon Rd) if you don't wish to go on to walk beside the apartment complex.

Note: this walk is pram friendly along the western bank of the river on the Maribyrnong River Trail. You can also take a pram over the Footscray Rd pedestrian bridge directly to the east bank walking path. However, at the northern end of the walk there are steps down from the east side of Hopetoun Bridge (Dynon Rd) to Sims Street. Sims Street must be crossed to join the eastern bank walking path along the river.

Dogs must be on a leash.

Cyclists may share these pathways.

Public Transport
Walk to the walk. Footscray Railway Station is 600 metres via Bunbury St.

Car parking
Metered parking is available along Maribyrnong Street.

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

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Points of Interest

1. Bunbury St Railway Bridge

Footscray Wharf extends under the historic Bunbury St Railway Bridge towards Footscray Road and its accompanying footbridge. There is no access to the railway bridge.

2. Metal Art Studio

Waterside Metal Art Studio is worth looking into when its large doors are open. Watch the forges in action as students and artists work metal into art. You will find other art to enjoy on this walk.

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3. Footscray Wharf

Smooth, wide and flat walking paths along Footscray Wharf make it easy for everyone to enjoy walking together by the river. Photo courtesy of Maribyrnong City Council.

4. History, arts, culture and refreshment

Interpretive signs offer stories and imagery of the area's history. Past and modern culture is presented by and in the bluestone buildings of Footscray Arts Centre. Myrtle Cafe serves food and drinks.

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5. Date palms and landscaping

The Date palm lined west bank historic goods railway has been planted with green lawns, floral beds and trees creating an appealing landscape. Paths are smooth, broad and run parallel with the river.

6. River Cruising

If you want to experience the river on water as well as walking, there are certainly options to do so. Canoes and kayaks are common sights and boat hire is available.

7. Underpass climbing wall

Hopetoun bridge underpass isn't just any underpass. There is a very colourful climbing wall and seating.

8. Pontoon platforms

Whether for fishing, launching or simply watching the water go by, these platforms that rise and fall with the river make it even more accessible than the path.

9. Public art

You never know what you are going to find or where. This ceramic is embedded in the ground beside seating on the footpath. Nice.

10. Early morning misty river view

The riverside is a popular place to walk in the early morning or evening. Whether muted by river mist or lit by sunset, favourite river and city views are worth exploring for.

11. Refreshment

Whether for a sit down meal or passing grab of a snack or coffee, the shops below the apartment complex on the river will cater for your needs.

12. Crossing Hopetoun Bridge

The Hopetoun Bridge footpath is separated from the traffic and bike lanes, so the walk across is quite comfortable.

13. Footscray Wharf from the east bank

It is fair to say the east bank is not as attractive as the west bank of the river. However, the views across the water, up and downstream continue to be great.