Stony Creek Backwash & Hyde Street Reserve Walk

Stony Creek Backwash & Hyde Street Reserve Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

A walking gem right under the West Gate Bridge. These are not your typical waterway walking sites, but no one could argue they don't offer something unique right at the Stony Creek / Yarra confluence.

Description

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The Stony Creek Backwash is a unique Melbourne mangrove setting that lies alongside the mouth of the Creek after it passes below Hyde Street Reserve . It flows into the Yarra River beside the giant pillars of Westgate Bridge at its peak. You won’t get any closer to the water, bridge at its maximum or massive shipping than this.

Walking is a great way to explore the area. Hyde Park Reserve follows Stony Creek downstream. There are treed plantations, sweeping views, picnic tables and even a Disc Golf course.

The return walk around The Backwash is along a wide gravel service road that runs from Hyde Street to the mouth of Stony Creek. The pedestrian boardwalk has been decommissioned, but viewing platforms remain at either end. Cross Hyde Street to enter Hyde Street Reserve with its wide sealed paths. It doesn't matter which site you walk first.

There are signs describing the industrial history and ecosystems of the area.

In the 1850s, Stony Creek was an important route for labourers heading upstream to quarries. They quarried bluestone used to build some of Melbourne's earliest public buildings such as Pentridge Prison and St. Paul's Cathedral. Leftover bluestone was used as ballast on sailing ships waiting in Hobsons Bay.

To accommodate the growing industries and local businesses around the Yarra River port, a multitude of industrial rail sidings were established in the Spotswood area to connect the railway terminals at Hobsons Bay. Remnants of the old Branch Railway sidings can be found in the eastern side of The Backwash.

The intertidal mud flats of Stony Creek Backwash are fringed by mangroves and saltmarsh. This area has become an excellent place for local birdlife to roost, making the viewing platforms great for birdwatching, as are the banks of Stony Creek in Hyde Street Reserve. The variable tide at Stony Creek Backwash also makes it a great fishing spot.

Dogs must be on a leash.

There is a small car park at the Hyde Street Reserve entrance that is opposite The Backwash entrance.

Adjoining The Backwash, Westgate Memorial Park commemorates 35 men who died on October 15, 1970 when the under construction West Gate Bridge collapsed.

Note, there are no public toilets drinking fountains on this walk.

Bus No. 409 stops at the corner of Hyde St and Docklands Highway.

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Points of Interest

1. Car park

The handy car park lies between the entrances to the two different sites.

2. Seat and sign

This seat with a view also has an informative sign describing the local industrial history.

3. An industrial present and past

On this walk you will find an abundance of wildlife amongst the current and remnant artefacts of industry. It is a fascinating contrast.

4. Security and isolation

The walk passes the massive Caltex Oil Terminal and crossed extensive piping. Fencing determines where you can go and security guards observe and patrol the area.

5. River access

A boarded ramp between Cyclone fencing gives passage to the Yarra River / Stony Creek confluence.

6. Tug ahoy

The Svitzer Eureka head past to the next tug job.

7. Getting up close

If you like watching river traffic, bird and wildlife you can't get any closer than this. Then there is the proximity to peak West Gate. It doesn't get any higher than this.

8. Looking south

Newport Power Station lies due south along the river beyond pipes, piers and pylons.

9. Birdlife #01

A Black Swan under the bridge.

10. The Boardwalk

Platforms at each end of The Boardwalk provide great views into The Backwash and along Stony Creek. Sadly, you can no longer cross The Backwash using The Boardwalk due to structural instability.

11. The Backwash

Mangrove and saltmarsh fringed, big tidal swings are a feature of The Backwash.

12. Park Mangrove interface

Where the tidal flow doesn't go, that's where the mangroves slow and grass will grow.

13. Disc Golf course map, instructions and habitat

Assuming you haven't played Disc Golf, this sign at the entrance to Hyde Street Reserve describes the course and the game. It's like golf played with a frisbee. There is a description of local habitat

14. Wide sealed paths

Hyde St Reserve paths and plants are different to The Backwash. Wide sealed paths run along the top of a slope above the creek beside grass expanses, urban forest and native grass plantings.