Pipemakers Park Family Walk

Pipemakers Park Family Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

This is a terrific park for family walking in particular. The walk loops around the park taking in all the special features on offer including bushland, innovative play spaces and great outdoor art.

Description

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Covering 8 hectares of history, trees, water and art is Pipemakers Park. It is the perfect spot for family walking and fun. Bushy paths run through the grounds over hill and dale. Sealed paths run along the Maribyrnong River upstream and down.

Pipemakers Park has some of Australia’s oldest and most significant early industrial structures associated with manufacturing innovation. Concrete pipes made here were the nation’s first manufactured export. Also, meat preserving, boiling down and frozen exports were pioneered.

Architecturally, the buildings housing these industries used advanced techniques for their day. Such buildings are exceptionally rare in Melbourne.

The nature and industry play space is fantastic for kids. It has towers for climbing and areas for water and sand play. There are also areas with all abilities access.

On your way into the park look out for the enormous art installation “Pipedreams” by Matthew Harding. The work pays tribute to this industrial past.

Kids will enjoy following the garden paths of The History of the Land Discovery Trail across mosaics and amongst old factory foundations.

Park amenities include BBQs, drinking water, picnic tables, shelter, seating, walking paths and public toilets (including accessible).

Dogs must be on a leash except in the adjacent Thompson Reserve off leash area.

Cyclists may share some pathways.

Public Transport
Bus No. 409 stops at Highpoint Shopping Centre (500 meters).

Car parking
There are 2 car parks along the park driveway off the Gordon Street / Van Ness Avenue roundabout.

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Points of Interest

1. Map signs

Map signs are provided at a number of locations to ensure you find your way. This car park is a good place to start your walk.

2. Path markers

If the play space is your immediate destination these colourful markers clearly identify which path to take.

3. Wetlands

Wetland ponds can be discovered in the park. Keep an eye on the kids around the open water.

4. Bush cubbies

Bushland family parks are irresistible cubby making spaces.

5. Play space

This excellent play space will excite children of all ages.

6. History of the Land Discovery Trail

Spread across remnant industrial foundations of the site are the meandering pathways of this garden / art landscaped trail. An excellent place for kids to run and hide.

7. Attractive garden features

These colonnades make for a pretty reflective space. The surrounding mosaics are also a lovely public art feature.

8. Pipemakers Park pipe relics

Pipes have been used to create physically interactive features in the park as tunnels and climbing structures.

9. Picnic tables

Sheltered and outdoor picnic tables are available across the park.

10. Steeped in history

The industrial past of the site is evident in its remaining buildings and foundations. The purpose of these is well described in interesting interpretive signs.

11. Shelter, seating and drinking water

There are places to take a break throughout the walk including sheltered and outdoor seating. Accessible drinking fountains are provided as well.

12. Drop a line

The close proximity to the the river makes Pipemakers Park a popular spot for fishing as well as walking.

13. Footbridge over the Maribyrnong

If you are looking for more walking there are plenty of options. Crossing the footbridge offers great views as well as connection to walks along the opposite bank.

14. View from a bridge

The views along the river from the footbridge are splendid. Make sure you take the kids to the top. This view is to Frog Hollow wetlands beside the river.

15. The paths

The main paths are wide, sealed and smooth. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous there are also fun bush tracks to explore, especially for kids.