Port Albert Accessible Walk

Old Port Foreshore Road, Port Albert, Victoria, 3971

Port Albert Accessible Walk

Old Port Foreshore Road, Port Albert, Victoria, 3971

Staff Pick
45 m
2.23 km
Easy

Walk or roll this historic coastal port, the site of the region's first settlement. View the fishing fleet, pass mangroves and salt marsh while looking across Corner Inlet from McMillan Bay.

Port Albert Accessible Walk

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Summary

Walk or roll this historic coastal port, the site of the region's first settlement. View the fishing fleet, pass mangroves and salt marsh while looking across Corner Inlet from McMillan Bay.

Description

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Port Albert is Victoria's first established port and Gippsland’s principal access point before rail. This flat accessible path follows the historic waterfront past today’s fishing fleet before going on a walk or roll beside salt marsh and mangroves. It is accessible to everyone and can be completed using a mobility aid.

Direction signs include time to destination. There is one map sign of the region. The path width ranges from 1.35 to 2.35 meters across surfaces of concrete, granitic sand and jetty boardwalks.

There are alternative vehicle pick up points for shorter walks throughout. Mobile coverage is good.

Jetties have safety rails or wheel buffers, but the waterside path does not. There are sea wall drop offs directly to the water. There can be lips between surfaces. Wooden boardwalk jetties have uneven surfaces, plastic jetty surfaces are smoother. Most of the path length has room for wheelchair turning, side by side travel and passing.

Granitic sand sections have a mild camber toward edges. There are no steps on the walk as mapped and no overhead obstacles encountered.

Rest areas
The area is well maintained. The path is exposed to the weather. There is frequent seating connected to the path with back and arm rests.

There are BBQs, shelters, picnic tables and accessible bins throughout Memorial Park. Note: be careful of the structural metal edges under picnic tables.

There are many locations for great views from a wheelchair. Interpretive signs and historic features are often accessible. Food and drink may be purchased along Wharf St subject to opening hours.

Drinking water access is limited. Carry water.

A large accessible toilet is provided. There is another accessible toilet at the fish and chip restaurant. The "accessible" toilet entry in the northeastern section of the waterfront park may be too narrow for some wheelchairs.

Dogs must be leashed.
Cyclists may share paths.

Parking
There is a Memorial Park accessible parking space beside the toilet block. The surface is sealed, smooth and flat. Traffic flow is slow. There are other accessible spaces and general public spaces along the port.

There is direct ramped access to the walk via a 1.4-meter-wide concrete path.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding all abilities access. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of this accessible Walking Map. Please tell us by completing this brief survey.. Your feedback will help us to create high quality information about accessible walks.

“Together More Active: accessible walking trails for people with disability” is a partnership between Victoria Walks, Disability Sport & Recreation and Regional Sport Victoria.

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Points of Interest

1. Accessible parking

A ramped accessible parking space connects to the sheltered, open plan toilet block with roll in accessible toilets. Smooth, sealed access paths on a mild slope connect to the walking / rolling path.

2. Accessible toilet

The accessible toilet has a door width of 0.88 meters and a floor area 3x2.25 meters. There are bilateral rails, a backrest and a soap dispenser.

3. Accessible viewing platform

Just outside the toilet block is a viewing platform with bench seats and plenty of room to move around using mobility aids.

4. Pinch point

The gap between the bannister for these steps down to the sand and water is 1.2 meters. Note there are no safety rails along this section of the seaside wall and lips are present where pavements meet.

5. Northeast views

From the end of Portside jetties there are lovely views across the inlet. Waterbird observations are a highlight. Note the presence of wheel buffers. There are no safety rails here.

6. Food and refreshment

If you are looking for refreshment, there are eateries along Wharf Street including popular fish and chip shops on the water and others in more historic settings. Opening hours vary, ensure to check.

7. A smoother jetty surface

The jetties have either boardwalk or grippy plastic surfaces. For those using mobility aids with small hard wheels, the plastic is the smoother experience.

8. Picnic tables

A word of caution about many picnic tables. A structural metal blade hangs underneath right where wheelchair users might be tempted to roll under. Keep your distance.

9. Alternative accessible parking

For shorter walks there are other accessible or general public parking spaces along the path offering alternative pick up and drop off points. Avoid this one however, the ramp is placed to be blocked.

10. No steps

There are no steps on the path as mapped. Ramps through kerbs provide for uninterrupted walking or rolling.

11. Port's end

The concourse at the eastern most reach of the path is a fine place to stop, reflect on the past and take in your surroundings.

12. Shade

There are some trees for shade. The path is generally exposed to the weather.

13. Interpretive signs

Several interesting history, map and environmental signs line the path. Not all are convenient for wheelchair users. Colourful buoys are a feature of the port.

14. A change of surface

At this point the concrete gives way to compacted granitic sand. Both paths are generally smooth and flat. Watch for lips where surfaces change.

15. Seating

Seats with back and armrests are situated at frequent intervals along the path. There are fewer on the compacted granitic sand section.

16. Southwest scenery

Looking southwest from the path gives views across mangroves, Sunday and Sand Islands to the peaks of Wilson's Promontory.

17. Direction signs

Map and direction signs keep you informed about where you are and can go along the path. These include destinations and time taken. Duke St is a loop alternative back to the start of the walk.

18. The Rocket Shed

Take a look inside the shed used to store rockets for firing lines out to boats offshore. Check opening hours. The information sign is at an accessible height.


Features

Playground Playground
Picnic spot Picnic spot
Drinking water available Drinking water available
Seating available Seating available
Public toilets Public toilets
Pram friendly Pram friendly
Historical interest Historical interest
Local treasures Local treasures
Art and culture Art and culture
Nature trail Nature trail
Lake, creek, river Lake, creek, river
Park / Garden Park / Garden
Accessible walk Accessible walk