When it comes to combining exercising and socialising with sightseeing and history, Melbourne has few better ways than the
Bayside Trail.
Winding around
Port Phillip Bay for 18 flat and smooth kilometres between
Williamstown and
Brighton, this is a great route that can be walked or cycled.
The Bayside Trail begins at the
Williamstown Timeball on
Battery Rd. You soon encounter the
HMAS Castlemaine, followed by
Scienceworks in Spotswood.
The next landmark is the Westgate Bridge. Although it's forbidden to pedestrians and cyclists, you can cross the Yarra with the
Westgate Punt, which runs on weekends and public holidays between 9am and 5pm, and which costs $5 (with no extra charge for bikes).
Now on the eastern side of the river, you'll traverse the lovely
Westgate Park, before passing through
Port Melbourne,
Albert Park and
St Kilda, where you may want to browse the markets or have a coffee. Several kilometres on, you cross the finish line at
Bay St, Brighton, a few hundred metres north of Brighton Beach.
The great thing about the Bayside Trail is that there are plenty of parks, restaurants and cafes for you to relax in. So bring your friend, partner or family and make a day of it.
