Foreshore Trail

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Posted 2015-11-20 by Katherine ⇒ follow

It's a beautiful sunny day in Melbourne and you can't decide whether to take a nice walk or a trip to the beach. Then why not combine the two and take a coastal walk? The links two of the most popular destinations for Melburnians on hot summer days – Port Phillip and St Kilda – so you're really getting the best of both worlds.

The trail officially starts at the Perc White Reserve but if getting public transport I recommend getting off the 109 tram from the city at the restored Port Melbourne Railway Station and then doubling back only as far as Princes Pier and starting the walk from there towards St Kilda.

The whole trail is around 11km so you need to be reasonably fit and even then if it's hot being on your feet for 3 hours is going to be a test of your stamina. Luckily there are lots of little food kiosks and cafes along to way to stop at for sustenance and you can indulge guilt-free knowing that you're burning it off with all the walking! It is also well worth taking a break to relax on one or more of the beautiful beaches - soak up the sun and maybe even take a dip to cool off.

You won't need any special equipment or walking boots for this trail, just something comfortable to wear for long periods of walking, as the paths are all flat and mostly paved. Just make sure you bring a water bottle to fill up at one of the multiple drinking fountains along the way and a sunhat and sunscreen. It can feel breezy near the coast and you don't want to have to explain to everyone at work on Monday why you now resemble a lobster.

Trail Highlights

Take a little detour to the St Kilda Breakwater at the end of the pier where you might just spot a penguin.

Don't forget to stop and look behind you at various points along the trail for great views of the Melbourne city skyline in the distance.