Footscray has many attractions however its riverside does not seem to be one of the better-known ones. I have friends who live two blocks from the Maribyrnong River in Footscray yet have never been there. So here's a taste of what you can find along the river banks in the Footscray area. It's a fascinating fusion of the urban and the rural.
Views across the river to Melbourne city
A walking and cycling track runs alongside the river, marked with a broken red line on this
map. Starting from the river banks at the end of Parker Street if you head South you will come to the Footscray Wharf.
Most of the attractions however are to the North. The first place of interest is the
Footscray Community Arts Centre on the left and then the Blackbird dock on the right. If you'd rather not walk or cycle, you can take a cruise up or down the river on the
Blackbird and enjoy an expert commentary on the river and its history along the way.
Heavenly Queen Temple
The trail then winds past myriad peppercorn trees and views of the city along to the Heavenly Queen Temple. This temple has been under construction for quite some time and over the years there have been periods where it was possible to visit. At the moment though there is further construction underway.
A little further down the trail is Newell's Paddock. While you can't wander through the reserve, even over the fence you can appreciate this very inner-urban sanctuary that provides a rare habitat not normally seen so close to the city for birds and other wildlife.
Newell's Paddock
Footscray Park is the next major attraction. Photographic opportunities abound with river and city views and the beautiful botanical gardens. There are barbeques, fishing platforms, a couple of shelters and toilets available in the park.
The arbour at Footscray Park
On the other side of the river from Footscray Park is Flemington Racecourse.
View across Footscray Park to Flemington Racecourse
Footscray Park is known as a good spot from which to watch the city of Melbourne's New Year's Eve fireworks. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, last New Year's Eve the council provided a fireworks display at Footscray Park. .
Continuing on you come to Victoria University, the Footscray Boating Club and the Edgewater Wetlands and Lake. Further up the river there are more attractions such as the Anglers Tavern and
Pipemakers Park.
To enjoy the riverside in Footscray you can start from anywhere there is access to the river. Car parking (free and ticketed) is available along the river near Victoria University in Footscray, in the streets around the Footscray Wharf and a few spots in between. For somewhere to eat, there is the
Happy River Café at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, Victoria University Footscray Park has several
cafes and a bar or you can bring your own picnic.
View across to the city and the docks from the Footscray Wharf area
Take a cruise on the Maribyrnong on the Blackbird
If you're interested to find out more about the river itself, Melbourne Water has produced a great
guide which features the history of the river and all about its wildlife. The river bank is likely to change in the future, the council having recently set out their
plans for further improvements.
