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Port Melbourne to Williamstown Walking Trail  Background Information: The Port Melbourne to Williamstown walking trail is part of a much longer walking and cycling track called the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail. The Port Melbourne to Williamstown part of the trail is the best section for families and dog owners as it includes access to an off leash dog beach, a trip on the Westgate Punt, BBQ and picnic areas, play equipment for the kids, fantastic views of Melbourne and also a selection of dog friendly cafes and restaurants in Williamstown to please everyone. Council Area: How to get there: The feature walk starts at Sandridge Beach Port Melbourne (Melways Map 56 H3) and is accessible by both public transport and private car. From Flinders street station catch the number 1 Tram to stop 32 on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Beaconsfield Parade and walk 1.5km up the beach path past station pier to Sandridge Beach. Alternatively you can catch the 253 bus from Flinders Street Station get off at any of the stops along The Boulevard or Beach Street.Families travelling by car can park across from the beach on The Boulevard or in the car park on White Reserve. Parking is also available in the streets surrounding the beach - check signs for parking restrictions. Facilities:
 Parking - available on The Boulevard or in the car park on White Reserve.  Picnic areas and BBQs are located at White Reserve, Westgate Park, Newport Park and in the reserve across from The Strand at various intervals.
Cafes and restaurants -  In Williamstown there are many dog friendly cafes and restaurants to choose from along Nelson Place. Cheeky Dog dined at Atomic Bar Cafe and Grill .
Toilets are located at Sandridge Beach and also in Commonwealth Park at the turn around point for the walk
Dog poo bins - located all along the walk. There are also plastic bag dispensers but please remember to take some extras with you
Children's Play Equipment is located at several points along The Strand
Water points - located in Greenwich reserve and also in Commonwealth Park at the turn around point for the walk.
Walk Details:
  This icon marks the start of the walk at Sandridge Beach. This beach has an off leash dog section - see the beach sheet for details - so you can let your dogs run off some energy before the walk. From Sandridge Beach head north along Todd Road toward Westgate park - you will pass under the Westgate Bridge and head west through the park following the bike path.
Once you have followed the path through Westgate Park it will take you back under the Westgate Bridge south to the Westgate Punt jetty. The Westgate Punt is dog friendly but remember to keep your dogs on a leash and under control for the short trip across the water. The Westgate Punt docks across the road from Science Works and the walking trail continues south toward Williamstown.
This section of the walking trail is quite industrial as you pass by the Caltex storage depot and the AES Yarra Power Station. After passing the power station the walk opens up into Newport Park where you can visit the HMAS Yarra Memorial and also allow your dog to run around off leash in one of two off leash parks on this feature walk.
The next section of the walk heads around Greenwich Bay and follows The Strand along the water front to Williamstown. This section of the walk has some fantastic views of Melbourne, the Westgate Bridge and also status and war relics from Australia's Naval History. This part of the walk also has picnic tables, BBQs and children's play equipment at regular intervals along the walking path.
 Once you reach Williamstown, Commonwealth Reserve (Melways Map 56 D9) marks the turn around point for the walk. This park has toilets, picnic facilities and tourist information and is located across the road from several dog friendly cafes and restaurants.
The walk then follows the same path back toward the Westgate Punt then across to Westgate park and back to Sandridge Beach where the walk started.
Things to see along the Port Melbourne to Williamstown Walking Trail
Extra Information / Feature Walk Download
The Westgate punt only operates on the Weekends - People (and dogs) who wish to do the walk during the week will have to start the walk from a different location. Cheeky Dog suggests starting the walk at Newport Park (Melways Map 56 B4) as there is an off leash dog park here and also parking along the Strand. Westgate Punt - Timetable and Ticket Prices This walk is only suitable during day light hours as there are parts of the walk such as near the Power Station that are not well lit. BBQ areas along The Strand may be very busy during the summer months Please keep dogs at least 20 meters from BBQ areas and children's play equipment. Remember to pick up after your dog - great walks are there for all to enjoy so please keep them clean Have a great day and don't forget the dog |
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