Westgate Park (Port Melbourne)
Westgate Park offers a range of attractions and activities within close proximity to the city. It is located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River under the Westgate Bridge and offers spectacular views to the mouth of the Yarra and the city skyline.
Things to Do
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with friends or family.
- Cycle along the Yarra River or the Port Melbourne foreshore.
- Go bird watching and see water birds feeding on the shores of the lake.
- Take the bicycle punt across the river to Williamstown (weekends only).
- See the Earth Series Sculptures, made from natural materials, which provide an interesting contrast to the landscape character of the park.
- See the lake when it turns a spectacular pink colour. The lake in the centre of the park turns a vibrant pink when conditions are right. Roughly once a year, when there is a long enough dry spell, the water from the lake evaporates enough to change from really salty to really, really, really salty, and the algae puts on its pink sunglasses to survive the extreme conditions. As soon as the rain comes and dilutes the water, or the weather gets cold and overcast, the pink colour disappears as the algae stops producing the pink cartenoids.
Facilities
- The winding trails around the lakes and along the river are popular with cyclists, joggers and walkers. They link up with the Port Melbourne Foreshore Trail and the Main Yarra Trail.
- A punt service allows easy access to Scienceworks and the Williamstown Foreshore Trail (weekends only).
- Picnic facilities are provided and group bookings of the lawn area can be made by contacting Parks Victoria. The BBQ facility cannot be booked.
Heritage
The area was originally part of the saltmarsh that extended north from the Yarra River up the Maribyrnong River to the present site of Flemington Racecourse. Sand mining commenced in the 1930s and continued for at least a decade. Part of the excavated land was filled with water to form the southern saltwater lake. The remainder of the park was used as a rubbish tip, which operated for 23 years. During World War 2 an aircraft factory and airfield occupied the site.
Fauna
As a result of its regeneration, Westgate Park is now a haven for a variety of bird species including stilts, ibis, spoonbills, ducks, gulls, coots, pelicans, swans and moorhens.
Vegetation
Extensive plantings of indigenous trees and shrubs have been undertaken at Westgate Park. These indigenous species have and continue to be planted into various ecological vegetation communities representative of the south east costal region.
Looking After the Park
- All native animals and vegetation are protected and are not to be removed from Westgate Park.
- Please take all rubbish with you.
- Dogs are permitted in the park, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Leave the park as you find it.
How to Get There
Access to Westgate Park is via Todd Road or near the end of Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne (Melways Ref: 56 F1).
Opening Hours:
Open 24/7
Review:
Initial impressions were not positive - next to the noisy Westgate bridge and a saltwater lake which was smelly but beautifully pink. However, once you venture away from this area and reach the large freshwater lake there is a lovely nature environment with lots of waterbirds including pelicans and white egrets. The noise is also muffled in this area. Throw in seven large sculptures by Lyn Moore, an area with shelter, BBQ, water taps and toilets and you have an area worth visiting. The track around the lake is suitable for walking or riding.
Photos:
Location
81 Todd Rd, Port Melbourne 3207 Map
Web Links
→ Westgate Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Westgate Park - Park Note (PDF)
→ Westgate Park - Map (PDF)
