Combine History and Stunning Views on the 23km Bay Trail in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs

Explorer Kat enjoyed this 23km coastal walk through mangrove forests, marine sanctuaries, and a bucketload of history in Melbourne’s west.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The Bay Trail is a sealed 23km trail stretching from Williamstown to Point Cook in Melbourne’s west. It’s an accessible, family-friendly trail that should take you around four to five hours from start to finish.

Quick Facts the Bay Trail

Distance: 23km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 54m
Nearest town: Melbourne

There’s no mistaking that view!

About the Bay Trail

Navigating the coastal trail from Williamstown to Point Cook in Melbourne’s western suburbs is straightforward, so it’s an accessible route for walkers and cyclists. Simply follow the flat, paved pathway along the coastline. With plenty of directional signage you can’t get lost.

The majority of the walk overlaps the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail, however the Hobsons Bay Trail actually starts in Footscray – don’t get them mixed up!

The walk can easily be broken into two sections, and if you don’t want to go the whole distance, Altona Train Station is about halfway along. There’s heaps of parking and a train station at the start, plus plenty of parks, cafes, toilets, and rest stops along the way, so it’s perfect for beginners.

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When in doubt, look up

The Bay Trail History

The trail has been gradually extended over the years, winding by new suburbs built to accommodate Melbourne’s growing population. Sections of the trail are boardwalk-style paths on stilts, designed to minimise ground disturbance and reduce impact on the wetlands, while providing opportunities for people to connect with nature in an urban setting.

Williamstown is the oldest continuous settlement on the shores of Port Phillip. By 1900, many major industries were established including freezing works, railway workshops, woollen mills, gasworks, glassworks, petroleum repacking depot, and sewerage works and it was proclaimed a city in 1919.

Altona’s oldest building dates back to 1842 and the railway line was extended to reach Altona Beach in 1888. Further along the trail, Sanctuary Lakes and Point Cook are much newer suburbs. Sanctuary Lakes, a former saltworks site, and Point Cook are both less than 30 years old, with construction only starting in the late 1990s.

The final section connecting Sanctuary Lakes and Point Cook was only finished this year, reducing a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres.

The new boardwalk is hella chunky but it gets the job done

How to Get to the Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is easiest to get to by train, with Williamstown Train Station located at the trailhead. There’s plenty of free street parking near the station if you choose to drive.

At the end of the trail, you can catch the 497 bus from the nearby Jansar St/Saltwater Prom Bus Stop back to Williams Landing Train Station. From there, you can head back to the city via train.

Alternatively, lock in some accommodation for the night and head back to the start on day two to make it an out-and-back loop of about 46km.

Where to Stay Along the Bay Trail

If you’re keen to make a weekend of it, consider staying at the Punthill Apartments or renting an Airbnb around Williamstown. If you’re camping, Discovery Parks Braybrook is one of the closest campgrounds to the trail.

Skill Level for the Bay Trail

Beginner 

No experience is necessary for this trail. There are public toilets, playgrounds, benches, and cafes dotted along the route, providing plenty of chances to take a break. Always remember to check the weather conditions ahead of time and dress appropriately.

It’s mostly flat, but also exposed so you’ll be hit with whatever the weather gods are throwing that day

Essential Gear for the Bay Trail

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Layers – a raincoat or windbreaker is a must!
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Water – preferably in a refillable water bottle as there are plenty of drinking fountains along the route

Read more: 10 Essentials Every Day Hiker Needs

What’s It’s Like to Walk the Bay Trail

Stop One – Williamstown

Williamstown is a leafy inner-west suburb on the tip of Melbourne’s southern peninsula, only 13km from the CBD. It has a fascinating history as Victoria’s first seaport, so it’s worth taking the time to explore before you start walking.

The walk begins in Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. The park was Victoria’s first permanent European settlement. The bluestone seawall was built by convicts in the 1850s and was recently restored to its former glory. Check out the bluestone Timeball Tower in the park. This tower was a vital navigational tool for mariners, allowing them to set their chronometers to it.

You’ll also pass Fort Gellibrand, a series of zig-zag wall defences and gun emplacements from the 1860s. Then you’ll loop around Williamstown Beach, a small suburban patch of sand that’s packed on hot summer days. This section of the trail is especially popular with dog walkers and cyclists, so be mindful.

Read more: A Guide to Melbourne’s Bike Paths

Leaving the seafront, you’ll continue along a series of winding boardwalks into a protected mangrove and saltmarsh wetland called Jawbone Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to diverse marine life such as Zebrafish, the Eleven-armed sea star, the Southern Fiddler ray, and many species of sea and shorebirds. If you want to explore the pretty rock pools, keep an eye out for urchins and crabs scuttling along the crevices. You might also see large turban shells, limpets, and snails. There’s a lovely kids playground here too.

Be a good human and stick to the left

Stop Two – Altona

After leaving Jawbone Sanctuary, you’ll continue hugging the coastline passing the old Kororoit fishing village and its rustic fishing sheds, saltmarsh wetlands, and the doggy paradise at Altona Dog Beach.

Read more: 10 Ways to Adventure With Your Dog That Aren’t a Walk Around the Block

Continue past the busy Altona boat ramp and its fishing clubs, and you’ll soon arrive at Altona Beach, with plenty of cafes and ice cream shops along the main street. The lengthy beach is separated by the brand new 300 m-long Altona Pier. Take a wander along to check out the views from the end and watch fishers in action.

You’re just over halfway now, so you can either continue on to Point Cook and jump on the train at Altona Station, or turn around and head back to the start.

A special treat to walk out over the water

Stop Three – Point Cook

You’ll eventually wave goodbye to the sandy shores and enter parklands and peaceful wetlands which serve as an important habitat for migratory birds from Japan, Siberia, and New Zealand. Australian birds like the Painted Snipe, Orange-bellied parrot, and Regent Honeyeater like it there too. The paths through the vast Cheetham Wetlands are much quieter so you can really soak up the serenity.

Read more: Why Birdwatching Will Improve Your Next Adventure & How To Get Started

A new bridge has just been finished connecting the trail through Sanctuary Lakes, making it much easier to continue walking towards the Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary. Don’t miss climbing to the top of the Cheetham Wetlands Observation Tower to see the expansive wetlands with the silhouette of the CBD skyline in the distance.

It gives alien Tardis vibes but the view is mint

Tips For Hiking or Cycling the Bay Trail

• The trail can be quite busy so be mindful of other people and dogs
• The coast can be windy so even if it’s calm when you start out, it might not be for long. Always take a jacket and rain protection
• Stay alert if you’re cycling and slow down when you’re approaching busy areas so that everyone can enjoy the trail safely
• Be careful of snakes on paths on warm days, especially in the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary where Tiger snakes have been spotted

Grab your crew and check it out!

FAQs the Bay Trail

Where are the best walking trails near Melbourne?

There are some really great walks and challenging hikes to enjoy within a few hours of Melbourne. Hike in Werribee Gorge State Park, hit up Flinders Peak Walk in the You Yangs, try the Bushrangers Bay Trail, or visit Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula.

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Where can I take my dog for a walk in Melbourne?

Take a look at this list of all the great dog-friendly walking trails both in and near Melbourne to plan your your next outdoor trip with your pup. Don’t forget about Melbourne’s local dog beaches too!

Can I ride my bike on the Bay Trail?

The Bay Trail is bike-friendly and it has some mighty smooth sections. If you’re hooked on bike trails, check out the rest of Melbourne’s bike paths.

Is the Bay Trail the same as the Wyndham Bay Trail?

The Bay Trail sits between the Wyndham Bay Trail and the Hobsons Bay Trail, so you’ll see signs referring to both. It can be a little confusing! The Wyndham Bay Trail is further along the coast, around Werribee.