Melbourne's Maribyrnong River - there she flows!

By Darren Stones

Meandering through Melbourne’s north-western suburbs, the scenic Maribyrnong River region affords visitors with various recreational opportunities. It’s a river rich in history and worthy of exploration; whether you’re a local or a visitor to Melbourne.

Crossing point: The Afton Street footbridge in Essendon is a crossing point over the Maribyrnong River for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Palm trees lining the river in this section are a feature.

Activities to be enjoyed are;

Fishing
Cycling
Walking
Rowing
Canoeing
Bird watching
Photography
Jogging
Boating
Sightseeing
Golf

Wetting a line: Recreational fishing is pursued along the Maribyrnong River and catches of bream are common. Popular fishing spots include Footscray Park, Brimbank Park and Edgewater Estate.

Pipemakers Park, Footscray Park and Brimbank Park are riverside locations where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch and utilise barbecue facilities provided by local councils. For family groups, modern playground equipment is located in the expansive Brimbank Park.

Overlooking the river, the Anglers Tavern in Maribyrnong provides generous bistro-style meals and relaxed outdoor dining.

Spectacular views of the Melbourne city skyline can be seen from various vantage points, with Footscray Park and the lookout in Lily Street, West Essendon being highlights.

High-rise splendour: Melbourne city skyline at sunset from the bank of the Maribyrnong River at Footscray Park.

Within Brimbank Park at Keilor, stately River Red Gums line the river. The Leaping Lizard Café situated in the Visitors Centre is a top spot for breakfast, lunch and coffee. Brimbank Park has kilometres of shared walking and cycling paths, and birdlife photography opportunities abound.

The Arundel Road Historic Bridge in Keilor is 100 years old in 2007. It’s a rustic one-lane timber structure and it serviced the market gardeners during the years it was open to traffic.

Information:

Anglers Tavern – 2 Raleigh Street, Maribyrnong.
Melway Ref: Map 28 D8.Open 7 days.
Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm and Dinner 6.00pm – 9.00pm.
Phone: (03) 9318 2811
Footscray Park – Ballarat Road, Footscray. Melway Ref: Map 42 D2.

Scenic Lookout – Lily Street, Essendon West. Melway Ref: Map 27 J4.

Brimbank Park, Leaping Lizard Café – Keilor Park Drive, Keilor East.
Melway Ref: Map 15 B10.
Open seven days from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Serving breakfast, lunch, light meals, and catering for picnics and functions.
Phone: (03) 9336 3909. www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Fishnet – For fishing hotspots and suitable bait information, check the Fishnet web site forums. www.fishnet.com.au

Arundel Road Historic Bridge – Arundel Road, Keilor. Melway Ref: Map 14 H2

© Darren Stones 2007
All Rights Reserved