The historic sea wall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park in Williamstown will be brought back to life through repair works to make the wall and promenade safe for people to enjoy for years to come.

The sea wall was first constructed in the 1850s and later reconstructed. Many years of erosion from wind and waves have resulted in significant scouring behind the seawall, and bluestone blocks being dislodged.

Following geotechnical and structural investigations in 2021, consultants SMEC have been appointed to undertake detailed specification work for the repairs.

We will work with Heritage Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to ensure the heritage values and coastal environment are protected before starting works.

The sea wall repair works are expected to commence this year along with six further upgrades to urban parks. These include a trail link that will deliver an uninterrupted journey along the Bay Trail between Point Gellibrand and Point Cook Coastal Park.

These repairs and upgrades will be made as part of the $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. Across greater Melbourne, the Program is delivering upgrades to 21 parks, improving the visitor experience, and providing more opportunities for communities to connect with nature, get active and socialise with friends and family.

These follow works already completed to improve facilities and access to Braeside, Cardinia Reservoir and Greenvale Reservoir Parks, along with a delivery of new picnic tables at 17 urban parks.

Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about Melbourne’s extraordinary maritime history. Visitors can explore the historic Timeball Tower with its early timeball signalling apparatus, get a glimpse of the extensive system of shore defences at Fort Gellibrand or enjoy views of Port Phillip on a walk or cycle along the Bay Trail.

Find out more on the Point Gellibrand Sea Wall project and other parts of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.