Pictured above: Design render of the Bay Trail extension.

Communities in Melbourne’s west are on track to enjoying a better journey along the Bay Trail, with Parks Victoria appointing Fleetwood Urban Pty Ltd to construct a missing link in the trail between Williamstown and Point Cook.  

Construction of this link will enable a continuous off-road journey for the community to walk, run and cycle between Williamstown and Point Cook Coastal Park. The project will replace a current 3.8km detour with a new 400 metre connection. 

The extension will include an elevated boardwalk-style path in key areas to protect the surrounding landscape, and environmental controls will be put in place to ensure the Cheetham Wetlands are protected during and after works. A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has also been developed to ensure the cultural values of the site are protected. 

Parks Victoria is also working closely with Aveo Group, which is completing an adjoining section of the Bay Trail extension. 

Parks Victoria’s section of the Bay Trail extension is being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program, which is upgrading facilities at 21 parks across Melbourne to support the health and wellbeing of local communities and provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature within an urban setting.  

The program includes works to improve facilities at Point Cook Coastal Park including upgrades to picnic tables and shelters, barbecues, and toilets, and repairs to the nearby seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, to ensure the wall and promenade are preserved for years to come. 

Point Cook Coastal Park on Bunurong Country offers visitors the perfect place for an easy stroll or picnic with family and friends, opportunities to see unique birdlife and 360-degree views of coastal surroundings. 

Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, works are expected to commence in early 2023.  

For more information about the project visit the Bay Trail Extension Parks Victoria project page.