Shrine to Sea Masterplan Implementation

Project status

The Shrine to Sea Masterplan was approved in late 2024
Parks Victoria has appointed Taylor Cullity Lethlean Pty Ltd to develop detailed designs

The project timeline is subject to environmental assessments, town planning and cultural heritage assessment conditions. We are working closely with project partners to deliver works sequentially across the different areas.

Last updated: March 2025

The project

This project is being delivered on Bunurong Country.

The implementation of the Shrine to Sea Masterplan will create a new 3km boulevard for Melbourne connecting Anzac Station to the Kerferd Rd Pier. Once complete, the area will be transformed with useable open spaces that include new seating areas, paths and woody meadow planting. Interpretation elements will be incorporated within the design to celebrate local and aboriginal history.

Parks Victoria, the City of Port Phillip and the Department of Transport and Planning are working in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to deliver this project.

This project aligns with the Albert Park Master Plan 2019 future direction for the Albert Road boulevard aiming to connect Albert Park into the fabric of its surrounding urban setting by landscape treatments and tree planting that fits with the character and palette of Albert Park.

For more information on the Shrine to Sea Masterplan, and its development, visit the DEECA website.

Parks Victoria works:

Area 1 - Kings Way node

Improvements to the shared path and network of informal paths
Soft landscaping works including lawn, woody meadows and parkland trees

Area 2 - Moray Street node

Improvements to the shared path
Wayfinding for the boulevard
Rest area with amenities such as seats, drinking fountains and a bicycle pump station
Soft landscaping works including lawn, woody meadows and parkland trees

Area 3 – South Melbourne Park Primary School node

Improvements to the shared path and network of informal paths
Rest area with seating
Soft landscaping works including lawn, woody meadows and parkland trees

Detailed Design: Parks Victoria upgrades

A concept design for Parks Victoria’s portion of works has been developed as part of the Shrine to Sea Masterplan. Detailed designs are currently being developed.

If you have questions or would like further information on this project, contact the project team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.

Project benefits

Visitors

The boulevard will create safer and clearer links and connections for walking and cycling.

Environment

The planting designs and species will enhance the landscape’s biodiversity and climate-resistant values.

Community

The community will enjoy improved open space and local stories through the interpretation design.

Project funding

The Victorian Government has invested $13 million to support the planning and delivery of the Shrine to Sea project; with Parks Victoria receiving $2,000,000 in funding to deliver the three areas in the Albert Park Reserve which fall under the management of Parks Victoria.

Who we're working with

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) are working in partnership with the City of Port Phillip (CoPP), the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), and Parks Victoria (PV) to deliver the Shrine to Sa Masterplan Implementation. The project area covers a range of public landowners and managers, residents, businesses, schools and community groups and takes in South Melbourne and Albert Park’s suburbs.

For further information on the scope of works being delivered by our project partners, please visit their websites via links below.

Access changes

Construction has not started and is likely to occur in late 2026. Some areas of Albert Park and Albert Road will be closed, or have their access altered during construction periods. Traffic management will be implemented where necessary and access changes will be posted on Parks Victoria’s website.

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.

Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.

When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

Related information

Shrine to Sea Masterplan documents:

FAQs

What is the Shrine to Sea Masterplan?

The Shrine to Sea Masterplan outlines the vision and concept designs for a new boulevard connecting Domain Gardens to Port Phillip Bay along Albert Road and Kerferd Road in Albert Park and South Melbourne. For more information on the Shrine to Sea Masterplan, visit the DEECA website.

What is Parks Victoria delivering as part of the Implementation of the Shrine to Sea Masterplan?

Parks Victoria will manage the detailed design and construction of three areas along the boulevard, near Kings Way, Moray Street and South Melbourne Park Primary School. These areas will include improvements to the shared paths, additional informal paths, wayfinding signage, landscaping works, and amenities such as seats, drink fountains and a bicycle pump station.

How was the community included in the development of the Shrine to Sea Masterplan?

DEECA undertook extensive consultation to develop the masterplan. To ensure all voices were given the opportunity to be heard, DEECA engaged with Traditional Owners, residents, the broader community, visitors, businesses, schools, agencies, and local interest groups. For more information, please see the Community Engagement Summary Report.

When will the upgrades be built?

Construction of Parks Victoria's portion of works is expected to start in late 2026.

What Aboriginal cultural heritage protection is being undertaken?

Parks Victorias is working under an approved Cultural Heritage Contingency Plan to ensure the cultural heritage values are protected. Parks Victoria will continue to work with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation throughout the project.

What environmental protection is being undertaken?

A detailed arborist assessment was undertaken across the Shrine to Sea site during the Masterplan phase. This assessment provided detail on tree protection zones to ensure that all existing trees are protected from any potential construction or disturbance impacts.

Will there be access restrictions to Albert Park while the Parks Victoria upgrades are happening?

Some areas of the boulevard will be closed to the public and detours in place while we complete the construction of each area, to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.

For up-to-date information on access changes, please refer to the Albert Park page on the Parks Victoria website.

How can I stay up to date with project progress?

Updates on Parks Victoria’s components of the project will be posted on the Parks Victoria project page. It is recommended you check the page regularly to stay up to date.

If you have any questions about Parks Victoria’s components on the project, you can email engage@parks.vic.gov.au, or call 13 19 63.