Bay Trail extension at Point Cook

Project status

February 2023

Fleetwood Urban Pty Ltd has been appointed to construct the Bay Trail extension. Works are commencing in early 2023.

The project

This project is being delivered on Bunurong Country.

The Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is delivering upgrades to 21 parks across Melbourne, making improvements that will support the health and wellbeing of local communities and provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature within an urban setting.

As part of this project, a missing trail link that will travel across the Cheetham Wetlands, between Sanctuary Lakes Boulevard and Skoda Court in Point Cook will be built. This will enable a continuous off-road journey for the community to walk, run and cycle from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park, where visitors can enjoy the park facilities, have a picnic and take in views of the city, Cheetham Wetlands and Port Phillip.

We're working closely with Aveo, who are delivering the southern adjoining section of the boardwalk, to ensure a seamless design and facilitate a coordinated construction.

The extension will be just over 400 metres in length, which will include approximately 260 metres of shared-use path constructed by Parks Victoria, and approximately 155 metres constructed by Aveo. This will reduce a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres of continuous, off-road journey for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.

Below is a map that demonstrates where the extension of the Bay Trail will be built, including which part will be constructed by Parks Victoria, and which part will be constructed by Aveo.

A map that demonstrates where the extension of the Bay Trail will be built, including which part will be constructed by Parks Victoria, and which part will be constructed by Aveo

In late 2021 we undertook structural and geotechnical investigations of the area to help inform the design process. Below are images of what people can expect to see when the Bay Trail extension is complete.

Bay Trail extension artistic render

Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program render of the Bay Trail extension

Upgrades to 18 parks

Point Cook Coastal Park is also set to receive further improvements as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program’s upgrades to 18 parks, including new and upgraded barbecues, drinking fountains, seating, signage, visitor shelters, toilets, outdoor showers, some DDA-compliant picnic tables and a new playground.

Project benefits

Visitors

The trail link will allow a flat off-road journey for cyclists, walkers or runners to access Point Cook Coastal Park to enjoy the park facilities, have a picnic and take in views of the city, Cheetham Wetlands and Port Phillip.

Environment

The trail extension will use an elevated boardwalk-style path on stilts to minimise ground disturbance and reduce any impacts on the surrounding RAMSAR wetlands.

Community

The trail extension will provide a continuous off-road journey for the local community to travel by foot or bike from Williamstown through to Point Cook Coastal Park, reducing a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres.

Project funding

These works are being delivered through the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.

Project timeline

Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, the timeline for the project is estimated below:

Autumn 2022 - Detailed design process
Winter 2022 - Procurement
Early 2023 - Works commencing
Late 2023 - Project completion

This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.

Environment and cultural heritage management

The project will carefully ensure the adjacent 420ha wetland conservation reserve of Cheetham Wetlands is protected during and post construction. A boardwalk-style path will be constructed in key areas to minimise removal of mature vegetation and minimise impact on the important wetland environment.

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been undertaken for this project to ensure the cultural values of the site are protected.

Who are we working with?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
We are also working closely with Aveo as they construct the adjoining portion of the boardwalk, to ensure a seamless design and facilitate a coordinated construction.

Access changes

As at February 2023, there are no access changes to the Bay Trail. We will list any access changes in relation to this project as works on the Bay Trail extension progress.

Staying updated

Subscribe for updates or contact the project team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963.

Related information

FAQs

What is the Bay Trail extension?
As part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program, the iconic Bay Trail will be extended at Point Cook, building the missing link between Williamstown and Point Cook Coastal Park to provide a continuous off-road journey for walkers, runners and cyclists.

How long is the extension of the Bay Trail?
The Bay Trail extension will be just over 400 metres in length, which will include approximately 260 metres of shared-use path constructed by Parks Victoria, and approximately 155 metres constructed by Aveo. This will reduce a 3.8km detour down to just over 400 metres of continuous, off-road journey for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Where does the extension of the Bay Trail begin and end?
The Bay Trail extension will be constructed at Sanctuary Lakes in Point Cook, to allow for a continuous off-road journey to Point Cook Coastal Park.

How have you consulted with the community about this project?
The community was informed of the project plans and upcoming works through meetings and a pop-up event during April and May, 2022. We will continue to provide updates on this page as the project progresses.

What other works are happening as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program?
The Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program is also set to deliver:

New and upgraded visitor facilities at 18 popular parks across Melbourne, including picnic shelters and tables, toilets, trails, carparks, BBQs, playground equipment.
Repairs to the historic seawall at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park, to make the wall and promenade safe for years to come.
New and refurbished visitor facilities as part of the Wattle Park upgrades project
New and refurbished visitor facilities as part of the Plenty Gorge Park upgrades project

The program has already delivered:

Early works were completed at Braeside Park, Greenvale Reservoir Park and Cardinia Reservoir Park in early 2022.
17 parks also received new picnic tables made from recycled plastic in March 2022.

How can I stay up-to-date with project progress?
You can subscribe for updates on the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program’s upgrades at 18 parks here.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or want to learn more about a project, you can call the Parks Victoria team on 13 19 63 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.