Welcome to the Maribyrnong River valley, winding through the north-western suburbs of Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria (which is a south-eastern state of Australia).

About two and a half kilometres west of the control tower at Melbourne Airport, Jacksons Creek and Deep Creek flow together to become the Maribyrnong River. The Maribyrnong then meanders in a leisurely fashion through the Melbourne suburbs of Keilor, Sunshine, Avondale Heights, Essendon, Maribyrnong, Ascot Vale and Footscray before flowing into the Yarra River and out into Port Phillip Bay.

Not as well known or appreciated as Melbourne's main river - the Yarra - the Maribyrnong has a charm of its own.  You can walk along its banks (or sometimes above) for about 23 kilometres from Brimbank Park to Footscray.  The path is also suitable for cycling.

What's more, on the tidal section of the river from Footscray to Avondale Heights you can take a 12 kilometre cruise on the little ferry "Blackbird", built in 1926/27. (See links page for a link to Blackbird's website).

On some sections of the walk between Brimbank Park and Avondale Heights, you can see little or nothing of the built-up urban landscape.  High river banks above the fine gravel track or a thick cover of vegetation on the other side of the river can give the impression you're a long way from anywhere. On a sunny day the river sparkles, all you can hear is the birds, and it's nothing short of delightful.  At least, until a jet descending for the approach to Melbourne Airport reminds you that the big city is not so far away after all!

By way of contrast, along the Essendon section you walk on paved paths in a residential area, with pleasant places to stop for meals, drinks, afternoon teas and ice creams.  Or you can pack a picnic and enjoy the shady riverside picnic areas with tables, barbecues and children's playgrounds.

Then there's the Footscray section - not as picturesque as the other sections, but with a few gems to make the walk worthwhile.

Although the whole walk is 23 kilometres from Brimbank Park in the north to Footscray in the south, I am concentrating on four sections of the walk:

After you've taken the virtual tour, check out the links page for some interesting websites dealing with the area, including

I hope you enjoy the tour! Choose a walk to start with by clicking on the following link:

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