Bay Trail extension at Point Cook
Project status
June 2023
- Works to build the Bay Trail extension have started, with driven piling works underway.
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.
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.
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 visitor shelters, toilets, drinking fountains, seating, signage, outdoor showers, some picnic tables and barbecues suitable for all-abilities, and a new playground.
Construction update: May 2023
Works to construct the missing link in the Bay Trail have started, with driven piling works underway. These wooden piles will provide the foundation for Parks Victoria's section of the trail's extension. See photos above.
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 (complete)
- Winter 2022 - Procurement (complete)
- Early 2023 - Works commencing (underway)
- Late 2023 - Park's Victoria's section of the Bay Trail completed
Please note, the completion of the link is subject to Aveo's section also being completed.
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
Access changes during Bay Trail extension works: April – late 2023
Construction works to build the missing link in the Bay Trail at Point Cook are underway. During works, partial lane closures and traffic management will be in place on Sanctuary Lakes South Boulevard, to manage the safety of local traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and workers. At certain times during construction there may also be reduced parking on Outrigger Court. For more information call the Parks Victoria team on 13 1963 or email us at engage@parks.vic.gov.au.
Staying updated
Subscribe for updates or contact the project team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963.
Related information
- March 2023: Project update: Upgrades underway for 21 urban parks
- October 2022: Project update: A better journey along the Bay Trail
- July 2022: Media release: Coastal park upgrades coming to Melbourne's West
- May 2022: Media release: Plans progressing for Bay Trail link in western suburbs of Melbourne
- October 2021: Media release: Melbourne cyclists to benefit from Bay Trail extension
- Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program
- Seawall repairs at Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park
- Upgrades at 18 parks
- Point Cook Coastal Park
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.
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.