Hobsons Bay City: Coastal Trails, Nature and Maritime Culture

The character of Hobsons Bay City is reflected in its trails through bushland and wetlands, as well as in its maritime history and architecture. The shared network of coastal and inland trails covers 40 kilometres. Museums, historic landmarks and natural spaces offer a range of themes for your trip, from bird habitats to the history of Port Phillip Bay.

Trails and landscapes

Newport Lakes is a bushland oasis on the site of a former bluestone quarry and landfill. More than 200 plant species and 165 bird species have been recorded in the lakes area. The self-guided nature trail is about two kilometres long and takes approximately 40 minutes. This approximate time helps you plan the walk as a separate part of your day. The Bay Trail provides access to lookout points in the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve and follows a promenade over the lower lake.

Coastal salt marshes, mangrove habitats and mudflats shape the landscape at Altona Coastal Park. They provide a habitat for resident and migratory wading birds. Walking tracks there pass through open woodland and grassland. Wetlands along the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail also provide a habitat for many bird and other wildlife species. The trail stretches 23 kilometres along the coast between the area around the West Gate Bridge and Skeleton Creek, and is for pedestrians and cyclists. Its longer route makes it quite different from the approximately two-kilometre nature trail at Newport Lakes.

Architecture, history and museums

Commonwealth Reserve is home to the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre and several historic landmarks, including the Tide Gauge House and the Wilkinson Drinking Fountain. Another architectural highlight is the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport, which features 96 coloured lanterns inspired by Islamic geometry and received the Victorian Architecture Medal in 2017.

HMAS Castlemaine was one of 60 Australian minesweepers built during the Second World War. The ship was converted into a museum and displays nautical exhibits and memorabilia. The Seaworks Maritime Museum and Discovery Centre explores the maritime history of Port Phillip Bay and the Port of Melbourne through artefacts, models, bells and interpretive displays. Seaworks hosts events, festivals, exhibitions, music, markets and community programs throughout the year.

Other collections and cultural venues each have their own focus: the Newport Railway Museum displays more than 15 Victorian Railways steam locomotives. The Williamstown Botanic Gardens officially opened in 1860 and are among Victoria’s earliest surviving botanical gardens. Scienceworks includes the Melbourne Planetarium and immersive exhibitions. The SUBSTATION is a multi-arts, not-for-profit centre in a 100-year-old former industrial building.

Getting around and planning

The St Kilda Ferry connects Williamstown, St Kilda and Port Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable beforehand. Newport’s town centre has traditional fresh food shops, a supermarket and cafés.

Discover more destinations: Newport, South Gippsland Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Pyrenees Shire, Nillumbik Shire, Frankston City, Mansfield Shire, Hume City.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.