305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

May 30, 2024

U3A Hike No 305

Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield

Hike Report By Sharon Moss.

On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne.

We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot !

Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure .

Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic !

We passed several landmarks of interest . The art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King Homes .

Andrew shared interesting facts about the former airfield & runways , the North South runway now a very busy Todd Road .

We then passed under the Westgate bridge & headed into a lovely nature reserve ,with a welcome return to a peaceful oasis . We enjoyed lunch at Westgate Park, which is best known for its man made salt lake ,which turns pink seasonally in response to high salt levels & other factors. Before leaving the park , we climbed a section of the Westgate bridge which may have failed a quality control test. Westgate Park was once used as the site for the Westgate Bridge construction , with the bridge taking 10 years to build .

It was then time to head back towards the city , with an interesting walk through Garden City ,an area developed as a housing commission estate in the 1920s .The estate includes semi attached single & double storey houses in red brick & cement render . Many of these houses have been renovated & have become sought after inner city
accommodation ,typically selling for around $ 2,000,000.

Two light beacons built in 1924 were designed to stop ships running aground in the shallow Port Phillip Bay. The ship captain would line up the beacons to ensure they were in a deeper channel . These beacons , although no longer operational, remain a feature today .

Lovely open green spaces with wide nature strips & attractive plants, trees, beautiful bird of paradise & banksia made Garden City a very pleasant suburb to walk through.

We then caught the tram back to Southern Cross after an interesting, enjoyable walk .
Thank you to Andrew & Gordon for organizing & introducing us to a part of Melbourne many of us had never visited before.