Maribyrnong River Walk: Birds, Wetlands & Coffee – Footscray to Edgewater

About this event

Join me for a relaxed nature walk along the Maribyrnong River Trail, exploring the section from the Footscray Community Arts Centre to Edgewater and Burndap Park. We’ll allow time to pause along the way and observe birdlife and enjoy the natural environment, and if you enjoy photography, you’re welcome to bring your camera or phone to capture the flora and fauna we encounter along the river trail. Our route takes us past the Heavenly Queen Taoist Temple, and through Newell's Paddock Wetlands Reserve and past Footscray Park. Newell’s Paddock is a conservation area that has been regenerated over the past 30 years from a polluted industrial site into thriving wetlands, where more than 80 bird species have now been recorded. We may also see the local swan family out exploring with their cygnets. https://www.newellspaddock.org.au/2016/06/07/birds-of-newells-paddock/ When we reach Edgewater Marina, we’ll stop to have something to eat or drink. There are two cafés and an Italian deli nearby. From here we will walk through Burndap Park, a revegetated space that provides an important habitat for waterbirds and other native wildlife. The Superb Fairy-wren, the endangered Growling Grass Frog and Spotted Marsh Frog have found a home here. For anyone interested in identifying birdlife and frogs there are many free apps, including Frog Census ID (https://www.melbournewater.com.au/learn-about/making-difference/citizen-science-waterwatch/frog-census) app and Merlin Bird ID (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/). The Maribyrnong River Trail is flat and well maintained, and this walk is rated easy to moderate. Distance: approximately 7 km Walking time: around 1 hour 45 minutes, with breaks along the way. Agenda 2:00 pm – Meet at the Footscray Community Arts Centre (see event photos for a map and meeting point) 2:10 pm – Begin our walk 3:30 pm – Arrive at Edgewater Marina for a break 4:15 pm – Walk through Burndap park 5:15 pm – Arrive back at the Footscray Community Arts Centre Getting There If you’re coming by public transport, the Arts Centre is about a 7-minute walk from Footscray Station—head down Bunbury Street and turn left onto Moreland Street. For those driving, there is on-street metered parking as well as a car park at the Arts Centre. RSVP & Event Notes Please RSVP by clicking Attend on the event page, and I’ll be in touch with any additional details via direct message. This is a rain or shine event and I add any updates about weather conditions in the Event Comments on the day if needed. Please note once we meet at 2:00 pm, I will be connecting with guests and unable to respond to direct messages. For anyone running late, I will post a location tracker in the Event Comments so you can find us along the trail.