Truganina Park Trail and Laverton Creek Spit

Truganina Park Trail and Laverton Creek Spit created by Melbourne Waterway Walks

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Summary

A lovely one-hour loop taking in Altona Foreshore, Laverton Creek and Truganina Park. This expansive coastal conservation area is a haven for birdlife and a brilliant place to walk in nature.

Description

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Away from cars and the noise of suburbia, this 4 km loop through coastal parkland is great for connecting to nature and birdwatching.

This walk starts and finishes at Apex Park, located at the south end of the Esplanade, Altona. The first section of the walk is on the sealed, shared-use Bay Trail. Look out for speeding cyclists. Once inside Truganina Park, the path is unsealed and may not be suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

Towards Laverton Creek, a large sand spit is visible from the path. The spit has created a sheltered lagoon, which in turn has become one of the prime feeding areas for waterbirds in the entire Port Phillip area. Check out the satellite map view for a clear picture of the extent of the sand spit and lagoon.

Hundreds of species of birds use these wetlands to rest, feed and sometimes, breed. Several species of migratory shorebirds fly from the northern hemisphere each year and come to these wetlands to avoid the harsh northern winters. The wetlands are of international importance and listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Truganina Park is a 25-hectare park and has new interpretative signage highlighting the threatened species that live in and visit the park.

The half-way point of this walk is the "100 Steps to Federation" hill. On a clear day there are fantastic views of Port Philip Bay, the wetlands and the city skyscrapers in the distance.

Drinking water is available at Apex Park and the 100 Steps to Federation carpark. Public toilets can be found at Apex Park or at Andrew Park Drive, opposite the sports centre.

Public transport:
There are two train stations close to the starting point of this walk.
Altona Station to Apex Park , 23 minute walk (1.8 km), via the esplanade and bay trail.
Westona Station to Apex Park Westona Station to Apex Park, 17 minute walk (1.3 km).

Thank you to the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Inc, Ann Darioli, and Christopher Creed for contributing information and photography for this map.

This map was supported by Melbourne Water Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways incentives program.

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Points of Interest

1. Starting point on the Altona Foreshore

On a clear day, the CBD can be seen across the bay. Photo by Ann Darioli.

2. Laverton Creek spit

In recent years a large sand spit has formed, creating lagoons and ideal habitat for shorebirds. Photo by Ann Darioli.

3. Pied Cormorants

The wetlands are a haven for hundreds of species of birds. Cormorants, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ibis and avocets can often be seen here. Photo by Ann Darioli

4. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers

This park is essential to the survival of migratory shorebirds and is protected by the international Ramsar Agreement. Photo by Ann Darioli.

5. Sunrise over Laverton Creek

Beautiful tranquility as the sun rises over Laverton Creek. Photo by Sandra Wilson.

6. Remnant tracks from the Explosives Reserve

In the early 1900s, explosives were transported from the reserve to a pier at the mouth of Laverton Creek.

7. Cross the bridge

Cross Laverton Creek bridge and enter Truganina Park, a 25-hectare coastal park.

8. Parrot Track

Take "Parrot Track" through coastal woodland that is under rehabilitation. This area provides significant habitat for wildlife, including the critically endangered Swift Parrot.