Footscray Park — Attraction in Melbourne

Footscray Park is 18 minutes drive west from Melbourne, parking at side street of Ballarat Road then walk your way down through lush garden towards the river.

Best to drive down Farnsworth Ave off Ballarat Road then turn right to the first lights and onto Maribyrnong Blvd where parking is close to the river.

It’s a home to a wide parkland adjacent to Flemington Racecourse separated by Maribyrnong river and surrounded by buildings of apartments and Victoria University.

Shaded areas with bbq are quite limited and toilet is a bit of a walk in the middle of the park but clean. There is also unenclosed dogs unleash area otherwise anywhere they are allowed on leash.

This area is very busy and parking can be limited during Melbourne cup day as everyone comes for bbq and drink while dressed up listening to the race and watch boats come in and drop more dressed up people across the river gate.

Also busy during New Year’s eve as people come to watch the fireworks at 9pm and 12 midnight. People set up picnic while waiting for the fireworks.

Otherwise, bike riding and walking on a shared trail along the Maribyrnong river are the common activities...

I love Footscray Park. It’s huge, vast, quiet, beautiful and I adore that the Maribyrnong River is right there next to you. The loop along the river and against the Racecourse is really fun and a great length, especially for walking dogs. The Racecourse side is essentially “fenced” in the entire way, your dog can just run with you on the path since theyre bordered by the river and the giant wall of the Racecourse. There is one section that is on-leash but most of it you can let your dog off and they can have a splash in the river too.

It’s really disappointing that the adventure playground has been dismantled, and a lot of the beautiful paths and lakes have been fenced off for probably 5+ years now. Maribyrnong Council, please...

Such a lovely and peaceful garden! The huge signage along the road was the reason i knew this park existed, but boy was it so hard to find the entrance. Ended up making a big loop and walking to the park.

The playground is fantastic for little children, and they will love the range of activities available in the secure compound. The water spray is very welcoming in hot summer days!

There are so many lovely spots that one could have a picnic 🧺, and some of the trees are so ancient that it feels like you are entering a different world.

Highly recommended that you make a visit to this beautiful place when you are next...