Family day out - choose your adventure
Spending time getting to know Hobsons Bay better and explore new areas as a family is a great way to celebrate our community’s natural beauty and lift our local economy. So schedule a day out and choose from one of three adventures.
Newport Lakes Flora and Fauna
A Day in Historic Williamstown
Altona Coastal Bike Ride
Enjoy a day exploring an oasis of local flora and fauna at the intersection of the Altona North, Newport and South Kingsville neighbourhoods.
Prepare for a big day out in nature by stopping for a coffee and picking up some local goods for a picnic lunch. Second Ave Grocer or The Circle shopping strip on Stapley Crescent both feature tasty local delicatessen.
Next, head to Newport Lakes Reserve and take in the sights and sounds of nature as you walk around the lake. With 33 hectares there are plenty of walking paths to explore. A brochure about the reserve is available from the on-site nursery.
Did you know there are 85 species of birds that have been spotted here? Look for environmental signs throughout the reserve and take a moment to learn about the native flora and fauna on your self-guided tour.
While you enjoy the flora and fauna, your child may be more interested in counting how many stepping stones are across the lake.
After you have explored the lake, walk across to the picnic area and enjoy your packed lunch on the grass or one of the many picnic tables available.
There are two children’s playgrounds located near the picnic area which your child will be sure to enjoy.
Finish your visit with a trip up to Little Gecko Coffee Roasters or the many shops on Vernon street to grab a coffee or babycino and a sweet treat.
Note: While there is a large off lead dog area within the park, no dogs are allowed on the lake area paths.
Make plans to enjoy a fun family outing spending the day enjoying the maritime and historical sites along the Williamstown waterfront.
Start your day in Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place and spend some time viewing the ships in the harbour from Gem Pier or take a tour of the HMAS Castlemaine.
Grab some Fish and Chips for lunch and set up a picnic near the playground. Not keen on Fish and Chips? No worries, you will be spoiled for choice with the variety of food available along Nelson place.
After lunch take a walk up Nelson Place and visit Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park and Timeball Tower which was erected in 1852 and replaced earlier navigational aids from the first settlement of the area in 1835. Download the Experience Hobsons Bay app to follow the Hidden Secrets of Point Gellibrand walking tour for a detailed history of the area.
If you still have energy, continue past Timeball Tower and walk along the gravel path through Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park exploring sites of convict revolts and the first cemetery until you reach the playground where you will also find bathrooms if you need a break.
After a play, head back to Nelson Place for a well-deserved ice cream to end the day.
Note: There is a craft market at Commonwealth reserve on the third Sunday of each month and the HMAS Castlemaine is open for tours on weekends and public holidays.
Pack up your bikes and head to Altona for a ride along the beautiful coastline. Be sure to grab a coffee and a babycino in Pier street before you head off.
Note: Don’t have a bike rack? The bike path is accessible from Altona Train Station.
A ride in either direction will lead you on a scenic tour of our beautiful coastline. Can you make it to 100 Steps of Federation to the West or to Altona Coastal Park to the East? Keep an eye out for some of the public art installations along the way.
100 steps of Federation is approximately 3.8km from Pier street and offers a beautiful view of the city and surrounding bushland from the highest point between Melbourne and the You Yangs. While you are there be sure to keep an eye out for the Altona Skipper butterfly.
Altona Coastal Park is approximately a 3.7km ride along the coast past the Altona Boat Ramp, Altona Dog Beach and through coastal saltmarsh communities which are home to a wide range of resident and migratory birds.
No matter how far you make it in either directions you will be sure to enjoy the scenic beauty our local coastline offers.
Head back to Pier Street for lunch at one of the many cafes.
Depending on the weather you might like to stay for a play at the playground in Logan Reserve or splash around at Altona Beach.
Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail Map Download map(PDF, 519KB)