Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail: Williamstown to Altona

This flat, paved coastal path runs 13.4 km between Williamstown and Altona, west of Melbourne, with shorter options built in. The one thing to know before you go: Altona Coastal Park has a section where dogs are not allowed at all, so read the signage at the entrance before you commit to a route.

The walk. The full logged section is 13.4 km, graded easy at 1 of 5, and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. It is paved and flat the entire way, with shorter versions of about 6.5 km to 8.3 km depending on where you start and finish. You pass Williamstown Beach, the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary and Altona Coastal Park, with bay and city skyline views that peak around Point Gellibrand. Expect company: this path is busy with walkers, runners and cyclists.

The rules. Dogs must be on lead on the main shared coastal path, and Altona Coastal Park is run as a strictly on-lead conservation reserve by Hobsons Bay City Council. Inside that park there is also an area where dogs are not authorised at all, sitting beside the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary and sensitive saltmarsh. It is clearly signed, so check the boundary at the entrance rather than guessing. If you want off-lead time, it sits off the path: Altona Dog Beach at P.A. Burns Reserve, or Gloucester Reserve and Cyril Curtain Reserve in Williamstown.

Water. The bay is very shallow here and the tide goes out a long way, leaving broad tidal flats to potter on at low tide where dogs are permitted. P.A. Burns Reserve has bag dispensers, bins and a dog water point, and there are water fountains along the path.

Hazards. Snakes turn up in the shrubby sections during the warmer months. The path is also highly exposed to sea breezes with little shade for long stretches, so pick your weather.

Getting there. Start near Williamstown Beach station, join mid-route at Newport station, or finish at Seaholme or Altona station. There is parking near Williamstown Beach and at both P.A. Burns Reserve and Altona Coastal Park. Public toilets exist along the route but facilities are limited in places, with occasional picnic shelters and seating.

Nearby with the dogs. Let your dog off lead properly at P A Burns Reserve Fenced Dog Park, Gloucester Reserve Dog Off Leash Area or Cyril Curtain Reserve Dog Off Leash Area. Refuel at Bezirk Cafe in Altona or Baci's Coffee at Seaholme, or take the Williamstown Coastal Loop for a different angle on the same coast.

When to go. Weekends get very busy. Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon are far quieter, and sunrise or sunset give the best light with the least traffic on the path. Good for seniors.

Sources

• Altona Coastal Park, Hobsons Bay City Council · hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.