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- Rail Trail
- On Road
- Potential Rail Trail
- Other Trail
- former Railway
Short and easy ride or walk from Melbourne city to Port Melbourne.
The railway has been converted to a light rail carrying trams.
Nearby Attractions
Historic Station Pier
Last updated: 2 October 2021
The trail follows the route of Australia’s first steam railway from Port Melbourne (Sandridge) to Flinders Street Station
Section Guides
Start at the Elizabeth St end of Flinders Street Station. The pedestrian subway leads to the north bank of the Yarra River, where a promenade leads along the bank to former Sandridge railway bridge, which once carried the railway over the Yarra. It is now converted for pedestrian use.
Cross the river and continue along the south bank to Clarendon St/Spencer St.
Turn left and follow Clarendon St. to Normanby St.
Here a shared path starts following the light railway to Port Melbourne.
For much of the route, this path runs through pleasant parkland.
The path finishes at the old Port Melbourne Station.
From here you can walk on to historic Station Pier.
The former rail bridge over the Yarra River at Flinders St is a major feature (2007)
Port Melbourne (2007)
Typical scenery along the trail (2007)
Information and Links
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email vic@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
The railway was opened 1854 to connect the city to its port.
In the 1940s displaced persons were carried by train direct from Station Pier to Bonegilla Station, now part of the High Country Rail Trail.
3 reviews of “Sandridge Railway Trail”
16/27. Last week, I did an old favorite of mine. the short urban Sandridge railtrail, from Melbourne CBD to Port Melbourne. We started at Sandridge Bridge, apparently the 1st bridge across the Yarra, now a large monument to Melbourne’s immigration history. The end is at Beacon Cove, where we had coffee overlooking the water. We then doubled back to the city continue along the Capital City Loop.
16 trails down on my 2019 challenge is to ride every rail trail in Victoria this calendar year to promote organ donation. You can follow my rail trail exploits on FB Warwick Duncan – The 2nd Chance Man or Insta @warwick_rides. today.
I rode this trail this morning (Friday 3rd April 2015), along with the Webb Dock bridge trail. This is a great inner Melbourne trail that links the city with the bay, and makes for a great family ride. The only issues are riding along Yarra Promenade and avoiding all the pedestrians; as well as the Casino end at Clarendon Street – getting to the bicycle path along Normanby road is a problem. I agree with the comment below that signage could be better – especially where the trail leaves Normanby at the Tram depot.
We enjoyed using the trail to easily reach the beach from CBD. Signage could be much better than it is, for visitors.