Name: Sandridge Railside Trail
Rating: 3.7

Rail Trail
On Road
Potential RT
Other Trail
Former Railway

Once you get away from the chaos of Flinders St Station and Crown Casino, the Sandridge railside trail has some interesting views, especially when cruise ships are in town.

Why visit the Sandridge Railside Trail?

View Map

It’s a short and easy ride or walk from the CBD to Port Melbourne
You can check out the urban renewal project known as Beacon Cove
There are great views across Port Phillip Bay

Nearby Attractions

Historic Station Pier carried migrant trains
Art deco Centenary Bridge pylon, all that remains of a road bridge built in 1934 over the Sandridge Line
The Bay Trail travels east beyond Frankston and west to Point Cook
Webb Dock Bridge
Port Melbourne Beach

Trail Guide

Last updated: 7 March 2025

The trail shadows the route of Australia’s first steam railway from Flinders St Station to Port Melbourne (originally called Sandridge) via the Sandridge Rail Bridge across the Yarra River

For public transport options go to ‘GET AROUND’ below

Section Guides

Flinders St to Normanby Rd (1 km)

Start at the Elizabeth St end of Flinders St Station if you are walking. The pedestrian subway leads to the north bank of the Yarra River, where the Yarra Promenade runs southwest along the riverbank to the former Sandridge Railway Bridge, which once carried the line to Port Melbourne. If coming by bike, it is easier to approach the promenade and bridge from the Capital City Trail. The bridge carried two sets of tracks as far as Clarendon St, where the St Kilda line headed south.
The bridge has been converted for pedestrian use, with sculptures and glass panels to represent our indigenous peoples and the origins of our immigrant population, many of whom arrived by ship and travelled by train from Station Pier. Cross the river on the bridge and continue along the southern bank to Clarendon St past the casino. There is a 10 kmh limit and no separate bicycle lane. Turn left and follow the far footpath on Clarendon St to Normanby Rd.

Normanby Rd to Port Melbourne (3 km)

Here a shared path starts next to the light-rail tracks. For much of the route, this path runs through pleasant parkland. It finishes at the old Port Melbourne Station, where there is a lower platform installed for the light-rail service. When migrant ships were in port, the train went onto the pier. There are a number of eateries in this area. From here you can have a look at Station Pier, which is closed to the public, and Princes Pier further west. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a cruise ship berthed here (see Trail Gallery).

Photo Gallery

Former rail bridge over the Yarra at Flinders St is a major feature (2007)

A massive ramp takes the rail bridge down to street level [2023]

The tracks along Normanby Rd now carry a light-rail service [2023]

Riders cross the tracks in front of the Southbank tram depot [2023]

The trail offers lots of shade and play equipment along the route [2023]

The Sandridge Station now operates as commercial premises [2023]

Cruise ships have replaced migrant ones at Station Pier in summer [2023]

Get Around

Public Transport

Not surprisingly, the Sandridge Trail starts at the back door (southern side) of Flinders St Station where all good Metro trains, and some V/Line ones, stop. From here you need to follow our map. If you’re walking, you can catch the Route 12 tram to the Casino/MCEC stop, which is close to the start of the railside trail proper. No bikes are allowed on the trams.

Refer to the PTV web page for map and timetables, or the navigation program of your choice.

Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.

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Reviews

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5 reviews of “Sandridge Railside Trail”

Finally stopped at the Centenary Bridge pylon to read about this road bridge that took Beach St over the Sandridge Line from Princes St to Swallow St. Never knew there were four tracks on Station Pier, a little overkill perhaps? Only one cruise ship today.

Getting from the Sandridge Rail Bridge to the trail on Normanby Rd remains a problem. The pedestrian crossing at City Rd has a separated bike lane, but the one at Clarendon St does not and there are no signs pointing to the trail. The casino clearly doesn't want to provide grade separation between pedestrians and two-wheeled transport and would rather have a 10kmh limit.

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 at the Clarendon St crossing – getting to the Sandridge trail at Normanby Rd is a problem. I agree with the comment below that signage could be better – especially where the trail leaves Normanby Rd 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.

Further Information

Contact Rail Trails Australia

To contact us about this rail trail, email vic@railtrails.org.au

Background Information

The railway was opened in 1854 to connect the city to its passenger ship wharf. In the 1940s, displaced persons were carried by train direct from Station Pier to the migrant camp at Bonegilla, along what is now part of the High Country Rail Trail. The last train to St Kilda ran over the Sandridge Bridge in 1987.

News

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