The trail follows 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

Flinders St to Normanby Rd (1km)

• 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 pairs 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 10kmh limit as there is no bicycle lane. Turn left and follow the far footpath on Clarendon St to Normanby Rd.

Normanby Rd to Port Melbourne (3km)

• 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 docked 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).