Maribyrnong River

Aboriginal tribes have frequented its banks for at least 40,000 years. The river has been part of the rapid developments that have occurred in the last 50 years. The river was known as Saltwater River before its present name came into common usage. Things to see and do * Most people will first meet the Maribyrnong River at Keilor where a bend almost circles Horseshoe Bend Farm and a wider sweep rings the main Brimbank Park. * These waters provide good canoeing and three ponding points have been designed to enable children and adults to discover the delights of catching fish with a hand net. * The park has barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, and a shared cycle/walking path starts in the park and continues on to Footscray. * Very little remains of the Riverview Teagardens near Canning Reserve. Here the ladies would be brought up the river for an afternoon of dancing and dining. * An unspoilt section of the river takes a wide sweep around the Department of Defence land with its remains of the Explosive Factory. * Parklands on either side of the river include Maribyrnong Park and Fairbairn Park where there are boat landings and picnic facilities. * Pipemakers Park can be reached from the river and is worth a visit. This is the site of a former meat canning works and later a pipe factory, and pamphlets enable visitors to undertake a self guided tour through the historic ruins. * The river flows past Footscray Park with its Scotchman's Hill from where the Melbourne Cup can be glimpsed at Flemington Racecourse on the opposite side of the river. * Board a pleasure boat cruise at Dynon Road Bridge * Fishing from jetties and fishing platforms alongside parks and reserves on either side of the river.