Maribyrnong Valley Parklands

Just a short drive from the heart of the city is the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands featuring Brimbank Park and Horseshoe Bend Farm. The parklands offer ideal settings for picnics, walks along the extensive network of trails, fishing, canoeing and bird watching, all set within peaceful parklands surrounded by prolific birdlife. NOTE: Horseshoe Bend Farm is not open to visitors. Horseshoe Bend Farm is a popular destination for visitors of all ages. During the week it is regularly occupied by young families, play groups, primary schools and older recreation groups. Things to see and do * See a range of farm animals including pigs, dairy cows, sheep, goats, Clydesdales, donkeys, peacocks, ducks and other bird life * Come to the Horseshoe Bend Farm Open Day held on third Sunday of each month. Activities include pony rides and craft stalls * Try the 2 kilometre Wetland Circuit walking track which runs along the edge of the Maribyrnong River * The farm can be booked for weddings, parties, conferences and other special occasions. Self guided farm tours, pony rides and childrens parties are also available Heritage Until 1854 the 26ha property which is now Horseshoe Bend Farm served as the Keilor Village Reserve. This meant it was used for grazing and by any travellers who were passing through the area. From 1854 until the early 1900's the land was subdivided. In the early 1900's William O'Neil Jnr purchased the property and operated it as a dairy farm. After O'Neil's death in the 1930's, the farm was subdivided into smaller lots. These lots passed through the hands of various owners who used them as orchards and market gardens. The 26ha farm passed into public management in 1975.