By Lisa Field
Welcome to another Out ‘n about column, exploring some of the best walks, rides and day trips across Melbourne’s west and beyond. We’re spoilt with open spaces, waterways, coastlines and shared trails right on our doorstep. Explore at your own pace, take care, and enjoy discovering our lovely West.
Bushwalk at Long Forest
If you’re looking for a bushwalk without the crowds, the Long Forest Flora & Fauna Reserve near Bacchus Marsh is a bit of a hidden gem. There are shorter and longer options within the park, but I usually opt for a 10–12 km circuit guided by the AllTrails app. It takes around three hours, including two breaks, for cuppa and lunch.
There’s lovely birdlife, beautiful Werribee Blue Box trees unique to the catchment, and a few good hills to test the lungs and legs.
It’s BYO everything. The closest loo is in Bacchus.
Ride into the city – stop at the Seafarers
The fancy Dixon Veloway, a fast, dedicated bike-only route, makes riding into the city from the west so easy. Roll through to Docklands, then join up with the Yarra River boulevard before arriving at the Mission to Seafarers, that gorgeous old historic building.
If you pop by on a Sunday, they usually have live music from 4–7pm. You can bring in your own snacks, and grab a drink at the bar. A look around this building is well worth it.
Ride to Wezza on the Federation Trail
I took the plunge and rode the Federation Trail from Brooklyn to Werribee on a cold and wet day, which made me feel very heroic indeed.
The first part of the ride is rather brutalist industrial chic, but things progress to the modern suburban look in Truganina. There are three relatively new bridges along the trail, making road crossings a lot quicker.
Skeleton Creek at Hoppers Crossing offers a lovely vista and bird sanctuary. The trail follows much of the heritage listed main outfall sewer, where some sections have been revamped through the Greening the Pipeline project, and other sections remain a little under-loved.
Signage can be a bit ordinary on the trail, and when I reached Hoppers Crossing, I took the service road alongside the Princes Highway into Werribee. Having a nice meal and wine with a friend being a great reward to the 40+kms.
Then back home on the train, taking advantage of half price PT for the rest of 2026.
Massage and walk in Williamstown
Got a free Sunday – then how about booking into the School of Reflexology & Relaxation student clinic, that runs once a month, in the beautiful historic building, Joseph’s by the Sea. The cost was around $40 for an hour, and overall, it was a gentle healing experience.
From foot bliss I recommend a slow walk across to the road to Williamstown Beach, for a cuppa and sea gaze. I bring my own flask and once restored, then off into Willie via the gorgeous coast.
For a bit more community connection, drop into the Pirates Tavern, behind Seaworks, for some afternoon tunes.
These are just a few of my go-to spots—if you’ve got your own local favourites, share them. The west is full of good things worth passing on. Send me a line at lisamareefield12@gmail.com
