Inner-west locals have a new backyard to explore, with a once unused stretch of Footscray’s industrial waterfront transformed into the Yarraville Wetland.
The 2.8-hectare wetland and parkland, delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, officially opened in late May. A local stakeholder celebration was held in July to recognise the project partners, Traditional Owners, artists, and community representatives who helped bring the space to life. The event also celebrated the vision of landscape architecture and urban design firm Tract, whose concept plans have finally been realised.
Located off Whitehall Street, the wetland connects directly to Yarraville Gardens via a new walking and cycling bridge. From there, paths extend through to the Maribyrnong River and link into the wider active transport network, including the Dixon Veloway into Docklands and the city.
The space itself has been carefully designed to balance recreation with environmental outcomes. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boardwalk, expansive lawn areas, and seating throughout the site, while the wetland also plays an important role in managing stormwater.
A defining feature of the wetland is the integration of First Nations artwork, developed with artist recommendations from the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples. The project includes a series of interpretive pieces that reflect the deep cultural significance of the waterways, which have long been places of gathering, connection, and storytelling.
At both Whitehall and Youell St entrances to the wetland, visitors will find a boomerang-shaped seat. One of these seats was designed by Bunurong and Taungurung artist Stacey Edwards, drawing on traditional diamond patterns and the shared histories of trade and ceremony between neighbouring Countries. The other seat was designed by Wurundjeri artist John ‘JJ’ Xiberras, whose artwork invites visitors to reflect on Naarm (Melbourne) as a living cultural landscape, encouraging people to consider the history and stories embedded in the land and waterways that shape the area today.
The nearby bridge over the Maribyrnong River, named nangnak barring – meaning ‘respect track’ – further reinforces the project’s focus on recognising and embedding Indigenous culture across the corridor.
Transurban’s Group Executive Operations, Dave Clements, said the new park represents a commitment to leaving local environments better than before work started.
“This is about transforming a previously unused industrial site into a vibrant area for the community,” Mr Clements said.
“By delivering better connections and beautiful spaces for locals to visit, reflect, and play, we have left a lasting legacy that will benefit Melbourne’s west for generations.”
The West Gate Tunnel Project’s broader green initiatives include the planned delivery of nine hectares of new parks, the planting of approximately 20,000 trees, and 14 kilometres of walking and cycling paths.
