The Maribyrnong River, which begins on the slopes of Mount Macedon and flows to Port Phillip, has played a major role in the occupation and development of western Victoria. 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.

• 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. Today, there is a boat landing at Canning Reserve.
• 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 famous Melbourne Cup can be glimpsed at Flemington Racecourse on the opposite side of the river.
• Just downstream from Dynon Road Bridge it is possible to board a pleasure boat for a leisurely trip up the river. From here on the river passes through the industrial area of Footscray with its historic jetties and bridges before it joins the Yarra at Fishermans Bend.
• Fishing is popular from jetties and fishing platforms alongside parks and reserves on either side of the river.
• Bicycle tracks follow its banks, crossing the river via pedestrian bridges at several points. Many people use these trails to get to Brimbank Park or Pipemakers Park.

Boat landings

Henderson House Landing, Footscray; Lynch's Bridge Jetty, Kensington; Flemington Racecourse Jetty, Flemington; Fairbairn Park Jetty, Ascot Vale; Marbyrnong Park Landing, Moonee Ponds; Henley Landing, Moonee Ponds; Footscray Park Jetty, Footscray; Canning Reserve, Avondale Heights; and Pipemakers Park, Maidstone.

Fishing Platforms

Newell's Paddock Reserve; Footscray Park and Maribyrnong Boulevarde; Fairbairn Park; Maribyrnong Park; Aberfeldie Park; Riverside Park, Footscray; Pipemakers Park, Maribyrnong; Brimbank Park.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria