Footscray Park Heritage Walk : An Edwardian Paradise

Take a guided walking tour through this wonderful Edwardian park. Hear a unique story of community advocacy to save open space and create the park. Listen to stories of Curator Dave Mathews, the phantom call, events, the memorial garden and its personal history. Learn about its unique botanic flora.

You will be guided through a rare Edwardian Park created in 1911 through the efforts of the Local Community to save open space in the past and present. You hear the story of the Curator Dave Matthews to build the park, involvement of the Footscray scouts, students of Footscray Technical College (Victorian University) and unemployed 1930 depression workers. Hear the story of the Phantom call, the remarkable story of the Memorial Garden plaques and the victory statue, a sad personal story of loss, the visit of Charles and Dianna and the Henry Lawson society’s involvement.

You will walk its bluestone terraces, see statues, the platypus fountain and wisteria pergola. See its rare botanic plants. Enjoy its views over the Maribyrnong River, over open spaces and relax on its lawns and perhaps have a picnic.