A new boardwalk will connect the Bay Trail from Williamstown to Point Cook

Avid cyclists and walkers will be able to get from Williamstown to Point Cook much quicker thanks to a new boardwalk on a popular trail.

A popular western suburbs cycling and walking trail will get a much-needed shortcut as part of $21m in upgrades to Melbourne parks.

A new boardwalk will be built to connect Point Cook to the western link of the Melbourne Bay Trail, reducing a 3.8km detour on the way to Williamstown to just 400m.

The western part of the trail does not directly connect Point Cook to the path that allows users to travel west along the beach beginning at Point Gellibrand Heritage Park in Williamstown.

The 400m boardwalk extension will be constructed over the Cheetham wetlands, where the trail stops.

The boardwalk will be built by Parks Victoria and Aveo.

Parks Victoria regional director Sofia De Lesantis said this project provided the “missing link” to the iconic trail.

“Once the extension is constructed, people will be able to enjoy a flat, off-road and faster journey from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park,” she said.

“Point Cook Coastal Park offers a great family day out for locals and visitors alike. I’m thrilled that we’re able to provide a safer, more accessible journey for those wishing to visit by bike or on foot.”

This project is part of the state government’s $21m Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program delivering upgrades to 21 parks across Melbourne.

Sian Day from the Point Cook and Sanctuary Lakes walking group said the extension’s timing was perfect with an increase of people using the trail.

“During Covid that trail was really useful for a lot people, so I think this new extension will encourage more people to get out and use it,’’ she said.

A map of the trail with the extension highlighted in yellow.

The extension is scheduled to be completed by late 2023.