The Snail's Trail
A journey of discovery along the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail
The Snail's Journal
Day 1
Wednesday May 10th, 2023
After weeks upon weeks of preparations, it was time to head off on our journey.
Starting at Greenwich Reserve in Newport, Victoria, where Sandy Point and the Warmies are, we made our way along the bay to Gem Pier and the Williamstown foreshore. It was once a woodland of Sheoaks and known as Koort Boork Boork by the traditional owners, the Yalukit Willam, whose ancestors go back to the time when you could walk to Tasmania over grassy plains full of kangaroos.
We had lots of people meet us along the way, included the kids from Newmark Primary. Thanks for all the feeds of lettuce, and thanks to Seaworks for having us stay the night,
Till tomorrow,
Yitsak the Snail, Yenna the snail rider, and Harry, the snail guide.
Day 2
Thursday May 11th, 2023
Woke up at Seaworks, the historical ship building yard, now arts centre and museum, to the sun shining and yesterday's clouds gone. It was a brilliant Autumn day for traveling along the seaside and drinking tea on Williamstown Beach. Rounding the corner from the Crystals onto Jawbone reserve we were greeted by the Williamstown Primary kids, and a little later on, by a local snake, who thankfully did not hang around and join us for lunch.
We continued through Jawbone and the Rifle Range Reserve, and came across the Hobsons Bay Wetlands citizen science group, who play an essential role in maintaining the waterways which are home to numerous local and migratory birds from as far afield as Siberia. Our day's journey eventually bought us to the boat sheds of the Kororoit Ck fishing village, and a well deserved dinner of lettuce, before bedding down for the night.
Till tomorrow,
Yitsak the Snail, Yenna the snail rider, and Harry, the snail guide.
Day 3
Friday May 12th, 2023
It was a sleepy start for Yenna, as we left Kororoit Ck and entered the old Williamstown Racetrack, which is being rehabilitated into the Altona Coastal Park. All that remains is a ruin of the grandstand, and a lone palm tree gazing over the grasslands. From there we wound our way to the beach, through Seaholme and onto the Esplanade. The lowtide left a rocky shoreline, and the wind had us a bit windswept, but there were birds aplenty, and people to greet us as we carried on into the heart of Altona Beach.
We were warmly welcomed by the Louis Joel Art Centre, and equally by the Historical Society, who kindly have put us up for the night at the Altona Homestead.
Till tomorrow,
Yitsak the Snail, Yenna the snail rider, and Harry, the snail guide.
Day 4
Saturday May 13th, 2023
We had a grand escort waiting this morning when we came out from the Homestead, who journeyed with us as we continued on along the beachfront. At the end of the road we entered the reserve which leads to the Laverton Creek Wetlands. There as a special guest appearance was the amazing Willin Wimmin choir. What an absolute delight to hear them sing.
Then lunchtime called and we headed further into the reserve, before leaving the coastline to travel along the Laverton Ck, between the water and the old Truganina Explosives Reserve. After the serenity of the creek, our detour brought us to the busy Queens Rd. Traffic goes very fast compared to a snail. But soon there was the nights accommodation thanks to the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, who made room for us in their space at the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed.
Till tomorrow,
Yitsak the Snail, Yenna the snail rider, and Harry, the snail guide.
Day 5
Sunday May 14th, 2023
What a morning to be out as we retraced our steps along Laverton Ck to join up with the Hobsons Bay Coastal Trail again. After morning tea in the sun, we meandered along the path through the woodlands towards the 100 steps of Federation lookout. It was a bit of a feat for a snail to get to the top of what once was the Altona tip, but we did it. You can see the city and beyond in one direction, and the You Yangs in the other, and below are the Cheetham wetlands, a Ramsar listed site, and haven to wildlife, particularly birds, included endangered and rare species.
Under the grand Time Beacon sculpture that marks the lookout, The Newport Community choir sang for us and a large number of locals, doing a stunning rendition of songs about the birds around us. Such a treat, and perfect way to mark the end of our journey along the coastal trail. It's been remarkable, thank you to everyone involved and the Hobsons Bay council for their support.
As we contemplate where to next,
we wish you the best,
Yitsak the Snail, Yenna the snail rider, and Harry, the snail guide.
As part of Hobsons Bay New Art Program, we are taking Gastropodia on an epic journey. Yitsak, the giant hairy snail, his elfish rider, and their old snail wrangler friend will navigate the Hobson's Bay foreshore, in a unique performance event spanning five days in May.
When - Wednesday 10th - Sunday 14th May. 10am-3pm daily.
Where - Hobson’s Bay Coastal Trail, Greenwich Reserve, Newport to Truganina Park, Altona
You are invited to join the trio as they slowly traverse the Coastal Trail. At times they will diverge to explore significant sites close by, and make frequent stops to rest, eat, and interact with the public.