Paterson Waterways

Paterson River is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Bunurong Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognize their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Paterson River is the most popular boating and fishing access point to Port Phillip. Located approximately 28kms south-east of Melbourne CBD, it is also a great place for recreational activities including walking, jogging and bike riding.

Paterson River is a unique man-made waterway created in 1878 to provide direct drainage from the Dandenong Valley catchment area. Prior to Patterson River, this runoff flowed into the Carrum Swamp which spread behind the sand dunes between Mordialloc and Frankston with the only outlets to the bay being Mordialloc Creek and Kananook Creek at Frankston.

Paterson River is home to four two-lane boat ramps and a large car and trailer parking area. Meanwhile, the riverbanks are home to a flat 6km gravel circuit trail perfect for walking or jogging with friends or a dog on lead.

Beyond the 6km Paterson River circuit trail – trail networks connect in almost all directions. To the east along Dandenong Creek Trail, to the south-east along Peninsula Link Trail, to the north along Chelsea Long Beach Trail and to the north-west and south-west along the Frankston Railway Trail. Please follow trail etiquette, keep to the left of the path unless it is impractical to do use and cyclists please use a bell or similar warning device when overtaking other path users.

To the west of Launching Way, there are picnic shelters and barbecues and at the east end of the car park near Ramp 4 there are toilets and a sheltered wheelchair-friendly picnic area.

Dogs are permitted on lead at Paterson River.