Middle Park Beach Access Ramp

In 2022, City of Port Phillip carried out a review of beach access points along the foreshore to understand how people of all ages and abilities use them. The review showed there are opportunities to improve several ramps so they are safer, easier to use and more accessible for everyone.

In response, we have created an ongoing program to upgrade beach access ramps at key locations. These upgrades focus on sites that are used most often and where improvements will have the biggest impact. The program supports our commitment to keeping public assets safe, well-maintained and up to date with modern design standards.

Some older ramps were built many years ago and don’t meet current expectations for accessibility. This can make them harder to use – for example, if a ramp is narrow or steeper than ideal, or particularly steep and lacks handrails, it can be difficult for people with prams, wheelchairs, other mobility aids, or anyone who needs more support. The upgrade program aims to address these issues where needed.

A total of 20 ramps has been identified for staged improvements. By the end of 2027, ramps will have been upgraded:

• Point Ormond (completed and open as of October 2025)
• Middle Park (this project – planned to be completed in June 2026)

This program will help create safer, more inclusive and more enjoyable access to the beach for the whole community.

Construction works will require temporary closures in the immediate project area. During this period:

• The existing Middle Park beach access ramp will be unavailable until the new ramp is completed.
• A short section of the Bay Trail and shared user path near the work zone will be temporarily diverted.
• Part of the adjacent road may also be affected by reduced access or temporary lane closures to allow construction vehicles to operate safely.

Clear signage and detour routes will be in place to support pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Access to surrounding foreshore areas will remain open.

We’re upgrading the Middle Park beach access ramp to make it safer, easier to use, and more welcoming for everyone. The project will replace the old ramp, improve nearby paths and signage, update beach amenities, and restore important bluestone features so the area looks better and functions well into the future.

What we’re building

• A new, easy-to-use ramp with gentle gradients and handrails
• A wider and stronger maintenance vehicle access path
• Improved Bay Trail connections with clearer surfaces for people riding bikes
• A new beach shower and drinking fountain, plus new bike hoops and a relocated bin
• Repaired and rebuilt bluestone walls to protect the coastal character
• New plants and fresh turf to improve the look and health of the foreshore

How this helps the community

These upgrades will make it simpler and safer for people using prams, wheelchairs and other mobility aids to get to the beach. Better paths, clearer markings and improved facilities will make the foreshore more comfortable for everyone. Restoring the bluestone and refreshing the landscaping will also protect the area’s unique character for years to come.