The West Gate Tunnel welcomed over 50,000 community members on Discovery Day - where runners and walkers got the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the tunnel before it opens in December 2025.
Runners kicked off the day at 7:00am taking in the spectacular city views on the eight-kilometre run that included the new skyroad above Footscray Road that connects to the tunnel. The family friendly run also included sections of the tunnel, with local entertainers Footscray Yarraville City band providing entertainment on the course.
With the support of the community, over $180,000 from the run registration fees was raised for two local charities - West Welcome Wagon and Community Bike Hub. Both charities play a big part in building community belonging and connection, and these proceeds will help each organisation continue their important work to serve the diverse people, communities and places of Melbourne’s west.
Walkers were treated to entertainment either side of the twin tunnels, as they wandered the 2.5-kilometre path from the Yarraville Gardens, passed the new wetlands and under the 38-metre-high timber net structure into the West Gate Tunnel.
At Yarraville Gardens, family-friendly celebrations provided by the Newport Bush Orchestara, Seddon Cricket Club, Women's Circus, DERMPAV, Western Bulldogs and Girl Guides brought the community together, through food, fun and kid-friendly activities.
View the event photos on the Discovery Day webpage.
Learn how to use Melbourne's new West Gate Tunnel, opening in December 2025.