The Canning Street ford is of local historical significance as one of the first crossing places of the Maribyrnong River for European settlers from 1835 on. It is recorded in the first accounts of exploration (Grimes' 1803 journey) and in subsequent accounts of the difficulties of traversing the western plains. Although greatly modified, the immediate environs of the ford have remained undeveloped and so reflect the character of the area during the pioneering phase.