Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 113m
Min elevation: 1m
Total Ascent: 326m
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Surf Coast.
Closest towns to this walk: Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Bells Beach, Geelong, Jan Juc, Point Addis, Torquay
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Surf Coast? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
1 Review on “Bells Beach & Ironbark Forest Hike (11.1km)”
Did the walk on a sunny day in early June starting around 12:00 at the bottom of the tide. We walked the circuit in a clockwise direction. At low tide there was no issues with the sea level as we went past the cliffs. There has been some erosion of the cliffs making it necessary to walk closer to the water. Sections of the cliff still appear unstable.
The walk was pleasant and the trail was well marked with information boards on describing the local flora and fauna. Further sign boards outlined the mining of Jarosite at the beginning of the 20th century.
The walk was an easy comfortable hike along the hard sand and after ascending to the cliff tops through the iron bark forest. The 11 km took just over 3 hours at an easy pace.