The beautiful Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck hike comprises of a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs. This serene location is contrasted by dark and brooding headlands and wild waves that often crash onto jagged rocks guarding the entrance to the bay.
Bushrangers Bay hike is accessed along Main Creek from the Boneo Road car park and picnic area (2.5km). This section of the Two Bays Walking Track provides fine views and passes through shady Banksia groves.
From Bushrangers Bay follow the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track to the Cape Schanck car park to see some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. This section of the park was purchased from abutting farms in 1977.
Return via the same route.
Note
Swimming is not recommended at this site as the beach is unpatrolled and often hazardous due to strong rips and large waves.
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
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.
Total distance: 12975 m
Max elevation: 99 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 441 m
Total descent: -442 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Mornington Peninsula.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Closest towns to this walk: Balnarring, Blairgowrie, Dromana, Fingal, Flinders, Frankston, Hastings, Merricks, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Portsea, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye, Shoreham, Somerville, Sorrento, Tyabb
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
About the region
Breathe in the fresh sea air, sample innovative local cuisine, and soak up the relaxed alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne. Explore the galleries, spas and cafes in breezy seaside villages, cool off with a day on the beach, or escape to the hinterland for gourmet delights at boutique wineries.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Mornington Peninsula? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
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
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
9 Reviews on “Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck Hike (13km)”
Thank you for your review. ..will be doing this on saturday ?
Louise Higgins
Tania this would be a nice one to do
Nora Bone this would be a good one to do ?
Amber Richardson, Jodie Pullin, Steve Shaw, Margaret Talbot….. training!
Brad Lester
Claire- ✅
Gary Singh
Have hiked this twice in the last two years. Winter – Summer. Nice easy walk and even though I was carrying plenty of water I was happy to see a cafe selling ice cold drinks at the cape shank end on the summer walk. Wildlife is everywhere. Have seen Kangaroos, Wallabies, Lizards, Echidna and Snakes. The Ti tree tunnel is especially cool.
Heather King
Hi,
Could someone please confirm if this is 4 hours return?
Thanks
let’s do it