Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the breathtaking 16km Bushrangers Bay and Gunnamatta hike, a grade 3 moderate trail near Melbourne, offering cliff top tracks, stunning ocean views, and dense coastal vegetation. Start your journey from the Boneo Road car park, passing through Banksia groves, and follow the Bushrangers Bay Track towards Cape Schanck. Experience an optional detour through coastal Moonah woodland before reaching Gunnamatta Beach. Remember, accessing Gunnamatta via the beach can be challenging at high tide, so stick to the high track for the best experience.

Length:

16km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 120m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 471m

Start: Boneo Road carpark

End: Gannamatta Beach carpark

Mornington Peninsula

Victoria

Nearby town: Cape Schanck

From state capital: 105km

Latitude: -38.47337663

Longitude: 144.92753684520724

Overview

Map

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2,345 views

Hike overview

The beautiful Bushrangers Bay and Gunnamatta hike features a network of cliff top tracks with spectacular ocean views and dense coastal vegetation, as well as sections of long beach which pass by sculpted sand dunes and tidal rock pools. 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 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.

Leaving the Cape Schanck Visitor Area car park, follow the sealed Cape Schanck Road for 600m back towards Boneo Road. Turn left onto the dirt track which leads into the national park. Follow the walking track through coastal Moonah woodland towards Fingal and Gunnamatta Beach. A detour circuit walk provides access inland to Fingal Picnic Area car park, drinking water and toilets. Further north a side track leads to secluded Fingal beach via a long path of steep stairs.

If you visit the beach, be sure to return to the high track as through access to Gunnamatta is difficult along the beach, especially at high tide. The main track passes through dense coastal vegetation with three spectacular lookouts along the way. When the track drops down onto the eastern end of Gunnamatta Beach, continue along the beach to the day visitor area containing the Surf Lifesaving clubhouse, car park and public toilets.

Tips

Be careful when walking along the beaches at high tide. Always stay away from cliff edges as the basalt can be unstable.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)

Total distance: 15766 m
Max elevation: 120 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 471 m
Total descent: -551 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mornington Peninsula.

From Melbourne via M1 and Mornington Peninsula Fwy/M11. Continue on M1 to Rosebud then take Boneo Rd/C777 to Two Bays Walking Track in Cape Schanck.

Get there with Google Maps

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

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.

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

Reviews
Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)

7 Reviews on “Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)”

Overall rating

Paige van der Pligt

Cassandra Meehan ?

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Brenda Belfield

Emma Belfield Zoe Belfield we should do this ?

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Eli Vajra

Did a portion of it recently;
spectacular and highly recommended

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Ian Summerton

Trixie Summer

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Stella Hardiman

Logan Humphrey

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Alana Rodgers

Gayle Chilver Robyn G Tarrant this one looks cool!

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Catherina Punturere

Damian Hess

10/06/2020, 14:41

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Suzan Edwards

Would love to see this one

10/05/2020, 21:44

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Cheryl Hansen

Pity it’s not within 5k of Croydon ??

10/05/2020, 19:21

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Kaylene Kelly

Zita Garner closer to home.

10/05/2020, 18:00

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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

Bushrangers bay & gunnamatta hike (16km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)