Bushrangers Bay and Gunnamatta (15.7km)

Summary

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.

Getting There

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.

Tips

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