Bushrangers Bay and Gunnamatta is a 16km, grade 3 hike located in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. The hike should take around 5 hours to complete.
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 120 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 471 m
Total descent: -551 m
Tips
Be careful when walking along the beaches at high tide. Always stay away from cliff edges as the basalt can be unstable.
Trail location
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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.
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 trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.
3 Reviews on “Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)”
Cassandra Meehan ?
Emma Belfield Zoe Belfield we should do this ?
Did a portion of it recently;
spectacular and highly recommended
Trixie Summer
Logan Humphrey
Gayle Chilver Robyn G Tarrant this one looks cool!
Damian Hess
Would love to see this one
Pity it’s not within 5k of Croydon ??
Zita Garner closer to home.