Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the diverse beauty of Victoria on the Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk, a 20.5km trek of moderate difficulty. This trail, nestled within Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, offers stunning views of high black cliffs, golden beaches, and unique limestone formations. Make your way through banksia woodlands and explore hidden coves and sweeping sand dunes on this rewarding coastal walk. Perfect for bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts craving a varied and scenic adventure.

Length:

20.5km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 95m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 493m

Start: Cape Liptrap Lighthouse

End: Five Mile Carpark

Cape Liptrap

Victoria

Nearby town: Fish Creek

From state capital: 193km

Latitude: -38.90681069

Longitude: 145.9224751

Overview

Map

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Weather

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Region

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Hike overview

The Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk is one of the most rewarding coastal walks in Victoria. The hike follows a narrow strip of coastline protected by the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. The coastline is varied, having a mix of high black cliffs, golden beaches and banksia woodland. There are also hidden coves, sweeping sand dunes and unusual limestone cliffs.

Tips

Ensure you are well prepared with at least 3ltrs or water for this hike.

Do not start a walk in this area any earlier than two hours before a low tide and aim to finish a walk no later than two hours after low tide. Tide times are the same as for Port Phillip Heads.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk (20.5km)

Total distance: 20594 m
Max elevation: 95 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 493 m
Total descent: -529 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Cape Liptrap.

Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is 4,175 ha in size and situated 160 kilometres south east of Melbourne. It is reached from the South Gippsland Highway at Leongatha or the Bass Highway from Inverloch.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Fish Creek, Foster, Sandy Point, Walkerville, Waratah Bay

About the region

Stretching along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay and Venus Bay, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has strikingly beautiful scenery. The coastal park transforms from being a peaceful coastal area to wild, windy and awe inspiring in stormy weather. Whatever the season, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is worth exploring.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cape Liptrap? 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
Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk (20.5km)

11 Reviews on “Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk (20.5km)”

Overall rating

Calvin Tulloch

Five Mile track is returning to nature and was under water when I attempted it recently. There is still a small parking area next to the main road opposite a house, but the track quickly degrades. I jumped the fence into a nearby paddock to try and bypass the worst of it, but that too turned into a lake. Perhaps a better plan would be continue hiking to No 1 beach at Venus bay. and exit there.

18/10/2023, 18:36

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Great update Calvin. Thank you. It’s been a while since I did that hike and even then, that access track was in decline.
  
  18/10/2023, 19:32
  
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Michele Murray

From what we could see this track is not available any more.

15/08/2023, 19:01

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Oh. I’ll have to go back for another look. It’s not often used so it’s possible some sections are overgrown. If anyone lives down that way and is reading these comments, can you please confirm?
  
  28/08/2023, 16:13
  
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Patty Lamaro

Helen MaxwellJenny Bradshaw a goal for when restrictions lift? ???

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Karen Wright
  
  Hi Heidi. How long ago did you do this Trail? Was it well marked? Any tips?
  
  09/11/2019, 15:37
  
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2. Freya Chipperfield
  
  Jason Lowery
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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  1. Patty Lamaro
    
    Jenny Bradshaw oh c’mon!
    
    24/03/2022, 05:22
    
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    1. Suzie Sharp
      
      Leesa Swanson I’m happy to book this in but it’s 3-3 1/2 hrs away and a 7hr hike, maybe a weekender? Go down fri night hike sat home sun? In March? 15th or 22nd? And camping or Airbnb? Fiona MacLennan did u want to join us?
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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      1. Suzie Sharp
        
        Leesa Swanson it’s a date!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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      2. Emmet Spence
        
        Line up a camping weekend? 🙂
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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      3. Liz Marsden
        
        Ooooo! Dominique De Rooij, Harm Ellens, Lisa Garnsworthy,
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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      4. Jenny Bradshaw
        
        Patty Lamaro ?? That one is a bit too serious for me! Will see what happens ?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:22
        
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    2. Susie Bell
      
      Max Bell
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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    3. Susan Love
      
      Oh my, a favorite. Just know the tide times!
      
      24/03/2022, 05:22
      
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Miranda McCarthy

Emmet 🙂

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Mark Chen

All I have to say is – watch the tide ??

24/03/2022, 05:22

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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.

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
Cape Liptrap Coastal Walk (20.5km)