Trail summary

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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. Embark on 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 3 (Moderate)

Style: One Way

Start: Boneo Road carpark

End: Gannamatta Beach carpark

Location: Mornington Peninsula

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Cape Schanck

From state capital: 105km

Latitude: -38.47337663

Longitude: 144.92753684520724

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Reviews

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.

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

Download file: Bushrangers-Bay-and-Gunnamatta.gpx

Getting there

Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)

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.

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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.

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.

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Looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)

3 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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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

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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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Tips

Map and GPX file

Bushrangers Bay & Gunnamatta Hike (16km)