Trail Fast Facts
The Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony hike is a 6.8km, grade 2 hike in Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony hike follows a short section of the Great South West Walk. It is a moderate hike from the Bridgewater Bay Kiosk that follows stunning sections of Victoria's highest coastal cliffs offering striking views across Cape Bridgewater; once a volcanic island that is now joined to the mainland by calcified sand dunes.
The Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony hike provides great views along the coast towards Cape Nelson. The viewing platform at the end of the trail looks out over rock platforms and on to a colony of about 650 Australian and New Zealand fur seals, the only mainland breeding site for Australian and New Zealand fur seals.
Track Grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Tips
- Enjoy remote camping, walks and canoeing.
- Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
- Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 125 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 410 m
Total descent: -410 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
Discovery Bay Coastal Park is in south-west Victoria between Portland and Nelson adjoining the SA border, about 420kms from Melbourne and 490kms from Adelaide. The major access roads into the Park are The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland - Nelson Road.
Parking is available at the end of Blowholes Road, in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park on the western side of Cape Bridgewater.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities. Victoria's highest coastal cliffs and the Cape Nelson lighthouse are located at the eastern end of Discovery Bay. The Cape Bridgewater fur seal colony is also a significant feature of the Park. A significant dune system extends from Nelson to Whites Beach limiting vehicle access to a few locations.
This remote coastal park protects 55 kilometre of ocean beach. Inland, the park encompasses high coastal cliffs, huge rolling sand dunes and freshwater lakes and swamps. Coastal vegetation and wildlife thrive.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Discovery Bay Coastal Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
Weather
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.