Cape Woolamai Circuit Walk (8.5km)

The Cape Woolamai Walk provides breathtaking views of Phillip Island and its surrounding coastline. As the highest point on the island and home to the largest shearwater rookery, Cape Woolamai offers a unique and diverse hiking experience, particularly between October and April when thousands of shearwaters inhabit the area.

To embark on this adventure, start at the information shelter and descend the wooden ramp to the beach. Walk southeast along the expansive sandy strip towards a rocky point extending from Cape Woolamai. After covering 700 meters, spot a wooden staircase on the left before reaching the beach's end. Ascend the stairs to the grass-covered bluffs connecting Cape Woolamai's rocky end with the rest of Phillip Island.

At the top, a sign for Cape Woolamai Walking Trails directs you to turn right, while the service road to the left leads back to the parking area. The trail sign outlines three hiking options, each marked with a specific color used on trail markers. The described hike combines elements from all three routes:

1. Cape Woolamai Pinnacles Walk (Green Route): A 4.5-kilometer return trail leading 1.4 kilometers beyond the bluff to an overlook above the Pinnacles.

2. Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk (Black Route): A 7.5-kilometer route extending past the Pinnacles to the light beacon at Cape Woolamai's high point, circling back around the cape's end.

3. Old Granite Quarry Walk (Blue Route): A 5-kilometer trail crossing to the east side of the cape, reaching an old rock quarry. Return via the same route or complete the loop by walking back along the beach.

Follow the wide dirt trail south, enjoying views of Woolamai Beach to the right and muttonbird rookeries on the left. At 350 meters from the top of the steps, stay right at a junction, following black and green arrows towards the Pinnacles.

As you traverse the west coast of the cape, appreciate views of Woolamai Surf Beach to your right. After 550 meters, a short spur path on the right offers scenic views over the end of Woolamai Beach.

Below the bluff, encounter impressive rock formations, including the Pinnacles. Continue following black arrows for 2.05 kilometers to reach the summit at the tip of Cape Woolamai, where the Cape Woolamai Beacon sits at an elevation of 112 meters.

Proceed southeast to the cape's end, reaching a junction with a trail to the Old Granite Quarry. Follow the main trail for the 7.4-kilometer hike or turn right to explore the old quarry, eventually walking back along the east side of the cape.

After 4.25 kilometers, begin the return journey, heading inland along the cape's east coast. Descend a gradual slope to a wooden overlook with east-facing panoramic ocean views. Follow the loop trail, reaching a sign marking the old quarry area. Descend wooden stairs to the beach and, before heading to Cleeland Bight, explore granite slabs left when the quarry closed.

From the Old Granite Quarry, take a 1.7-kilometer stroll north up the beach. Upon encountering a tall trail post, turn left and follow the wide sandy track inland, following signs for Cape Woolamai Car Park.