Trail Fast Facts

The George Bass Coastal Walk is a 17km, grade 3 return hike located on the Bass Coast, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.

Length: 17km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Punchbowl Rd car park, Anderson

End: Punchbowl Rd car park, Anderson

Location: Bass Coast

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Anderson

From state capital: 133km

Latitude: -38.53609836

Longitude: 145.4070031642914

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

The popular George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff-top trail that stretches from the outskirts of San Remo at Punchbowl Road, to the Bass Highway (just opposite the hall at Peppermint Road) in Kilcunda.

This is typically a one way hike but I have written this one up as a return day hike to avoid the car shuffle.

Discover the unique beauty of the Bass Coast with this dramatic cliff top walk, offering sweeping views of the wild ocean. Few walks offer such breathtaking and diverse scenery, from rugged coastline, woodland gullies, tucked-away coves, to the almost iridescent green hills spotted with happy cows. Dare to look down and find pristine beaches, nestled cosily between the rocky outcrops.

The walk dips through coastal gullies and takes in a secluded beach, climbing again high above the sea. Keep an eye out for whales making their annual pilgrimage (May - November). You might be in luck and get a glimpse of a local kangaroo mob feeding in knee-high grass.

This hike can also be completed as a 7km one way hike where you can finish up at Kilcunda for lunch at the pub or one of the town's inviting cafes.

From Kilcunda, the walk links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail so if you've got the energy reserves, you can continue on to the centre of Wonthaggi. I have written this hike up as the George Bass Coast Walk and Rail Trail.
The Anderson to San Remo Shared Pathway allows you to extend the walk so you can start from San Remo.

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.

Trail features

Map and GPX file

George Bass Coastal Walk (17km)

Total distance: 17141 m
Max elevation: 70 m
Min elevation: 8 m
Total climbing: 623 m
Total descent: -623 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

George Bass Coastal Walk (17km)

The walk is situated 100 kilometres south east of Melbourne between San Remo and Kilcunda. The walk commences at the southern end of the Punchbowl Road, off the Phillip Island Tourist Road. Visitors may also start the walk from the Bass Highway in Kilcunda.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road

Photo gallery

About the region

Bass Coast is home to a thriving arts community. The beauty of its natural environment, and the close proximity to Melbourne, attracts the creative spirit. Discover all that our region has to offer below, from cultural venues to public art, opportunities for artists and becoming involved.

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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.

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Reviews

George Bass Coastal Walk (17km)

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