Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the unique wonders of Cape Bridgewater's Petrified Forest on a short 800m, Grade 2 easy trail. Just 20 minutes from the nearest town, this trail takes you on a journey through ancient limestone formations known as "solution pipes", reaching up to 20 metres high. Perfect for bushwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quick, exciting adventure with a touch of geological history.

Length:

800m

Duration:

20 mins

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 43m

Min elevation: 19m

Total Ascent: 38m

Start: Blowholes Road

End: Blowholes Road

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Cape Bridgewater

From state capital: 373km

Latitude: -38.379346

Longitude: 141.368996

7,246 views

Overview

Route

Photos

Reviews

Similar

Weather

Hike overview

This short but interesting walk visits an area is known as the petrified forest that was named based on an early theory that advancing sand engulfed an ancient forest of coastal trees that once covered the sea cliff, petrifying them for all time. The formation is actually a collection of hollow tubes of limestone called solution pipes, eroded by millions of years of rainfall. The process starts when water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards dissolving the limestone. The mineral saturated water then cements the sand, forming hard, trunk-shaped pipes.

Most pipes around Cape Bridgewater are only three metres high, although some are as much as twenty metres.

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

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

Total distance: 807 m
Max elevation: 43 m
Min elevation: 19 m
Total climbing: 38 m
Total descent: -38 m

Photo gallery

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Casterton, Coleraine, Dartmoor, Heywood, Koroit, Mortlake, Nelson, Nirranda, Port Fairy, Portland, Tyrendarra, Warrnambool

Getting to the trailhead in Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

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 hikes and trails in Discovery Bay Coastal Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - 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.

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

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Map and GPX file

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)