The Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail extends along the Port Phillip coast from Dromana to Portsea. It is flanked by the beautiful sandy bay beaches and clear waters of Port Phillip as it winds it's way along the foreshore reserve. With Arthurs Seat behind you, there is any number of places to start the trail in Dromana - as long as you head south! The township of Dromana was proclaimed in 1861 and was well established as a seaside resort by 1881. It's not hard to imagine the pier busy with steamships taking holiday makers and produce to and from Melbourne. The sealed wide pathway offers an easy walk along the Dromana coast to the rocky cutting of Anthonys Nose - where Arthurs Seat falls steeply into the sea.
The path continues through the campsites and carpark and onto McCrae past the tallest lighthouse in Port Phillip. It winds through the tall banksia and tea tree with campsites on one side and the beach on the other to the pier at Rosebud (named after a shipwreck!) then through Capel Sound to the town of Rye. At the base of the aptly named Whitecliffs is an historic lime kiln that tells the story of how local limestone was mined and turned into lime to help create many of the buildings in Melbourne.
Head over Whitecliffs and through the Moonah trees along the foreshore of Blairgowrie, past the picturesque yacht club marina to Sullivan Bay and the Collins First Settlement site. It was here in 1803 the first official European settlement of Victoria was established. From here it's on to Sorrento and up the hill behind the pier where the tram tracks built in 1889 for the Sorrento Tramway Company can still be seen. Through the Sorrento Park with its awesome playground and diverging a bit to take in part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail known as Millionaires Walk between Point King Road and Lentell Avenue. To refresh, finish up at a favourite 'watering hole' in Portsea village.
Of course for those still with energy to burn, you could tie this into the Mornington Peninsula 100km Walk that includes walks around Point Nepean, The Coastal Walk and the The Two Bays Walking Track.
The trail has now been extended to Mornington and through to Frankston where it then heads inland out towards Hastings and the Westernport Bay where it finishes up in the hinterland town of Red Hill, right in the heart of the Peninsula's wine country.
For more information on this extension and the various sections visit The Bay Trail Extended.
Total distance: 24043 m
Max elevation: 31 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 211 m
Total descent: -200 m
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
