The Coastal Walk is a 30km, grade 3 hike located in Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 9 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Coastal walk along the southern side of the Mornington Peninsula offers spectacular scenery stretching 30kms between Cape Schanck and the Point Nepean National Park. The Coastal Walk encompasses many smaller sections of Ocean Beach walking trails, some along gravel tracks and parts along the sandy beaches. It changes from rugged rocky ocean coast at Cape Schanck to dense coastal vegetation along the way and finally to the famous sandy surf beaches through Rye and Sorrento. There are several sections that can be completed seperately as shorter walks if desired.
Although this walk can be done in either direction, more spectacular views are provided when walking west from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean as you get views along the length of the Bass Strait coast.
- Cape Schanck to Gunnamatta Beach (6.7km): Find your way through dense coastal vegetation and past three spectacular lookouts.
- Gunnamatta to Rye Ocean Beach (4.5km): Along the surf beach past Boags Rocks to the stairs.
- Rye Ocean Beach to No 16 Beach (4.1km): Shorter inland track sections loop around two small headlands past the rugged outcrop known as Lizard Rock and through the dunes.
- No.16 Beach to Bridgewater Bay (5km): Along the the historic Lifesaving Track built to rescue people from shipwrecks in the 1890's, to the picturesque Dimmicks Beach, spectacular clifftops and the rockpools at Bridgewater Bay.
- Bridgewater Bay to Sorrento (5km): Past Spray Point (make a quick detour to check out this spectacular headland) to Koonya Ocean Beach to Diamond Bay (and another detour option to the aptly named Dog's Head). Continue on to Coppins Lookout and the start of the Coppins Track heritage trail.
- Sorrento to London Bridge (4km): Take the short detour to Websters Lookout for stunning views over both Sorrento and Port Phillip. On to the Portsea Surf Beach and the Farnsworth track along the cliff tops past two scenic lookouts. At London Bridge make sure you check out the amazing rock pools visible at low tide.
- London Bridge to Point Nepean (1.7km): Just a short walk through historic Moonah woodlands takes you past Wilsons Folly and into Point Nepean.
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 Bay Trail and the The Two Bays Walking Track.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 119 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 484 m
Total descent: -516 m
Source: Visit Mornington peninsula
Trail location
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About the region
Embracing the wild ocean beaches between Portsea and Flinders, and the kangaroo haven of Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park is a favourite of Melburnians looking to escape the nearby city. Experienced surfers flock to Gunamatta Beach, while rockpools at Sorrento Ocean Beach, close to town, are perfect for families.
Dip into the excellent surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches. Step out on The Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. The two-day walk meanders along high clifftops, through coastal vegetation and past stunning ocean beaches.
A haven for native wildlife such as kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula. Dogs are not permitted in Mornington Peninsula National Park. This includes beaches, carparks and Greens Bush.
Similar trails nearby
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.
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Gear to consider
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
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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.
3 Reviews on “The Coastal Walk (30km)”
Sarah Gamon
Tracy Lloyd-Walker ???
This looks good
Suzie Sharp Fiona MacLennan 1st leg says to find your way through dense coastal vegetation….we’ve got that nailed!! So should we book this one in??
Suzie Sharp Joelene Gordon-Cooke this is a nice long one. Maybe after my hip’s sorted?
Ross Kerr
Vanessa Brown is this the one we were talking about today?
Megan Donohue LizandDave Friswell, not long now!!
Merryn Kovacs how do we get back ?
Merryn Kovacs can do sections by the look of it. Looks good
Mou Ngatokoa lets do the other half then
Oliver Bonaccorso 🙂
Peter Fisher Let’s go
Mou Ngatokoa wanna do this as our last big hike before Oxfam . What do U think ?
Next time! My way!!
Pauline agreed ??
Pauline Farrow
Raechel Gardiner
Rob at least if we run out of dry land we know we’ve gone too far!
Rob Muirhead distance isn’t a problem…
Laura Healy got a spare 8hrs? ?
Jodie Alexander
Lawrence Mitchell?? ?
Catherine Reid
Elaine Firmin
Derena Carroll
Catriona McGregor we should do this one weekend!
Coastal walk would be great .
Elisa Di Placido Lynda Lowe
Fool Joshua
Gemma Bird,Ryan Starkeyry training day?
Gemma Bird excellent. Ryan was very excited this afternoon to get out too!
Gemma I feel attacked. The 8hr recommendation makes me question everything.
Gen we are totally doing this over summer
Getha Somasundaram what do u think ?
Gayan Piyasena Nimesh Demel another one to the list
How long to complete with COVID-19?
I’m in
It’s well and truly beyond 30km. Did the walk in Jan
Alan Dow
Aaron Cardy Sunday?? ???? Pleaseeeeeee
Bianca Bennett
Are we going to sorrento or all the way to point Nepean?
Just removed the “Dog Friendly” option from the features
This walk is NOT dog friendly – in fact it’s through National Parks that ban dogs at all times, on lead, off lead, no matter what!
Signs everywhere
Annette Fogarty
Casey McIndoe nice lead up to the 40?
Jackie what about this one as an option for the 30th?
Joshua Chris ?
Anita Romleigh
Jane Kirsner
Lets do this Karen Thomas
when is this hiking?
Brad Atkinson day trip
Ben Farbulous
Kyle Hura
Carli Scott next one? ?
Jess Pie eeeeee! ?
Mat Ross let’s look into this one
Simon Cosgrave