The Two Bays Walking Trail is a challenging 26-kilometer hike stretching from Dromana to Cape Schanck. This trail showcases the diverse landscapes of Arthurs Seat State Park and Mornington Peninsula National Park before concluding at the spectacular coastal cliffs of Cape Schanck. Keep an eye out for the trail's identifier - a circular symbol displaying a Blue Wren - on signage along the route.
There are two options to begin your Two Bays Walking Trail adventure:
- Dromana foreshore on Point Nepean Road: Ascend the stepped track and continue onto Latrobe Parade.
- Dromana Visitor Centre: Follow Latrobe Parade until you reach the entry point for Arthurs Seat State Park, located at the intersection with Bunurong Track.
The trail features short hilly sections, including some steep gravel areas around Arthurs Seat State Park. Beyond Arthurs Seat, the walk becomes relatively flat and encompasses eucalypt forest, rolling grassy sections through Greens Bush, and finally, spectacular coastal cliff sections near Cape Schanck.
While the trail is well-signed, there are areas with uneven ground, loose rock, and bridge crossings. Be aware that natural forces can cause fallen branches and debris to appear on the trail. Always wear suitable footwear, stay alert for changing trail conditions, and carry sufficient drinking water.
The Two Bays Walking Trail is comprised of several tracks, making it a popular two-day hike. However, you have the flexibility to complete it as a long day hike, a challenging trail run, or broken down into a series of shorter day hikes.
Some bushwalking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended for the Two Bays Walking Trail. However, the trail is suitable for most ages and can serve as a good introduction to overnight hiking experiences.
Lightwood Creek Camping Area
Lightwood Creek Hike-in Camping Area is located mid-way between Baldrys Crossing and Boneo Road on the Two Bays Walking Track on the Mornington Peninsula. The camping area is a north facing open and level grassy area in a remote bush setting near Lightwood Creek accessible only by foot. The nearest vehicle access is from the Baldry’s Crossing / Boneo Road trailheads of Two Bays Walking Track. The camping area consists of two defined zones with space for 4 sites for up to 6 people.
Fees no longer apply to basic category campgrounds. After 1 July 2015, no bookings will be taken for campgrounds where fees do not apply. Camping will be first in, first-served. No toilets are provided with reliable water being available from Lightwood Creek, however any bush water should always be boiled before drinking.
- Dogs are not permitted within Mornington Peninsula National Park, including beaches, carparks, and Greens Bush.
- As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable day out.
- Please take your rubbish out with you.
- Lighthouse
- Overnight Campsites
Total distance: 28517 m
Max elevation: 266 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 1331 m
Total descent: -1288 m
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Two Bays Walking Trail is best completed from north to south, starting at Dromana foreshore following Latrobe Parade until the entrance to the state park at Bunurong Track. Alternatively, there are several opportunities to come on and off the trail to complete the trail in sections. The trail is well signed and marked with a unique Blue Wren symbol. Using the map, look for parking symbols to indicate areas to start or finish smaller segments.
The trailhead at Dromana and Arthurs Seat State Park are both located approximately 60km south of Melbourne via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. The trailhead at Cape Schanck is about 100km from Melbourne.
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.
Mornington Peninsula National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Embracing the wild ocean beaches between Portsea and Flinders, and the kangaroo haven of Greens Bush, the 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.
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. Or, tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches.
A haven for native wildlife like kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest remaining fragment of native bushland on the Mornington Peninsula.
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.
Looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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 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.Â
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.
2 Reviews on “Two Bays Walking Track (28km)”
Recently completed the Two Bays Walking Trail solo. a moderately challenging 26km walk from Dromana to Cape Schanck. I hiked through diverse landscapes, from Arthurs Seat State Park’s forests to rolling greens and finally the dramatic Cape Schanck cliffs. Took me all day, but totally doable. Great way to see the best of the Mornington Peninsula in one shot.
Beautiful and diverse trail. Spectacular views of the bay, and dense bush. Can be very steep upwards and down! We encountered lots of kangaroos along the way. We found there was no drinking water or toilets after setting off. There were toilets at cape schank but no drinking water.
Brilliant track, First part from Dromana to Waterfall Gully rd is very steep. Luckily I’m local so walking in – out in stages.
The stretch from the end of Hyslops rd (12km) to Boneo Rd (21km) is lovely. Hard to believe you are on the peninsula. I wish I’d found it years ago. Meeting lots of people doing it end to end in one day. Need to carry lots of Water. haven’t seen any drinking water on the trail yet.
Hi all, Camped here last week, parking the car at gate 3 accessing the trail head. we took our 3 year old son with us for his first hiking adventure. nice and easy 1.5km walk to the campsite on the 4wd track.. Even though in the bush, surprised how many bull ants and jumping jack nests were actually in the site, they were covering the grounds and climbing over the tent all night, sand/soil base campsite (we ant checked every few minutes as we are anaphylaxis,but always prepared). We were even greeted by a scorpion in the morning when rolling up the tent. the drop toilet is in great condition and looks to be regularly maintained. it is in a great location with an abundance of wildlife, when the sun goes down all of the animals come out and sure make some noise! the koalas could be heard all night! we would go again but in cooler months when the ants are less active.
I solo-hiked this trail last weekend. It took me 6 hours with a 15kg pack (incl 4 L of water) to get from Arthur’s Seat to Cape Schank. I then hiked 2-1/4 hrs back from Cape Schank to the Lightwood Camping ground. The camping ground is very nice with a new toilet – rainwater tank that had crystal-clear water (although it was placarded as non-drinkable – govt but-covering no doubt). I used this water for cooking – hot drinks, and used water I carried for direct consumption. The Parks victoria website says that bookings – fees are no longer necessary for Lightwood, but there is still a sign at the campground saying that you have to book – pay. I believed the website}:) The climb over Arthurs seat is mildly strenuous, but not too long-lasting. About 1-1/4 hrs of the hike are on roads. Darren’s GPX file worked as an entirely adequate navigation tool using the Maprika app in my iPhone. Saw mobs of kangaroos – wallabies, and an Echidna as I was hiking back into Lightwood by head-torch. So close to Melbourne and such nice hiking. Thoroughly recommend it!
This was a very enjoyable walk to do. We did reverse (Cape Schanck Lighthouse to McCrae) and completed in 5 and half hours. This time includes short stops along the way to fix a shoe or a quick snack etc… We did stop for approx 20 mins for lunch but time was paused during this break.