Length: 30km
Duration: 8hrs
Grade: 3
Style: One Way
Start: Cape Schanck
End: Point Nepean National Park

Location: Mornington Peninsula National Park
Closest Town: Cape Schanck
Distance from CBD: 104km
State: VIC
Latitude: -38.49170574
Longitude: 144.8882692

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Mornington Peninsula National Park...

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The Coastal Walk is a 30km, grade 3 one way hike, located in Mornington Peninsula National Park, Victoria. The hike should take approximately 8hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

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.

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.