Grade 1

The Coastal Walk (30km)

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Victoria

30km

1-2 days

Grade 4

One Way

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Quick overview: Discover the breathtaking Mornington Peninsula Coastal Walk, a 30km journey from scenic Cape Schanck to the historic Point Nepean National Park in Victoria, Australia. This Grade 4 trail offers a diverse mix of terrain from rugged rocky coastlines to sandy beaches and dense coastal vegetation. Perfect for a challenging one to two-day adventure, the walk features a series of smaller trails, stunning ocean views, and iconic landmarks such as London Bridge and the Quarantine Station. Whether you're a seasoned bushwalker or an outdoor enthusiast, this trail is a must-explore in the Mornington Peninsula.
Length:
30km
Duration:
1-2 days
Grade:
4
Style:
One Way

Max elevation: 119m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 484m

Start: Cape Schanck Lighthouse
End: London Bridge
Mornington Peninsula National Park
Victoria
Nearby town: Cape Schanck
From state capital: 104km
Latitude: -38.49174206298808
Longitude: 144.88821300005074
3 Reviews
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Hike overview

The Mornington Peninsula 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. This challenging walk can be completed in sections or as a multi-day adventure.

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. The Coastal Walk is divided into several sections, each offering a unique experience. Here's a brief overview of each leg:

1. Cape Schanck to Gunnamatta Beach:
Hike through dense vegetation and enjoy panoramic views from three lookouts. This section includes gravel tracks, sealed road, and sandy beach walking. Remember, return on the high track as beach access can be difficult at high tide. Swimming is dangerous unless lifeguards are present.

2. Gunnamatta Beach to Rye Ocean Beach:
Traverse sandy beaches with stunning coastal views. You'll pass Boag Rocks and follow shared walking/horse trails. Access points to St Andrews Beach, Moana Court, and Ocean Drive are available. There are toilets and drinking water available at the Rye Ocean Beach car park.

3. Rye Ocean Beach to Number 16 Beach:
Walk along sandy beaches with clifftop sections offering dramatic coastline views. Follow red-capped posts to navigate detours around headlands. Toilets are available at the Number 16 car park.

4. Number 16 Beach to Bridgewater Bay:
Take the historic Lifesaving Track, built in the 1890s for shipwreck rescues. Enjoy scenic walks through sand dunes and past picturesque beaches like Dimmicks Beach. Admire spectacular cliff tops and access Bridgewater Bay rock pools (via a steep staircase). Toilets and a car park are available at Bridgewater Bay.

5. Bridgewater Bay to Diamond Bay:
Continue on the Lifesaving Track with detours to Spray Point and Koonya Beach. Take in panoramic views from scenic lookouts like Jubilee Point. Toilets and a car park can be found at Koonya Beach.

6. Diamond Bay to Sorrento Ocean Beach:
Explore the historic Coppins Track, a guided walk showcasing the area's past. Follow limestone-paved sections and enjoy lookouts with breathtaking coastal scenery. Access St Pauls Lookout (historic observation site) and Sorrento Back Beach with cafes and amenities. Here you'll find toilets, drinking water, cafes, and a Surf Lifesaving Club.

7. Sorrento Ocean Beach to Portsea Ocean Beach:
Enjoy clifftop views and a detour to Websters Lookout showcasing Sorrento township. Descend to Portsea Surf Beach with toilets, drinking water, and a Surf Lifesaving Club.

8. Farnsworth Track (Portsea to London Bridge):
Choose a scenic clifftop walk or beach walk (best attempted at low tide). Explore rock pools at London Bridge (visible at low tide) and enjoy the lookout. Toilets, drinking water, and a car park are available at London Bridge.

9. London Bridge to Point Nepean National Park:
Walk through Moonah woodlands and connect with Point Nepean National Park. This section offers access to the Quarantine Station and historic forts.

If you still have energy to burn, you could tie this into the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk that includes walks around Point Nepean, The Bay Trail and the Two Bays Walking Track.

Before you embark on your adventure, consider these key points:

  • Distance: The entire Coastal Walk stretches for 30 kilometers (one way).
  • Difficulty: The terrain can be moderate to challenging, with uneven surfaces and some steep sections.
  • Start/End Points: The official trail begins at Cape Schanck on the western end and concludes at Point Nepean National Park on the eastern side.
  • Important Considerations: Sturdy footwear is essential. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, and be aware of tidal conditions, especially when walking along beaches. Swimming is dangerous unless lifeguards are present.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Practical information

  • 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.
  • Gravel tracks and sealed road plus sand walking along the beach.
  • Remember to return on the high track as through access along the beach is difficult at high tide.
  • Swimming is dangerous unless lifesavers are present.
  • Please take your rubbish out with you.

Walk map and GPX file

The Coastal Walk (30km)

Total distance: 30679 m
Max elevation: 119 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 484 m
Total descent: -516 m
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GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

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Register your plans

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mornington Peninsula National Park.

The Mornington Peninsula National Park is 90 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The eastern part of the park, including Cape Schanck, can be reached from Boneo (Rosebud-Flinders) Road.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

  • Drinking Water
  • Camping Area

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Balnarring, Blairgowrie, Dromana, Fingal, Flinders, Frankston, Hastings, Merricks, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Portsea, Red Hill, Rosebud, Rye, Shoreham, Somerville, Sorrento, Tyabb

About the region

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.

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The Coastal Walk (30km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

The coastal walk (30km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia
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