Two Bays Walking Track is a 28.5km, grade 3 hike located in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. The hike should take around 1-2 days to complete.
Hike overview
Long known as a destination with beautiful beach walks and spectacular clifftop strolls, the Mornington Peninsula boasts one of Victoria's top walks, the Two Bays Walking Track.
The Two Bays Walking Trail is a 28.5km hike from Dromana to Cape Schanck showcasing the landscapes of Arthurs Seat State Park and Mornington Peninsula National Park before concluding at the spectacular coastal cliffs of Cape Schanck. The trail is identified by a circular symbol displaying a Blue Wren, which can be seen on signage along the route.
Start at the Dromana foreshore on Point Nepean Road and walk up the stepped track and onto Latrobe Parade. Alternatively, start at the Dromana Visitor Centre and follow Latrobe Parade, until the entry to Arthurs Seat State Park, at the intersection with Bunurong Track.
The trail features some short hilly sections including steep gravel sections around Arthurs Seat State Park. Beyond Arthurs Seat, the walk is relatively flat and includes eucalypt forest, rolling grassy sections through Greens Bush to spectacular coastal cliff sections near Cape Schanck.
The trail is well signed but has areas of uneven ground, loose rock, bridge crossings and is subject to natural forces that result in fallen branches and debris. Always wear suitable footwear, be aware of changing trail conditions and carry drinking water.
The trail comprises a number of tracks to form a popular two-day hike but can also be completed as a long day hike or trail run. Alternatively, you can complete the walk a section at a time, as a range of shorter day hikes.
Some bushwalking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended, but the trail is suitable for most ages and is a good introduction to overnight hiking.
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 Bay Trail
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. Please take your rubbish out with you. No dogs are permitted in the National Park.
Approximate location (GPS coordinates): -38.443532, 144.929896
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 266 m
Min elevation: 12 m
Total climbing: 1331 m
Total descent: -1288 m
Trail location
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Getting there
This walk 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.
About the region
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.
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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 “Two Bays Walking Track (28.5km)”
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.