Summary

Four leash free beaches, historical significance, a rustic track surrounded by greenery and beautiful bay views throughout – what more could you want?

Description

Mount Martha is a quaint beach town wedged between Safety Beach and Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula. This is a popular walk with locals and it's easy to see why - this track follows the Bay Trail and encompasses four leash free beaches as well as providing beautiful bay views and giving your legs a nice work out!

Hawker Beach, Birdrock Beach and Dava Beach are three different leash free beaches available along this walk and all boast golden sand and clear water. Your dog will love jumping through the waves or digging in the sand and owners will love the shelter of the surrounding cliffs – creating your own sanctuary. Make sure you are aware of the steep beach access along this walk – some areas are sharp concrete descents and others have too many steps to count!

The leash free beaches are expansive, with Dava Beach being a continuation of Birdrock Beach (the only way to enter Dava Beach is to first enter Birdrock Beach). Fossil Beach gives you something different altogether, being predominately made up of rocks it gets its name from the abundance of fossils that geologist A.R.C Selwyn discovered amongst the limestone cliffs there in 1854. These fossils displayed evidence of sea life from 10-15 million years ago.

This walk also includes two ‘markers’ explaining the different history Mount Martha has seen. Marker One pinpoints the spot where Matthew Flinders came ashore in 1802 before walking two miles to Schnappers Point in Mornington. Marker Two pays respect to the original inhabitants of the land, the Wathaurong people to the West and the Boonerwrung people to the East. Make sure to stop by the two markers to read more about the history of this area and don't forget to take in the beautiful views readily available throughout this walk!

Notes:
- If you want to make this walk longer, feel free to part at the Mount Martha shops (located just before Hawker Beach) which encompass lovely boutiques, many cafes and a playground.
- Hawkers Beach is leash free all the time, all year.
- Birdrock Beach is leash free from 7pm to 9am the next day during daylight savings and leash-free at all other times of the year
-Dava Beach is leash free from 7pm to 9am the next day during daylight savings and leash free at all others times of the year.
-Fossil Beach is leash free all the time, all year.

28702 Views

Points of Interest

1. Path Views

This gives you a glimpse into the beautiful views you will be subject to on this walk

2. Access to Birdrock Beach

Enjoy the beautiful bay views as you make your way down this incredibly steep pathway to the leash free beach below

3. Birdrock Beach (Leash Free)

Birdrock Beach is a lovely sandy beach - Leash free half of the year (See notes for more details)

4. Dava Beach (Leash Free)

Dava Beach is a continuation of Birdrock Beach - Leash free half of the year (See notes for more details)

5. Marker Two - Original Inhabitants

This monument explains the history of this area - where the West of the bay was owned by Wathaurong people, and the East owned by Boonerwrung people, stretching all the way to Wilson's Promontory.

6. Fossil Beach (Leash Free)

Fossil Beach is a predominantly rock beach (great if you don't want your dogs getting sandy!) and is leash free at all times of the year.

7. Beach Access

This gives you an insight on what to expect as you make your way down the multiple tracks to the beach (prepare your legs!)

8. Hawker Beach (Leash Free)

Hawker Beach is a beautiful golden sandy beach with gorgeous boat houses to the left. This beach is leash free at all times of the year.

9. Hawker Beach

These high end boat houses mark the end of the leash free section of Hawker Beach and are a must see attraction on the Mount Martha Foreshore

Features

Public Transport

Picnic spot

Drinking water available

Seating available

Dog off-leash area

Historical interest

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river