Metung's waterfront walk

Metung's waterfront walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

This unique 5.4km return walk features all of Metung's waterfront highlights in one neat, picturesque package, and is suitable for all abilities.

Description

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This gorgeous 5.5km return walk takes you all the way along Metung's picturesque waterfront, from Chinaman's Creek to Shaving Point.

It's a beautiful walk, with Metung surrounded on three sides by water! The walk is mainly along sealed track and boardwalk so it's suitable for most abilities. However, dress for all weather as the wind can be fierce coming off the Lakes / Bancroft Bay as you exit the town and head toward Shaving Point!

The walk begins north of the township at Chinaman's Creek. The boardwalk meanders past boats moored at the various jetties and marinas and if you're lucky you'll catch a passing parade of pelicans or other species diving for fish. This part of the walk is nice and sheltered.

Lookout option: If you like, you can begin the walk with a detour up to the lookout; you will see signs at the RV car park where a public toilet block is located at the start point for this walk. The path to the lookout is short but steep and unmade with stone steps, so not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Back on the boardwalk, you'll pass the Yacht Club and culturally significant Legend Rock. The walk then takes you through the township (so you can stop for coffee , a meal or a bite at the bakery) before continuing along the track along the waterfront down to the gusty Shaving Point.

There's so much to see along the way (see our photos for recommended places to stop). Be aware that the southern part of this walk is quite exposed depending on the weather. If gusty, the boardwalk just before Shaving Point can be subject to a white caps deluge - in which case you may prefer to walk on the road shoulder to avoid getting wet! Just take care with passing vehicles and keep your little people close!

Enjoy this gorgeous walk and see our East Gippsland page for more walk ideas in the area.

This walking map was created with support from VicHealth. Banner images courtesy of Visit Victoria.

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Points of Interest

1. Walk start

We began the walk at the northern end of Metung at Chinaman's Creek. If arriving by car, you can park in the RV car park near, next to the public toilet block.

2. Jetties

The walk starts along beautifully maintained boardwalk which meanders past marinas and jetties. This part of the walk is generally calm and protected from gusty weather.

3. Racing yachts

As you approach the Metung Yacht Club you'll see the racing yachts (we think these are Etchells, see link) as sailing regattas are often held on the Gippsland Lakes.

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4. Road or waterfront

You can avoid walking through the Marina / Yacht Club car park by taking the footpath if you prefer. Go right here.

5. Legend Rock

Learn about the significance of this large rock to the indigenous Gunaikurnai people. We're thankful it was left here. There is a plaque opposite the rock explaining the story, or see the link.

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6. Metung Village Store

As you pass through the town take note of all the nice businesses where you can stock up on groceries, coffee, snacks and more!

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7. Green space, history and Visitor Centre

This is the Metung Foreshore Reserve. Read up on the town's maritime history. The Visitor Information Centre is just past here at 50 Metung Road.

8. Cross over to the walk trail

You'll now exit the main township and make your way south along the exposed, often gusty waterfront. What a beautiful, wild place!

9. Exposed boardwalk

When the weather is wild this section of the walk, the boardwalk just before Shaving Point, can get a bit wet and wild! You may choose to walk beside the roadway (cross to get to the footpath).

10. Shaving Point

The plaque on Shaving Point points out that it was "the first subdivision of Metung occurred at Shaving Point, so named because the depth of the water allowed steamers and other vessels to pass".

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11. Toilets

You'll find the toilets in the centre of the small Metung Park.

12. The 'Charles Edward'

On your way back to town be sure to check out this homage to the iron hulled paddle steamer (built in Scotland in 1864) - the first regular steam ship between Melbourne and the Gippsland Lakes.

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