Kitty Miller Bay shipwreck walk, Phillip Island
Kitty Miller Bay shipwreck walk, Phillip Island
Beginning from Kitty Miller Bay on the Island's southern coast, this short but adventurous walk takes you to the remnants of a 1906 shipwreck. You must do this walk at low tide.
Summary
Beginning from Kitty Miller Bay on the Island's southern coast, this short but adventurous walk takes you to the remnants of a 1906 shipwreck. You must do this walk at low tide.
Description
You can take this great little walk anytime but make sure you go at low tide so you can walk right up to the wreck of the S.S Speke, located on the beach immediately to the east of Kitty Miller Bay.
While you can walk along the cliff edge and enjoy spectacular coastal views, you might prefer to take advantage of the low tide and scramble across to the shipwreck via the rocky shoreline, looking for marine treasures along the way.
Those with lesser mobility may prefer to take the lower (beach route ) on the way to the shipwreck to avoid the steep climb down from the clifftop, which is a little easier (but still challenging) going up rather than down.
This walk is a short one, however it does present challenges either way. Parts of the cliff top trail are steep and should not be attempted in wet weather as the track can become slippery. The beach route is safe at low tide, but does involve walking across rocks so, is not suitable for those without great balance / agility.
It is a great walk to undertake with young children, who will love the many adventures to be had: the shipwreck to fire imaginations, the rock pools and rock scrambling opportunities.
Please take note of the signs advising how to protect wildlife, particularly the endangered Hooded Plover chicks. For beach sections, it is best to walk closer to the water than the dunes to protect their nesting habitats where the dunes meet the beach.
NOTES:
There are no toilets at the car park or on the route.
Please note that dogs are strictly forbidden on this walk.
Kitty Miller Bay is unpatrolled but is generally considered a relatively safe beach for swimming. More info here.
Find more information about the SS Speck shipwreck at point 6 on the map.
8983 Views
Points of Interest
1. Stairs down to Kitty Miller Bay
Relatively unpopulated bay. Please note there are no toilets at the car park or on the walk route. More info on Kitty Miller Bay at link.
2. Little explorers
Take this walk at low tide, which allows you to explore the rockpools and outcrops. You may take the beach route to the shipwreck or follow a track up and down again to the next beach east.
3. Up the cliff track
We took the cliff route, which involves a couple of steep climbs up and down again.
4. Wild clifftop
We picked an overcast and windy day. Beware it gets even more wild and blustery up on the clifftop away from the protected Kitty Miller Bay. Make sure little people to do not veer off the track.
5. And down again to Shipwreck
It's a pretty steep descent down to the SS Speke, but what a view! Can you see the wreck in this photo?
6. SS Speke
At the time the SS Speke was built it Wales in 1891 it was one of the largest ships of its kind in the world. Find out why this spot spot became its final resting place at the link below.
7. Rock scrambling adventures
While the wreck is located about 800m into the walk, we continued on west to the next beach. Be aware the beach routes on this walk can be challenging!
8. Beautiful coastal scenery
The scenery is food for your soul!
9. Crab hunting
More exploring to be had on the way back. Take care on the slippery rocks.
10. Contrasting colours
It is worth taking the cliff track one way for the different views.
11. You may wish to avoid this climb
With the tide still low you may prefer to take the beach route back to Kitty Miller Bay as this is a steep climb back up to the cliff track. But those with good fitness and balance will be fine.
12. Kitty Miller view
On the way back you get an appreciation for how calm Kitty Miller Bay can be. It can be a great place to swim on an outgoing tide. It is popular for snorkeling.
Features
Historical interest
Local treasures
Nature trail
