Bass Coast Walk: San Remo, Anderson, Kilcunda & the George Bass Coastal Walk
Bass Coast Walk: San Remo, Anderson, Kilcunda & the George Bass Coastal Walk
A picturesque circular walk, taking in part of the walking/cycling trail between San Remo and Anderson; the Bass Coast Rail Trail to Kilcunda; returning via the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk.
Summary
A picturesque circular walk, taking in part of the walking/cycling trail between San Remo and Anderson; the Bass Coast Rail Trail to Kilcunda; returning via the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk.
Description
In addition to the parking area on Punchbowl Rd this walk can be started from two other places: (1) the Anderson Bus Interchange parking area, and (2) the Kilcunda Foreshore Reserve Playground parking area. There is a public toilet at both of these places, but not one at Punchbowl Rd.
As this is a circular route, it can be done in either direction. However for purposes of this description the walk starts at the Punchbowl Rd parking area.
The first bit is a 1.5km walk back along Punchbowl Rd, to where it meets the walking/cycling track that runs adjacent to the main road from San Remo to the Anderson Bus Interchange. Be aware that Punchbowl Rd is a rural dirt road without a sidewalk. Traffic on it is limited to a few locals and to those heading to the George Bass Coastal Walk ("GBCW"). In dry conditions passing cars will raise dust. It is about a 15 minute walk with great views in all directions. This is the only section of the entire walk where you need to watch out for cars.
The next part of the walk runs alongside farmland for 3.5km on a well-maintained section of the San Remo to Anderson walking/cycling track. There are views across Westernport Bay towards French & Philip Islands, and the trail winds past Silverwaters Vineyard and The House on the Hill Olive Grove.
At the roundabout on Bass Hwy cross over to the Anderson bus terminus where you cannot miss the sign for the Bass Coast Rail Trail. This trail (on Google Maps it is shown as the Nyora-Wonthaggi Rail Trail) is 21km in total running from Woolamai Racecourse to Wonthaggi, but this walk includes only the 4km section to Kilcunda. Both cyclists and horse riders also use the trail which passes the rear of the Artfusion Studio & Gallery and then runs through farmlands. Several attractive smallholdings can be seen as it nears Kilcunda, and also in the distance the wind farm that powers the desalination plant.
Kilcunda is a good place to take a break. The Kilcunda General Store is always good for refreshments - either sit down or takeaway. Another option is the Ocean View Hotel which is next to the general store. There is also a public toilet located near the caravan park, and several beaches.
The final section of this route is along the GBCW which is well marked and is simply spectacular - mostly running along elevated clifftops with farmland on one side and extensive sea views on the other. A couple of sections are steepish uphill but nothing too daunting.
There are a number of lookout points along the GBCW as well as several places where the beach can be accessed - including Punchbowl Beach and Half Moon Bay. These will extend the walk but are very worthwhile, especially at low tide. Also, don't miss the lookout just below the Punchbowl Rd start/end point!
To see an animation of this great walk watch this video.
There is another Walking Map covering just the GBCW Click here
1713 Views
Points of Interest
1. The start and finish point of the walk
At the end of Punch Bowl Rd is a rudimentary parking area. Both the road and the parking are dirt. Rock fishermen also park here.
2. Intersection of Punch Bowl Rd with Phillip Island Rd
To get to the start of the walk turn on to Punch Bowl Rd, which is a dirt road.
3. Silverwaters Vineyard
The 7-acre vineyard was established in 2005 and has Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
5. Approaching the Anderson Bus Interchange
An attractive part of the trail as it approaches the circle where the B460 highway to Kilcunda intersects with the Phillip Island Rd.
6. Anderson Bus Interchange
A key bus stop well placed on the B460 highway with links to Phillip Island. There are toilets, and it is a good place to simply stop and rest. The sign for the Bass Coast Rail Trail is easy to spot.
7. Artfusion Gallery
Beautiful glass art, giftware, jewellery and steel sculptures. The trail runs directly behind the studio and gallery.
8. Views to Phillip Island Nature Park
The shared trail winds through beautiful countryside with farm animals readily visible, as well as Phillip Island Nature Park in the distance.
9. The Bass Coast Rail Trail approaching KIlcunda
Extensive views of the wind turbines at the Wonthaggi desalination plant can be seen as the trail nears Kilcunda
10. Kilcunda township
This is where the Bass Coast Rail Trail intersects with the hugely popular George Bass Coastal Walk. The rest of the walk is on this GBCW trail. The Kilcunda General Store is good for a casual meal.
11. Wonderful coastal vistas
The rest of the walk along the George Bass Coastal Walk to Punch Bowl Rd is simply one wonderful view after another. There are numerous lookouts and places where access to the beach is available.
12. Views of Half Moon Bay
Just one of many spots to explore along this wonderful coastal walk. Allow sufficient time to go down the side tracks and see the rocks and beaches close up.
13. Enjoy the view!
The view from here is stunning - looking down the coast towards Kilcunda and Wonthaggi. The photo shows hikers on the trail and fishermen on the rocks. Beware of rogue waves when on the rocks!
Features
Public toilets
Nature trail
