Curdies River and Foreshore walk, Peterborough

Curdies River and Foreshore walk, Peterborough created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

Where the Curdies River runs into the sea there are great sweeps of fine grained sand, rolling swells and endless cliff edged coastlines to be explored. The foreshore is a great place to start.

Description

An excellent walk for families, views along the river and coast are compelling. Interpretive signs tell interesting stories of historic shipwrecks. The beach and river offer a broad play and relaxation space. This is a walk for any time of year.

Peterborough is a small holiday town rich in natural assets. Choose to park at either the playground or lookout on the point. There is wonderful scenery and plenty of scope for bird watching. Off the coast dolphin and seasonal whale watching may be enjoyed.

Paths along the western side of the river and across the bridge are sealed. Other walking is done on the western foreshore itself. If the river is sand barred you can walk to the eastern beaches as well. If the river is flowing into the sea you can access the eastern beaches by extending your walk across the bridge to a short sealed road on the right. There is also a car park and walking track there, but you have to walk approximately 100 metres of the Great Ocean Road verge to get to the T intersection if you don’t drive (take care).

Amenities are many. They include parkland, playground, picnic, BBQ facilities, potable water, seating and clean public toilets. There are shops a brief walk up Macs Road opposite. Historic markers contribute to the experience. There are also tennis courts and a coastal golf course.

Dogs are prohibited on the beach from December 1 to Easter Monday between9am and 6pm.

Other great walks nearby:
Gibson Steps Beach
Loch Ard Gorge, Living on the Edge walk
Loch Ard Gorge, Shipwreck and Geology walk
Port Campbell Discovery Walk
Twelve Apostles walk
Clifftop walk, Peterborough

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Points of Interest

1. Pirate Ship Playground

This is an excellent family walk. Amongst the great amenities is a playground inclusive of a pirate ship for play by the sea. It looks like some real fun can be had!

2. The Shipwreck Coast

One of the many shipwrecks along this hazardous coast, two kilometres to the west of the township, the barque Falls of Hallandale sank in 1908. The wreck is now a protected site.

3. Bridge over the Curdies River

The bridge has a footpath that is worth walking for the picturesque views to either side. If you choose to walk on another hundred meters there is a track down to the eastern side of the foreshore.

4. Peterborough Coastal Reserve (riverside)

If you are a bird watcher, make sure you have binoculars with you for observing from the bridge.

5. River mouth view

View from the bridge to the sea.

6. Public picnic and BBQ facilities

This is the perfect spot for a BYO picnic or BBQ. Alternatively, the Peterborough shops are a short walk up Macs Street opposite.

7. Eastern coastline

The foreshore offers a fine vantage point for views of the Eastern beaches and cliffs.

8. Rocky point

To the west is a rocky point frequented by sea birds.

9. Lookout and car park

Another car park sits above the rocky point with broad vistas to coastline and sea.

10. Ramp to lookout

A short sealed pathway takes walkers up to the lookout.

11. For extra walking

Peterborough Foreshore Reserve is an extensive coastal public space you can wander. It includes a public golf course, so keep an ear to the call of "Fore!"

12. James Irvine Monument

A monument dedicated to one James Irvine who died in 1919 attempting to cross the Curdies River.

13. Interesting signage

At the James Irvine Monumental a set of informative signs describing historic, geological and cultural aspects of this location.

14. The other side of the point

Views of the vivid red and ochre cliffs, gorgeous sandy coves and moody seas continue in the Peterborough Coastal Reserve with many moments of wonder in store along the way.

15. Peterborough public toilets

There aren't many public toilets in the area, so this 24 hour facility is valuable. There is plenty of car parking, parkland and even tennis courts if you want a game.