Summary

Sometimes called the 'Foreshore' walk, this actually takes you along a well-defined clifftop track. Our route continues to the surf beach. If the tide is right out , you might return along the rocks.

Description

Sometimes called the 'Foreshore' walk, this actually takes you along a well-defined clifftop track. Our longer route continues to the surf beach. You can return back the same way.

Dogs are permitted on-leash (but not down onto the beaches 9am-6pm December to April) so if walking during these times, return back along the clifftop.

The cliff top part of the walk features two lookouts over Bass Coast, plus lovely coastal plants lining the track along much of it. The track is mostly crushed gravel.

The official Clifftop walk only extends about 700m past the View Hut car park (walk start point) so if you want a shorter walk turnaround where indicated (Point #4) just past the second lookout.

Alternatively, continue toward the Surf Beach and Surf Life Saving Club with an optional short trek down to Channel Beach on the way. Note that dogs are not permitted on this beach during the day over the warmer months (December to April).

There is a small off-leash dog beach just east of the surf life saving club - however dogs are not permitted 9am-6pm December to April (and owner's must carry a leash at all times).

We came back along the rocky foreshore on a morning when the tide was all the way out. But note signage warns of unexpected large waves and slippery rocks. Never do at medium or higher tide and take care at all times, staying well away from where waves might break.

1168 Views

Points of Interest

1. Hut View car park

Just opposite the caravan park you'll see this small car par overlooking the boat ramp. Find the start of the Cliff Top trail at the opposite (west) side of the car park.

2. First lookout

It's better in real life!

3. Second lookout

There is a smaller platform here. This is the view toward the west.

4. End clifftop trail

If you are wanting to only do the 1.4km-return clifftop trail then this is your turnaround point. This map takes you further west to the Surf Life Saving Club via a visit down to Channel Beach.

5. Channel Beach access

Follow the path tot he left, then steps down to Channel Beach if inclined and if it's safe. This beach is not patrolled.

6. Channel Beach

Unpatrolled beach. Strong Currents. Sub,merged Rocks. Unstable Cliff. Large, unexpected waves. Slippery Rocks. No dogs 9am-6pm every day from December to April. On-leash all other times.

7. Carpark and toilets

Good toilets are available here

8. Cape Paterson First Surf Beach + SLSC

Cape Paterson's SLSC

9. Off-leash dog beach

You'll see the off-leash sign here, 60m east of the Surf Club. The off-leash area is only a short section of beach to the east of the Surf Life Saving Club.

10. Low-tide accessible only from here

Do not venture east past this point back toward the start point unless the tide is right out, as cliffs and freak waves make this potentially very dangerous. You can return the way you came .

11. Human-made rockpool

This is how the famed rock pool (or ocean pool) appears at low tide. It was created in the 1960s. It is the feature of Cape Paterson's Bay Beach.

Features