Cape Paterson Clifftop walk and Bay Beach
Cape Paterson Clifftop walk and Bay Beach
Sometimes called the 'Foreshore' walk, this actually takes you along a well-defined clifftop track. Our route continues to the surf beach. Return same way and finish at Bay Beach rock pool.
Summary
Sometimes called the 'Foreshore' walk, this actually takes you along a well-defined clifftop track. Our route continues to the surf beach. Return same way and finish at Bay Beach rock pool.
Description
Sometimes called the 'Foreshore' walk, this actually takes you along a well-defined clifftop track. Our route continues to the surf beach. Return same way and finish at Bay Beach rock pool.
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. There are some steps to the lookout but the rest of the Clifftop track is accessible to most.
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).
Continue back along the trail to the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club and the First Surf Beach. This beach is often patrolled in summer months.
When ready, head back the way you came, but continue past the start point using the stairs or boar ramp to access the much gentler Bay Beach. If the tide is out the famed human-blasted rock pool will be exposed. At one about 2 feet deep it is a nice place for a paddle (but don't disturb any critters!)
We hope enjoyed lovely Cape Paterson!
Toilets: There are toilets located near the walk start at the older Wonthaggi Surf Club Playground, and also at the car park for the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club.
6316 Views
Points of Interest
1. Walk start, Hut View
Just near the caravan park you'll a small car par overlooking the boat ramp. Find the start of the Cliff Top trail at opposite (west) side of the car park. Toilets located in adjacent playground .
2. Lookout 1
Great views over Bunurong Marine Park.
3. Coastal flora
Lovely high foliage such as this Coastal Boobialla provides some protection from sun and sea winds. The track is mainly crushed gravel along here and is mostly flat.
4. Lookout 2
There is a smaller platform here. This is the view toward the west.
5. Nice part of the trail
Follow the leader. Dogs are permitted on-lead (but keep them off the beach in the day time during warmer months).
6. End Clifftop Walk
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.
7. Track down to Channel Beach
Follow the path to left, then steps down to Channel Beach if inclined. This beach is not patrolled. Observe signage. Dogs not allowed 9am-2pm during December - April.
8. Continue west
After Channel Beach head west along this delightful boardwalk section of track.
9. Surf Club toilets
You'll find some modern public toilets between the car park at the surf club.
10. Surf Life Saving Club
This First Surf Beach is patrolled during usual hours over summer. Look for the yellow and red flags and volunteer life guards!
11. Dog beach (60m east of SLSC)
No dogs at all allowed December 1st - April 14 unless outside the hours of 9am-6pm. Please carry a leash at other times. This point marks the turnback point of our walk.
12. Ramp or stairs down to Bay Beach
You can walk down the short road, the stairs or take the boar ramp if no one is unloading. This Bay Beach is popular with families.
13. Rock pool
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.
14. Bay Beach
If you fancy a paddle in the water, this is the best bet. There are fewer rocks and the waves are more gentle. We hoper you enjoyed your Cape Paterson ramble.
Features
Public toilets
Nature trail
