Seal Colony Walk, Cape Bridgewater
Seal Colony Walk, Cape Bridgewater
A sensational, must-do walk that climbs up from sea level and meanders around coastline cliffs with magnificent views down to Victoria's largest mainland seal colony.
Summary
A sensational, must-do walk that climbs up from sea level and meanders around coastline cliffs with magnificent views down to Victoria's largest mainland seal colony.
Description
This steepish walk, which is one of the most popular walks in south-west Victoria, requires a reasonable level of fitness.
This walk is 3km to the turn-around point (6km in total).
The walk starts about 100 metres past the cafe and carpark and ascends Stony Hill, which is the edge of a volcano. It then passes a small jetty before arriving to the seal viewing platform just before the tip of Cape Bridgewater.
The seal colony, which is said to be the largest mainland colony in Australia, consist of both Australian fur seals and long-nosed fur seals (also know as New Zealand fur seals).
2195 Views
Points of Interest
1. The start
The walk starts neat the cafe on a wonderful new accessible path along a short stretch of the beach front next to the cafe
2. Steps
You start the ascent from the path up some oldish wooden steps.
3. Sandy path
Once up the stairs, continue along a wonderful shady, sandy path.
4. Some of the locals
Keep an eye out for some of the locals in the late afternoon, such as this wallaby.
5. Path with a view
The path weaves and wends around the coastline.
6. Looking back
Looking back to the township, cafe and walk start.
7. The jetty
The old jetty and boat shed.Keep a loo out for seals that can often be seen frolicking in the water nearby.
8. Viewing platform
From the first main platform you get to look down the steep cliffs below and around Discovery Bay and towards the Cape.
9. Windswept tree
Looking at the twisted trunk of the dead tree, you can get a sense of the power of the southerly winds.
10. A seat
A perfectly placed seat to rest and gaze out over Discovery Bay.
11. Across the farming land
From here you can see over the other side of Cape Bridgewater.
12. Cape Bridgewater
The walk continues past the viewing platform to Cape Bridgewater and beyond along the Great South West Walk.
13. Seal colony
The photo is not great, but there are masses of seals below, and boy are they noisy! The seals, fighting , sleeping and playing are a jo to see.
Features
Seating available
Public toilets
Nature trail
