Stingray Bay to Thunder Point return
Stingray Bay to Thunder Point return
A ripper of a walk that rewards with breathtaking views of the ocean and spectacular shoreline, access to rock pools, coastal vegetation and some great lookouts.
Summary
A ripper of a walk that rewards with breathtaking views of the ocean and spectacular shoreline, access to rock pools, coastal vegetation and some great lookouts.
Description
Before starting your walk you can wander down onto the soft white sands of tiny, peaceful Stingray Bay at the mouth of the Merri River.
During low tide, it is an ideal spot for a swim or a picnic.
As the I AM WARRNAMBOOL website says; "make your way over the river via the footbridge which leads to Thunder Point Coastal Reserve, an area characterized by weathered sandstone cliffs, sculptured into tiny bays, inlets and rockpools.
Walking across the rocky clifftop, you will reach a formalised walking track. Follow the track through coastal vegetation to emerge at a small carpark at Pickering Point.
From here, you have a spectacular 360 degree view of the Merri River, Lady Bay and Breakwater to your right, the South Warrnambool wetlands straight ahead, the scrubland of Thunder Point to your left and the Southern Ocean behind.
Walk approximately 100m along the bitumen road, then take the track on your left. This leads to excellent views of the ocean and spectacular shoreline. Step access is provided to the water in some places, where rock pools and rock formations can be carefully explored. The track emerges at another small carpark and road.
Head left along the road, through another carpark area, and onto the formalised track at the far end of Pickering Point. Take in the breathtaking ocean views along the way.
Wander as little or as far as you wish along this walking track. Mostly, it travels through coastal vegetation and has a number of lookout points."
The walk is generally accessible but does have some steps so it may not be suitable for everyone, or for people pushing prams.
563 Views
Points of Interest
1. Footbridge
The footbridge marks the start of the walk.
2. Looking upstream
From the footbridge you can either look down to the mouth of the Merri River or up as shown in the photo.
3. Steps
There is a flight of a few quite steep steps that might make it difficult for those with mobility challenges. Warrnambool in background.
4. Boardwalk
The boardwalk makes it easy underfoot and enables you to focus on the scenery!
5. From Pickering Point
The view from Pickering Point to the Merri Marine Sanctuary and Thunder Point in the background.
6. Path to Thunder
A good quality wide path to Thunder Point.
7. Down to the rocks
There is an optional path/steps down to the shoreline.
8. More boardwalk
Part of the longish stretch of boardwalk.
9. Small bay
The path goes past a small bay.
10. Beside the road
The track briefly goes along side a car park and road.
11. Thunder Point
View to Merri Island and Middle Islands where a colony of Little Penguins live protected from foxes by Maremma Dogs, made famous in the film “Oddball”.
Features
Seating available
Public toilets
Nature trail
Lake, creek, river
