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Shoreham-Point Leo Beachwalk. (85 km S). This is a Beachwalk,  starting and finishing at the Shoreham Beach carpark, turnoff at the main Flinders Rd. The walk is mainly on the beach, best done at low tide, to avoid getting trapped near the cliffs.(9 km, two hours, January 2009)
Photo Album  | Map - Melways

Balnarring to Somers Beachwalk. (80 km S).  Access: from the Hastings-Dromana Rd. then along Balnarring Beach Rd, to car park at the beach reserve. Follow the beach to the east, passing the Coolart Homestead, reaching Somers Beach, then return. Best done at low tide, to explore the exensive rock pools which become exposed. Good swimming, and nice views across Westernport Bay, Coolart Wetlands. (4 km, 1 hr, Mar 2009) 
Photos  | Map - Melways

 

Balnarring Coastal Walk. (80 km S).  Access: from the Hastings-Dromana Rd. then along Balnarring Beach Rd, to car park at the beach reserve. Follow the beach to the west towards Pt Leo, then return. Best done at low tide, to explore the exensive rock pools which become exposed. Good swimming, and nice views across Westernport Bay. (4 km, 1 hr, Mar 2009 
Photos  | Map - Melways

 

Merricks to Pt. Leo (85 km S). This is a beachwalk. Access: from the Hastings-Dromana Rd.  starting and finishing at the Merricks Beach Car Park. Follow the beach to the west, reaching Point Leo, then return. Best done at low tide, to explore the exensive rock pool which become exposed. Good views across Westernport Bay - some interesting lush rainforest adjoins the beach. (6 km, 2 hrs, January 2007).

Photos  | Map - Melways

 

Point Leo Beachwalk (85 km S). Access: from the Hastings-Dromana Rd, then along the Pt leo Rd, to the Pt Leo car park/picnic area. Follow the beach to the west, reaching the large reef, then return and explore the eastern Reef. Best done at low tide, to explore the exensive rock pools which become exposed. Good views across Westernport Bay. (4 km, 1 hr, Feb 2009)
Photos  | Map - Melways

 

Merricks to Balranning (85 km south). This is a beachwalk. Access: from the Hastings-Dromana Rd.  starting and finishing at the Merricks Beach Car Park. Follow the beach to the east, reaching Balnarring Beach, then return. Best done at low tide, to explore the exensive rock pools which become exposed. (4 km, 1 hr, Feb 2009)
Photos  | Map - Melways

 

Merricks-Red Hill Trail (Western Sector). (85 km S). Moorooduc Highway, Red Hill, to picnic ground/car park adjacent to town centre, on Pt Leo Rd. Follow rail-trail to the View Point, and return. Excellent views across Westernport Bay, wineries, bushland, pine trees, hills. (7 km, 2 hrs, December 2007). See also the eastern sector walk! The trail can be undertaken as a single long walk of 15 km return from either end.
Photos | Map - Vicroads or Melways

 

Merricks-Red Hill Trail (Eastern Sector). (85 km S). Westernport Highway, Hastings, Merricks, to small car park at Merricks Station Reserve. Follow foot-track past Reserve, reaching Equestrian/Walking Trail. Follow trail uphill, stony in sections,  to a turnabout point about 2 km from start and return. Trail follows the alignment of the fomer Merricks to Red Hill railway, which operated from 1921 until its closure in 1953. Vineyards, wineries, farmland, views to Westernport Bay. (4 km, 1 hr, December 2007)
Photos | Map - Vicroads or Melways

Flinders Coastal Walk. (85 km S). Access: Hastings-Dromana Rd, to Flinders foreshore carpark. Ascend the interesting Cable Station Walkway and return to the carpark, go out to the end of the long Jetty and return.. Proceed easterly towards Shoreham along the beach to about 2 km from start. This is the turnaround point, which links with my walk titled "Shoreham Beach Trail".  Best done at low tide to avoid getting stranded! (5 km, 1.5 hrs, January 2007)

 

Somers-Sandy Point Coastal Walk (85 km S). Access: Hastings-Dromana Rd, turn left at Somers Rd,  walk starts at the carpark opposite the general store. Descend to the beach, follow the beach to Sandy Point, reaching the HMAS Cerberus  "entry prohibited" fence line. Return to a stairway, this is the eastern end of the Koala Walk. Proceed up and along this walk, to its western end near the Yacht Club. Return to carpark via the upper level Sheoak Walk. Good views across Westernport Bay. (6 km, 2 hrs, May 2009).

Photo Album | Map - Vicroads or Melways

 

Somers Coastal Walk (85 km S). Frankston-Flinders Rd, Balnarring, Sandy Pt Rd, to Somers village. Walk starts at the carpark opposite the general store. Descend to the beach, follow signed Koala Walk east, reaching the beach, continue along the beach for about 1 km. Return along Koala Walk to the west, then up a staircase to a seat and view point, reaching Sheoak Walk, and back to carpark. Bushland environment and beach, good views across Westernport Bay. (4 km, 1 hr, Mar 2009).
Photos | Map - Vicroads or Melways

Shoreham Beach Trail. (85 km S). A Beachwalk, best done at low tide. Start and finish at Shoreham Beach, reached from the turn-off on the main Flinders Rd. Proceed westerly towards Flinders, passing cliffs and coastal bushland to a headland about 2 km from start. This is the turnaround point. Good coastal views. This walk links with my "Flinders Coastal Walk". (4 km, 1 hr, December 2006)

 

Royal Botanical Gardens Walk - Cranbourne. (65 km SE). Access: South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne, Bullarto Rd, to Stringybark Picnic Ground. Follow signed trail to trig Poinht Lookout, return via Perched Swamp, Wetlands and Manna Gums trails. Excellent views from lookout across the park, to Westernport Bay, South Gippsland, Mt. Macedon, Dandenong Ranges. Walk passes through wetlands, woodlands, heath, forest, and around the lake. watch out for snakes and bandicoots!  Visit  the nearby Australia Garden (admission fee) if time permits. (6 km, 1.5 hrs, March 2007)
Photos | Map

 

Devilbend Reservoir Reserve - Tuerong. (55 ik SE). Frankston, Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Old Moorooduc Rd, Tuerong Rd, to large picnic ground at Reservoir. Explore the Reserve! Good views of the Reservoir. The Reservoir is now used as a backup, and the entire area, 1025 hectares, is to become a National Park. (1 km, 30 mins, April 2007)

Photos | Map - see Melways

 

Langwarrin Fauna and Flora Reserve. (30 km S). Access: Westernport Highway, Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, McClelland Rd, to car park. Follow signed Reservoir Track, Long Crescent North, Centre Break, and return to start. The reserve was once a military facility. Interesting heathland, woodland and reservoir. (4 km, 1 hr, April 2007).
Photos | Map

Cannon's Creek Coastal Park. (65 km SE). Westernport Highway, Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Cannon's Creek Rd, to picnic ground at Cannon's Creek International Conservation Zone.  Follow lower-level walking track through mangroves and crab colonies to western jetty, continue to tip of peninsula, passing large open bushland reserve. Return via upper level walking track through bushland, mangroves. Good views across Rutherford Inlet. (3 km, 1 hr, Feb 20-09).
Photos | Map - see Melways

Warneet Coastal Park. (65 km SE). Westernport Highway, Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Warneet Rd, to picnic ground at Warneet Coastal Village. Explore the Beauty Walking Track, the Mangroves Walking Track,  and the Warneet Coastal Reserve Tracks. Spectacular scenery and mangroves at the Rutherford Inlet. (4 km, 1 hr, April 2009)
Photos | Map - see Melways

Coolart Wetlands and Homestead - Somers. (65 km SE). Moorooduc Highway, Coolart Rd, Sandy Point Rd, Somers Rd, to car park and visitor centre. Follow signed Woodland Walk, cross footbridge over Merricks Creek to Foreshore Reserve, then back to Woodland Walk, continue along Loop Tracks 4, 3, 2, and 1 to Lagoon, inspect Homestead, return to start. Unusual wetlands, woodlands, beauitiful beach, historical features. (4 km, 1.5 hrs, March 2006)
Photos | Map

Churchill Island Park (120 km SE). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, Phillip Island Rd, Churchill Island Rd, to car park at Visitor Centre. Follow Circuit Walk and return. Excellent coastal views, remnant woodland, historic working farm, homestead, gardens. (4 km, 1.5 hr, May 2009).
Photos | Map - Melways

 

Briar's Historic Park - Mt. Martha. (60 km S). Frankston, Nepean Highway, to car park/picnic ground near Craigie Rd. Follow signed Koala, Woodland and Wetland Tks. Bushland, forest, wetlands, ferns, fern gullies, dams, Balcombe Ck, bridges, historic homestead, wildlife sanctuary, boardwalks, snakes, bird hides, lookout, water fowl, birds. An excellent Park! (6 km, 1 hrs, October 2007).
Photos | Map

 

Mt Martha Park. (60 km S). Nepean Highway, Forest Drive, to main car park at Conifer's Picnic ground. Follow signed Calder Track to Summit and Lookout, return via Nature Track. Summit is 163 m. Bushland, views to Arthur's Seat, arboretum, wildlife. (4 km, 1 hr, October 2007)
Photos | Map - Melways

 

Balcombe Creek Estuary. (60 km S). Nepean Highway, to small car park at signed entrance to Estuary Walk, opposite Briar's Historic Park. Follow boardwalk to Esplanade and return. Wetlands, birdlife, bushland, historical features, Balcombe Creek. (4 km, 1 hr,  October 2007).
Photos | Map - Melways

 

George Bass Coastal Walk - San Remo Section (100 km S). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, Phillip Island Tourist Rd, turn off into Punchbowl Rd about 3 km east of San Remo, to small car park at end. This is the western end of the 7 km walk which terninates at Kilcunda. Follow the signed trail to the beautful secluded beach at Half Moon Bay and return. Spectacular views of the coast, following the clifftops. Some sections are steep. The full walk of 14 km return to Kilcunda will require about 5 hrs. (7 km return, 2 hrs, Jan 2009).

Photos | Map - See Parks Victoria

George Bass Coastal Walk - Kilcunda Section  (120 km S). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, Kilcunda, turn off to car park at Shelly Beach. Follow signed walk to a viewpoint overlooking Half Moon Bay and return. Spectacular views of the coast, following the clifftops. Some sections are steep. The full walk of 14 km return to Punchbowl will require about 5 hrs. (7 km, 2 hrs, March 2009)
Photos | Map - See Parks Victoria

 

The Gurdies Bushland Reserve and Lookout. (80 km S). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, to  car park, information kiosk and picnic area at signed entrance to the Reserve. Go through gate, follow walking track to a junction with a management road, continue left on this road, eventually reaching a Lookout and small picnic area at the summit. Return via the same route. There are many other signed walking tracks in the 297 hectare Reserve, leading to and from the Bass Highway.  Bushland environment, former logging area, spectacular views of Western Port from Lookout.  There is a change in altitude from 41m to 126m. (5 km, 1.5 hrs, February 2009)
Photos | Map - See Parks Victoria

Cape Woolamai - Pinnacles (Phillip Island). (120 km SE). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, Phillip Island Tourist Rd, turn off into Woolamai Beach Rd about 5 km east of Cowes to the main  car park at end. The unsigned walk starts near the entrance to the car park, ascending via a sandy track to the cliff top. Pass the Mutton Bird rookeries and continue to the Pinnacles Viewpoint. Return via the the Magicland Staircase and along the surf beach to the car park. Outstanding coastal views from the clifftop - the Pinnacles rock formations rise out of the ocean to a height of about 120m. (4 km, 1.5 hrs, Feb 2009).
Photos | Map - see Parks Victoria

 

Lang Lang Coastal Walk (80 km S). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, to turn off along Jetty Lane, to car park and boat launching ramp at foreshore. Follow the beach northerly to the estuary of the Lang Lang River, then return to the red cliffs (Red Bluff) at the southern end of the foreshore reserve. Good views to French Island and the Tooradin region - extensive mud flats at low tide - seabird habitat - quaint historical boatsheds. (6 km, 2 hrs, March 2009)   

Photos | Map - see Melways

Corinella Walking Tracks (80 km S). South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway, to turn off at Corinella Rd to car park and boat launching ramp at foreshore. Leave car at Settlement Point - follow walking track to observation deck and return. Drive to the historical monument at the end of Jamison St, then pass through gate and follow signed walking track along cliff top. Drive to nearby Coronet Bay - return to Bass Highway. Excellent views across the Bay to French Island. (4 km, 2 hrs, April 2009)
Photos | Map - see Melways

Flinders - Spring Creek Cove (85 km S). Hastings-Dromana Rd, to Flinders, then along King St to car park at junction with Golf Links Rd. Deascend signed walking track to Spring Creek Cove and return. Excellent views across Bass Strait. (2 km, 1 hr, April 2009).  
Photos | Map - see Melways

Cape Paterson and Bunurong Marine Park (120 km SE). Bass Highway, Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, to car park near main camping ground. Follow signed foot track along clifftop, past Lookout, descend to the Channel rock formation on the reef. Continue on beach past the reef for about 1 km and return to car. This area is within the Bunurong Marine National Park. Continue along the Inverloch Rd for about 3 km, stopping at several beach access points, including Undertow Bay, Twin Reefs Bay, and the Oaks Bay.These are well signed and walking tracks descend to the beach. Excellent coastal views, rockpooling, beachwalking. (4 km, 2 hrs, April 2009)
Photos | Map - see Melways

 

The Nobbies Boardwalk - Phillip Island (120 km SE). Bass Highway, Phillip island Tourist Rd, Back Beach Rd, to Nobbies car park/visitor centre. Follow Boardwalk to Blowhole viewpoint and return. Spectacular views across Westernport Bay and Bass Strait. (2 km, 1 hr, April 2009).
Photos | Maps - see Melways

 

Conservation Hill Reserve and Wetlands Trail - Rhyll - Phillip Island. (120 km SE). Bass Highway, Phillip island Tourist Rd, Coghlan's Rd, Cowes-Rhyll Rd, tio car park at entrance to Reserve. Follow walking track along boardwalk through the mangrove wetlands to viewpoint at Rhyll Inlet, then a gentle ascent to the Lookout at summit of Conservation Hill. Return via the same route. Excellent views across Westernport Bay and the Rhyll Wetlands. (4 km, 1.5 hrs, April 2009).
Photos | Maps - see Melways

Hastings Foreshore Walk (60 km S). Westernport Highway, Hastings, to car park next to jetty. Follow signed Foreshore Circuit Trail and return, passing mangroves.  Inspect the Jetty and fresh fish shop! Good views across the boat harbour to Hastings Bight and Long Point. (2 km, 1 hr, April 2009)
Photos | Map - see Melways

Rosebud to McCrae Coastal Walk (70 km S.) This walk starts at the Rosebud Pier and follows the shore to McCrae Beach, akong the Bay Trail. It passes the historical lighthouse at McCrae - good views across the Bay to Mt. Martha. (4 km, 1 hr, October 2010)
Photos | Map - see Melways

Dromana to Anthony's Nose Beachwalk (70 km S). Start at the Dromana Pier, and follow the Bay Trail to Anthony's Nose (cliffs) and return. Nice views to Mt Martha and across the Bay. (4 km, October 2010, one hour)
Photos | Map - see Melways


 

Distances to the start of walks, from Melbourne, are in brackets against their descriptions