Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

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    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

    Stretching along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has strikingly beautiful scenery.
    The coastal park transforms from being a peaceful coastal area to wild, windy and awe inspiring in stormy weather. Whatever the season, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is worth exploring.
    The small township and bustling port of Waratah (now Walkerville) operated from 1875 to 1926 to supply lime to the Melbourne building industry. Limestone mined from the cliffs was burnt with firewood in brick lined-kilns (resembling up-turned bottles) to produce quick lime. The lime was then bagged and hauled in tram carts along a 350 metre jetty which once stretched out into the bay to waiting ships.

    Relics of the lime industry remain in the park including the ruins of the kilns in the cliffs at Walkerville South and the formation of tramways which were once used for hauling firewood to the kilns.

    A lighthouse was established at Cape Liptrap in 1913 to improve the safety of coastal shipping. In 1951 the steel tower was dismantled and replaced with the current structure. The light is still in operation and has a range of 18 nautical miles (over 34 kilometres).

    Things To Do

     
    The sun sets over the water near Cape Liptrap.

    Bear Gully Campground

    This camping area offers shady campsites set among tall Banksias right on the shore of Waratah Bay. The adjacent beach is unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. The area is popular for fishing and rock pooling.
    Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

    Beaches

    Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
    A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

    Day trips

    Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.

    Tours in the area

    Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.


    If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.


    Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.

    View all local tours

    How to get there

    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is situated 160 kilometres south east of Melbourne. It is reached from the South Gippsland Highway at Leongatha or the Bass Highway from Inverloch.
    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

    When you're there

    The broad sandy ocean beaches of Venus Bay are popular for swimming and surfing. Swimmers must be careful as strong currents and rips occur along this section of the coast. Venus Bay No. 1 Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers during the summer months. 

    A variety of coastal walks exist along the shoreline between Venus Bay and Waratah Bay. Short walks are also available at Bald Hills and Kings Flat Reserves.

    Camping & accommodation

    Camping is available in the park at Bear Gully where shady campsites are set right on the shore of Waratah Bay. Campers should be self-sufficient and bring their own firewood and drinking water. Advance booking and payment required year round.

    Check availability

    Need to know

    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Campground closure

      As directed by the Chief Health Officer all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks closed from midnight 25 March 2020.
      People can continue to live on a closed caravan park or camping ground if it is registered as their primary place of residence or if they are staying in caravan parks as interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available. For further information go to parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19

    How we keep it special

     The Management Plan for Cape Liptrap Coastal Park directs all aspects of management in the park until the plan is reviewed. 
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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