Point Cook Coastal Park

A group of school children go rock pooling with a Parks Victoria ranger at Point Cook Coastal Park.

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Point Cook Coastal Park

Point Cook Coastal Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Bunurong Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

There are many ways to enjoy Point Cook Coastal Park. Have a barbecue or picnic while the kids enjoy the playgrounds. Walk or ride along the many tracks and learn about the wetlands. Explore the beach at low tide. Watch vintage aeroplanes operating from the Point Cook RAAF Base.

Point Cook Coastal Park is the perfect place for a family picnic. In the beach picnic area you'll find a children's play area, free gas barbecues, lots of shade, toilets and easy access to the beach. The flat expanse of grass makes for easy pram access. Point Cook Coastal Park is crossed by kilometres of mowed grass tracks, perfect for a lesiurely stroll. Good walking can also be found along the beach at low tide.

Birdwatchers and nature lovers will enjoy the Tower Walk. Meander through native grassland to the tower — a monument to migration and aspirations. Along the way, you're likely to spot ground-dwelling birds such as quails and birds of prey. Be rewarded with 360-degree views of the coastal surroundings and Cheetham Wetlands. Bring your binoculars to take full advantage of the birdlife and cityscape.

Point Cook Coastal Park provides feeding areas for many birds. Various shorebird species can be seen at low tide on the mudflats during September to April. During summer, visiting migratory birds take shelter within the trees and wetlands. These include many migratory waders such as the Double-banded Plover and the Lesser Golden Plover. If you're lucky, you might spot the endangered Orange-bellied Parrot.

Opening times

April to September: 8.00am - 5.00pm
October to March: 8:00am - 7:00pm

The Tower Carpark gates are locked two hours before the Point Cook Coastal Park closing time.

Things To Do

 
An aerial view of the Chatham Wetlands at Point Cook Coastal Park

Cheetham Wetlands

Cheetham Wetlands, consisting of salt marshes and natural and artificial lagoons of Skeleton Creek, are a natural bird haven. These internationally significant wetlands provide important feeding and habitat areas for thousands of migratory birds from Japan, Siberia and New Zealand.
Three people stand on the walk bridge of the Tower at Point Cook Coastal Park

The Tower

The adventurous will enjoy the magnificent 360 degree views from The Tower. Access to The Tower is via the carpark immediately north of the homestead and walking a gravel track through native grasslands. The track is 1.5 kilometres each way and is wheelchair accessible.
Birds on the ocean at Point Cook Coastal Park

Birdwatching

Point Cook has long been recognised for its abundant bird life. The best place to view birds is from the beach at low tide and the beach picnic area.

Wildlife

Various shorebird species at low tide on the mudflats can be seen during September to April, including the Australian Painted Snipe, Greater Sand Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Lesser Sand Plover, Orange-bellied Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Point Cook Coastal Park

Point Cook Coastal Park is located 20kms southwest of Melbourne. Turn off the Princes Freeway (Westgate Freeway) at the Point Cook Road exit. The main entrance is approximately 6 kilometres along Point Cook Road. The Homestead and Tower can be reached by turning left into Point Cook Homestead Road just before the main entrance.
Point Cook Coastal Park

When you're there

Dogs are not allowed in Point Cook Coastal Park.

Related Sites

When to go

During summer, visiting migratory birds take shelter within the trees and wetlands.

Need to know

Point Cook 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.

The Beach Picnic Area, Bird Hide and Spectacle Lake, RAAF Lookout, Point Cook Homestead and Chetham Wetlands at Point Cook Coastal Park were assessed for accessibility in July 2021, providing information about the accessibility of these areas and photos.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

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.

  • Point Cook Coastal Park

    Spectacle Lake Walking Track

    Spectacle Lake Walking Track will be closed to all traffic until September 30th while boardwalk repairs and vegetation works are completed.

How we keep it special

The Future Directions Plan for Point Cook Coastal Park directs all aspects of management in the parks until the plan is reviewed.

Projects

We’re planning to build a trail link in the Bay Trail between Sanctuary Lakes and Point Cook Coastal Park as part of the $21 million Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program. 

Once complete, cyclists, walkers and runners will enjoy an interrupted journey between Point Gellibrand Heritage Park and Point Cook Coastal Park. 

We will commence works on the trail link in 2022, following geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments and obtaining relevant permits. 

Learn more about the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program project. 

 
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