Bushrangers Bay Walk (Mornington Peninsula National Park)

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Bushrangers Bay Walk (Mornington Peninsula National Park)

Bushrangers Bay Walk commences at the eastern carpark at Cape Schanck Lighthouse. You will meander through Coastal Alkaline Scrub and Swamp Scrub and drop down onto the magnificent Bushrangers Bay, which is surrounded by basalt cliffs with a large sandy beach formed by the outlet of Main Creek. If the tide is in you may get wet feet when wading across the shallow estuary of Main Creek.

When finished exploring the beach, and rockpools at low tide, and investigating the wonderful landscape in this area, follow the track back to Cape Schanck Lighthouse. This walk is a 5.4km return trip and will take approximately 2 hours. The walk has sandy unsealed narrow paths with steep stairs in some areas.

If you’re looking for something a little further then take the Two Bays Walking Track which is an off shoot of the Bushrangers Bay Walk and continues on north through shady banksia groves along the west bank of Main Creek back towards Boneo Road and Greens Bush.

Hooded Plovers call the dunes at Bushrangers Bay home, so it is important to follow all signage and keep off the habitat area for this magnificent but vulnerable beach-nesting bird. Snakes are also another creature that calls this area home, so please stay on the existing paths to avoid any unnecessary encounters.

Although beautiful, Bushrangers Bay is a dangerous swimming beach with unpredictable rips, strong currents, rocky reefs, and large waves. The beach is unpatrolled with limited access for emergency services. Given the aforementioned hazards, swimming is not recommended.

Before you visit check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

How to get there

Bushrangers Bay Walk (Mornington Peninsula National Park)

Facilities

Carpark
Lookout

Need to know

Bushrangers Bay Walk (Mornington Peninsula National Park)

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No camping
  • No drones without a permit
  • No dogs, cats, pets allowed
  • No horses
  • No motorbikes/trailbikes
  • No fires permitted
  • No bicycles
  • Management vehicle only
  • No firearms allowed

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Heat exhaustion
    • Trees may fall take care
    • Limbs may fall take care
  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery surface
    • Uneven ground
  • Animals and pests
    • Snakes
  • Water hazards
    • Deep water

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

Beach access closed at Number 16 Beach

The access platform at Number 16 Beach has been closed for public safety until further notice. Assessments have revealedsignificant structural failuresmeaning itposes a significant hazard to visitors.

Mornington Peninsula National Park Pest Predator Control Program

Parks Victoria are conducting a pest predator control program in Mornington Peninsula National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. Fox baiting will occur between 26/04/23-17/08/23, with warning signage remaining in place until 14/09/23. Targeted cat trapping using non-poisonous baits will take place year-round.

Dogs and cats are prohibited from entering Mornington Peninsula National Park. Please ensure pets do not stray into the national park from adjacent residential areas. If pets are suspected of having consumed PAPP (poison bait) during the baiting period, a vet should be consulted immediately. An antidote to PAPP is available and stocked by most vets on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
 
For Mornington Peninsula National Park, this includes the following locations:
  • Sorrento Back Beach rocks
  • No. 16 beach at Rye back beach
  • Bushrangers Bay rocks, east of Cape Schanck
 
This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
 
Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
 
To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

Landslip affecting beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach

There is a landslip affecting the beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach (within Mornington Peninsula NP).  Please do not approach the slip.

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