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.