The Bushrangers Bay Walk in Mornington Peninsula

The coast outside of Melbourne is overflowing with gorgeous places to hike, swim, and play. Cape Schanck and Bushrangers Bay are just waiting for you to take in the view.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Bunurong people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Bushrangers Bay trail is a 10km, grade 3 hike located in the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. The hike should take around three hours to complete.

About the Bushrangers Bay Walk

Think you need expensive gear, bulging calf muscles and an aversion to showers to be a hiker? Think again! You can complete a 10km bushland and coastal trail, come face to face with kangaroos, explore rock pools, and relax on an uncrowded beach, all in an easy day trip from Melbourne.

If you want to try hiking, Bushrangers Bay – and the entire Cape Schanck region! – is the place to start.

Read more: Rock Pools, Surfing & Hiking at Mornington Peninsula

Photo by Ben Savage

How To Get to Bushrangers Bay Walk

By Car

Take the Mornington Peninsula Freeway M11 (also called Peninsula Link) all the way to the roundabout where the freeway finishes and meets Boneo Road.

Turn right on Boneo Road towards Flinders and drive 12km until you see the signs for Mornington Peninsula National Park and the Bushranger Bay Trail Car Park. This is the starting point for your hike.

Skill Level

Beginner

The walk is 10km return (that’s 5km each way!), on a well-marked and easy to follow trail. Allow at least three hours for the hike if you’re planning to stop in at the beach and explore the rock pools.

Essential Gear for Bushrangers Bay Walk

• Good walking shoes
• Water and snacks
• First aid kit (disaster can strike any time, even on a short hike!)
• Camera
• Hat and sunscreen

Read more: How To Hike in Hot Weather

What It’s Like To Hike the Bushrangers Bay Walk

This may just be the ultimate trail for non-hikers. Just put on a pair of walking shoes, pack a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, and drive on down to the Mornington Peninsula. In addition to wineries, expensive beach houses and hot springs, the peninsula has a 100km walking trail.

Don’t worry that’s not on the itinerary for today! Let’s go straight to the best part of the trail. There’s a 5km stretch between Boneo Road and the Cape Schanck Lighthouse that’s so damn scenic, it’s gonna distract you from the fact you’re actually hiking.

Start at the Bushrangers Bay Trail car park on Boneo Road and head for the lighthouse. 

You’ll hear birds chirping and come across kangaroos grazing amongst the trees at the start of the trail. A couple of kilometres in, you’ll catch glimpses of Bushrangers Bay – a sandy beach surrounded by a farming property and rocky cliffs – and only accessible by foot.

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

Pass by the turn-off to the beach (save it for the return walk), and follow the track along the top of the cliffs where the sounds of birds are replaced by waves crashing below. There are lookouts to stop at and you’ll see the lighthouse in the distance which marks the halfway point of your hike.

At the lighthouse, you’ll (sadly) realise you’ve returned to civilisation – the trail comes out at the car park which is usually full of families and tourists. Join the crowds on the boardwalk for some epic views of the cape and then get the hell out of there – you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet of the trail even more on the return walk!

Stop in at Bushrangers Bay on the way back because there are some great rock pools to explore at the far end of the beach. Relax on the sand, finish off your snacks, and when you’re ready, return to the car park at Boneo Road.

Make sure you pack up your rubbish and remember to leave no trace!

The hike is 10km in total and will leave you inspired to find the next destination to explore.

Tips for Walking Bushrangers Bay

• Don’t walk this one on a time limit or you’ll miss out on everything the beautiful rock pools have to offer
• There is heaps of wildlife about on this one so while it’s an easy one for walking and gabbing, take at least half an hour to walk in silence and see what you come across
• Bring plenty of water on a hot day. Pair this walk with a hot breeze and you’ll be thanking me
• Bring your camera! Or make sure your phone is fully charged – there are so many photo opportunities that I’m surprised some people aren’t out there for six hours!

FAQs Bushrangers Bay Walk

How long is the walk at Bushrangers Bay?

This beginner-friendly walk at Bushrangers Bay is 10km return.

Where is the Bushrangers Bay Walk?

The Bushrangers Bay Walk is located on Cape Schanck in Mornington Peninsula, just under 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Can I swim at Bushrangers Bay?

Swimming is not recommended at Bushrangers Bay because the currents are rough and unpredictable, and the beach is not patrolled or easily accessible if something goes wrong.

Feature photo courtesy of Visit Victoria