George Bass Coastal Walk

George Bass Coastal Walk – A Must-Visit for Nature Lovers, Families and dog lovers.

If you’re looking for a perfect day out that combines stunning views, beach walks, and the joy of exploring rock pools, the George Bass Coastal Walk is the place to be. Located just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, this 18km round trip offers something for everyone.

The walk itself is breathtaking, with panoramic coastal views that make every step worthwhile. You’ll be greeted by beautiful beaches where you can take a break, let the kids play, or enjoy a leisurely stroll with your dog. The walk is dog-friendly, which is a huge bonus for those of us who love to bring our furry friends along on adventures.

One of the highlights of the walk is the abundance of rock pools. Kids will love exploring these natural wonders, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained. The trail is also very child-friendly, making it a fantastic option for a family day out. It’s well-marked, easy to follow, and offers plenty of spots to stop, rest, and take in the scenery.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Melbourne, I highly recommend the George Bass Coastal Walk. It’s an ideal way to spend a day in nature, whether you’re with family, friends, or your dog. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and your camera – the views are truly something special!

Saw about 12 rabbits, 2 of them Really Big. There's some gorgeous shrubbery and really strange succulent types by the beach that I was in love with. The beach has hair and cuttlefish and some little pop strands. There was a Really Big Bird here at some kind because we found a nice long feather. Overall wow what a walk. Got about halfway and then turned around because the sun was setting so I can't really say much about the other half, but I'm sure it is stupendous stuff

Such a great coastal stroll. Be warned, there are some fairly steep inclines but they are short, and very worth it for the views. It's almost 16km out and back but if you go with friends you can do it as a car shuffle. It's great to do the whole 16km and end up back in Kilcunda for an afternoon coffee and snacks at the general store. You'll just have to make sure you're back in time before it closes! We went June 2024 and they were doing some major roadworks but you can still park your car at the foreshore car park next to the caravan park. There are public loos and bins there. The walk itself is Fair exposed so either bring a hat or umbrella for shade if you're walking in summer. Also a fly net as the flies are next level down there. There is also a very short beach walk section and also there is beach access to Half Moon bay. This dog is also dog friendly! Is a favourite of mine for this reason!

Beautiful. No toilet, no food place, no water. Not enough parking lots. Be prepared before you come here for a 14km round trip walk.

roughly 16km return trip..the views are amazing..and you will get a great workout with it...highly recommend ✌🏼

Access parking at end of well maintained gravel Punchbowl Rd from Highway B420. Plenty of parking available. Easy trail with some elevation change. A great 1.5- 2 hours is a leisurely walk to Half Moon Bay beach and return. The round trip distance is around 6 km. You could do it in an hour if pressed for time. Sweeping coastline views. Look for cows and kangaroos in the pastures. We went on a Sunday afternoon and had the beach all to ourselves!

Possibly the most beautiful coastal walk ever.
We did the full 16km … not for the faint of heart, the last few k’s were a real slog. It’s hilly at times, and there are sections where you’ll need to walk over very soft sand.
We saw people attempting to take prams and electric scooters which is insane.
Take plenty of water, sunscreen, and protein. Avoid the warmer days. Start early, parking will fill up quick.
If only going one way, start from Punchbowl, much easier. There’s a great pub in Kilcunda to take a break at if doing the whole 16km.

Beautiful, stunning, breathtaking, you have to visit! Short walk from car park and low effort for amazing views. we visited on the weekend close to sunset and it was quiet with just another 5 people that past us!

This is a really nice walking trail for exercise, dog walks and enjoying the beauty of the ocean and pastures. Approximately 7km for one-way and 14km if you don’t plan to stay in Kilcunda.

Beautiful views. Wouldn’t call it hiking, more like a really nice walk. Would recommend going in 2 cars if possible, park one at the end of the walk and drive the other to the start (doesn’t matter which side you decide to start at). As the track is about 8km, you might not want to get to the end then realising you have to walk back to the start to get to your car.

Very scenic coastal trail of 7-8 kms in length & takes 2 hours ONE way at a good pace. If you are a regular hilly terrain hiker, this trail will be a cinch. If you are like me where your fitness has plummeted due to more flat terrain walking, then this is going to be a mega challenge!

Trail starts across from Kilcunda General Store & ends at Punch Bowl Rd, San Remo or vice versa. Take plenty of water & trail snacks. My 1.5 litres was inadequate on a sunny 18 deg weekend in March recently. Do your toilet break at Kilcunda as there are none at Punchbowl side & none along the way. Best done with company or be very sure of your fitness...

The trail is very exposed with bits of cool coastal shrub tunnels with heaps of trip hazard roots. The sweeping views over Bass Strait & across to Phillip Island is defintely worth the hike. We spotted Roos/wallabies in the distance. There are more info boards at Punch Bowl side which lists the migrating whales & birds to spot in the right season.

Best to trek in drier conditions as there are steep inclines & declines where the trail is just compacted earth/mud which could be very slippery. There's almost 1.5 kms of trudging/scrambling up & down in deep sand & a short beach walk. Poles advisable in wetter conditions. A good part of the trail it is like cutting across paddocks- you will see the fencing delineating farmland.

The trail should be better maintained for the drawcard it has become. So much so, you literally have to walk in a single file to let others pass. Happens at either end when good weather & a long weekend brings the hoards who do shorter distances wearing the most inappropriate footwear! Shoes with a good grip or hiking boots is a must if you are doing the whole hog.

Easier I think - to start from Punch Bowl end as generally it heads downhill towards Kilcunda though you will still have steep inclines. Have a rest in one of eateries at Kilcunda & do the return leg. It was much more enjoyable this way when we did it almost 5 yrs ago on a dry winter's day..The trail was in a better shape then.

With the popularity of this trail, I do not understand why there are no toilets at Punch Bowl Rd end which is just a long dusty unsealed road. This side is also popular with fishing folks & has a proper viewing platform just a bit further down.

The most beautiful coastal walk I've seen in Victoria. You can see lots of amazing sceneries which makes this walk a must try. Bring lots of water though as this walk will surely test you because of its uphill and downhill tracks. It stretches from San Remo to Kilcunda, so it's a bit of distance. Highly recommended!

Great walk in Autumn. Very few people.

What a lovely walk. Lots of up and downs, 2 big steps near beach Kilcunda end. Beaches just beautiful. Walking in the sand may be tough for some people. I took poles and only used on path with sand.

Lovely Saturday Trail Walk🌾 Nice and breezy weather always makes a costal walk a plus experience, so definitely pick a good day! Though there was no luck in spotting any whales but no lack of wildlife! There was wild hare, squirrels and kangeroos, this was a pleasant one! I would recommend walking to Punchbowl and return, that would be 2.5 - 3 hours walk and may visit one of the closest suburb for a nice brunch. My friend and I went to a place called The Coffee Collection which was also decent, happy ending!

Amazing coastline - can't believe how nice the walk was. Definitely do this on a not so windy day! There are a number of scenic points worth lingering around. Magnificent! We started on the San Remo end - Punchbowl road, which is a gravel road. Dont' drive too fast if you have a car that is very low to the ground like we did!

I had never heard of this walk before and can’t believe that! This was one of the most stunning walks I’ve done in Victoria. We had the perfect weather, blue skies and no wind and the scenery was jaw dropping. Walking along the coastal cliffs with a new view at every turn. I highly recommend this walk, you can do the whole walk or an up and back section, it doesn’t matter, any part will be rewarding!

A must do, George Bass Coastal Ealk..so many places to start your cliff top walk, from Kilcunda right down to The Nobbies, (Phillip Island) never fails to impress, gorgeous coastal Shoreline, within an hour and half from Melb..

Carpark was bit tight so I suggest get there early, if your doing the full walk carpark to carpark it will be wise to wear the right shoes like day hike shoes or good runners, bring some water and snacks. It's fairly straining at some sections, with inclines and declines and different terrains there is a section the hike that goes on the beach. Signage isn't the best on the long hike so download the all trails app it will lead you on the right course. Beautiful views

Beautiful walk. We started from Kilcunda reserve and it was a good decision as that area has picnic tables, shelters, ample parking, BBQ, playground and toilets.

As for walk, one side is just ocean, other side are farms and then you cross pass the beach. Stop at the beach to a break. A bit steep at very few sections but nothing that kids can't do. We did the 13 kms return rather than finishing the whole track of 18kms return as it was getting too much for the kids. It was nice to get back and do some lunch BBQ, tea at the parking area after the walk. Fun all the way. nice and healthy way to spend some time with family or friends.

Do see the nearby Trestle bridge too.