Melbourne Bushwalkers invites you to join them on the George Bass Coastal Walk. This walk is part of the Try Bushwalking Month, celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Bushwalking Victoria, the peak body representing 60+ bushwalking clubs across Victoria.

This walk follows the coastline near Wonthaggi to the outskirts of San Remo. Approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne, this coastline rivals that of the Great Ocean Road. Both groups start from the same location east of Kilcunda and make their way to the coast, with the longer walk taking in the mouth of the Powlett River along the way. Whether you are seeking a peaceful day out or a journey through history, the George Bass Coastal Walk promises stunning views and a memorable outdoor experience. We hope that you will join us.

DISTANCE: Walk 1 - 12.5 km one way over 6 hours. Walk 2 - 15 km one way over 6 hours.

WHO IS THIS WALK FOR? The two walks form part of Melbourne Bushwalkers regular Sunday Bus Walks program. They are at the easier end of the spectrum of walks conducted using the dedicated bus and will suit walkers with a moderate level of fitness and are comfortable ascending hills.

IMPORTANT  INFORMATION:  The Fee for the Melbourne Bushwalkers Sunday Bus is $30. To pay and secure a seat after confirmation of registering interest through Bushwalking Victoria, participants must visit our clubrooms on either of the two Wednesdays before the walk and talk to one of the leaders. If it is agreed the walk is appropriate, payment to secure a place on the bus can be made. Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6.30 - 8 pm. Further details on our clubroom location and the booking process can be found in the FAQs Page on our website: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_FAQs.php

CHILDREN AND PETS: This walk is for adults 18 years and over, and due to the nature of the walk, we ask you to leave dogs and other pets at home. Please contact the club directly to inquire about service animals, and any family or pet friendly walks.

AWT GRADE 3/4 (Easy/medium): Suitable for most ages with a moderate level of fitness. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, require some rock hopping and many steps.  AWT Grade information.

PACE: Both walks will aim to be completed within 6 hours providing reasonable lunch and rest stops. The pace of Walk 2 will be faster to cover the longer distance involved.

TOTAL ASCENT: Walk 1 - 350 m. Undulating path with several smaller hills.
Walk 2 – 330 m. Undulating path with several smaller hills.

WALK DESCRIPTION:

Both groups start from the same location east of Kilcunda and make their way to the coast, with the longer walk taking in the mouth of the Powlett River along the way. From Kilcunda we discover the breathtaking beauty of the George Bass Coastal Walk, a 7 km cliff-top trail with panoramic views of Bass Strait`s rugged coastline. This invigorating walk traces the path of explorer George Bass, who, in 1797, sailed along the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, uncovering Westernport Bay. The trail begins at Kilcunda and stretches to Punchbowl Road, just outside San Remo, offering both beach walks and scenic coastal vistas from the cliff tops. Walkers will enjoy the contrast between serene beach sections and dramatic ocean views as waves crash against the cliffs far below. The path is suitable for walkers with moderate fitness, as it includes farm stiles and beach crossings.

MEETING POINT: The two walks form part of Melbourne Bushwalkers regular Sunday Bus Walks program. The bus departs and returns to the Cnr. A’Beckett Street and William Street, Melbourne, adjacent to Flagstaff Gardens. The bus departure time is 8.45 am.

DIRECTIONS: Train to Flagstaff Station, then walk along William Street to A’Beckett Street (3-5 minutes). If driving to the CBD for the Meeting Point please note that many areas around Flagstaff Gardens have restricted parking on Sundays. Melbourne City Council recently changed parking conditions around the CBD. Check for the latest free and paid all day parking sites on Parkopedia .

GOOGLE MAPS: https://www.google.com/maps/place/William+St+%26+A'Beckett+St,+Melbourne+VIC+3000/@-37.8105929,144.9533907,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x6ad65d4a039dac5b:0x41593cf4528debf5!8m2!3d-37.8105929!4d144.9559656!16s%2Fg%2F11vbf_n5tx?entry=ttu

CARPOOLING: Carpooling not available (Private Bus transport provided $30).

PHONE SIGNAL: Mobile reception is available along the walk route.

TOILETS: There will be a toilet stop before reaching the destination. No toilets during the walk. Participants usually ‘go to the bush’, but It is important to follow etiquette and not leave any rubbish/toilet paper behind. The bus will not make a toilet stop on the return journey.

WHAT TO BRING

Mandatory:

Emergency contact form with medical info. Download this form here, or get one from the leader on the day.
1.5L water
Backpack
Rain jacket
Hiking shoes/boots
Personal first aid kit (your health is your responsibility)
Sun hat/sunscreen

Recommended:

Lunch.
Hiking poles
Bug spray

LEADER: Ian Mair (leader). Halina Sarbinowski (co-leader/whip) - contact details on check-in (see below).

Please contact the leader directly if you have any queries.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK: When registering for this event, we ask that you view and agree to our Acknowledgement of Risk.

ABOUT OUR CLUB:

Melbourne Bushwalkers is a hiking club connecting you with the great Australian outdoors for fitness, fun and friendship. Explore with us and feed your spirit of adventure. We offer a full program of activities throughout the year ranging from our regular Sunday Walks using dedicated bus transport, through a diverse mid-week program of day walks and other activities, to weeks long local and overseas pack-carry trips. Our activities program is not limited to walking and includes base camps, skiing and canoeing, with social events all year round. Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc. (est. 1940) is one of Australia's largest and longest established bushwalking and hiking clubs, with around 580 members and over 83 years of walking history. Visit our website.

PRIVACY:

Your privacy is important to us. Bushwalking Victoria and its member clubs are committed to safeguarding your personal information and ensuring that your privacy is protected. The personal data we collect from you is used solely for the purpose of facilitating your participation and communicating important details about the event.

Please note that your contact information will be shared with Activity Leaders for the purpose of organising activities. Your information will not be shared with any external parties without your consent, except where required by law, but may be used for follow-up contact regarding your participation in this event.

You can view the BWV Privacy Policy on our website.

Inclusion in Photographs

We encourage participants to take photographs during activities, which may be shared publicly through various channels such as newspapers, magazines, websites and social media. If you do not wish to be included in any photographs, it is your responsibility to inform the photographer and take reasonable steps to avoid being captured in the images.