Get off of the couch and onto the nearest coast.
There’s no better time to explore the region’s diverse coastline of sand, rugged cliffs, dense bush and lush rainforest by foot with these excellent coastal walking tracks.
Whether you’re taking the doggo for a walk or you’re just looking to escape the house, a trip to the coast could be just what you need.
After all, when has going for a walk along the beach ever let you down? We’re betting the answer is never.
Grab your best walking shoes because these beauties are just a short drive away.
Surf Coasting Walk – Torquay
This clifftop trail takes you from the Torquay Foreshore all the way to Bird Rock in Jan Juc.
Approximately 3.3km, you’ll be able to explore surfing evolution and surf culture origins as you wander past the Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, taking in the many famous surf breaks. The track is mostly flat, with a couple of steps and some sand, but overall, it’s a pretty easy walk for even the most unfit. It should take you about 50 minutes and you can reward yourself with a coffee from Bird Rock at the end.
You’ll even get a 360-degree view of the stunning coastline from Rocky Point so don’t forget to take some snaps for the ‘gram.
Check out the walk here.
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Our stunning namesake Check out the view from the Bird Rock lookout next time you’re here. by @k0och
Point Addis Walk – Great Ocean Road
This one’s a beautiful walk with clifftop views and long sandy beaches on part of Victoria’s premier coastline – truly sensational when you’re looking to clear your mind. It’s a year-round favourite with so much to see and there are even some great spots for a dip with this amazing weather we’re having.
There are heaps of possible walks; you can do this shortish walk, or continue on to Bells Beach and Torquay or back the other way to Anglesea. There are well marked inland tracks too and the main Point Addis walk should take roughly 50 minutes and spans just over 3km.
You can view the walk here.
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Jump in the car and explore these epic lookouts and trails along the Great Ocean Road.
Ocean Grove beach to river loop walk – Ocean Grove
This one’s one of my favourites. It’s super easy and will take less than an hour, all while providing wonderful ocean views from the sand. Usually the fifth carpark along the Barwon Heads-Ocean Grove Road is the one to park at if you’re wanting to do the full loop, but you can park at any of them depending how long you want to walk for. If you’re after a coffee, swing into the second or third exit and walk by The Dunes kiosk for some quality caffeine.
From any of the carparks, simply head towards the ocean via the track and stairs, then walk along the beach following it around the headland until you reach the Barwon Heads bridge.
You can always turn around here, but otherwise continue walking under the bridge and walk alongside the Barwon River until you reach the stairs that will take you up to the caravan park Walk through the caravan park until you get to the road. Carefully cross the road (making sure any children are being supervised as this road is very busy) and continue to the car park.
BYO doggo.
You can check out the walk deets here.
The Bluff – Barwon Heads
The Bluff at Barwon Heads is a spectacular walk and is great for families, singles, pooches – literally perfect for all.
Starting at the bridge (you can’t miss it), simply stroll along the river towards the Bluff. You’ll come to the renowned At The Heads restaurant where you can pick up a coffee from the Jetty Road Kiosk to accompany you on your walk.
You just need to follow the stairs sneaking you around the restaurant and you’ll find yourself meandering along the promenade, where the walking track snakes around the headland offering spectacular ocean and estuary views while at low tide you can walk beneath the cliffs and explore the dozens of rock pools and watch the many sea birds.
If you’re feeling fit, it’s 100% worth climbing the starts and continuing up the path to see the breathtaking and invigorating views back across the river to Ocean Grove, or keep going further still, towards Thirteenth Beach Road. It’s only a short path, but it’s worth allowing time to take in all the many vantage points – it’s truly mesmerising.
Point Addis to Ironbark Basin Circuit – Great Otway National Park
If you’re keen to get out for a couple of hours minimum, this walk is ideal for truly finding your zen.
Located just off the Great Ocean Road near Bells Beach, you can walk through inland sheltered forest to then be rewarded with epic ocean views from the top of the cliffs, forever changing with the conditions. Here, the ocean breeze comes rolling in to smack you in the face – this place makes you feel alive!
We’d recommend taking a moment to appreciate Ironbark Basin Lookout, one of many lookouts along this section of the Surf Coast Walk. From here, you can view the shipwreck graveyard where 19 ships unfortunately failed to safely make it to land.
We admit this one is more of a hike than a walk and it’s pretty easy, but there will be a couple of sections (short, steep hills and steps) that will get that heart rate up.
We’d recommend allowed around three hours to truly make the most of it.
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on this walk, which passes mainly though national park areas. Dogs are permitted on-leash only at the Addiscot Beach day visitor area.
Suss the walk details here.
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I wanted a chiropractor to crack my entire body like a glow stick after this hike
Queenscliff Dune Walk
This one’s another easy family walk along a winding track through the dunes and back along the beach.
Kick it all off at the carpark next to the Cottage by the Sea, and take to the bush track that heads towards Point Lonsdale. Follow the winding track to an old fort/defence structure which is super fun for the kids to play on and in (if restrictions allow of course).
Continue your way through the tall trees – it’s almost like a tree tunnel and is truly beautiful – and continue on to the Point Lonsdale rock wall to access the beach. Once you hit the beach, that’s when you’ll be able to indulge in the beauty of the ocean, right up until you reach the stairs that lead you back to the carpark. This walk has the best of both worlds!
Spanning around 3.46km, it should take around an hour, depending on your pace.
Check out the walk here.
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#sundaystroll #pointlonsdaleseawallwalk #ilovewherewelive #pointlonsdalebeach
Eastern Beach to Rippleside
While not exactly a coastal walk, it’s still a walk with views of the water, so we thought we’d add it in for that purpose if you’re not keen on venturing out to the ocean.
A six kilometre out and back trail located in Geelong, this trail offers scenic views great to get a quick little outdoor comfort. Go for a quick run or take it easy with a walk, it’s perfect for anyone.
Popular throughout the day and all-year round, the early mornings offer something more beautiful, especially on sunnier days. The path starts at Eastern Beach Bathing Complex, goes over the boardwalk and continues along the Eastern Beach towards the West and Rippleside Park.
A usual walk spans to forty-five minutes, though you’ll be wanting to take a few more minutes to truly take in the atmosphere.
Find the location here.
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The Surf Coast Walk – Torquay
This one is a doozey! Spanning 44 kilometres, The Surf Coast Walk is an adventure that boasts total immersion in nature and the sanctuary of coastal villages within easy reach along the way.
The world-class multi-use trail is located at the start of the Great Ocean Road region from Torquay to Aireys Inlet and in its entirety, the Walk connects the coastal towns of Torquay, Anglesea and Aireys Inlet and will see you exploring the likes of Point Impossible, Bells Beach, Bird Rock, Airey’s Lighthouse, and Fairhaven.
If you’re not quite up for the 44km adventure, the walk can be split into 12 distinctive tracks, each inviting you to explore inspiring landscapes on foot or bike beyond the edge of Victoria’s beautiful Great Ocean Road.
You can find out more here.
Torquay Promenade – Torquay
For a relaxed, family-friendly walk, the Torquay promenade is a great option to stretch your legs. Only 1.6km, start at Yellow Bluff and walk along the shared path to Point Danger, where you can view the wildness of treacherous offshore reefs and the ships’ graveyard.
It’s flat, there’s no steps and it’s suitable for scooters, bikes and wheelchairs. Inclusive and beautiful!
Read more about this walk here.
Point Roadknight – Anglesea
This is a slightly challenging but beautiful 3.1km walk that takes you from Anglesea to Point Roadknight.
From the convenience of the Anglesea township, rise up to the bluff and back down to idyllic Point Roadknight Beach, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views back across the township, river and ocean make the climb worth your effort.
It’s pretty well-formed and there are no steps, making it perfect for cycling if you’d prefer to jump on the bike.
You can see the route here.
Check out more walks via Visit Victoria.
