COASTAL WALKING AND BIKING
Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
The Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail is a scenic seaside walking and cycling route along the Southern coastline of Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. Just an hour drive from Melbourne and you can enjoy the crystal clear, blue sea lapping the shores of white sandy beaches, as you stroll along the trails through the various beach towns, from Safety Beach to Portsea.
The popular Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail attracts people of all ages and abilities, for the picturesque views and fresh sea air.
The winding tracks take you through some dense vegetation, picnic and camping grounds with views of the bay.
Some of the trail surfaces are paved, others are gravel and boardwalks.
Highlights of the Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail
Aside from the glorious beaches along the trail, you will find great picnic facilities with barbeques, adventure playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, and a multitude of water sports to enjoy.
Along the route on the beach you will also find Sailing Clubs at Safety Beach, McCrae, Rosebud, Rye, Blairgowrie and Sorrento.
For people with boats and jet skis, boat ramps are provided all along the beaches. Various piers and jetties are found on route, at Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea.
A feature of the landscape all along the beach and trail is the gorgeous multi-coloured bathing boxes.
All along the main road parallel to the Bay Trail there is an assortment of restaurants, bars, cafes, ice cream shops, retail and accommodation on offer.
The foreshore along the trail provides camping and caravanning amenities during the Summer season, which is always booked in advance and very popular. It has been a much loved holiday spot for many families growing up in Melbourne, myself included.
You will also find interesting and historic landmarks along the way, commemorating the heritage of the Mornington Peninsula area, such as:
- Collins Settlement, the first European Settlement of Victoria dated from 1803 in Sorrento.
- Tallest Lighthouse of Port Phillip Bay in McCrae.
- Whitecliffs Lookout in Rye.
- Lime Stone Kiln monument, a memorial of the limestone industry in the mid 1800’s in Rye.
- Point Nepean National Park in Portsea.
Other amazing attractions to enjoy include:
- Car and Passenger Ferry, from Sorrento Pier across the Bay to Queenscliff.
- Rye Carnival on the Rye foreshore in Summer.
- Street art and sculptures along the Bay trail and foreshore.
The whole Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail stretches approximately 30 kilometres. I would recommend you do small sections at a time.
Make sure to wear appropriate foot wear, bring sun protection and a drink.
A map is not required, as you can’t really get lost.
The trail is shared with walkers, runners, prams and cyclists, so please be considerate.
Dogs are also allowed on the bay trail and on certain parts of the beaches unleashed.
You may find some sections of the trail being restored, in which case you can walk around along the beach or the road.
So, get out there and have fun on the beautiful Bay Trail.
Snazzy photos of Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail
Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail Information
START: Martha Cove Inlet in Safety Beach
END: Point Nepean National Park in Portsea
TOTAL DISTANCE: Approx. 30 km
DIFFICULTY: 1/5
COST: Free
OPEN: Everyday
PUBLIC TOILETS: Yes
CAR PARKING: Yes
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