Trail Fast Facts
Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck is a 13km, grade 3 hike in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The beautiful Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck hike comprises of a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs. This serene location is contrasted by dark and brooding headlands and wild waves that often crash onto jagged rocks guarding the entrance to the bay.
Bushrangers Bay hike is accessed along Main Creek from the Boneo Road car park and picnic area (2.5km). This section of the Two Bays Walking Track provides fine views and passes through shady Banksia groves.
From Bushrangers Bay follow the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track to the Cape Schanck car park to see some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. This section of the park was purchased from abutting farms in 1977.
Return via the same route.
Note
Swimming is not recommended at this site as the beach is unpatrolled and often hazardous due to strong rips and large waves.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 99 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 441 m
Total descent: -442 m
Trailhead
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Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
About the region
Breathe in the fresh sea air, sample innovative local cuisine, and soak up the relaxed alfresco lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne. Explore the galleries, spas and cafes in breezy seaside villages, cool off with a day on the beach, or escape to the hinterland for gourmet delights at boutique wineries.
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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Bushranger Bay & Cape Schanck Hike (13km)”
Thank you for your review. ..will be doing this on saturday ?
Louise Higgins
Tania this would be a nice one to do
Nora Bone this would be a good one to do ?
Amber Richardson, Jodie Pullin, Steve Shaw, Margaret Talbot….. training!
Brad Lester
Claire- ✅
Gary Singh
Have hiked this twice in the last two years. Winter – Summer. Nice easy walk and even though I was carrying plenty of water I was happy to see a cafe selling ice cold drinks at the cape shank end on the summer walk. Wildlife is everywhere. Have seen Kangaroos, Wallabies, Lizards, Echidna and Snakes. The Ti tree tunnel is especially cool.
Heather King
Hi,
Could someone please confirm if this is 4 hours return?
Thanks
let’s do it