Trail Fast Facts

Petrified Forest Walk is an 800m, grade 2, return hike in Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 20 minutes to complete.

Length: 800m

Duration: 20 mins

Grade 2 (Easy)

Style: Return

Start: Blowholes Road

End: Blowholes Road

Location: Discovery Bay Coastal Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Cape Bridgewater

From state capital: 373km

Latitude: -38.379346

Longitude: 141.368996

Overview

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Directions

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Hike Overview

This short but interesting walk visits an area is known as the petrified forest that was named based on an early theory that advancing sand engulfed an ancient forest of coastal trees that once covered the sea cliff, petrifying them for all time. The formation is actually a collection of hollow tubes of limestone called solution pipes, eroded by millions of years of rainfall. The process starts when water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards dissolving the limestone. The mineral saturated water then cements the sand, forming hard, trunk-shaped pipes.

Most pipes around Cape Bridgewater are only three metres high, although some are as much as twenty metres.

Tips

Enjoy remote camping, walks and canoeing.
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Map and GPX file

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

Total distance: 807 m
Max elevation: 43 m
Min elevation: 19 m
Total climbing: 38 m
Total descent: -38 m

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Trailhead

Track Grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Getting there

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

Discovery Bay Coastal Park is in south-west Victoria between Portland and Nelson adjoining the SA border, about 420kms from Melbourne and 490kms from Adelaide. The major access roads into the Park are The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland - Nelson Road.

Parking is available at the end of Blowholes Road, in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park on the western side of Cape Bridgewater.

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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

Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities. Victoria's highest coastal cliffs and the Cape Nelson lighthouse are located at the eastern end of Discovery Bay. The Cape Bridgewater fur seal colony is also a significant feature of the Park. A significant dune system extends from Nelson to Whites Beach limiting vehicle access to a few locations.

This remote coastal park protects 55 kilometre of ocean beach. Inland, the park encompasses high coastal cliffs, huge rolling sand dunes and freshwater lakes and swamps. Coastal vegetation and wildlife thrive.

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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 Discovery Bay Coastal Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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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.

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Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

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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.

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.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Tips

Map and GPX file

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)