Walking Tracks

Spectacular coastlines, dense bushland, forests, waterfalls, rural farming areas and native heathlands. The beautiful and diverse Surf Coast Shire has it all and what better way to experience it than on foot!! Breathe in the fresh salty air, get back to nature and see the area from a different perspective.

Surf Coast Walk

Follow the scenic marked trail that stretches over 30km, weaving its way along cliff tops, beaches and coastal bushland tracks between Jan Juc and Moggs Creek.

With numerous access points allowing walkers to choose their distance, anyone from beginners to the experienced trekker, can enjoy the beautiful trail.

For more information regarding the Surf Coast Walk, pick up a detailed brochure from the Surf Coast Shire offices.

Angahook - Lorne State park

Stretching over 22,000ha, the Angahook - Lorne State Park has over 100km of walking tracks that cover a diverse landscape that includes fern gullies, waterfalls, heathlands and dramatic coastline with tall cliffs, coves and sandy beaches.

Choose your distance, from a short day trip to one of the many picnic areas or coastal lookouts or take a longer track and camp overnight in one of the bush camping grounds located along five differnet trails.

The park is rich in fauna, home to over 170 bird species, 32 mammal species, 9 species of freshwater fish and 12 reptile species. The park is also home to 18 threatened species such as the Spot Taile Quoll, Hooded Plover and Foufous Bristle Bird.

Blue Gum, Mountain Ash, Messmate and Mountain Gum primarily inhabit the area, hoever, the park is also home to some of the most diverse vegetation in Australia including 46 species of orchids and 23 threatened plant species.

For more information on the Angahook Lorne State Park, visit the Parks Victoria at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Cumberland River - Castle Rock - Sheoak Falls

Distance: 11km (4 - 5 hours)
Start / Finish: Cumberland River Holiday Park, located along the Great Ocean Road, 5.5km along the Apollo bay side of Lorne
Tips:

  • This trail is of a medium difficulty, with several river crossings and rock hopping required
  • Do not attempt this walk when water levels are high
  • Walkers require previous experience

Erskine Falls Walk

Distance: 7km one way (2.5 - 3 hours)
Start: This walk begins in the Kia Ora Caravan Park, located west of the bridge over Erskine River as you enter Lorne
Finish: Walkers have the option of retracing their steps (5 - 6 hours return trip) or park a car in the Erskine Falls carpark
Tips:

  • This trail is of an easy to medium difficulty
  • This walk should only be attempted on a low tide with calm seas, as sections along the beach have high and unstable cliffs and there is no easy escape from the beach
  • It is strongly advised to carrying drinking water
  • This trail includes a section of the Koori Culture Walk, which has a number of signs providing information on Aboriginal cultural practises, food, plants and animals

For more information on walking tracks within the Surf Coast Shire and surrounding areas, pick up a copy of Walking in the Otways, a detailed guide to walking tracks produced by the Geelong Bushwalking Club and available from the Torquay Visitor Information Centre $24.95 or visit Parks Victoria at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.

Pt Addis / Iron Bark Basin Walk

Distance: 10km (4 – 5 hours including breaks)
Start / Finish: Take the Great Ocean Road past the Bells Beach turn off and turn left into Pt Addis. Follow road for about 500m and turn left into Ironbark Basin.
Tips:

  • This trail is of an easy to medium difficulty
  • This walk should only be attempted on a low tide with calm seas, as sections along the beach have high and unstable cliffs and there is no easy escape from the beach
  • It is strongly advised to carry drinking water
  • This trail includes a section of the Koori Culture Walk, which has a number of signs providing information on Aboriginal cultural practises, food, plants and animals.

For more information walking tracks within the Surf Coast Shire and surrounding areas, pick up a copy of “Walking in the Otways”, a detailed guide to walking tracks produced by the Geelong Bushwalking Club and available from the Torquay Visitor Information Centre. $24.95 or visit Parks Victoria at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au