The Cape Schanck walks at the southern end of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula include the boardwalk near the lighthouse and the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track.
Cape Schanck at the bottom of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is home to some of Australia’s most dramatic coastal scenery. There are a couple of good Cape Schanck walks that show off the highlights.
Cape Schanck walks: boardwalk and Pulpit Rock
The first, and easiest, of these Cape Schanck walks is from the car park in the Cape Schanck Lighthouse Precinct. This short circuit walk heads towards the cape itself via a wooden staircase and boardwalk. It heads down to the beach and a rock platform, with several lookouts along the way.
These lookouts take in volcanic geological formations such as the Devils Desk and Pulpit Rock. You’ll also get to see the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, of course.
The whole circuit should take about 45 minutes to complete.
Cape Schanck walks: Bushrangers Bay Track
For something a little bit longer, try the walk to Bushrangers Bay. The 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track from the Cape Schanck car park is largely a coastal clifftop walk. It takes in the cape and the lighthouse, but there are also several rocky bays to peer over.
The surf often crashes in where the Bass Strait meets Western Port, and that should be indication enough not to try swimming at Bushrangers Bay. It’s an unpatrolled beach with strong rips, and it’s about as ill-suited to swimming as any Australian beach gets.
It looks good, though. The dramatic basalt cliffs behind Bushrangers Bay make the two-hour return walk from Cape Schanck well worth it.
Cape Schanck walks: Two Bays Walking Track
The third of the Cape Schanck walks is the longest. The Two Bays Walking Track stretches from Cape Schanck to Dromana on Port Phillip Bay. It’s 26.5km long, and is the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington Peninsula. On the way, it passes through Arthurs Seat State Park, home of the Arthurs Seat Eagle cable car and Enchanted Adventure theme park.
5 top experiences to book on the Mornington Peninsula
- 🐬 See seals, dolphins and sea birds on a 90 minute wildlife cruise from Sorrento.
- 🐨 At the Moonlit Sanctuary, get close to koalas, kangaroos and other cute creatures.
- 🍷 Taste the best local produce and wines at a vineyard with a discovery wine-tasting lunch.
- 🚡 Ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle cable car and take in the stellar views over the coast.
- 🤿 Snorkel with seals and dolphins on a boat trip to Chinamans Hat.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse and walks: key visitor information
Lighthouse tour ticket prices are subject to change — always check the official website before visiting. Dogs are not permitted on the trails or lighthouse grounds.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Cape Schanck Lighthouse? | Grounds and museum open daily, 10am–4pm. Extended hours during peak summer weeks in January. Closed Christmas Day. |
| How much does it cost to enter Cape Schanck Lighthouse grounds? | Entry to the grounds and museum is free. |
| How much does a Cape Schanck Lighthouse tower tour cost? | Adults $17. Children (3–14 years) $9. Family (2 adults, 2 children) approximately $47. Check the current price at the booking portal before visiting. |
| Is the lighthouse tower tour worth it? | Yes. The lighthouse dates from 1859 and is considered the most original lighthouse in Australia, still using its original Chance Brothers First Order lens. |
| Is there parking at Cape Schanck? | Yes. Free on-site sealed car parking is available, including accessible bays near the museum entrance. Additional free parking is at the Fingal Picnic Area, approximately 2km north. |
| Where is Cape Schanck Lighthouse? | 420 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck VIC 3939. Approximately 95km south-east of Melbourne, around 90 minutes by car. |
| Is Cape Schanck accessible for wheelchair users? | Yes. Entry to the lighthouse precinct is via a wheelchair-accessible path. The museum and grounds are accessible. The boardwalk walk to Pulpit Rock is not accessible. |
| Are dogs allowed at Cape Schanck? | Dogs are not permitted on the lighthouse grounds, trails or in the national park. They may be left in the car in the car park with adequate ventilation. |
| How long is the boardwalk walk at Cape Schanck? | Approximately 45 minutes for the circuit walk to Pulpit Rock and back. |
| How long is the walk to Bushrangers Bay from Cape Schanck? | 2.6km one way, approximately two hours return. |
| Is it safe to swim at Bushrangers Bay? | No. Bushrangers Bay is unpatrolled, with strong rips and no lifeguard supervision. Swimming is strongly discouraged. |
Things to do near Cape Schanck
Gunnamatta Beach – A short drive north-west, Gunnamatta is the Mornington Peninsula’s most famous surf beach, with an average wave height of nearly two metres and a hazard rating of 8/10.
Arthurs Seat Eagle – Around 20 minutes north on the Two Bays Walking Track route, this cable car from Dromana offers panoramic views over the peninsula and Port Phillip Bay.
Point Nepean National Park – At the far northern tip of the national park, this historic fortification at the end of the peninsula offers walking tracks, military history and a ferry connection to Queenscliff.
St Andrews Beach Brewery – A short drive from Cape Schanck, this popular craft brewery and restaurant in the dunes near St Andrews Beach is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most popular food and drink destinations.
Flinders – A short drive east along the coast, this small seaside village offers a bakery, pub, hotel and an excellent golf course with clifftop ocean views.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Ashcombe Maze visitor guide: What to expect at this maze and lavender gardens on the Mornington Peninsula.
- Moonlit Sanctuary visitor guide: Ticket prices, opening hours and key information for the Mornington Peninsula’s top wildlife attraction.
- What it’s like to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
- Great Ocean Road beach guides: Lorne Beach, Anglesea Beach, Johanna Beach.
