Cape Schanck to Gunnamatta Surf Beach (part of The Coastal Walk)

Leaving the Cape Schanck Visitor Area car park, follow the sealed Cape Schanck Road for 600 metres back towards Boneo Road. Turn left onto the dirt track which leads into the national park. Follow the walking track through coastal Moonah woodland towards Fingal and Gunnamatta Beach. A detour circuit walk provides access inland to Fingal Picnic Area car park, drinking water and toilets. Further north a side track leads to secluded Fingal Beach via a long path of steep stairs. (If you visit the beach, be sure to return to the main track as through access to Gunnamatta is difficult along the beach, especially at high tide.) The main track passes through dense coastal vegetation with three spectacular lookouts along the way with views towards both Cape Schanck as well as along the Bass Strait coastline. When the track drops down onto the eastern end of Gunnamatta Beach, continue along the beach to the day visitor area containing the Surf Lifesaving clubhouse, car park and public toilets. This walk can be completed in either direction and joins Cape Schanck in the east to Rye Ocean Beach to the west as part of the 30kilometres Coastal Walk.