Balnarring to Merricks Coastal Hike

On Sunday afternoon Dec 20 2009 I visited Balnarring Beach, on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

From the car park at the end of Balnarring Beach Rd, I did a 5 km (return) hike, which took me through the Bird Sanctuary, then along the coast to Merricks Beach.

Lots of movement, color, amd action - yachts - kites - seagulls - surfers - swimmers - beachcombers!

This is one of my favourite Beaches, so near to Melbourne!

See the complete set of Photos of my visit!

Tulum Beach - Coastal Hike

On Tuesday November 24, 2009, I visited the Tulum Beach Foreshore, Balnarring Beach district, abut 70 km south of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

From the main car park at the end of Balnarring Beach Rd, I followed the Coastal Heath Track, leading into Merricks Track.

This was in pleasant coastal bushland alongside the Merricks Creek Estuary, reaching the main Tulum Beach.

I returned to the car park along the Beach, via the western point - the total distance was about 3 km.

The views across the Bay to Phillip Island were excellent!

The network of walking tracks in the heathland is well signed, with some nice views of the Merricks Creek Estuary and water birds.

Tulum Beach is a nice spot for swimming, boating, fishing, suntanning, or beachcombing, and extends to Somers Beach.

Coastal Hike, Somers to Sandy Point, Westernport Bay

Somers is a small coastal settlement about 85 km SE of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

It developed from the pastoral runs of the 1920s, and during WW2 the RAAF operated a training centre there. After that, the Education Department took over the military buildings and established Somer's Camp. The general store and post office date back to 1927.

Nearby is the world famous Coolart Wetlands and Homestead.

The foreshore reserve has good, signed walking tracks, passing through bushland, offering pleasant views across Westernport Bay to Phillip Island.

I visited Somers on May 8 2009, a wintry and overcast day, for a 6 km (return) coastal hike on the beach east to Sandy Point. This included the interesting Koala Walk.

Sandy Point is the boundary of the extensive HMAS Cerberus RAN Naval Establishment, and access is prohibited.

Caution is needed at high tide to avoid being stranded at the base of the cliffs!

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Churchill Island - North Point Circuit Hike

Churchill Island, located just off the coast from Newhaven, is one of Phillip Island’s major attractions. Covering an area of 57 Ha, the island features an historic Heritage Working Farm dating back to 1872.

It was first discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. In 1801, Lieutenant James Grant constructed a simple cottage and planted corn and wheat with seeds supplied by his friend John Churchill, after whom the island was named. Churchill Island was the first European settlement in Victoria.

A number of small cottages, as well as a traditional homestead, were later built. These are part of the Heritage Farm and are open for walk-through inspection and include the historical house and farm buildings, farming machinery, coaches, buggies, a milk vending cart, a wishing well, hoes, traditional gardens and the orchard. Ranger demonstrations of traditional farming techniques are given.

The large restored Homestead and old outbuildings offer a fascinating insight into farm life during the late 1800s. Some of the beautiful period furniture pieces are on loan fromn the Museum Victoria - others are part of the original property, which include many household items.

Many of the farm animals roam freely around the gardens - some are in pens. The kids will love them! There are cows, goats, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, Clydesdale horses, highland cattle and "George" - a 50 year old cockatoo! Watch out for the beautiful colored Peacock!

The unsealed access road from the bridge runs through extensive open paddocks, where there are geese and huge ferocious-looking long-horned cattle, which amble across the road!

There is an excellent photograph display in the Visitor Centre about the fascinating history of the Island - there is a cafe in the Centre. A free printed Visitor Guide is available at the Centre.

A small admission fee is charged for entry to the Heritage Area - pensioner/senior's concession is $7.20.

There are two main walking/cycling tracks on the Island, which start at the Centre - the 4 km North Point Loop and the island Loop. There is no charge for using these Tracks. Grant’s monument is next to the junction of these Tracks.

The Island is reached from the turn-off north of Phillip Island Road, 1km west of the Newhaven Bridge, near the Chocolate Factory!. A bridge allows unlimited access from 10 am - 4.30 pm. Distance from Melbourne is about 120 km.

I visited the Island on May 4, 2009 - see my North Point Walking Track Photos - see also my Photos of the Heritage Farm.

See the Churchill Island website for comprehensive information!

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island, located just off the coast from Newhaven, is one of Phillip Island’s major attractions. Covering an area of 57 Ha, the island features an historic Heritage Working Farm dating back to 1872. It was first discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. In 1801, Lieutenant James Grant constructed a simple cottage and planted corn and wheat with seeds supplied by his friend John Churchill, after whom the island was named. Churchill Island was the first European settlement in Victoria.

The waters and mudflats surrounding Churchill Island are listed under the Convention on Wetlands of international importance - the Ramsar Convention. It forms part of the large Churchill Island Marine National Park.

Before European settlement, Phillip Island was visited by the Bunurong Aboriginal people - the mudflats provided great tucker such as flounder, shark and oysters.

A number of small cottages, as well as a traditional homestead, were later built. These are part of the Heritage Farm and are open for walk-through inspection and include the historical house and farm buildings, farming machinery, stables, shearing shed, blacksmith shop, cellar, horse-works, coaches, buggies, a milk vending cart, a wishing well, hoes, traditional gardens and the orchard. Ranger demonstrations of traditional farming techniques are given.

The large restored Homestead and old outbuildings offer a fascinating and colorful insight into farm life during the late 1800s. Some of the beautiful period furniture pieces are on loan from the Museum Victoria - others are part of the original property, which include many household items.

Many of the farm animals roam freely around the gardens - some are in pens. The kids will love them! There are cows, goats, ducks, geese, sheep, chickens, chooks, Clydesdale horses, highland cattle and "George" - a 50 year old cockatoo! Watch out for the beautiful colored Peacocks!

The unsealed access road from the bridge runs through extensive open paddocks, where there are geese and huge ferocious-looking long-horned highland cattle, which amble across the road!

A free printed Visitor Guide/Map is available at the Visitor Centre, where there is an excellent photographic display about the fascinating history of the Island. There is an adjacent cafe and shop, where heritage reproduction items, books, clothing, stickers and CDs may be purchased.

A small admission fee is charged for entry to the Heritage Area - pensioner/senior's concession is $7.20.

There are two main walking/cycling tracks on the Island, which start at the Centre - the Long Point Loop and the Island Loop. There is no charge for using these Tracks. Grant’s monument is next to the junction of these Tracks.

The Island is reached from the turn-off north of Phillip Island Road, 1km west of the Newhaven Bridge, near the Chocolate Factory!. A bridge allows unlimited access from 10 am - 4.30 pm. Distance from Melbourne is about 120 km.

I visited the Island on May 4, 2009 - see the full set of Photos of the Heritage Area. I have another Album showing images of the scenery along the 4 km North Point Walking Track, at

http://worldisround.com/articles/353110/index.html

Comprehensive information about the Island is at

http://www.churchillisland.org.au

Point Leo to Merricks Coastal Walk

Point Leo is a small settlement on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

It has excellent beaches, and extensive reefs are exposed at low tide.

I visited Pt Leo on Monday February 9, 2009, doing a 6 km (return) beachwalk from the car-park to Merricks Beach.

The tide was out, and the vast reefs were exposed.

The views were spectacular, north to Sandy Point, and east to Phillip Island.

Many seabirds were nearby, looking for fishes!

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Exploring Hastings - Westernport Bay

Hastings is a town about 60 km south of Melbourne, situated on an inlet on Westernport, a major port and important environmental area. Hastings has multiple marinas and is home to many recreational boating activities.

I visited Hastings on Tuesday April 13, 2009, exploring the historical jetty, the boat harbour, and the long walking track on the foreshore.

Many pelicans congregrate near the jetty, waiting for scraps of fish given to them from local fishermen, and the nearby Fresh Fish Shop!

Hastings is the starting point for the 26 km Westernport Walking/Cycling Trail which extends to Balnarring.

Other walking trails starting at Hastings include the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk, and the trails the nearby Warringine Park.

There were excellent views over the mangroves across the Hastings Bight towards Long Island and Long Point.

I also visited the Yaringa Marina and Boat Harbour, about 5 km to the north of Hastings.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Shoreham Beachwalk in early autumn

On Good Friday, April 10, 2009, I went down to the Shoreham Beach, about 70 km SE of Melbourne, on the Westernport Coast.

My visit was mainly a 4 km (return) beachwalk NE towards Pt Leo, which included an exploration of the large reef.

There was interesting boating action nearby - the views towards Phillip Island about 10 km distant were excellent, with the Nobbies clearly visible.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

To see a regional map centred on Shoreham, please visit
http://bonzle.com/c/a?a=sm&v=OXDTG7MLMA1I

Exploring Warneet, Westernport Coast

Warneet is a village about 50km southeast of Melbourne. on the north of Westernport Bay.

With a population of around 460, Warneet is one of the smaller towns in Australia, and is at an altitude of about 9m above sea level.

It's popular for fishing and boating, and is located on the Rutherford Inlet. On the opposite bank is the village of Cannon's Creek.

Several interesting walking tracks start at the South Jetty, around the inlet and through extensive mangrove wetlands.

I visited Warneet on April 5, 2009, and explored the Main Walking Track (from South Jetty to North Jetty), and the interesting Mangroves Walking Track, a total distance of about 4 km.

See the full set of Photos of my visit

Spring Creek Cove - Flinders Coast

Spring Creek Cove is a little known 2 km (return) walking destination west of Flinders Ocean Beach, west of Flinders township, 90 km SE of Melbourne.

It is reached from a car park at the end of King St, near the Golf Course.

The track descends through tall pines to a cleared area, then to the Cove, via wooden steps.
Spring Creek enters the ocean here, at the bottom of the cliffs.

The Cove consists of a secluded beach and grey stones.

There are good views from the cliff top towards the West Head, Phillip Island, and the nearby Ocean Beach.

My visit was on Monday March 30, 2009, which included a visit to the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and Ocean Beach, and the Flinders Jetty.

See the full set of Photos of this trip.

Balnarring Beach - Kitesurfing and Boats

Balranning Beach is about 70 km SE of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

It's popular for sheltered swimming, small boats, sailing, kitesurfing, beachwalking and low-tide reef exploring.

Kitesurfing is a surface water sport that uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (similar to a wakeboard).

I visited the Beach on March 22, 2009, a very windy day, with kitesurfers and small boats active.

I walked about 6 km (return) along the beach to Somers Beach, with a side trip into the adjacent extensive Coolart Wetlands Sanctuary, Homestead and Lagoons.

Coolart is separated from the Beach by the scenic Merricks Creek, reached by an interesting suspension bridge.

The region was first settled in the 1830s, and Coolert has a rich history.

The original inhabitants of Coolart were the Bunurong tribe of Aborigines and it is from the word "Colourt" or "Callert" - their name for nearby Sandy Point - that the present name of Coolart is derived.

In 1895, Frederick Sheppard Grimwade bought the estate and built the imposing homestead as the family's country retreat. Between 1907 and 1937 Coolart was held at different times by Thomas Armstrong, James Balmain and John Sylvester Feehan. The late Tom Luxton purchased the property in 1937 and immediately had the property declared a sanctuary for native wildlife and embarked upon a program of habitat development. The 87 hectare nucleus of the Coolart area was purchased by the Victorian State Government in 1977 and it was proclaimed as a reserve for "Conservation and Education Purposes".

For information about Coolert, please see

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/22_2144.pdf

See my complete set of Photos

Lang Lang Coastal Walk - Westernport Marine National Park

Lang Lang is a small country town with a population of over 1,000, located 90 km South East of Melbourne, along the South Gippsland Highway.

The district was first settled in 1839.

Nearby is the Lang Lang Foreshore, a 4 km strip of coastline on Westernport Bay, reached from the Highway along Jetty Lane.

At low tide, an immense mudflats area is exposed, the habitat of many waterbirds and sea creatures.

These mudflats are an important feature of the amazing ecology of the Bay, part of the Westernport Marine National Park.

The Foreshore area is a camping area. Nearby are rows of quaint little boatsheds and small permanent caravans and cabins next to the beach. Part of this area is classified as a Heritage Overlay, specified as "typical of a 1950s style coastal resort". The land is owned by the Crown, and private individuals take out licences for the sheds.

No alterations of any kind may be made to the sheds or other structures without Council approval.

Erosion is a continuing problem, and various trials have been made in attempts to limit the effects. This included the placement of a tall wooden poles on the beach near the boatsheds, and old tyres on posts (at the extreme north of the beach).

There is a stone seawall, information boards, and a boat ramp.

The mangrove population has disappeared, and new plantings have not been successful.

The old jetty was demolished in 2007.

The Foreshore Committee of Management carries out maintenance and upkeep, supported by Government grants, revenue from camping fees, with the assistance of DSE, the local Council, and Parks Victoria.

My visit to this interesting beach was on March 20, 2009, where I did a 6 km coastal walk (return). This took me north to near the mouth of the Lang Lang River, and south to Red Bluff.

The tide was out - there were good views across the Bay towards the French Island National Park and north towards Tooradin.

For further information, see
http://www.langlangboatsheds.org.au

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

Coastal Walk at Point Leo, Westernport Bay

I visited the Point Leo Coastal Reserve on Westernport Bay on March 18, 2009.

Pt Leo is about 70 km SE of Melbourne, and offers surfing, safe swimming, boating, fishing, water birds, glorious coastal views, a camping ground, general store, walking tracks, and rock-pool exploring.

At low tide, vast reefs are exposed, where many exciting and interesting sea creatures may be observed.

There are excellent views of the coastline from the lookout at Crunchie's Point, just above the Boat Club. On this occasion, Phillip Island and the Nobbies/Seal Rocks were clearly visible across Westernport Bay 11 km to the east. The West Head at Flinders, was also prominent to the south-west.

My visit included a 4 km return beachwalk north-east towards Merricks Beach.

See the full set of Photos of my visit!

The Blowhole - Flinders Coastline

The Blow Hole is a spectacular natural rock formation, on the Flinders Coastline, 90 km south of Melbourne.

The access road is about 1 km west of Flinders township.

I visited the Blow Hole on March 13, 2009, descending the long wooden staircase to the rocks, along the beach to the east head, and along the top of the rugged west cliff.

These images were taken on a hot, humid and partly overcast day!

Yes, the summer beach kit needed!

See the complete set of Photos of my trip!

Balnarring Beach - Coastal Walk

Balnarring Beach is located on the northern section of Westernport Bay, about 60 km SW of Melbourne.

At low tide, a magnificent reef is exposed, with crabs and fishes galore!

The wide sandy beach is a 2 km strip, extending past the Coolart Wetlands. It is not a surf beach!

Its calm waters are excellent for swimming, paddling, snorkelling, canoes, kayaks, yachts, and catamarans.

I visited this excellent beach on March 11, 2009, and walked the 4 km (return) route westerly along the sand towards Pt Leo and back.

There were fine views across Westernport Bay towards Phillip Island.

See the full set of Photos of my trip

Somers Coastline and Beachwalk

Somers is a small coastal settlement 75 km SE of Melbourne, on the west side of Westernport Bay.

It is reached from the Frankston-Flinders Rd, to Balnarring, then along Sandy Point Rd, leading to the General Store at Somers Beach.

Two interesting short walking tracks start at the upper level car park - these are Koala Walk and Sheoak Walk, which are described on a large map board.

Sheoak Walk passes through bushland and its eastern end is on the beach. It is possible to walk all the way easterly from this point along the beach to Sandy Point, a return trip of about 12 km, ending at the high security fence surrounding HMAS Cerberus, the RAN naval facility.

I visited Somers Beach on March 1, 2009, completing the Koala and Sheoak Walks, as well as the beach walk extension towards Sandy Point, about 5 km in total.

From the viewpoint on Sheoak Walk, there are good views across the Bay to Phillip Island, about 12 km direct, with The Nobbies and Seal Rocks clearly visible.

On this day, groups of dolphins had come to about 20 m from the beach in search of fish!

See the full set of Photos of my trip, and the dolphins!

Tooradin Coast Walk - Westernport Bay

Tooradin is a small settlement about 85 km SE of Melbourne, on the South Gippsland Highway, in the northern part of Westernport Bay.

The Foreshore Reserve includes the Historical Fishermen's Cottage Museum, a picnic ground, car park, boat launching ramp, harbour, a fresh fish shop, and many pelicans!

A commercial operator "Tidemaster Tours" offers cruises on the Bay.

There are good views across the Bay to French Island National Park.

I visited Tooradin on February 28, 2009, meeting the pelicans, on a 2 km walk around the Foreshore.

See the full set of Photos of my trip to meet the pelicans!

Exploring the Shoreham Reefs, Westernport Coast

The vast Shoreham Reefs, Westernport Coast, are exposed at low tide, and extend from Shoreham Beach southerly to a point near the town of Flinders.

They are popular with beachwalkers!

Shorteham is a small community on Westernport Bay, about 80 km south of Melbourne, and is reached from the Westernport Highway, through Hastings, then on the Frankston-Flinders Rd.

I visited the Reefs on February 19, 2009, completing a 6 km (return) coastal walk.

See the full set of Photos of my trip

Gurdies Bushland Reserve and Lookout

The Gurdies, represents some of the largest remaining areas of native vegetation on the eastern shore of Western Port and covers an area of about 260 hectares.

In 1798, Western Port and Bass Strait were discovered by George Bass and a volunteer crew, who sailed and rowed from Port Jackson in an open whaleboat. Many features of the local area have been named after George Bass, such as the Bass Highway, the township of Bass, the Bass Ranges and the Bass River. During the 1800s Western Port was a very busy harbour and areas such as Corinella and Grantville were settled. Also during the 1800s, many of the grand eucalypts of the ranges such as Messmate and Bluegum (some 70 metres in height), were felled and used in the construction of wharves, railway bridges and railway lines.

In 1977, the Gurdies bushland area was recognised as significant in terms of its flora and fauna values and in 1992 the area was was proclaimed a Flora and Fauna Reserve.

The main entrance to the Reserve is at the car park, picnic area, and information kiosk, located on the Bass Highway, about 80 km SE of Melbourne, 12 km south-east of its intersection with the South Gippsland Highway.

The signposted walk starts here, initially passing through bushland, then joining a wide management track. This track is followed up a gentle gradient, through regrowth forest, eventually reaching the Lookout picnic area, adjacent to cleared private property at the end of Dunbabbar Rd.

There is a spectacular view across Westernport, and an information board describes the history of Westernport.

There is a rise in altitude from 41 m to 123 m.

The return descent to the car park is along the same route - a side trip can be made to the nearby quarry if desired.

There are several other tracks in the Reserve, offering alternative routes to and from the Bass Highway - these are well signposted with distances shown.

Nearby is the settlement of Grantville, and a visit to the jetty is worthwhile, just off the Bass Highway, with good views across Westernport to French Island and the mountains to the north.

My visit was on February 14, 2009 - walking distance was about 5 km total.

For further information, see the Track Notes/Map from Parks Victoria, at
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_2304.pdf

See the full set of Photos of my trip

Point Leo Coastal Walk

Point Leo is a small settlement on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne. It has an excellent surf beach, and extensive reefs are exposed at low tide.

I visited Pt Leo on Monday February 9, 2009, doing a 5 km (return) beachwalk from the car-park.

As it was a weekday, and temperature was down to about 19 degrees, there wasn't much activity there, apart from a school group trying out their cricketing skills on the beach!

I passed an echidna, a resident of the nearby bushland, on the access track to the beach on the sand dunes!

See the full set of Photos!