Cape Liptrap Coastal Park (Walkerville)
Stretching along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park has strikingly beautiful scenery. The coastal park transforms from being a peaceful coastal area to wild, windy and awe inspiring in stormy weather. Whatever the season, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is worth exploring.
The small township and bustling port of Waratah (now Walkerville) operated from 1875 to 1926 to supply lime to the Melbourne building industry. Limestone mined from the cliffs was burnt with firewood in brick lined-kilns (resembling up-turned bottles) to produce quick lime. The lime was then bagged and hauled in tram carts along a 350 metre jetty which once stretched out into the bay to waiting ships.
Relics of the lime industry remain in the park including the ruins of the kilns in the cliffs at Walkerville South and the formation of tramways which were once used for hauling firewood to the kilns.
A lighthouse was established at Cape Liptrap in 1913 to improve the safety of coastal shipping. In 1951 the steel tower was dismantled and replaced with the current structure. The light is still in operation and has a range of 18 nautical miles (over 34 kilometres).
Things to see and do:
Walking See the walking map.1. Point Smythe Walk (6 km circuit, 2 hours) This circuit walk takes you through thick coastal vegetation and onto the beach at Point Smythe. The track is particularly sheltered on windy days.
2. Anderson Inlet Walk (2 km, 40 minutes one way) This track follows the southern edge of Anderson Inlet east to the carpark at Doyles Road. The track takes you along the intertidal mudflats where you can see a great variety of marine plants and animals including mangroves rich with bird life.
3. Walkerville Lime Burners Walk (750 metres, 15 minutes one way) This track links the north and south settlements of Walkerville through stands of Drooping She-oak, past cliffs and the ruins of lime kilns. A short side track leads to the historic Walkerville Cemetery.
4. Walkerville Overlook Walk (1.2 km, 45 minutes one way) This track links the caravan park at Walkerville North with the Prom View Estate. The track leads through coastal woodlands with a diverse understorey. A side track (700 metres) leads to a viewing platform overlooking Waratah Bay with the peaks of Wilsons Promontory as a backdrop.
Bald Hills Wetland Walk The meandering walking track from the carpark takes you through open woodlands and Paperbark thickets to a large shallow wetland. From the bird hide you will be rewarded with the sight of a variety of birdlife.
Other walks - A variety of coastal walks exist along the shoreline between Venus Bay and Waratah Bay. Short walks are also available at Bald Hills and Kings Flat Reserves.
The coast between Venus Bay and Walkerville is very rocky and access is very dependent on the tides.
Do not start a walk in this area any earlier than two hours before a low tide and aim to finish a walk no later than two hours after low tide. Tide times are the same as for Port Phillip Heads.
Fire access tracks can be used to explore extensive heathlands and woodlands of the sheltered gullies and hills behind Walkerville and Waratah Bay.
When walking always remember to wear a hat, sunscreen, shirt and sunglasses, to take plenty of drinking water, and to check tide times.
Swimming
The broad sandy ocean beaches of Venus Bay are popular for swimming and surfing. Swimmers must be careful as strong currents and rips occur along this section of the coast. Venus Bay No. 1 Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers during the summer months.
Beaches
Venus Bay: Enjoy wild ocean swells ripe for surfing and windsurfing. This vast surf beach stretches for 24km, flat and wide with golden sands. Beach No.1 is patrolled over the summer, swimmers can enjoy the ocean swells, or head around the spit to the calmer waters of Anderson Inlet, a favourite spot for boating and fishing.
Walkerville South: A little magic, a dash of heritage and a smattering of rock pools. The beautiful beach is great for swimming, especially with young kids, thanks to a protected bay with gentle waves.
The half-moon bay is bookended by rock formations, creating an abundance of rock pools and caves. Remnants of the historic lime kilns can be seen from a walk along the beach towards Walkerville North.
This beach was the inspiration for the classic children's book, Magic Beach, by Alison Lester.
Waratah Bay: A slice of paradise all to yourself. Without a major town servicing this patch of the coast, this pristine beach is steeped in serenity. The undiscovered gem boasts clear, shallow waters with some surf, and a vast, wide crescent of golden sand.
Camping
Camping is available in the park at Bear Gully where shady campsites are set right on the shore of Waratah Bay. Campers should be self-sufficient and bring their own firewood and drinking water. Advance booking and payment required year round. Camping facilities are also provided at caravan parks at Walkerville North and Waratah Bay.
Horseriding
Horseriding is permitted within the park on the intertidal area of beach below the high water mark between the ocean outfall pipeline and Arch Rock. Access to the beach is via the Five Mile Track. A permit is required, which is available from the Foster Office.
Fishing and boating
Recreational line fishing is popular from the beaches and rocks with the area offering a large variety of fish. Bait-up from the beach or the rocks along Walkerville's shoreline. A seafood dinner may be on the menu, thanks to an abundance of kingfish, snapper, trumpeter and parrotfish. You can also launch your boat from the beach at Walkerville. The sheltered waters of Anderson Inlet are home to a plentiful supply of flathead, salmon, whiting, mullet and trevally. For surf fishing, head to the waters of Venus Bay Beach.
Finding your way:
Cape Liptrap Coastal Park is 4,175 ha in size and situated 160 kilometres south east of Melbourne.
It is reached from the South Gippsland Highway at Leongatha or the Bass Highway from Inverloch.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted in the following areas of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park:
- Between Walkerville North and Walkerville South.
- Between Venus Bays No. 1 and No. 5 Beaches.
- Between Waratah Bay township and Cooks Creek.
Note: Photos from Parks Victoria
Location
Cape Liptrap Road, Walkerville 3956 Map
Web Links
→ Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
→ Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Park Note (Parks Victoria)
