Fingal Beach Walk Via Fingal Track (Cape Schanck)

The 4km return Fingal Beach Walk follows the scenic Fingal Track through the southern section of the Mornington Peninsula National Park to one of the peninsula's most secluded ocean beaches.

The starting point is the Fingal Picnic Area. On the left, as you enter there is the 1st carpark area with a picnic table. This is the best place to start the walk because it passes two lookout points while starting the walk from other points in the picnic area only passes one lookout point.

The road continues 250m to the second carpark which has an alternative starting point to the walk and 350m to a picnic area with toilets, water tap, tables and BBQs.

Starting from Fingal Picnic Area, the track winds through coastal heath before descending to the spectacular Fingal Beach, where towering basalt cliffs, rock platforms and the wild coastline of Bass Strait create a breathtaking setting.

Fingal Beach Walk Via Fingal Track (Cape Schanck)

Fingal Beach Walk Via Fingal Track (Cape Schanck)

The walk also passes Fingal Lookout, offering sweeping coastal views before continuing down to the beach. Although relatively short, the steep descent and return climb make this a moderately challenging walk.

Fingal Beach Walk Via Fingal Track (Cape Schanck)

Route Description

Fingal Picnic Area has a large car park, public toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and water tap. From Fingal Picnic Area, follow the clearly signed Fingal Track towards Fingal Beach. The first section passes through attractive coastal heath before reaching Fingal Lookout, where panoramic views stretch along the rugged Bass Strait coastline.

Beyond the lookout, the track descends via sandy paths and steps to Fingal Beach. Here you'll discover a beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by towering volcanic cliffs. At low tide, extensive rock platforms and rock pools are revealed, making this the ideal time to explore the shoreline.

After enjoying the beach, return to Fingal Picnic Area via the same route.

Other Walks from Fingal Picnic Area

Walks from Fingal Picnic Area include Fingal lookout (600m one-way), Loop Return (1.8km), Fingal Beach (2km one-way), Cape Schanck (2.4km one-way) and Gunnamatta beach (5.4km one-way).

Best Time to Visit

The beach is best visited at low tide, when the rock platforms, rock pools and wider sandy beach are exposed. At high tide, much of the beach can disappear beneath the waves, making exploration more difficult.

Before setting out, check the latest tide times.

Location:

The entrance to the Fingal Picnic Area is located opposite 255 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are not permitted. There are also prohibitions for horses, motorbikes, bicycles, camping and fires.

Review:

A really nice walk which passes two lookout points and has a challenging walk to the beach with 434 steps!

Fingal Beach Walk Via Fingal Track (Cape Schanck)

Along the tracks there are different coloured arrows showing different routes but these are quite confusing and we chose to ignore them. Initially the track passes through a lovely arch of trees. You then reach a track to Cape Schanck on the left. Continue straight ahead following sign to Gunnamatta. You will soon reach a little wooden lookout with views of the coast.

You then come to another intersection with a branch back to the picnic area. The sign reads "Short cut to Pines Picnic Area". This would actually be the 2nd carpark at the Fingal Picnic Area.

The next point is a little detour to Lookout Point which has another little wooden platform with nice views of the coast. Return back to the main track.

The next intersection is the final section to Fingal Beach (0.8km and 434 steps) while the track continues onto Gunnamatta (4.4km). The steps lead through beautifully gnarled and twisted trees and pass a seat where you have views across the beach below. The shoreline is an interesting place to explore with black, brown and white coloured rocks, cuttlefish, puffer fish remains, sculptured seaweed and rock pools at low tide.

We did the walk during winter and there were some nice fungi and bright green mossy banks to be found beside the track.