Portland - Nuns Beach Walk
The Nuns Beach Walk explores Portland's town beach and the coastline north of the Lee Breakwater. The usual route combines a walk along the wide sandy beach with a coastal track, Anderson Steps and the clifftop around the World War II Memorial Lookout and historic Portland Bay Lighthouse, now known as the Whalers Bluff Lighthouse.
From the beach, walk north along the sand towards the cliff face. The promoted route normally continues along a track below the cliffs to Anderson Steps. After climbing the steps, walkers can explore the area around the World War II Memorial Lookout before returning along the clifftop.
The walk also passes or provides access to several Portland landmarks, including:
- Nuns Beach
- Ploughed Field Playground
- Immigrant Wall
- Anderson Steps
- World War II Memorial Lookout
- Whalers Bluff Lighthouse
Current Track Closure:
As at September 2026, Anderson Point steps and the coastal path connecting Nuns Beach with Anderson Steps are closed because of significant erosion, deterioration of the slope and cliff instability.
Do not enter the closed coastal path or approach unstable cliffs. Until the route reopens, Nuns Beach can be explored as an out-and-back beach walk, subject to tides and local conditions. Check the Portland Cliffs Adaptation Plan and local closure signs before starting.
Distance and Time:
Distance: Variable while the connecting coastal path and Anderson Steps are closed.
Allow approximately 30-60 minutes for an out-and-back walk along the accessible section of Nuns Beach. The distance will depend on tides, beach conditions and the turnaround point.
Check the Portland tide times before walking along Nuns Beach.
Track Conditions:
The beach section consists of soft sand and may contain seaweed, rocks and washed-up debris. The complete promoted route normally includes an uneven coastal track, steep steps and clifftop paths.
The full walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Wear suitable footwear and take extra care after rain or during strong coastal winds.
Facilities:
- Car parking near Nuns Beach and the Ploughed Field
- Public toilets near the beach at 168 Bentinck Street
- Nearby playground at the Ploughed Field
- Interpretive plaques at the Immigrant Wall
- Coastal and Portland Bay views
Safety:
Check tide, weather and track conditions before visiting. Keep away from the base and edge of unstable cliffs and obey all barriers and closure signs.
Closely supervise children near the water, cliff edges and steps. Conditions can change quickly and waves may cover sections of the beach at high tide.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs must be kept on a leash in the Nuns Beach area between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm from 1 December until midnight on Easter Tuesday.
Outside these restricted times, dogs may be exercised off-leash at Nuns Beach provided they remain under effective control. Owners must carry a leash, remove dog waste and comply with signs and any temporary restrictions.
Check the current Glenelg Shire dog control information before visiting.
Opening Hours:
Nuns Beach is accessible at all times, subject to tides, weather and temporary closures.
The path connecting Nuns Beach with Anderson Steps and the Anderson Point steps are currently closed. Check current signs and the Portland Cliffs Adaptation Plan before attempting the walk.
Location
168 Bentinck Street, Portland 3305 View Map
Web Links
→ www.visitportland.com.au/nuns-beach-walk/
