Thunder Point Walk
This scenic walk offers a wonderful mix of coastline, wetlands, and wildlife, making it a perfect escape into nature.
The Thunder Point Walk is a beautiful coastal walk located near Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road. It offers sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and surrounding coastline, providing a stunning natural backdrop for those looking to enjoy a scenic and peaceful walk.
Highlights: Coastal views, rocky shorelines, river estuary, and abundant wildlife.
Full Walk Overview
Type of walk
Self Guided, Out & Back
Full Walk Length
4.2 km
Walk Grade
Grade 2 ⓘ
Breakwater - Stingray Bay
Start your journey at the Breakwater car park and head towards the peaceful Merri River estuary, leaving behind the bustle of the main beach. As you wander along the road, you’ll soon find yourself at the soft, white sands of Stingray Bay, a quiet spot nestled at the mouth of the Merri River. This tranquil bay, particularly stunning at low tide, is perfect for a swim or a relaxed picnic. Be mindful that during high tides, the bay may be submerged, so it’s best to stay on the road in those conditions.
From Stingray Bay, make your way across the footbridge that spans the Merri River. This will lead you into Thunder Point Coastal Reserve, a remarkable area characterised by weathered sandstone cliffs. Here, the coastline is sculpted into tiny bays, rockpools, and inlets, offering a fascinating landscape to explore. As you walk along the rocky clifftop, you’ll eventually reach a formalised walking track that takes you through coastal vegetation. This path will lead you to a small car park at Pickering Point, where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view.
Good To Know:
• Be mindful that during high tides, Stingray Bay may be submerged, so it’s best to stay on the road in those conditions.
• When you’re ready to return, simply retrace your steps. If you prefer a shorter return journey, you can arrange for a pick-up at any of the car parks along the way.
Stingray Bay - Pickering Point
At Pickering Point, take a moment to enjoy the stunning vista that stretches out before you. To your right, you’ll see the winding Merri River and Lady Bay. Directly ahead lies the serene South Warrnambool wetlands, while the rugged scrubland of Thunder Point lies to your left. Behind you, the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean completes the breathtaking scene.
Continue your walk by heading along the bitumen road for approximately 100m. Take the track on your left, which offers incredible views of the ocean and shoreline. In some sections, step access to the water allows you to explore the rockpools and formations that adorn the coast. After a short walk, the track will bring you to another small car park and road.
From here, turn left and follow the road through another car park. You’ll find a formalised track at the far end of Pickering Point, where you can continue your coastal wander. Along the way, the track winds through coastal vegetation, offering numerous lookout points where you can pause and take in the scenery.
As you continue, you’ll soon arrive at Shelly Beach, a beautiful spot famous for its abundance of seashells and rocky outcrops. This is where the track ends, and the open beach stretches out before you, inviting you to explore further if you wish.
Good To Know:
• Be mindful that during high tides, Stingray Bay may be submerged, so it’s best to stay on the road in those conditions.
• When you’re ready to return, simply retrace your steps. If you prefer a shorter return journey, you can arrange for a pick-up at any of the car parks along the way.
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