Cape Paterson Foreshore Walk
Along the 1.4km return Cape Paterson Foreshore Track you'll encounter a variety of spectacular scenic clifftop lookouts, and views of the coastline. Wander down to the beach and cool off in Cape Paterson's iconic rock pools, and make sure you look for the 'swimming pool' near the boat ramp, blasted from rock platform by miners in 1910. If the tide is out the rock pool which is about 60cm deep will be exposed.
The cliff top part of the walk features two lookouts over Bass Coast.
The walk starts near the caravan park where there is a small car park overlooking the boat ramp. Find the start of the trail at the opposite (west) side of the car park. Toilets are located in the adjacent playground.
This location is named Cape Paterson Hut View. Hut View was named to celebrate the huts that historically stood along the coastline between Harmers Haven and Flat Rocks (Inverloch).
At Cape Paterson, 14 of approximately 100 huts were built after Wonthaggi and the State Coal Mine were established in 1909.
The huts were mainly constructed of materials 'acquired' from the mine, passing ships or driftwood washed up on the beach. They were built of iron, timber, flattened kerosene tins, hessian and any other useful materials.
From 1910, the huts served as weekenders and rough holiday accommodation. When mine workers were on strike, or unemployed, the huts became their permanent homes. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, whole families moved to the huts to survive, as fishing and hunting was plentiful.
In 1952, the 'squatters' were advised by the Lands Department that the huts were to be removed. The hut owners, led by Cecil Brown, appealed to the Government in an attempt to save the huts and their occupants from eviction. However, the huts were eventually demolished in 1956. Other huts at Eagles Nest/ Shack Bay were demolished in 1977.
Along the path a wooden staircase leads down to The Channel / Channel Beach which has a curved sandy beach fronted by a large expanse of rocky areas. This is a dog off leash area at certain times of the year.
Where the track ends at the Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club and First Surf car park there are toilets, water tap, unshaded table and beach showers.
- 1.4km return / 20 mins return
- Easy with gentle undulations
- Compacted gravel, boardwalk, soft sand
- Toilets at Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club and First Surf car park
- Parking located off Surf Beach Road (sealed)
- Designated Accessible Parking available
- Wheelchairs suitable for approximately 1km Surf Beach Rd to main track & between boat ramp and First Surf car parks
- Bicycles not permitted
- Picnic table/BBQ
Access for Dogs:
Dogs permitted on a lead (but not down onto the beaches 9am-6pm December to April)
Photos:
Location
44 Surf Beach Road, Cape Paterson 3995 Map
Web Links
→ Cape Paterson Clifftop Walk and Bay Beach (Walking Maps)
