Explore
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Perched atop dramatic cliffs, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse has ensured the safe passage of ships since 1859. Join a guided tour and hear the fascinating stories of the light keepers. Book a tour with a local operator and climb the Lighthouse sandstone steps up to the still functioning lamp room for spectacular views over the Southern Peninsula and Bass Strait.
Cape Schanck offers stunning landscapes, the mystery of dramatic volcanic features, unspoilt and wild beaches and scenic walking tracks with spectacular ocean views. It is also a site of rich European history, identified by the heritage listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct.
Follow the walking track from the carpark towards the Cape. This short circuit walk takes visitors to the start of the wooden staircase and boardwalk which descends to the beach and rock platform. Several lookouts have spectacular views over the geological formations, such as Pulpit Rock and the Devils Desk, both formed through volcanic and geological movement over millions of years. Please take care and remain vigilant on the rock platform, large unexpected waves may wash across the rocks.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct includes the heritage listed lighthouse, museum and former lighthouse keeper's residence. The buildings were constructed from 1859 and are an excellent example of the architecture of the day.
The 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track departs east from the carpark, providing some of the best coastal scenery within a day's drive from Melbourne.
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area provides a number of scenic viewing platforms, picnic tables and toilet facilities. No drinking water is available at this location.
Things To Do
Bushrangers Bay
Fingal Picnic Area
Gunnamatta Ocean Beach
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Tread lightly, to spot the beautiful native orchids that pop up along the trails in spring. Several lookouts provide views of Pulpit Rock and the Devil's Desk, created by volcanic activity over millions of years.
Cape Schanck is a popular whale watching spot as they migrate through Bass Strait, where numerous lookout points provide spectacular views. This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Need to know
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Cape Schanck carpark has access to an all abilities toilet and picnic areas. Entry into the lighthouse reserve is via a wheelchair accessible path from the adjacent carpark. The lighthouse reserve is open to pedestrian access every day, 6am-6pm.
To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the all-abilities access and experiences on offer at Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve Parks Victoria has released a video - produced and narrated by accessibility advocate Ryan Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
Although beautiful, Cape Schanck is home to a number of dangerous swimming beaches. Swimming is not recommended and hazardous due to strong rips and large waves. The beaches in the surrounding area are unpatrolled, remote, poor mobile reception and have limited access. The closest patrolled beach is at Gunnamatta, serviced in summer by the Surf Life Saving Club.
Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. See our water safety page and follow safety precautions around water to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
Enjoy exploring the area but please keep to the tracks to limit erosion and minimise damage to the fragile coastal vegetation.
How we keep it special
We aim to ensure that our valued parks, and the natural assets and cultural heritage they hold, can be enjoyed now and by future generations.