Today we rode from Inverloch to Bunurong Marine National Park in Southern Gippsland.We have in the past explored some panoramic Bass Strait coastal (here). Today we explored one of the State of Victoria's thirteen Marine National Parks the 'Bunurong Marine coastal Reserve & National Park'. Regular readers would be aware of my dislike of cycling on roads or preference of staying away from cars.But today's ride along the coastal tourists route was one I've been looking forward to for some time. We did it midweek and thankfully traffic was light. The bike path along the esplanade is great and the numerous carparks & places to pull over to check out the scenery made for a great ride.
The Bunurong Marine National Park extends along approx 5 km of coastline on the Inverloch - Cape Paterson Rd, and extends offshore for approximately one kilometer. Thousands of dinosaur bones have been lifted from this area. The name "Bunurong" refers to the original Aboriginal occupants of the area.
On a previous visit to Holey Plains we rode from Harriers Swamp to Holey Hill Fire Lookout loop (Holey Hill blog here). This time we rode from "Harrier Swamp to Merriman Creek" picnic area, still enjoying the banksias & eucalypt forest.
Surface- Smooth gravel
Distance- 23.5 km (14.6 miles)
Time - 2:20:59
Total Climbing- 215m
Map My Ride Data here
We returned via Chessum Track and turned right along West Boundary Track (a flat ride until @2:53 on video)
To get to Harriers Swamp Campground from Rosedale head South 1.5k on the Willung Rd, turn left at 'State park' sign onto the Rosedale-Stradbroke Rd, travel about 6km , turn right onto gravel road at West Boundary Track sign, travel about 1km then turn left onto Long Ridge Track, that takes you to Harriers Swamp (camping ground on left & picnic area on right)
This park is well known to myself for the great MTB trails, but the Park also has some great walking trails.
Distance - 10 klm walk
Duration - 1 hr 47mins
Started from the Park Office car park along the Big Rock Walk, up to the granite rock peaks, then crossed over to the East-West Walk looping around & returning back down the Big Rock trail. Sadly the Flinders Peak steps track is still closed due to flood damage . More info on Park here
We started our ride at Rokeby (north of Warragul and well known as the first sprint of the Baw Baw Classic) The trail winds its way from Rokeby up to Neerim, following a cutting of a section of the old Warragul to Noojee rail line (1890-1958) The first 4km of trail passes through bushland of the Crossover Regional Park, and passes the original site of the Crossover station. The trail then deviates up and around the Crossover Trestle Bridge (restoration not complete) and, after receiving some much needed directions from local farmer, we continued up into Neerim (along the yet to be completed trail) The last section of trail follows the Main road and provides fantastic valley views of Mount Baw Baw and Bunyip State Forest.
It was my first ride for some time,
Ride details at Map my Ride
We accessed the 'George Bass Coastal Walk' from the railtrail opposite the Kilcunda pub on the Bass Highway, After 1hr 30mins along a slashed grass track for 9km on the cliff tops with spectacular panoramic views of Bass Strait, perpendicular bluffs, beautiful secluded beaches & wildlife, we arrived at the Punchbowl lookout platform, On the return to Kilcunda we stopped a while at the beach walk section. weather conditions were favourable for hiking but a little coolish to backpack beach towel and bathers (waters not recommended for swimming anyway)
(ps. George Bass was the first European explorer to sight the Victorian coastline in 1797)
Nothing more relaxing than cycling along beside water. As work took me to Melbourne on the weekend, I planned a bike ride along the Bay trail, but I must say if you're not riding solo, the fun of conversation is reduced by weekend crowds. Hence, I wasn't disappointed when we decided to investigate the Dandenong Creek Trail, with overcrowding not being an issue, it was a most enjoyable relaxing flat ride.
Distance- 27km Carrum to Dandenong (and return)
Surface- mostly smooth Gravel
song title on video- 'Here She Comes' by Skipping Girl Vinegar
(band named after my childhood love a Vinegar Sign with neon animated Skipping Girl)
