George Bass Coastal Track

Experience the beauty of the Punchbowl Coastal Reserve on the George Bass Coastal Track. Starting from the parking area at the end of Punch Bowl Road, this one-way walk takes you from San Remo to Kilcunda via the George Bass Coastal Walk track. Experience breathtaking coastal scenery and a great show of wildlife along this iconic walk. Named after explorer George Bass, this track follows the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, tracing his historic voyage of discovery over two centuries ago. Take in sweeping views along the clifftops as you embark on this memorable journey, and take advantage of the opportunity to explore the beach, dunes, and rock pools along the way. The George Bass Coastal Walk seamlessly connects with the Bass Coast Rail Trail as well, allowing you to extend your adventure all the way to the heart of Wonthaggi. You can also take a break at the Kilcunda General Store cafe or admire the SightLines Sculpture artwork. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, except for the designated off-leash beach area in Kilcunda. Ensure you have a moderate level of fitness, and exercise caution when the ground is wet to avoid slipping on loose surfaces. Be on the lookout for strong currents and rips if you decide to take a dip. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of George Bass Coastal Walk & Punch Bowl Road (-38.5360262,145.4070043)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Bass Highway, B460, Anderson. Turn on to Phillip Island Road, C439 then drive for 1.7 km Turn left onto Philip Island Road, B420 and drive for another 1.9 km Turn left onto Punch Bowl Road and drive for another 1.5 km
Finish	From the Bass Highway (-38.5501376,145.4767276)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the parking area at the end of Punch Bowl Rd, San Remo this walk follows the "George Bass Coastal Walk" signpost around the gate and along the gravel trail towards the coast. The track veers left and you follow the coast keeping the ocean to your right.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of George Bass Coastal Walk & Punch Bowl Road Start heading along George Bass Coastal Walk (a footpath).
	After 85 m come to the viewpoint (65 m on your right). From the George Bass Coastal Walk veer left, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 2.2 km (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A moderately rough track side trip down the remote beach, Punchbowl. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 6 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 1.4 km cross the ford. After another 140 m head up the steps (about 15 m long) After another 30 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip down to beach, number 9. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 315 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A side trip to another remote secluded beach. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 500 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 1.5 km (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 25 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 155 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 180 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) turn right, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 185 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) veer left, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. Then come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right). After another 105 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
	After another 35 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) veer left, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. Then come to the viewpoint (25 m on your right). After another 40 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 220 m come to the viewpoint.
	After another 325 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 250 m to find the car park.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Shelly Beach. Involves steps. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. From the George Bass Coastal Walk veer left, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 15 m (from the George Bass Coastal Walk) continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk. After another 345 m pass the sign (on your left). From the George Bass Coastal Walk continue straight, to head along George Bass Coastal Walk.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Bass Coast Rail Trail & George Bass Coastal Walk) turn right, to head along Bass Coast Rail Trail (a highway\|cycleway). After another 45 m pass the "SightLines Sculpture" (25 m on your left). After another 105 m (from the Bass Coast Rail Trail) continue straight, to head along Bass Coast Rail Trail.
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Bass Coast Rail Trail & Wonthaggi Railway Line) turn left (a footpath). After another 7 m pass the water tap (on your right). About 25 m past the end is a car park. About 30 m past the end is a pay phone. About 45 m past the end is "Kilcunda General Store". Continue another 0 m to find from the Bass Highway at the end.

A moderately rough track side trip down the remote beach, Punchbowl.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the George Bass Coastal Walk Start (a walking track).
	After another 290 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 290 m to the main route.

A side trip to another remote secluded beach.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the George Bass Coastal Walk Start (a footpath).
	After another 135 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 135 m to the main route.

Side trip down to beach, number 9.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the George Bass Coastal Walk Start (a walking track).
	After another 160 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 160 m to the main route.

An optional side trip taking you to Shelly Beach. Involves steps.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the George Bass Coastal Walk Start (a walking track). After another 15 m head down the wooden steps (about 85 m long)
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 100 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

George Bass Coastal Track

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	8.2 km
Time	2 h 30 min to 4 h

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (2/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track
Get more information
| George Bass Coastal Walk - Visit Gippsland | Guide to the George Bass Coastal Walk in South Gippsland - Beyond Wild Places | George Bass Coastal Walk - Bass Coast Shire Council
Videos

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Rhyll Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 26 April
  
  21°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, becoming less likely late this afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm about the ranges. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the morning. Daytime maximum temperatures between 17 and 21.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:40am to 2:10pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 27 April
  
  15°C → 19°C
  Cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 19.
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  14°C → 20°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 19.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  14°C → 18°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 17.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  12°C → 17°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  12°C → 17°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  12°C → 19°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Parks Victoria Alerts
  When planning and before starting your trip please check Parks Victoria closure website for anything that may impact on your plans.

Weather Forecast

Alerts