A short timber boardwalk to a dramatic clifftop viewing platform beside the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, overlooking rock stacks and Bass Strait surf at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula.
The Cape Schanck Boardwalk begins at the car park on Cape Schanck Road within Mornington Peninsula National Park, about 1 hour 15 minutes south of Melbourne's CBD via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Parking is free at the car park near the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. No permit is required.
The boardwalk covers a short 1.6 kilometres return and takes just 45 minutes to an hour, with around 60 metres of elevation change as the timber boardwalk and steps descend from the car park down to the clifftop viewing platform. The walk is graded easy: it is short and well-formed, though the descent and return climb involve a number of steps.
The path is entirely timber boardwalk and stairs, with no shade at all, since the walk crosses open, wind-exposed clifftop heathland typical of the Mornington Peninsula's ocean side. Conditions can be blustery even on otherwise calm days, particularly in winter.
The main landmark is the viewing platform itself, positioned near the base of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse with views over dramatic rock stacks and the Bass Strait swell breaking against the cliffs. The platform is the natural end point and turn-around for the walk; there is no further track beyond it.
There is no water source on the boardwalk; the car park area has toilets, and a kiosk operates near the lighthouse precinct with light refreshments, but nothing along the boardwalk itself.
| Distance | 1.6km return |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Car only, about 1 hour 15 minutes south of the CBD via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway |
| Best season | Year-round; can be windy and exposed in winter |
| Address | Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mornington Peninsula National Park, Cape Schanck
What to bring
Walking shoes, windproof jacket
Location
Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939
-38.4667, 144.8889 View on map
Highlights
- Dramatic clifftop viewing platform beside Cape Schanck Lighthouse
- Views of rock stacks and Bass Strait surf
- Short, well-formed timber boardwalk suitable for most visitors
- Photogenic sunset and sunrise vantage point
Tips for visiting
- Bring a windproof jacket; the exposed clifftop can be blustery even in calm weather
- Visit near sunset for dramatic lighting over the rock stacks, but check wind conditions first
- The boardwalk includes steps, so allow extra time if mobility is limited
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct
When to visit
Pleasant year-round, though winter brings stronger winds; late afternoon offers the best light over the rock stacks.
Accessibility
The route includes timber steps down to the viewing platform, so it is not fully wheelchair-accessible, though the boardwalk itself is stroller-friendly for those able to manage the steps or with assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cape Schanck Boardwalk take?
Most visitors complete the 1.6 kilometre return walk in 45 minutes to an hour, including time at the viewing platform.
Is the boardwalk suitable for all fitness levels?
The boardwalk is short and well-formed but includes a number of steps, so it may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
A kiosk operates near the Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct with light refreshments, though nothing is available on the boardwalk itself.
Is it windy at Cape Schanck?
Yes, the exposed clifftop location is often windy, so a windproof layer is recommended even in mild weather.