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Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure

The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne.

By news@gippsland - 18th September 2025 - Back to News

Hiking the George Bass Coastal Walk is like entering a magical landscape from your favourite fantasy novel. And you are the star. This stunning route follows dramatic sea-worn edges of the Bass Coast between San Remo and Kilcunda. Watch brooding seascapes as powerful surf explodes against rocky headlands and discover secret sandy coves as you weave the clifftops, surrounded by hyper-green countryside.

Hike the George Bass Coastal Walk between San Remo and Kilcunda, enjoying dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, lush countryside, and stunning Bass Coast seascapes

Hike the George Bass Coastal Walk between San Remo and Kilcunda, enjoying dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, lush countryside, and stunning Bass Coast seascapes

The George Bass Coastal Walk is located just over 1.5 hours' drive from Melbourne. Head towards Phillip Island, turning off onto Punch Bowl Rd just before you reach San Remo. There's a car park where the road meets the ocean.

George Bass coastal walk

Wander uphill and down Dale on this 2-hour/7km walk each way (4 hours return) between San Remo and Kilcunda. The walk hugs the coastal curves from a spectacular height. It's Gippsland's own Cliffs of Dover, giving you front row glimpses of the showstopping views, dramatic coastline, winding gullies and verdant farmland.

Bring your pooch for company along the trail - dogs are welcome on-lead. If you visit between May and November, you might be lucky enough to spot whales on their annual journey. The towering clifftops make a fine vantage point to look down on the deep blue ocean below. Don't forget to pack binoculars, so you can marvel in this extraordinary experience.

The walk continues on past bucolic countryside with lazily grazing cows, and perhaps a mob of kangaroos or two. The trail includes access to a secluded beach - think vast stretches of golden sand, with towering clifftops in the background. Finish up in the relaxed beach town of Kilcunda, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest exploring the bite-sized town's cafes, produce stores and perhaps a decadent pub lunch.

Hike the 7km George Bass Coastal Walk from Anderson to Kilcunda, enjoy dramatic cliffs, wildlife, whale spotting, secluded beaches, and charming town cafes

Hike the 7km George Bass Coastal Walk from Anderson to Kilcunda, enjoy dramatic cliffs, wildlife, whale spotting, secluded beaches, and charming town cafes

Things to do nearby

  • Don't miss a hearty lunch at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, a beloved local watering hole. If you're after a hit of caffeine or thoughtful brunch, get to KGS Kilcunda
  • Pop into The Sticks, a collection of artist and produce hubs, where you can support local creators and stock up for home. Udder & Hoe has you covered for leafy greens and organic veg, plenty of pantry items and makes a cosy nook to enjoy a glass of wine or afternoon tea. It's a short walk from the shops to the Kilcunda Trestle Bridge, but well worth the visit to marvel at the historic structure, and duck underneath to access the beach where you can scour rock pools and explore a sea cave
  • In Kilcunda you will find connections to Victoria's only coastal rail trail, Bass Coast Rail Trail. Hop on your bike and travel along this historic route for jaw-dropping scenery
  • Kilcunda is just a hop, skip and a jump away from beloved Phillip Island. World-famous for its penguin parade, there are plenty of popular beaches and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, as well as a thriving cafe culture

Explore Kilcunda: Coastal Rail Trail, Historic Trestle Bridge, Local Cafes, Art Hubs, Beaches, Wildlife, and Scenic Phillip Island Adventures

Explore Kilcunda: Coastal Rail Trail, Historic Trestle Bridge, Local Cafes, Art Hubs, Beaches, Wildlife, and Scenic Phillip Island Adventures

Your getaway itinerary awaits

Day 1

Kick your day off from San Remo, soaking in the beach town atmosphere and fuel up for the hike. Get to Sanny Side for excellent coffee and a simple range of bagels and toasties, or Saint Jules for a fuller brunch menu, baked goods and pantry items.

Head off on the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk, aiming to reach Kilcunda in time for lunch. Stop in at KGS Kilcunda for a delicious meal after your long walk. This charming place is a triple threat, as a cafe, post office and general store - expect classic brunch fare, made with fresh local produce and a relaxed, seaside flare.

Follow your tasty lunch with a stroll through Kilcunda's shops. At futuristic The Sticks you will find Art by Safina, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist, and By Georgia, a handmade jewellery wonderland. Stock up on pantry items and fresh produce at Udder & Hoe.

Start in San Remo with coffee, hike the George Bass Coastal Walk to Kilcunda, enjoy lunch, explore shops, then overnight and pub dinner

Start in San Remo with coffee, hike the George Bass Coastal Walk to Kilcunda, enjoy lunch, explore shops, then overnight and pub dinner

After your stroll through Kilcunda, it's time for the walk back to San Remo - but don't worry, you'll be back. Weave along the clifftops back to your car, making sure you take the time to enjoy the spectacular views on this magical walk.

Drive back from San Remo to Kilcunda, where you will stay for the night. Indulge in a classic pub dinner at the Kilcunda Hotel - we're talking calamari, parmas, and plenty of chips. If you're here in winter, you can cosy up by the fire, or if you're visiting in the summertime, sit outside and bask in the sunset glow.

Bike the Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda, enjoy scenic cliffs, local cuisine, and overnight stays in Inverloch

Bike the Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda, enjoy scenic cliffs, local cuisine, and overnight stays in Inverloch

Day 2

After a coffee first thing from KGS, hit the road and wind your way over to Wonthaggi, to park your car. Unload the bikes and ride the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Wind through bucolic hills, taking in the staggering sea cliffs and vivid blue sea. You'll take in the stunning Kilcunda Trestle Bridge on this coastal ride, and when you get there, you'll know that lunch is just around the corner.

Stop for lunch in Kilcunda, this time sampling the Italian-inspired menu at Udder and Hoe. The local produce shines in such delicious dishes as the ortolana bowl and colazione roll. After a tasty lunch, ride back to Wonthaggi to collect your car, before driving to Inverloch to stay the night. Finish off the day with a pub dinner at the Invy Espy Hotel or sushi and sake at Tomo's Japanese Inverloch.

Begin in Inverloch cafes, enjoy a beach stroll, then savor lunch and wine at Dirty Three Wines or Harman's Cellar Door

Begin in Inverloch cafes, enjoy a beach stroll, then savor lunch and wine at Dirty Three Wines or Harman's Cellar Door

Day 3

Start the morning with breakfast from one of Inverloch's many fantastic cafes. Try Bluette on Bear, The Local, Silky Inverloch or The Larder, before belying it to the beach for a relaxing stroll. Head to Dirty Three Wines for lunch over chardonnay and pinot noir, or visit Harman's Cellar Door for a snifter and full lunch menu, and perhaps some classic lawn games.

Bike the Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda, enjoy scenic cliffs, local cuisine, and overnight stays in Inverloch

Bike the Bass Coast Rail Trail from Wonthaggi to Kilcunda, enjoy scenic cliffs, local cuisine, and overnight stays in Inverloch

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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