OUR FIRST OFFICIAL WANDER HIKE! Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay & Pulpit Rock Adventure 🥾

Come and explore one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline on the Mornington Peninsula.

Starting at Cape Schanck, we’ll walk through coastal bushland towards beautiful Bushrangers Bay, before exploring the spectacular landscape around Pulpit Rock and Cape Schanck. But this walk is about more than just the views.

This part of the Mornington Peninsula has a fascinating geological story, shaped by volcanic activity, powerful ocean forces and millions of years of erosion. Along the way we’ll take some time to notice the landscape around us — including the dark basalt cliffs surrounding Bushrangers Bay and the extraordinary rock formations at Cape Schanck.

🥾 Hike Details

📍 Location: Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula National Park 📅 Date: Saturday 22 August 2026 🥾 Distance: Approximately 10 km ⏱️ Walking time: Approximately 3 hours ⭐ Difficulty: Easy–Moderate 👥 Group: Small hosted group

🌋 What Makes This Walk Special?

Cape Schanck is one of the most geologically interesting sections of the Mornington Peninsula coastline. Pulpit Rock is one of its most recognisable features — a dramatic offshore rock formation created through ancient volcanic and geological processes and gradually sculpted by the relentless waves and winds of Bass Strait.

At Bushrangers Bay, the sandy beach sits between striking dark basalt cliffs, creating one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes on the Peninsula. We’ll also be walking near the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in 1859 from local stone and standing above this wild coastline for more than 160 years. Rather than simply walking past these places, we’ll stop occasionally to look at what we’re seeing and talk about some of the natural and geological history that created the landscape.

And, of course, there will still be plenty of time for photos, conversation and simply enjoying the coast. 🌊

🌿 A Social Hike

You’re very welcome to come on your own — many people do.

We’ll walk at a comfortable social pace with breaks along the way. There are hills, stairs and sections of uneven ground, so participants should have a reasonable level of general fitness and be comfortable walking approximately 10 km.

The focus is on getting outdoors, discovering somewhere interesting and sharing the experience with a great group of people.

🎒 What to Bring

Please bring:

• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
• Water
• Snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Rain jacket
• Hat and sunscreen
• Small backpackCoastal weather can change quickly, so please check the forecast before leaving home and come prepared for the conditions.

Supporting Parks Victoria 🌿

Wander with Luisa is a licensed Parks Victoria tour operator.

As part of operating commercially on Parks Victoria-managed land, $2.80 from every ticket sold for this event is paid to Parks Victoria, contributing to the management and care of the park and the land we’re enjoying.

So your booking doesn't just get you out exploring — it also contributes a little towards looking after these incredible places for the future.

Come for the hike. Leave knowing a little more about the landscape you just walked through. 🌊🌋🥾