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Overview
The route starts in Melbourne CBD on Boxing Day and we make our way around Port Phillip Bay over 5 days. I attempted the section between Werribee and Geelong in 2014 but it proved to be a challenge and I discovered that there is no safe walking path for this section. So I will skip that section until I can work out a viable walking option. The remainder is mostly covered by walking tracks with some lovely surprises along the way. I have really grown to love the beauty we have right at our doorstep. It is just under 200kms of suburbia, beaches, farms, camp grounds and a touch of concrete jungle. There is something for everyone. Below are details for each day including where we start, where we finish, approximate walking times, a place to meet and some accommodation options. A couple of points to note:
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Day OneMonday 26th December - Melbourne CBD to Werribee
Starting at the iconic Flinders Street Station steps, we will walk through the city and the inner west towards Federation Trail which takes us almost all the way to Werribee: our destination for the evening. Register here if you want to join any stage of Day 1. Distance - 36kms Walking time - 8hrs Final stop - Werribee Schedule 7:30am - Start at Flinders Street 5pm - Arrive at Werribee Meet-up Venue - Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park Logistics There are no cafes along the way. So if you are planning to join this leg - make sure you pack a lunch! Accommodation Options Best Western Werribee Park Motor Inn Comfort Inn & Suites Werribee Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park |
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Day TwoTuesday 27th December - Geelong to Queenscliff to Sorrento
Skipping the bit between Werribee and Geelong due to unavailability of a safe walking track means day 2 starts in Geelong City Centre. The Bellarine Rail Trail, although a little long, is a great track which winds through some some of my favourite sights and leads right into Queenscliff. Register here if you want to join any stage of Day 2. Distance - 33kms Walking time - 7.5hrs Final stop - Queenscliff Schedule 7:30am - Breakfast at Cafe Go, 37 Bellarine St, Geelong. 8am - Start at Cafe Go. 4:30pm - Arrive at Queenscliff 6:00pm - After the a drink at Vue Grand, I will be heading to Sorrento on the ferry. Meet-up Venue - Vue Grand, Queenscliff Logistics Although very beautiful, this is also a long walk with no food options. So once again, pack a lunch! Accommodation Options Vue Grand, Queenscliff Big4 Beacon Resort, Queenscliff Ferry to Sorrento - Searoad Ferries |
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Day ThreeWednesday 28th December - Sorrento to Dromana
We start my favourite day of the walk in Sorrento and follow the Bay Trail to Dromana. We pass many happy Christmas/Summer campers along the way and after the much quieter Bellarine Rail Trail, this shorter and more bustling section is a welcome change! Register here if you want to join any stage of Day 3. Distance - 22kms Walking time - 5.5hrs Final stop - Dromana Schedule 7:30am - Breakfast at Rusty's Cafe Bar & Grill, 3293 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento 8am - Start at Rusty's Cafe Bar & Grill 3:00pm - Arrive at Dromana Meet-up Venue - Two Bouys Tapas & Wine Bar, 209 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana Accommodation Options Numerous options on this side of the bay. Just hit google! |
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Day FourThursday 29th December - Mt Martha to Frankston
There is a section between Dromana and Mt Martha with no safe walking path so we continue our walk from Mt Martha on day four. Hugging the beach in the morning before heading into Frankston through suburbia in the afternoon. Mt Martha village is my favourite pit stop in the morning - good coffee, lovely locals and summer sun! Register here if you want to join any stage of Day 4. Distance - 20kms Walking time - 5hrs Final stop - Frankston Schedule 8:30am - Coffee at Via Battisti 9am - Start at Via Battisti 3:00pm - Arrive at Frankston Meet-up Venue - TBD |
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Day FiveFriday 30th December - Frankston to Melbourne
Last day and it's a long one! The body is battered by now but the finish line is in sight. We continue to take in more of the beautiful beaches as we head back into the city to finish this epic journey at Southbank Boulevard. And at the end awaits the hardest earned cold drink of the year! Register here if you want to join any stage of Day 5. Distance - 40kms Walking time - 9hrs Final stop - Southbank Schedule 8am - Start at Seaford Station 6:00pm - Arrive at Southbank Meet-up Venue - Left Bank, Southbank |
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