You Are Here : Home / Land We Manage/ National Parks / Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Bay of Islands Coastal Park

The wild Southern Ocean has carved a stunning collection of rock stacks and sheltered bays with clifftop walks, scenic lookouts and small beach coves near Peterborough along the Great Ocean Road.

Perhaps overshadowed by the Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles down the road, the Bay of Islands Coastal Park offers just equally spectacular experience without the crowds.

Peterborough is a secret summer destination for many Victorian visitors escaping the busier sections of the Great Ocean Road to the east. The extra distance from Melbourne as well as more remote access means there are far fewer tourists than the nearby Port Campbell National Park.

Bay of Islands beach on Boat Bay Road is one the best spots along the coastline to easily launch a sea kayak and explore the park.

Dogs are welcome on lead at Sandy Cove near Murnanes Bay, but need to kept well away from the area between the high tide marks and edge of the dunes that are home to Hooded Plovers's nests.

The park’s small beaches are not patrolled. Parks Victoria does not recommend them for swimming.

As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Bay of Islands Coastal Park is a safe and enjoyable one.

THINGS TO DO

The beaches and dunes through out the Bay of Islands Coastal Park is home to the much loved yet threatened Hooded Plover. Rufous Bristlebirds are also endemic to the coastal heath and shrublands above the famous cliffs, and you're likely to see wallabies as well.

Between May and October Southern Right Whales are often observed offshore at Peterborough.

CHANGE OF CONDITIONS

Any impacts to public access to the national park are listed at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/bay-of-islands-coastal-park