Between Cape Paterson and Inverloch, the coast lies within Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, known for its geology and unique marine environments. In Cape Paterson, the character of the coast can be experienced in different places: at two beaches, along the Foreshore Track with its clifftop and coastal views, and through activities in the water. This variety is useful when planning, because your stay need not be limited to a single day at the beach. You can choose between stretches of beach, a circuit walk and water activities, and plan your time accordingly.
Beaches and Rock Pools
Cape Paterson Bay Beach is a 400-metre-long, curving beach right beside the town centre. Cape Paterson Surf Beach stretches for 500 metres to the rock platforms near the town centre. By comparison, Bay Beach is right beside the centre and has the shorter, curved shape; Surf Beach extends further to the platforms. Shape, length and proximity to town are distinct points of reference. This can help you decide which stretch of beach you want to shape your time by the sea.
At Cape Paterson Bay Beach, an artificial rock pool sits on a nearby rock platform. The sea pool was built in the 1960s. So, as well as its coastal setting, the main beach has a man-made feature with its own history.
The Foreshore Track and Activities on the Water
The Cape Paterson Foreshore Track is a 1.4 km circuit with several scenic clifftop and coastal views. Gentle ascents and descents, compacted gravel, a boardwalk and soft sand shape the route. So there is more to consider than just its length: the surface changes, and the route combines a walk with views of the cliffs and coast. The circuit can be considered an activity in its own right, alongside a visit to the beach. This lets you weigh up whether you would rather spend your time by the shore or plan a walk with varied surfaces and viewpoints.
You can swim at Cape Paterson’s patrolled beaches; diving or snorkelling is possible at the reefs. These water activities are associated with two different coastal areas: swimming is mentioned at the patrolled beaches, and diving and snorkelling at the reefs. This distinction can help you choose the experience you have in mind.
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club is at the western end of Cape Paterson Surf Beach; it offers basic facilities and parking. Cape Paterson also has wheelchair-accessible toilets.
A Route to Inverloch
The Bunurong Coastal Drive runs from Cape Paterson to Inverloch. If you want to include both places in your trip, you can consider the route as part of a regional itinerary. The Foreshore Track offers a circuit within Cape Paterson, while the Coastal Drive connects it with Inverloch. This may be useful when deciding whether to focus your stay mainly on local coastal experiences or also include a drive between the places mentioned.
Discover more destinations: HMAS Cerberus, Kilsyth, Smiths Gully, Birchip, Harcourt, Elsternwick, Kilmore, Drouin.
See the main travel overview: Victoria.
