No water on the trail, carry all water from the start
There is no reliable water source on the Two Bays Walking Track other than tank water at Lightwood Creek Camping Area (boil before drinking). Carry all water you’ll need for your day, this is a genuine safety consideration, not a formality.
PAPP fox baiting active, dogs will die
PAPP (Poison Animal Pest Programme) baiting and trapping is active throughout the Mornington Peninsula National Park, including along the Two Bays Walking Track corridor and Greens Bush, until October 2026. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. This is a hard prohibition, not a seasonal suggestion.
The Two Bays Walking Track runs 26km from Dromana, on Port Phillip Bay, south through Greens Bush to Cape Schanck on Bass Strait. It is the Peninsula’s only multi-day walk, Grade 3 by the Australian Walking Track Grading System, and one of the more rewarding day or overnight walks within 90 minutes of Melbourne.
Key facts
| Distance | 26km (Parks Victoria official) |
| Grade | Grade 3, Moderate (AWTGS) |
| Recommended direction | North to south: Dromana → Cape Schanck |
| Total time | 7–9 hours one day; or 2 days with overnight at Lightwood Creek |
| Water on trail | None, tank water at Lightwood Creek only (boil before drinking) |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Camping | Lightwood Creek Camping Area (free; pit toilet; 5 sites; foot access only) |
Distance note
Multiple sources, including Trail Hiking AU and the Two Bays Trail Run, cite 28km. Parks Victoria’s official figure is 26km. The discrepancy likely reflects different measurement endpoints (whether or not the shuttle/access routes to the trailheads are included). Use 26km for planning.
The route
The trail runs north to south from Dromana to Cape Schanck. The north-to-south direction is generally recommended, you finish at Cape Schanck, which is the more dramatic endpoint with the lighthouse, Pulpit Rock, and the basalt coastline. If you’re doing a one-day walk, arrange a car shuttle between the two trailheads before you start.
Northern trailhead: Arthurs Seat Road, Dromana, near Arthurs Seat summit.
Southern trailhead: Cape Schanck Lighthouse Road, Cape Schanck, adjacent to the lighthouse carpark.
Greens Bush section (middle third): The largest remnant native bushland on the Peninsula. Eucalypt forest, grass trees, tree ferns, kangaroos. Phone reception is unreliable through this section, carry a printed map or download the route offline.
Lightwood Creek Camping Area
The only designated overnight camping on the route, located roughly at the midpoint.
| Campsites | 5 |
| Maximum people | 20 |
| Facilities | Pit toilet; tank water (boil before drinking) |
| Fees | No fee |
| Booking | No booking required, call 13 1963 to check availability |
| Maximum stay | 2 nights |
| Access | Foot only, no vehicles |
Education groups sometimes book the site; calling ahead avoids arriving to find it occupied.
Wayfinding
The trail is marked with the Blue Wren circular symbol. Orange markers indicate through-tracks; blue markers indicate circuit walks branching off the main route. In Greens Bush, the three named circuit walks, Baldrys Short, Baldrys Long, and Long Point, branch from the main trail. If you’re doing the through-walk, stay on the primary Blue Wren route.
Trail conditions and seasonality
Best time: Autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August) offer cooler temperatures and lower snake activity. Spring (September–November) has wildflower colour in Greens Bush. Summer is possible but carry additional water, the trail is exposed in sections.
Snakes: Eastern brown and tiger snakes are present, particularly in the warmer months. Stay on the track, watch your footing on rocky sections, and wear long pants through grassland areas.
Track surface: Mostly natural surface, dirt, clay, rock. Some sections become muddy after heavy rain. Check Parks Victoria for any closures after significant weather events.
Planning your walk
One-day option: Start early at Dromana, walk the full 26km to Cape Schanck. Arrange transport between trailheads in advance. Carry 3–4 litres of water minimum. Finish at Cape Schanck lighthouse and Pulpit Rock.
Overnight option: Day 1 from Dromana to Lightwood Creek (~13km, 4–5 hours). Day 2 from Lightwood Creek to Cape Schanck (~13km, 4–5 hours). Two days is a more comfortable pace that allows time to explore Greens Bush.
Phone reception: Unreliable through Greens Bush. Download the route offline or carry a printed Parks Victoria map. Emergency: 000.
→ Cape Schanck guide, what’s at the southern endpoint
Last fact-verified: 22 April 2026.
Business update or correction? Let us know: corrections@peninsulainsider.com.au
Questions readers actually ask
FAQ
How long is the Two Bays Walking Track?
26 kilometres, according to Parks Victoria's official figure. Some third-party sources (Trail Hiking AU, Two Bays Trail Run) cite 28km — this discrepancy likely reflects different measurement endpoints. Use 26km as the planning figure.
Is the Two Bays Walking Track hard?
Grade 3 (Moderate) on the Australian Walking Track Grading System. The track covers undulating terrain across the Mornington Peninsula hinterland, with some sections through dense eucalypt forest. Physical fitness is required. Allow 7–9 hours for the full trail done in one day; most walkers prefer a two-day overnight.
Can you camp on the Two Bays Walking Track?
Yes. Lightwood Creek Camping Area is the only designated camping area on the route, with 5 campsites for up to 20 people. Facilities: pit toilet and tank water (boil before drinking). No fees, no booking required — but call 13 1963 to check availability, as education groups sometimes occupy the site. Maximum 2-night stay. Foot access only — no vehicles.
Are dogs allowed on the Two Bays Walking Track?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Two Bays Walking Track or anywhere in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.