Cape Schanck

I love Mornington Peninsula, and Cape Schanck, its southernmost tip, is one of my favourite places for scenic walks.

I was especially happy to have a weekend outing at the height of hay fever season in Melbourne, when windy weather can force me to stay indoors all day with itchy eyeballs and brain that feels stuffed with cotton wool. This Saturday however was pure spring perfection, still and sunny, so I thought I’d go for a drive and a walk.

There are a few popular trails in the area, but my favourite is the Two Bays Walking Track, which begins in the Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park. At one point it veers away from the coastline and goes deeper inland, so when I don’t feel up to the full hike I stop at the Bushrangers Bay beach.

Spring is a wonderful time for walks, when the air is cool and everything is still lush and green before the scorching summer sun. Even the coastal tea trees that otherwise look grey, desiccated and unappealing are beautiful when in full bloom. I had a stroll on the beach and walked over to the rockpool area, apparently a nice spot for swimming, though I never tried it. I think my brain can’t really put hiking and beach times together.

Whenever I go to Cape Schanck, I say to myself, ok maybe I don’t need to do the boardwalk after the hike, I’ve done it so many times already. Then it’s, ok I’ll check it out, but I won’t take any new photos. Naturally, I end up doing both, because the scenery is absolutely irresistible. The reds and greens of the cliffs are simply stunning against the blues of the sea and sky, and the rocky beach down below is so very dramatic.

I also walked over to the lighthouse. It’s not the biggest one I’ve seen, but it looks quite splendid on a bright sunny day, and the grounds around it have a lovely peaceful atmosphere.