Thunder Point Walk

Park at the Breakwater car park and walk away from the main beach toward Merri and Middle Islands and the Merri River estuary. Wander down onto the soft white sands of tiny, peaceful Stingray Bay, located at the Merri River mouth. During low tide, this sheltered area is ideal for a swim or a picnic.

During high tides, the area may be covered in water and you should remain on the road.

Make your way over the river via the footbridge which leads to Thunder Point Coastal Reserve, an area characterized by weathered sandstone cliffs, sculptured into tiny bays, inlets and rockpools. Walking across the rocky clifftop, you will reach a formalised walking track. Follow the track through coastal vegetation to emerge at a small carpark at Pickering Point.

From here, you have a spectacular 360 degree view of the Merri River, Lady Bay and Breakwater to your right, the South Warrnambool wetlands straight ahead, the scrubland of Thunder Point to your left and the Southern Ocean behind.

Walk approximately 100m along the bitumen road, then take the track on your left. This leads to excellent views of the ocean and spectacular shoreline. Step access is provided to the water in some places, where rock pools and rock formations can be carefully explored. The track emerges at another small carpark and road.

Head left along the road, through another carpark area, and onto the formalised track at the far end of Pickering Point. Take in the breathtaking ocean views along the way.

Wander as little or as far as you wish along this walking track. Mostly, it travels through coastal vegetation and has a number of lookout points.

After a short walk you will reach Shelly Beach, renowned for its shells and rocky outcrops. Here, the track ends and the open beach begins.

To return, simply retrace your footsteps. If desired, arrange for someone to pick you up from any of the carparks along the way, to shorten your return trip