Ricketts Point

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NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  Km   |  Duration:  2 Hrs   |  Grade:  TBA   |  Rating:    |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

Spectacular cliff top views of beaches stretching across Port Phillip Bay to Arthur's Seat in one direction and of the City skyline the other way.  Early Heidelberg artists' views of the area are preserved on the information boards along the track by displaying their paintings next to the area they depicted. Opportunities for beach and rock-pool exploration.

The Walk in Detail

Spectacular cliff top views of beaches stretching across Port Phillip Bay to Arthur's Seat in one direction and of the City skyline the other way. Early Heidelberg artists' views of the area are preserved on the information boards along the track by displaying their paintings next to the area they depicted. It is a Marine Reserve with splendid opportunities for beach and rock-pool exploration. Some sections are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, but the roadside path is sealed and an attractive option.

Track surfaces:  The walk is on a variety of track surfaces including sealed (shared with cyclists) and firm sand with occasional roots and some steps.  Some sections are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs, but the roadside path is sealed and an attractive option.

Best season:  Sheltered on cliff top, exposed on beach.  A lovely Spring, Autumn, Winter walk; a beautiful beach place in the Summer.

Walking Notes:

1. From bus stop turn right and walk towards the sea, cross Beach Road and turn left to the start of a gravel track on right.  Pause a moment to enjoy the spectacular views towards Mordialloc and Arthur's Seat in the distance.  Take the right track down some shallow steps past a water fountain.  At the fork take the right track (left goes to Mordialloc via the beach, a future walk) and visit the first of many viewing points on your left.

2. Keep taking the left forks (right forks lead back to road) past a sign titled Coastal Art Trail: Come and See what Tom saw, and down more shallow steps leading to a cairn marking the meeting place of the early artists.  From the cairn take the left fork to enjoy the melaleuca bush and wonderful views along a sandy track which briefly returns to the road to cross the Beaumaris Yacht Squadron driveway.  There is another short sandy track loop on your left (opposite 481 Beach Road) before rejoining the sealed footpath.

3. Moysey Gardens is a grassy area with a brick cairn dedicated to the Moyseys, who were early settlers of area.  Here are the first two artists' information boards depicting works of John Perceval and Arthur Streeton.  Continue along the footpath (shared) past picnic tables, cross a car park and return to the sandy cliff top foot track again, passing more picnic tables with a superb view of Table Rock and its colony of cormorants.

4. The sandy track darts back to the sealed path briefly and then heads back to the cliff top and the next artist board about Alfred Coleman.  At the Sea Scouts boat shed take the ramp to explore the small rocky beach with its short pier and another artist board about Clarice Beckett. Return to foot track and continue walking (the beach is on your left).

5. At the next opportunity take the left fork and then almost immediately take the right fork and return to the footpath.  There is the option of another short sandy track loop and then back to the footpath again.

6. Opposite Tramway Parade turn left down the ramp (with handrail) to the beach.  Turn right along beach (firm sand) past an artist board about Charles Conder.  Just beyond the Beaumaris Life Saving Club there is a sheltered grassed area with picnic tables.  Look for the attractive hand-painted tile seat and the information boards for the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and for artist Tom Roberts.  Walk through the gravel car park past several grassy picnic areas and another toilet.

7. The sealed (shared) trail starts again on the left of the car park, next to the rubbish bins.  The beach and an extensive rocky shelf are on your left.  Three beautiful ceramic tiles detailing the life of the Marine Sanctuary are set into the track at about 50m intervals; don't miss them!

8. The path passes in front of a café and kiosk on the right followed by an artist board about Arthur Streeton, with a beautiful picnic ground just behind.

9. Two more artist information boards about the Coastal Art Trail and the artist Charles Condor are on the left.  Turn right past the toilets, cross the car park driveway and follow the track uphill to the road.  (Optional exit: Cross Beach Road and walk along the right side of Haydens Road past Florida Avenue and Pacific Boulevard to the bus stop.  Take bus 923, direction Southland, back to Cheltenham Station.)

10. Walking along the beach from the Beaumaris Yacht Club is possible but difficult because the sand is soft and the area is for dogs off leash; instead the cliff top sealed footpath is recommended, with extensive views of the City, before returning to the beach via a ramp.  A short walk on firm sand takes you past two artist boards – George Bell and Frank Latimer – before the formed Promenade Track starts and winds around the base of the cliff past a weather shelter.

11. At the time of review (July 2009) the Promenade Walk was closed opposite Fourth Street due to a landslide.  Climb the stairs to Beach Road and cross into Fourth Street which veers to the right at the roundabout.  The bus stop for the 923 bus, direction Southland, is on the left side of Fourth Street.  Take the bus back to Cheltenham Station.

Variation:

It is possible to continue walking beside Port Phillip Bay from the end of this walk until St Kilda Pier.  There are many public transport access options which make numerous short walks possible.  Check the Melway maps.

Walk Map

To view more on the map, zoom in or out, click the symbols and the walk route. To open a full screen version of the map, right-click Open Icon and open in another tab or window. The map and walk details can also be pdfdownloaded4 MB.

Getting There

Melway map: Start: 86 H7;  Finish: 86 A5.

Car parking:  Free in side roads (for example, Charman Road); fee payable along foreshore.

Public transport: Frankston line train to Cheltenham Station; exit station, turn right, cross railway line, cross road to bus stop (opposite cemetery). Bus route 923, direction St Kilda.  Bus stop: Beach Road at Charman and Beach Road junction.  7-day service. Public Transport timetables

 

Walk Precautions

The roadside path is shared with bicycles so be alert and considerate of other users. Watch children near the water.

Additional Information

  APV002 - Toilets APV008 - Picnic Table APV011 - Electric BBQ APV038 - Drinking Water


Yes
TBA

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