Distance: 13.9km
Times: 11:00am - 1:45pm (2hr 45min)
This path is sealed and unsealed as has a gradual decline which is good because this is the longest stage in Walk.
Walk through the heart of the Bellarine’s wide and open countryside. Follow the train line built in 1879 and now running historic steam engines and the popular Blues Train. As you pass by Suma and Mannerim Stations you might even see a ghost train. As the trail descends towards Queenscliff, there are outstanding views of Swan Bay, also a RAMSAR site, and the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The path hugs the shoreline of Swan Bay as it winds through stands of ancient moonah before arriving at the Swan Bay Marine Discovery Centre.
Walkers have the opportunity to walk or ride a train hauled by a historic locomotive for 13.9km from Drysdale to Swan Bay this year.
Train journey highlights and options
- Departs Drysdale 11:20am, arrives MFDC 12:00pm Pass the canoe procession, as it makes the journey to Swan Bay
- Travel through remnant bush land of the Bellarine Peninsula with a variety of vistas.
- Skirt beside picturesque Swan Bay to the Swan Bay Railway Station, opposite the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre (MFDC).
- Passengers are encouraged to visit MFDC to gain an understanding of the marine and birdlife Swan Bay supports. The Centre has aquariums with local marine and freshwater life and a touch tank where visitors can get closer to animals like seastars and crabs.
- MFDC also boasts a boardwalk with uninterrupted views across Swan Bay and would be a perfect spot to enjoy a BYO lunch before the ‘M~M Walk Station’ opens at 12.30pm.
