Rye Bay Trail - Port Phillip Bay Foreshore, Rye, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

The entire Port Phillip Bay Trail extends spasmodically all the way along the coast of Port Phillip Bay from Point Nepean National Park at the western extremity, through to Mt Eliza being the north-eastern boundary of the Mornington Peninsula.

It is generally a relaxing, enjoyable and beautiful bike riding and walking experience that meanders its way along reasonably flat gradients, with surfaces varying from bitumen → to gravel → to sand → to boardwalks.  Some sections will detour along the beach, or if cycling, along Point Nepean Road, which generally has dedicated bike lanes for much of the way.  The trip will take you through many picnic spots, shopping villages, cliff view vantage points, beach access points, camping areas, tea-tree forests, and coastal vegetation – which varies from tall deciduous trees to she-oaks, pines, gums, banksia, and grasses – the stunning waters of Port Phillip Bay can be seen sparkling like diamonds through the trees . . .

The various sections of the trail are marked on the map below:

– Red = Walking Only

– Burnt Orange = Beach Links

– Purple = Bike Riding & Hiking

– Blue = Detours & Connecting Links

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Rye Bay Trail

The Blairgowrie end of the ‘Rye Bay Trail’ is suitable for walking only as it can be fairly narrow and sandy, weaving its way quite tightly through the coastal woodland.  The next section is a connection link which travels a short distance along the beach.  At ‘Whitecliffs’ a choice can be made whether to continue along the beach or whether to detour up and over Whitecliffs where you will enjoy breathtaking views.  At the base of the cliff, amidst a picturesque picnic area, a replica Lime Kiln will bestow some fascinating historical information.  The rest of the trail is suitable for both walking and cycling and will take through the township of Rye via the Pier and many picnic areas.

You can, of course, choose to make your journey along the trail as long, or as short as you wish . . .

Helpful Hints:

– To obtain a List of Points of Interest along the ‘Rye Bay Trail’ – click here

– To obtain a List of Points of Interest along the entire Bay Trail – click here

– To obtain a List of all the Trails available on the Mornington Peninsula – click here

– Multiple Beach Access Points available along the way

– The Trail features:

– Approximately 5 km of Coastline

– Walking / Beach / Walking & Cycling

– Difficulty = Easy

– Gradient = Minimal

– Unsealed Gravel, Sand, Beach, Sealed

– Parallel to Point Nepean Road

– Car Parking available at various intervals along Point Nepean Road

Discover Rye:

– Points of Interest

– Things to Do

– Dining Out

– Shopping

– Places to Stay

– Facilities available at Rye include:

– Picnic Tables

– Sheltered Pavilions

– Barbecues

– Public Toilets