San Remo, Victoria, Australia
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 16km
Dog Friendliness: 8/10
Scenery and Enjoyment: 10/10
Accessibility: 6/10
Overall Score: 8/10
Welcome back to another adventure! Today, Megan, Yuki, and I tackled one of the most beautiful hikes in Victoria: The George Bass Coastal Walk. If you’re after jaw-dropping coastal views, varied terrain, that’s also dog-friendly, this is the hike for you.
Starting the Adventure
We decided to start at the San Remo end of the trail, kicking off from Punchbowl Road. After a couple of rounds on this track, we’ve found it’s the better way to go. Starting here means you get to enjoy Shelly Beach as a halfway point—a perfect spot for lunch and a swim for Yuki.
As we set out, the coastal views were spectacular from the very start. Yuki was leading the charge on her Roam Wilder long line, as usual, with endless energy and plenty of stops to sniff the grass.
Along the Trail
This hike really is something special. The cliffs, the ocean, the dramatic rock formations—it’s one of those walks where you want to stop every few minutes just to take it all in.
The terrain kept things interesting too, with a mix of dirt tracks, grassy farmland, and sandy beaches. Along the way, we spotted an echidna waddling through the grass, some rabbits darting into the bushes, and even a fairy penguin on the beach. Maybe it got lost on its way to Phillip Island?
When we reached Shelly Beach, we took a well-deserved break. While Megan and I enjoyed our lunch, Yuki was busy splashing around in the rockpools.
Tips for the Trail
This walk is super exposed, so preparation is key. We made sure to bring plenty of water for everyone (Yuki included), and her little backpack—packed with her own water supply—was a hit with fellow walkers. Unfortunately, we totally forgot sunscreen—a rookie error. The result? A spectacular t-shirt tan that I’ll be rocking for weeks.
The out-and-back journey is 16km in total, and it took us about five hours, including breaks for lunch and a couple of swims. The varied terrain and exposure make it a solid workout, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
This hike is a must-do for anyone who loves coastal views and a good mix of terrain. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and Shelly Beach is the perfect halfway point to relax and recharge.
It’s a great option for active pups like Yuki, and we’ll definitely be back for another go soon. Just don’t forget your sunscreen—trust me on this one!
Happy hiking! 🐾
