Image: Josh Welch
Why this Hike
The Gippsland Coast is one of the most beautiful places to explore in Australia but too often hikers flock to the big named places like Wilsons Prom, Point Smythe is only a short drive from Venus bay making it much closer to Melbourne and other local population centres than others such as Wilsons Prom but is still quite the trek. This small 7.4 KM day hike near Venus Bay is in a superb location and offers not only great views but also a very easy to traverse track that is very lightly trafficked compared to other trails in the area making it a great day out by yourself or with the family.
Track Notes & Overview
Setting off from the carpark you will see an information sign that gives some details about the local area and the history of the trail you are walking along, this path continues for about 700 metres until you reach a fork in the track, you can take either direction due to it being a circuit but the best way is typically to take a left. A further kilometre down this track you will see another side path that you can take if you please, this path to the side goes along the beach right the way to the point but it's important to be aware that this path can become impassable at high tide when the beach is almost fully consumed by the waves. The beach also doesn't allow dogs because it is currently a conservation area so be aware that you may need to take the regular path even if you want to walk the beach. If you carry on the regular path for about 1.6 KM’s then you will reach the intersection of the track towards Point Smythe, on this track take a left and follow it until you reach the very point which at low tide can have a huge sand outcrop going far out into Andersons Inlet and the area makes for a good place to have Lunch.
Once you have finished having fun on the beach and had a good bite to eat you can set back off again to complete the final stretch of this day hike, to join the final section of track on this hike you will need to walk back through the section that took you to the point itself until you reach the intersection you were previously at. Carry on straight through this intersection and towards the salt marsh only a few hundred metres down the track, just before you reach the marsh you will meet another intersection where you can take either right or left, to see the marsh you will need to go right but if you take a left you may not get a chance to see the salt marsh which may be not as interesting. After turning down the right path you can see the little salt marsh lakes that on a clam day can be very beautiful and reflect the local surroundings like a glass mirror. On wet days or after heavy storms this path can become slightly flooded but don’t worry as some nifty hikers have made some makeshift paths through the bush beside the path until the water recedes. After this point you will only need to hike down the path for about 2 KM’s, following the parts of path you have already passed and you will be back at the carpark where you set off.
For a full trip report visit here.
Food for a Day Hike
Before setting off on a day hike one thing you must do is plan what food you are going to bring with you. Your snacks and lunches should be nutritious, delicious and lightweight but they don't need to be complex.
Our recipe hub includes a range of lunches and snacks perfect for a day hike ranging from easy to create in minutes to tasty creations like you would make at home.