Lace up your runners, fill up your water bottle and get ready to actively immerse yourself in Ocean Grove walks, run, cycle style! Renowned for pristine beaches, a tranquil river and spectacular coastal landscapes, cycling, running and walking your way around these two striking towns affords you the opportunity to take it all in at your own pace.
Head off from the Barwon Heads Caravan Park or Riverview Family Caravan Park and walk, run, cycle these top five tracks.
Barwon Heads & Ocean Grove Walks Loop
It’s the best of both worlds with the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads Loop Walk. One side of the looped track takes in the river while the other side runs adjacent to the beach. Commence the loop at any number of the carparks located along the way. The Ocean Grove Main Beach car park will start you on the section of track that runs along the beach. A myriad of staircases are dotted along the way, providing you with direct beach access. Simply step down onto the sand and spend a portion of your walk with waves lapping at your feet. Re-join the track at any given staircase and continue on your merry way.
Just before the famed Barwon Heads Bridge, you will notice a purpose-built road island to aid with crossing the road safely. After crossing the road you will commence your other portion of the loop journey – riverside. As the track winds and weaves it way along the Barwon River, stop off and enjoy serenely secluded spots. When you make it to the Riverview Family Caravan Park, safely cross the road again and back to where you started your magnificent journey.
Near on 3 kilometres in loop length, you can walk, run or cycle this track.
📍 Starting point of Ocean Grove Barwon and Barwon Heads Walk Loop @ Ocean Grove Main Beach – Map
📍 Starting point of Ocean Grove Barwon and Barwon Heads Walk Loop @ Barwon Heads Bridge – Map
Barwon Heads Bluff Walk
Walk along the spectacular clifftops of The Bluff with the Barwon Heads Bluff Walk. This walking trail snakes it way around and through the headland of the pristine Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary; 17 hectares of protected reef and towering sandstone structures. The views are breathtaking; birds eye view of the town of Barwon Heads, sweeping vistas of Barwon River and an insurmountable panorama of surfer’s haven Thirteenth Beach and beyond.
Opt to start at the Barwon Heads Bluff carpark (off Ewing Blyth Drive) or if feeling on the more energetic side, add to the walk by starting at the Barwon Heads Bridge. Whichever starting point you choose, be advised this is a walk and is not suitable for bicycles due to stair climbs.
📍 Starting point of Barwon Heads Bluff Walk @ Barwon Heads Bluff carpark – Map
📍 Starting point of Barwon Heads Bluff Walk @ Barwon Heads Bridge – Map
Ocean Grove Nature Reserve
Step away from the beach and into a wooded wonderland at The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve; the last remaining stand of original woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. The Reserve is home to a plethora of birdlife, wildflowers, wallabies and walking tracks. Choose from any number of trails that weave their way around this natural utopia. Tracks are suitable for on foot only.
📍 Ocean Grove Nature Reserve – Map
Blue Waters Lake Reserve loop, Ocean Grove
The Blue Waters Lake Reserve is a local love and little bit of a local secret (shhh). The loop circles around a peaceful lake, plentiful in birdlife and serenity. Ducks waddle along the pathway, weeping trees line the track and the resplendent lake can be admired the entire way around. This is the ideal track to take the younger tots on due to its gentle inclination and shorter distance. Ideal for walking, running, biking and picnicking.
📍 Blue Waters Lake Carpark – Map
Bellarine Rail Trail
An iconic and established track of the region is the Bellarine Rail Trail. Covering a distance of 35 kilometres from South Geelong to Queenscliff, this track can be commenced at various points along the journey, including Ocean Grove. The environment consistently changes as you course your way through beautiful Bellarine towns, including Leopold, Curlewis and Drysdale. A fantastic ride for keen bike riders.
📍 Bellarine Rail Trail Ocean Grove entrance – Map
Take in the delights of seaside, riverside, lakeside and nature-side with the help of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads walk, run and cycle tracks.
