You've got a folder of saved hikes on your phone.
Every time you suggest one, the group chat goes quiet. Someone's hungover, someone's got brunch, someone says "yes, one weekend for sure!" and it never happens…
Instead, start your Saturday on a coastal trail with a bunch of YES people. Maybe you're new to Melbourne and haven't explored the Peninsula yet. Maybe you're just done waiting for your friends to commit.
That's exactly who the Bushrangers Bay Coastal Hike is for. It's a 5.4 km return walk from Cape Schanck Lighthouse, through coastal bush, down to a wild, rocky bay, then back the same way. It takes about two hours of walking.
Most people come solo. The beauty of a hike is, you can get your steps in, have a solid yap and mix up who you’re chatting to along the way without it ever feeling like an interview.
Lace up. We’ve got epic hikes to check off the list!
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Yes, most people do. Hosts greet everyone at the car park, make introductions before we set off, and keep the group together on the trail.
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It's 5.4 km return, around two hours of walking plus breaks. The track has steep, slippery and uneven sections, so a MODERATE level of fitness is needed. Please consider this when booking.
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You'll need to arrange your own transport there and back. Parking at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park is limited, so arrive early. Public transport is indirect (train to Frankston, bus towards Rosebud, then taxi or rideshare), and rideshare and phone reception can be unreliable.
Carpooling between attendees is welcome in the group chat provided for attendees, but Conscious Connection doesn't organise or take responsibility for transfers.
Running late? Contact your host, and please don't start the trail alone.
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Hiking or running shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, layers for the weather and any personal medication.
Please eat breakfast beforehand and bring snacks if you can’t wait until lunch after the hike.
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We check the forecast, fire danger and Parks Victoria track closures 48 and 24 hours before the hike. We'll confirm go or no-go by 10am on Friday 4 December and message everyone about any changes. Hosts check again on the morning and assess conditions when we arrive. If it's unsafe, we may cancel on the spot, and we'll let you know straight away. If the hike is cancelled, it moves to a new date and your ticket carries over automatically. If the new date doesn't work for you, you can have a full refund or a credit for a future Conscious Connection event.
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Every hike has at least two hosts: one leading and one at the back keeping count. At least one host is first-aid and CPR trained. Stay with the group and on the marked track. No swimming (the beach is extremely dangerous), rock climbing or going near cliff edges. Watch for snakes and falling branches, and don't touch or approach any sick or dead birds or wildlife (a bird flu precaution). No dogs, bikes, drones, fires or camping are allowed in the park.
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There are toilets located at Cape Schank Lookout, but none on the trail. Please keep this in mind.
BYO water, snacks and lunch - there will be an optional pub lunch afterwards if you would like to join