Bay of Islands Coastal Park

Bay of Islands Coastal Park stretches from Peterborough almost to Warrnambool in a 32 kilometres long narrow strip. The park has spectacular ocean views and many other memorable features. It protects a variety of rare and threatened flora and fauna species in its coastal heathland environment.

Those parts of the park which are accessible to visitors are concentrated at the eastern (Peterborough) end, beginning at Wild Dog Cove. This is adjoined by the Bay of Martyrs, a lengthy bay with spectacular scenery. Several accessible smaller bays such as Worm Bay, Crofts Bay, Boat Bay, and in the western section of the park, Childers Cove also offer magnificent views and secluded beaches.

Things to do

• Coastal walks/sightseeing
• Bird/nature watching
• Fishing
• Four Wheel Driving
• Canoeing

Heritage
Halladale Point is named for the shipwreck of the "Falls of Halladale", which ran onto the reef off the point in 1908. But Halladale Point has another name - Massacre Point. Rumour has it that Europeans killed a group of the Kirrae-Wurrong Aborigines here by driving them off the cliff.

The story continues that the women and children of the group were then killed in the nearby swamp at Massacre Bay. The Aboriginal population of the area droppped from several hundreds in the 1840s to three or four by the 1880s.

Coastal traders and immigrant vessels also feature among the four known wrecks along this stretch of coastline. Of the two coastal traders, the Children, owned by the Henty Family, was wrecked in 1839 with the loss of 17 lives.

For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.