Bay of Martyrs Trail

The clifftop tracks around the Bay of Martyrs link up with Peterborough and look out over limestone stacks and the Southern Ocean. Dogs can come on lead, but some beaches below are off limits.

Lead rules

Parks Victoria manages the area as part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, working with Corangamite Shire Council. Dogs must be on lead on the designated clifftop tracks.

Some pocket beaches and dune areas restrict or ban dogs to protect nesting Hooded Plovers, which are critically endangered. Follow the signs at each access point.

The walk

The tracks are compacted gravel, crushed rock and natural dirt. Views take in weathered cliffs, offshore stacks and the waves of the Southern Ocean.

Max: Cliff edges and a lead go together. Stay on the formed track, even when the view pulls you closer.

Make a day of it

In Peterborough itself, Wild Dog Cove is worth a look while you are in town.

When to go

The track is firm but natural, so it suits fit dogs of any size. Check the signs before heading down to any beach, since the plover protections close some of them to dogs.