Townsend Bluff Circuit

Signposted as part of the Screw Creek-Townsend Bluff Estuary Walk, the Townsend Bluff track climbs from salt marsh and mangroves up through tea-tree to wide views over Anderson Inlet. It takes about 30 minutes return, and dogs must be on lead the whole time.

Lead rules

The track sits in the Anderson Inlet Coastal Reserve, managed by Parks Victoria under Bass Coast Shire guidelines. Dogs are allowed on a lead only.

Some neighbouring conservation areas around Screw Creek are signed as no-dog zones to protect wildlife. Read the signs at each entry and stay on the track.

The walk

Expect a mix of timber boardwalk, compacted gravel, soft sand and a few steps. You cross the tidal flats on a footbridge, then walk under a shady tea-tree canopy to the outlooks.

The boardwalk and estuary edges are exposed to the sun. There are no dog bowls or taps and only a few bins near the access points, so carry water and bags.

Unsealed parking is at the end of the Inverloch Foreshore Camping Reserve, or at the Townsend Bluff Road and Cuttriss Street access points.

Make a day of it

Finish with a run at Inverloch Dog Beach, but check the seasonal rules before you go.

Short and mostly easy, this suits most dogs, though the sand and steps make it a little harder for older legs.