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Canunda National Park
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    Home : Canunda National Park : Coastal Walks

    Coastal Walks

    Walking trails have been constructed in the northern coastal section of the park and around the Coola Outstation and Lake Bonney area. These range from 45 minutes to 3½ hours.

    The trails in the northern section pass along spectacular clifftops and through dense native shrubs, whereas around the Coola Outstation and Lake Bonney area, the trails meander through wetland and coastal vegetation with a lookout tower providing splendid views.

    INTERPRETIVE SIGNS SHOWING DETAILS OF THE COASTAL WALKS ARE LOCATED AT VARIOUS CAR PARKS IN THE NORTHERN SECTION OF THE PARK.

    Cape Buffon Walk

    This loop walk highlights how the forces of wind and waves have shaped the limestone cliffs, sea stacks, reef platforms and vegetation along the coast. A variety of plant life can be seen, many displaying colourful flowers in season.

    Interpretive signs along the trail illustrate some of the interesting features to be seen.

    Cape Buffon shows the effect of wind and water on layers of soft rock under harder rock with undercut cliffs and eroding edges. Notice the casts of plant roots along the cliff face.

    Sand held in place by plants overlies much of the limestone on the northern side of Cape Buffon. Disturbance to the vegetation causes blow-outs and sand dunes to form.

    Remember to stay on the trail as the coastal cliffs may be undercut and could collapse.

    Seaview Walk

    The Seaview Walk showcases coastal features such as spectacular rock formations, sandy beaches, seabirds and a myriad of plants, while offering stunning scenic views of the coastal environment. The blue-green coastal daisy bush Olearia axillaris features commonly along the walk and is usually smelled before it is seen as the leaves have a pleasant aroma.

    Evidence of wombats and echidnas in the form of burrows and scratchings are often visible.

    Areas of drifting sand are being gradually stabilised by natural regeneration of the hardy coastal plants. It is important to limit both vehicles and pedestrians in these areas as the plants struggle to survive the harsh conditions.

    Willichum Lookout Walk

    Willichum is the Boandik Aboriginal word for the 'southern end' of Rivoli Bay. Splendid panoramic views of the bay, the park and rocky cliffs reward walkers who reach the viewing platform. The dune on which the lookout is situated was once drifting sand pushed up by relentless southeasterly winds. Plant life has stabilised the area and formed a layer of soil.

    The Friends of Canunda and Beachport parks built this lookout.

    Coola Outstation Historical Walk

    The walking trail is located 20 km south-west of Millicent. 2WD access is available off Causeway Road. Travel south for 6 km.

    The walk starts at the car park with the first feature Coola Lookout that gives good views of the lake, dunes and farmland. Across a boardwalk is an area of Dryland Tea-tree known as the 'Singing Forest' where picnic tables and seats have been installed.

    Examples of early farm machinery lie along the walk from the lookout to the ruins.

    The walk then visits Coola Outstation which was part of the Benara sheep station and was occupied until the mid 1950s.

    Continuing south past the remains of a boat owned by a local businessman, the walk crosses Beggs Swamp, named after Peter Beggs, who owned land north of Coola.

    Reaching Sandy Bar the expanse of Lake Bonney opens to view with its coloured waters a legacy of early industrial pollution.

    From Sandy Bar the walk passes through swales covered in sedges and grasses with scattered shrubs, over consolidated dunes supporting Coastal Wattle, sheoak and beardheath and across a swamp via a boardwalk.

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