- Duration
- 5 km on foot, ~3 h (≈ 2 h 15 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Half Moon Bay
- Finish
- Ricketts Point
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- a calm morning, a mask if the water is clear
- Budget per adult
- freePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026
Getting there
Train to Sandringham, then the bus along the bay and the shore on foot. A full-fare bank card works.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Half Moon Bay~25 min at the stop
The bay and the boatsheds. From here the shore path runs south past Black Rock to the sanctuary.
Tip: Swim by the club when the flags are flying. In October a patrol may not be on yet.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 15 min · 1 km
2. Black Rock clock tower~10 min at the stop
The landmark on Beach Road and the way back onto the shore. A short stop so you stay on the coast path.
Tip: Stay by the water from here. Ricketts Point is about 3 km on.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 35 min · 3 km
3. Ricketts Point~50 min at the stop
A marine sanctuary with shallow water and reef against the shore. Snorkelling from the beach, when the swell is small.
Worth knowing: Bottlenose dolphins visit at times, and humpbacks pass in June to August. In 1890 Charles Conder painted this shore in 'Ricketts Point, Beaumaris'.
Tip: Take nothing: no shells, no rocks. Dogs stay on a lead. From November to Easter the life saving club patrols on weekends. On a cool day you will not last in the water without a wetsuit.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.