Soak up the Scenery on Kalimna Jetty Walk

☑️ Kid-friendly

☑️ Wheelchair friendly

☑️ Pram friendly

☑️ Bicycle friendly

⭐ Stair rating – Approx 50 stairs (descending)

Duration/Length:

Approx. 3km return

Time/Date:

3.00 pm 19 Feb 2023

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GALLERY

Beneath the lookouts over the spectacular Gippsland Lakes is a hidden gem, the Kalimna Jetty Walk.

I enjoy this walk late in the afternoon or just before sunset, as it’s always a peaceful way to end a hectic day. Today is mild with a slight breeze, just enough to cause the water to lap at the rocks beside the path.

The Kalimna Jetty Walk is reached by turning off the Princes Highway and following a skinny (two-lane) road down to a large open parking area. You will find a toilet block and picnic tables at the beginning of the walk.

Aside from the walk, the Jetty has a safe beach for swimming. The beach is popular with young families, paddleboarders and kayakers.

For the adventurous, you can explore by following the shoreline to the right of the car park. If you don’t find a crab on the shore, you might feel them nibbling at your toes in the water! The abundance of crabs makes crabbing very popular at Kalimna Jetty.

The walk begins to the left of the Jetty on a gravel-surfaced path. The path is level and suitable for cyclists, prams and wheelchairs. Note, if walking with children, the gravel may be too unstable for a scooter.

Although the kids might be disappointed, I assure you they will be thrilled with crab spotting on the path along the shoreline. Thousands of crabs can be spotted scuttling between the rocks! It’s a great idea to keep your eyes peeled along this section of the walk for dolphins and seals frolicking in the Lakes which will depend on the time of year and the number of boats in the area.

The path follows the cliff heading towards the Entrance and as mentioned earlier is ideal for sunset views.

About a kilometre along the path diverges. The path directly ahead will take you closer to Bullock Island and the Entrance. There is also a shallow shoreline possible for swimming. I recommend following the second path veering to the left continuing the Kalimna Jetty Walk loop towards the highway and lookouts.

This section of the path is less gravelly and has a covering of leaf litter from the many trees casting shade on the path from all sides.

This walk opens onto the shoreline several times and you may glimpse the many pelicans trying their luck with the fisherman at the boat ramp.

Once you have emerged from the tree-lined path, you will turn left and ascend a steep cement footpath beside the highway. You will come across a few lookout points on this stretch of path. The second lookout offers the best outlook of the Entrance itself. However, the main Lookout at the top offers the most panoramic views of the Lakes.

At this point, there are two options for returning to the beginning of the loop. If you are on wheels the best option is to follow the highway to Kalimna Jetty Road.

This road will lead you directly to the car park at Kalimna Jetty. However, if on foot and reasonably agile, I recommend following the steep downhill path that weaves through a beautiful forest.

To get to this path, you pass the last Lookout and the rear of the Ocean Views Motel. You will then arrive at the Kalimna Hotel, which has spectacular views of the Lakes and could be a fantastic excuse to rehydrate! Past the Hotel, the bitumen path becomes gravel and you will descend around fifty stairs to return to the Kalimna Jetty.

Summary: A shorter length of walk with no shortage of interesting sights. Perfect late afternoon or evening walk for spectacular sunset views.

Pro-tip: if walking in Summer, bring bug spray, the mosquitos are ravenous!