Discover Point Cook: Coastal Trails, Wildlife and Aviation History

Point Cook brings together coastal trails, native grassland and aviation history. At Point Cook Coastal Park, the focus is on getting active and spending time by the water; the Marine Sanctuary adds further water-based activities to the nature experience. Then there is the RAAF Museum, which offers a very different perspective on the area. This combination makes Point Cook a destination whose appeal extends beyond any single type of outing.

Trails, beach and open landscapes

Point Cook Coastal Park has walking and cycling trails, picnic and barbecue facilities, playgrounds, and a beach to explore at low tide. The Tower Walk passes through native grassland to the lookout tower, which offers views of the Cheetham Wetlands. The trail combines a walk through the landscape with a clear destination and views of the wetlands.

The lookout tower can be reached via a 1.5-kilometre gravel path each way. This route also passes through native grassland and is wheelchair accessible. The distance is given each way to help you plan your day. For a longer route, there is the Bay Trail: it runs continuously and traffic-free from Williamstown to Point Cook Coastal Park, and can be walked, run or cycled.

The southern section of the Skeleton Creek Trail starts at Boardwalk Estate in Point Cook and runs along both sides of Skeleton Creek to the Cheetham Wetlands. It follows the creek to a different destination from the Bay Trail. Check local conditions before setting out.

Nature in and around the water

At Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy beach walks, birdwatching, sightseeing, diving and snorkelling. The options range from a walk along the shore to activities in the water. Groups of bottlenose dolphins visit the sanctuary; in late summer, swarms of jellyfish drift across the reef. For travellers who like to divide their time between the coast and observing nature, the sanctuary offers a different experience from the trails in the Coastal Park.

Cultural landscape and aviation history

Point Cook Coastal Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape within the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary is also within an Aboriginal cultural landscape, here in the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong People. This cultural context is as much a part of understanding these places as their landscapes and the activities available there.

The RAAF Museum in Point Cook offers insights into more than 100 years of Royal Australian Air Force history; Point Cook is considered the birthplace of military aviation in Australia. Another historical landmark is Point Cook Homestead in the Coastal Park: the historic bluestone residence was built in 1857. It will remain boarded up for the foreseeable future. The Homestead buildings, café and toilets are currently closed, but the grounds can still be crossed on foot. Check the latest information with Parks Victoria before visiting.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday rental in Point Cook, you could start by considering which side of the area you want to shape your stay: the trails and beach, nature and water activities, or aviation history.

Discover more destinations: Wantirna South, Coldstream, Moorabbin, Aspendale, Essendon, Kensington, Heidelberg, St Albans

For the main travel overview: Melbourne.