Bellarine Rail Trail - Swan Bay Saltmarsh to Suma Park

Escaping Your Comfort Zone - Side by Side Nature Walks is for women who want chilled out, short and slow adventures. We don’t care about size, speed or fitness. We go slow, we go short, we leave no one behind. It’s about fun in the outdoors, because we can!  These walks are for women aged 50+.

📌 Bellarine Rail Trail – Swan Bay (Point Lonsdale) to Suma Park Return

🌾 Saltmarsh landscapes, birdlife and a meandering rail trail up to the historic Suma Park
🚶 Slow, flat, beginner-friendly walk (around 1.5–2hrs). No one is left behind. Total distance approx 5kms return.
♿ Wide gravel rail trail – mostly flat but not fully wheelchair accessible
🍴 Cuppas provided, BYO cups. Feel free to bring some baked goods to share!
🐶 Well behaved dogs allowed, please keep on leash and pick up after them
🚻 Toilets available at Suma Park station at the turnaround point, there is no loos at the start/finish.
🅿️ Park at the Swan Bay Saltmarsh, on Fellows Rd, Point Lonsdale.
🚗 Carpool if you can – save space, cut costs, and shout your driver a coffee as thanks

ABOUT THE BELLARINE RAIL TRAIL:

The Bellarine Rail Trail follows a former railway line that once connected Geelong to Queenscliff, carrying passengers and produce across the Bellarine Peninsula from the late 1800s. Today, it’s been transformed into a wide, flat shared path that’s perfect for walking, cycling, and easy outdoor access for all abilities.

Because it was built for trains, the trail is gently graded and easy underfoot, making it ideal for slow-paced, social walking. Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of farmland, native vegetation, and coastal environments—including areas like the Swan Bay wetlands, which are rich in birdlife and natural beauty.

Rather than being about big landmarks, the Rail Trail is all about simple, peaceful movement—open skies, fresh air, and space to walk side by side without pressure. It’s a great option for building confidence, having conversations, and just enjoying being outdoors at your own pace.

FOOD + CUPPAS
After the walk, we’ll enjoy a cuppa together. I’ll bring the tea, coffee and hot chocolate.  

WHAT TO BRING

• Water: at least 1L (more if it’s hot)

• BYO Mug

• Clothes: comfy, with layers you can add/remove

• Bug spray and sunscreen/hat

• Shoes: any comfortable shoes with laces

• Raincoat: if you have one and rain is possible

• First aid/medications: Your health is your responsibility.  Bring your own first aid kit.  Don't forget any puffers, antihistamines, epipens etc if you use them. Remember you are in the outdoors.

• Emergency contact info: use our form (or write details on paper, in a ziplock bag, in the top/front pocket your pack)

• Optional: baked goods to share, camp chair or picnic rug for lunch

CARPOOLING
Carpooling is a great way to save car park space, cut down our environmental footprint, and travel with new friends. Many of us come from similar areas, so please drop a note in the chat if you can offer a lift or need one.  It's great to offer a small contribution (or even a coffee) to your driver.

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