Pyramid Rock is a triangle-shaped rock island just off the southern coast of Phillip Island, a popular destination in Victoria, Australia made famous by the Penguin Parade. A short 800 meter (0.5 miles) round trip return walk travels out onto a grassy point approaching Pyramid Rock. Overlooks at the midway point and the end of this short trail allow hikers to take in coastal views that extend to both ends of the 26-kilometer long island, from Cape Woolamai to the east to Point Grant to the west. This is an easy and enjoyable walk with just 10 meters of elevation change.
This short coastal walk begins from the end of Pyramid Rock Road, a gravel road to the southern shore of Phillip Island. A wheelchair-friendly boardwalk heads gradually uphill for 200 meters to an overlook with a pair of benches. Absorb the ocean view looking east along the coast to Cape Woolamai. Farther out on the point, a second overlook can be seen at the end of the trail, backed by a pyramid of dark rock rising out of the surf just offshore.
The trail is only wheelchair-friendly up to the first overlook. Afterward, there are steps on the boardwalk as it continues out on the point.
The trail offers new views to the west where unrelenting waves collide with short sea cliffs. You can look all the way down the coast to the western tip of Phillip Island at Point Grant, better known as The Nobbies. Before the end of the island, you’ll also spot the buildings for the Penguin Parade at Summerlands Beach, where each evening visitors gather to watch native little blue penguins return from their day at sea.
At the end of the trail, a staircase leads up to a wooden viewing platform built on a rise in the terrain. The well-placed overlook offers views up the coast in both directions. In the ocean in front of the overlook, a pronounced cone of dark earth breaking up the blue waters off the end of the point. A rocky headland separates the overlook and Pyramid Rock, an area that is closed off for preservation. Even without going all the way to the end of the point next to Pyramid Rock, the view is quite rewarding.
Relax and watch a few rounds of waves roll in around Pyramid Rock before walking back the way you came. There are no junctions along the 400-meter long trail so you won’t get lost. However, additional trails leaving from the car park head east and west along the coast. The 5-kilometer return hike to the east reaches Berry’s Beach. Dogs are not allowed on the trail to Pyramid Rock. There are toilets at the trailhead. No fee or permit is required to hike to the Pyramid Rock Lookouts, so get out and enjoy!
Directions: From Melbourne, take M1 east for approximately 30 kilometers to the exit for South Gippsland Freeway (M420) and drive south for 97 kilometers on M420 following signs for Phillip Island. Bear right onto Phillip Island Road (B420) to cross the bridge onto Phillip Island. Now continue another 8.5 kilometers and bear left at a major split onto Back Beach Road (toward the Penguin Parade). Drive 4.5 kilometers and turn left down Pyramid Rock Road. After 3.3 kilometers on this gravel road, you will reach a large parking area at the road’s end. The trail to the Pyramid Rock Lookouts begins from the end of the road.
Trailhead address: Pyramid Rock Road, Ventnor, VIC 3922, Australia
Trailhead coordinates: -38.525928, 145.221826 (38° 31′ 33.34″S 145° 13′ 18.57″E)
You may also view a regional map of surrounding Australian trails, campgrounds, and lodging.
 | Cape Woolamai This 8.5-kilometer loop along beaches and bluffs is packed with Cape Woolamai highlights, including Woolamai Surf Beach, the Pinnacles, Cape Woolamai Beacon, Old Granite Quarry, and Cleeland Bight. |
 | Koala Conservation Centre This 1.2-kilometer loop explores the fantastic boardwalks in Phillip Island's Koala Conservation Centre as well as a longer trail through eucalyptus woodlands. |
 | Nobbies Boardwalk This 1-kilometer walk on Point Grant at the west end of Phillip Island provides excellent coastal views highlighted by Seal Rocks, Nobbies, and the Nobbies Blowhole. |
 | Summerlands Beach This 1-kilometer out and back return hike brings you to a picturesque surf beach that is taken over by little penguins in the evening. |
 | Penguin Parade to the Nobbies This 4-kilometer one-way road can be walked, driven, or biked between the Penguin Parade Visitor Center and the Nobbies Centre, exploring beautiful coastline along the way (for an 8-kilometer out-and-back return hike). |
 | More trails in Australia Explore other destinations in Victoria and Tasmania, Australia. |
 | Big 4 Caravan Park on Phillip Island This holiday park offers convenient cabin and camping accommodations on the east end of Phillip Island. |
It was really fun to go there.
Might we see whales from this path.