McCrae: Beach, Bay Trail and history

When planning a trip to McCrae, there are several different things to focus on: the coast at McCrae Beach, the shared Bay Trail and historic sites. You can plan your stay around whether you’re mainly looking to spend time by the water, get moving on a trail or learn about the area’s history. The season, beach activities and historic landmarks each offer their own points of reference.

Beach and trails

McCrae Beach stretches for several kilometres from Anthony’s Nose to Rosebud and is considered one of the better beaches along this stretch of the Port Phillip coast. You can swim and go stand-up paddling at the beach; check local conditions before swimming.

If you prefer to get active on land, the Bay Trail runs through McCrae and is shared by pedestrians and cyclists. The difference from the beach is the type of activity: swimming and stand-up paddling are possible there, while pedestrians and cyclists share the trail. This gives you the choice between activities on the water and a shared path.

Camping within a seasonal window

Another factor to consider when planning is the time of year. Camping at the McCrae Foreshore Reserve is available annually from the last weekend in October to the last weekend in April. As both the start and end dates are tied to a weekend, it’s important to check the specific weekends, not just the months, when planning. Check the council’s current information before travelling.

The campground is located between the main road and the beach. The camping area extends from Anthony’s Nose in McCrae to Chinaman’s Creek in Capel Sound (Rosebud West). The season and the endpoints provide two different points of reference: the date range for choosing when to visit and the geographical extent of the area mentioned.

Lighthouse and homestead

The McCrae Lighthouse, also known as the Eastern Shore Light, guided ships through the South Channel of Port Phillip for more than a century. It was decommissioned in 1994. Its history is therefore tied to a specific maritime function and its end.

McCrae Homestead offers a different historical focus. Andrew McCrae, a lawyer, and his wife Georgiana, an artist, built it in 1844. The visitor centre on the property displays photographs, artefacts and items belonging to the Burrell-Twycross family, who lived at the homestead from 1851 to 1926. Two dates should be distinguished when placing the homestead in context: 1844 refers to its construction by Andrew and Georgiana McCrae; 1851 to 1926 is the period when the Burrell-Twycross family lived there.

The historic sites therefore highlight different periods: the lighthouse’s years in service and its decommissioning, and the homestead’s construction date and subsequent family history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Meeniyan, St Andrews Beach, Clifton Springs, Pimpinio, Serviceton, Merrigum, Romsey, Tarrington.

Go to the main travel overview: Victoria.