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Coastal trails

From Brighton to Beaumaris, there are 17km of foreshore, cliff tops and beaches to explore by foot or on a bike.

With over 90 interpretive signs, the foreshore coastal trail has walks and experiences that celebrate Bayside's indigenous, historical, artistic and environmental heritage. The trails celebrate the lives and work of famous Australian artists who were inspired by Bayside's beauty, tell stories of the Boon wurrung people who lived here for thousands of years, share the historical significance of the area, and describe the natural environment.

The four coastal trails celebrate and explore

Art

The prominent Art Trail includes work by famous Heidelberg School founders Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin, completed during summer camps between 1886 and 1907. Many artists such as Arthur Boyd, Clarice Beckett, CA Wilson and Jesse Trail followed in the footsteps of Heidelberg School painters in painting en plein-air. The trail signs are located as close as possible to where the artists stood sometimes over 100 years ago.

History

The coastal area of Bayside has played host to many historical events of regional and local importance. The history trail will explain these important events and their historical significance at 15 historical sites.

Indigenous

The indigenous trail includes works of contemporary Indigenous artists and is based on stories authored by Boon wurrung Elder Carolyn Briggs. The trail outlines the close relationship between the Boon wurrung culture and the coastal environment. Bayside's rich coastal history (epitomised by the colourful Brighton bathing boxes) and the significant local flora and fauna are also prominent.

Environment

The environment trail consists of signs that identify and explain a wide range of flora, fauna and ecological types, from the marine environment through to coastal vegetation.