Rip View Lookout
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Located in Point Lonsdale,
Rip View Lookout is a well-known lookout that offers a fantastic view of the bay, including the rough stretch of water between Point Lonsdale, Point Nepean and Shortlands Bluff, known as
The Rip .
The Rip is approximately 3.5km wide (between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean), and is the shipping entrance into Port Phillip Bay, making it a great spot for watching the ships and boats as they enter and exit the bay.
As well as providing a great view of The Rip, the lookout offers a great view of Lonsdale Bay, including the beach and pier.
also has a number of monuments, including a monument dedicated to Douglas Trevor Mew, the first person on record to swim across The Rip - an achievement which was completed on the 13th of June, 1971.
Further along, there is a brass sign with a section of writing in both English and Braille.
The writing is a bit worn, but is still readable. It reads:
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Discover the Soundscape of Rip View
The sounds you hear are a musical wonderland of the various aspects of our marine and coastal environment.
The South-Westerly winds are an ever-present feature of this unique coastline. Strong gusts cause only a slight rustle in the dense, low, native vegetation, which is well-adapted to this windy environment.
The vegetation leans inland and hugs the dunes and cliffs providing protection for the birds and other animals from the prevailing winds. The seabirds can be heard calling as they hover on the up draughts.
The waves crash loudly as they tumble across the rocky platforms. With the changing tide, the water trickles over small rock pools as they empty and fill. The immense tidal movements of water creates a choppy swirl known as "The Rip" between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean. In foggy conditions, the foghorn located at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse sounds to assist mariners navigating this treacherous waterway.
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CAUTION
Impassible Cliffs
At certain high tides, water levels rise to the cliff face. Beach crossings should not be attempted at this time.
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At the end of the carpark, there's a set of stairs, leading to a seat and a monument commemorating the service of Borough of Queenscliffe Councillor, Alex Laker. The monument - a cairn - has compass points and lists the direction and distance to a number of Australian places.
From here, there's a walking track which leads towards the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse area. Beach access is also available from the lookout, with wooden steps leading down to
Point Lonsdale 'East' beach .
If you're planning on visiting the beach, it's a lovely beach with plenty to explore, however please note that the conditions can often be very rough, particularly around the corner at the Steps Beach and Surf Beach.
In terms of parking, there is plenty available in a carpark located next to the Lookout walkway. Access is via a one-way entrance from Point Lonsdale Road.
Overall, it's a place that's definitely worth a look if you enjoy photography, boat-spotting, or if you're already in the area, visiting the lighthouse or nearby beaches.
Toilets: The nearest toilets are just a short distance away, at
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve .
Other Notes: Due to its location, Point Lonsdale can get very windy, so I'd recommend either visiting when the weather conditions are good, or else packing some warm clothes.
Shade/Shelter: None
Parking: Free Parking is available in a designated carpark.
Rubbish Bins: Yes
#lookouts
#near_bellarine_peninsula
#outdoor
%wnbellarinepeninsula
93758 - 2023-06-12 01:00:36