Mount Eliza’s coastline, stretching along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, is a place where the ocean meets firm earth with a restless energy. Every so often, this meeting ground rallies locals and visitors alike to join Coastal Clean-up Days—events dedicated not just to clearing rubbish, but to reconnecting with a fiercely alive shoreline that demands respect.

The clean-up routes typically trace about 5 kilometers of varied terrain. You’ll find yourself walking firm sandy beaches wavering into jagged rock shelves where waves roll over with persistent insistence. Parts of the trail scale modest dunes, rising a combined elevation gain of around 40 meters, offering views that spread to the distant horizon leaving the bay water daring you to follow its spirited edge.

These coastal days are about more than just the hike. Participants gather with gloves and bags at southern entry points near Canadian Bay Road, working in coordinated groups to tackle plastic debris pushed ashore by tides and time. The walk involves occasional hopping across pebbles and driftwood, which can be slippery in wet conditions, so sturdy footwear is a must.

Preparation is straightforward but important. Aim for early mornings when the air is cool and tides are low—timing that brings out seabirds and keeps sun exposure manageable. Hydration packs or water bottles are essential; even on mildly cool days, constant movement along the coast dries you out steadily. Protective, quick-drying clothing and a hat guard against the sun, while a pair of gloves and a small first-aid kit cover your cleanup essentials.

Participants describe the experience as a blend of adventure and purpose. It’s a walk where the environment has a voice—the ocean currents pushing forward, restless and unyielding, and the salt-laden breeze offering fresh encouragement. The shoreline’s natural vigor challenges you to respect every footstep. Along the routes, native bush snaps and rustles, adding its own presence to the group’s steady progress.

While the focus is on collecting litter, the day offers a chance to spot local wildlife such as little penguins darting offshore, eastern blue-tongue lizards scuttling among fallen leaves, and various wrens whispering nearby in coastal shrubs. Moreover, historical signage along parts of the coast hints at the region’s Indigenous heritage and early settler stories, enriching the walk beyond its physical stretch.

If you want to participate, watch local community boards or the Mornington Peninsula Shire website for upcoming dates. These clean-up efforts typically last between two and three hours, making them accessible for families, solo adventurers, or seasoned conservation volunteers.

Involving yourself with Coastal Clean-up Days here means stepping into an ongoing conversation with a landscape that is fiercely itself. It’s a practical adventure where your efforts return beauty to the shore, and in return, the coastline lends renewed vigor to your spirit.