Enjoy the beach, cafés and some of the quirky seaside architecture that gives Sumner its character.
| Start | Sumner Promenade beside Cave Rock |
| Finish | Scarborough Park |
| Distance | 1.25 km |
| Time | 20 minutes one way |
| Dogs |
Must be on leash on the promenade. Summer (from 1 November to 31 March between 9am and 7pm) dog prohibition applies on the beach 100 metres north of the Sumner Surf Life Saving Club's pavilion to Cave Rock in the south except for the purpose of passing through on a short leash. Outside of these times dogs are permitted under effective control. |
| Accessibility | Suitable for wheelchairs and buggies |
| Toilets | Scarborough Park |
| Description |
The promenade is a wide asphalt path on the seaward side of the seawall and there is another path on the land side. On a summer's day the promenade is busy with other walkers, joggers, parents with strollers or people sitting and enjoying the day. Stroll along the promenade from the beginning by Cave Rock. If you want to explore Cave Rock (at low tide) wander across Sumner Beach to the seaward side of Cave Rock. It is an easy scramble through this short tidal cave and you emerge out on the other beach near the foot of a walking ramp onto the promenade. Cave Rock itself is an easy climb and a plaque on the tower remembers the Captain of the Sumner Lifeboat, Joseph Day, who saved many lives between 1867 and 1880. It is easy walking around to Scarborough Park, which sits under the cliffs. There are toilets here, as well as a children's playground and paddling pool and plenty of shading trees. No dogs are allowed in the park. For variation on the return walk try Nayland Street or the less busy Wiggins Street. There are still many interesting and homely houses that reveal Sumner's origins as a quiet seaside escape. Past the Sumner shops, if you cross Wakefield Avenue, it is well worthwhile to walk down the last part of Nayland Street with its idiosyncratic houses, stone walls and cliffs. Cross Main Street at the pedestrian island back to the car park. Find out about swimming at Sumner and Scarborough. |