The Coastal walk from Burns Beach to Iluka Foreshore Park is extremely popular and usually very busy on weekends. The shared use path from Iluka Foreshore Park south to Ocean Reef is longer but also flatter and quieter. UPDATE: Construction on the Ocean Reef Marina has started and this has impacted the southern section of this coastal walk.
You can park in the car park at Iluka Foreshore Park where there is a pirate themed natural playground, gazebos, picnic tables, BBQs and toilets. If this is full there is a small overflow car park on the main road just south of the Shenton Road roundabout.
Head up the stairs to the lookout to see the path winding it's way south.
The first section is a little hilly as it winds down hill and around a second little park before heading slightly uphill before flattening out. There are a number of interpretive signs along the path describing the fauna and flora found in the coastal dunes.
The path joins the road near the boat storage at Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue. Instead of turning around keep going a little further and sneek into the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club to look at the unique and beautiful war memorial which overlooks the ocean marina below.
The Ocean Reef 100th ANZAC Memorial commemorates the centenary of ANZAC and the conflicts in which Australia has been involved. The monument includes a 12 metre high, 6 metre wide arch with words engraved onto the steel frame and images from various wars on digi-glass. If you haven't been to an ANZAC Day Dawn Service here and witnessed the morning sun light up the memorial put it on your list as it is an incredibly moving experience.
The day we walked there was rain coming in behind the Ocean Reef Marina Groyne.
The coastal path has great ocean views most of the way along and there are a few side access trails down to the beach. These trails are popular with fishermen and surfers. If you feel the need to cool off in the water keep in mind these are not safe swimming beaches.
As you return to the small green park just before the Foreshore Park you can make your way down the stairs to the beach and walk the last section along the beach, wetting your toes in the ocean before climbing back up the stairs and pathway below the lookout, emerging at Iluka Foreshore Park.
The walk is about 2 km each way and will take an hour return. Being mostly flat it is a great walk for the kids to ride their scooters or bikes.