New Arthurs Seat Skylift to raise the bar for Mornington Peninsula holidays
Tweet Published on 24th July 2015 in Blog, Mornington Peninsula ActivitiesMornington Peninsula is packed full of exciting things to do for people taking a holiday in Victoria. However, a new attraction is coming to the region, promising to be a world-class tourism destination sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Arthurs Seat Skylift approved
By the end of next year, people who visit Arthurs Seat can enjoy a smooth new ride in a gondola-style ride, replacing the chairlift that previously provided tourists a high vantage point from which to view the region. That ride has been closed since 2006 because of safety concerns.
New $16m Arthurs Seat chair lift gets the nod. http://t.co/0BOzd3Uacp pic.twitter.com/iq8EFuQBfM
— Herald Sun (@theheraldsun) July 20, 2015
On July 20, Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews announced that the final step in negotiations for the development had been completed with Arthurs Seat Skylift Pty Ltd signing the lease. The planned attraction is a $16 million access gondola with station buildings at the top and bottom of the ride.
"The all-weather, all-abilities design will be an attraction for visitors all-year round, providing great opportunities for everyone to experience the sensational views over Port Phillip," said Lisa Neville, minister for environment, climate change and water.
"The Arthurs Seat Skylift will be a significant addition to the Mornington Peninsula region, and a 'must do' experience for national and international visitors to Victoria."
While completed plans are still forthcoming, the original designs included 21-metre-high pylons and a cafe at the summit, the Herald Sun reported. Like other gondolas around the country, this is sure to be a focal point for people visiting the region.
To support the attraction, Parks Victoria intends to upgrade public space, such as car parking and visitor facilities, putting $1.5 million towards these efforts throughout the precinct.
Visiting Arthurs Seat
Of course, the skylift is hardly the only reason to visit Arthurs Seat. Anyone staying on Mornington Peninsula can enjoy the beautiful park, even before the gondola attraction is completed.
Arthurs Seat itself is the 314-metre hill towering above the rest of the Port Phillip Bay landscape. Offering stunning views, making your way to the summit (on foot or by gondola), is well worth your trouble.
An amazing sunset from the peak of Victoria's Arthurs Seat | Photo: Ian Mackay via @VicStormChasers #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/d59QVWWc01
— MORECAST Australia (@MORECAST_Au) June 11, 2015
Surrounding the peak is the Arthurs Seat State Park, where you can make your way along a beautiful trail to Kings Falls or stop by the Seawinds Garden. There, you can enjoy gorgeous greenery and sculptures.
Close to beaches and offering several tracks and scenic lookouts, Arthurs Seat is a great place to spend the day, have a picnic and relax.