National Parks & Walks

Everyone knows about the glorious beaches and fabulous wines of the Mornington Peninsula, but the state and national parks really are the region’s best kept secrets. But the best thing is, they’re easily accessible and simply beautiful.

So here are some insider tips. Walk right to the end of the Mornington Peninsula at Point Nepean National Park, which is rich in military history. Or explore some of the spectacular coastline of the Mornington Peninsula National Park along Bass Strait. At night, go to the highest point of the Peninsula at Arthurs Seat State Park and see the lights sparkling right around Port Phillip.

Cape Schanck Boardwalk

Cape Schanck is at the most southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula at the meeting of Bass Strait and Western Port. It has been protected since the 1800’s and was made a national park in 1988 and offers spectacular scenery.
There are a number of walks around the area with spectacular views along the rugged ocean beaches of Bass Strait towards Sorrento and Point Nepean.

A short circuit walks takes visitors to the start of the wooden staircase and boardwalk which descends to the pebble beach and rock platform. Several lookouts provide spectacular views over the geological formations called Pulpit Rock and Devils Desk which were created by volcanic activity over millions of years. Care must be taken to avoid the large waves that crash across the rock platforms.

Visitors can walk around the grounds of the Lighthouse and see the former Lighthouse Keepers’ residences, which were built in 1859 home to resident lighthouse keepers of the past. The grounds of the Light station are a perfect location for picnics, with views out over Bass Strait as the backdrop, BBQ’s are on site.

Cape Schanck is a good starting point for several scenic walks to nearby Bushranger’s Bay, Fingal Picnic Are and Fingal Beach, and is a key start/end point for the Two Bays Track and the Coastal Trail as part of the Mornington Peninsula 100km Walk

Point Nepean

Point Nepean is truly one of Victoria’s beautiful natural landscapes. A special place with so much to see and discover. It has a rich history and played an important role in shaping the early settlement, quarantine and defence of Victoria.

The park is located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, with outstanding coastal scenery and panoramic views of Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay.

Explore the military forts and tunnels, discover the historic Quarantine Station, view the memorial where Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing or simply enjoy the coastal surrounds.

Greens Bush

The Greensbush section of the Mornington Peninsula National Park is situated between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck, and is the largest section of National Park bushland on the Mornington Peninsula. It is surrounded by farmland and contains a variety of flora and fauna, making it a prime nature walking destination.

There are mutliple public walking tracks for visitors to explore the diversity of plants and animals that call Greensbush home.