The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular walks, parks, wildlife reserves and sanctuaries in Victoria, even Australia. It just takes about an hour from Melbourne, so it would be great weekend getaway place when you stay in a Melbourne hotel with Expedia.
 |
= Read about our visit |
 |
= An entry fee is charged |
|
| Arthur's Seat - Blairgowrie - Cape Schanck - Crib Point - Dromana - Fingal - Flinders - Frankston - Hastings - Langwarrin - Main Ridge - Mornington - Mount Eliza - Mount Martha - Pearcedale - Portsea - Red Hill - Rosebud - Rye - Safety Beach - Seaford - Somers - Somerville - Sorrento - Tootgarook |
| GUIDED WALKING TOURS |
 |
| ARTHURS SEAT |
| The Friends Track - 3km |
| From the car park in Arthurs Seat Road where the OT Dam Track starts take the dry bush track to the end and turn left at the "Friends" sign post. Follow this track around until it meets up with Arthurs Seat Road. Follow Arthurs Seat road back to your car. |
| O.T. Dam – 3km return |
| From the car park in Arthur's Seat Road take the dry bush track and then the track around the secluded dam. OT Dam Map |
| Seawinds to Browns Road - 7km |
| From Seawinds follow the Two Bay Walking Track with magnificent views of Point Nepean and the Bass Strait. Parts of this track take you through suburban streets of Rosebud. |
| Kings Waterfall Circuit Walk – 1km return |
In the damp gully there are masses of native ferns and grass trees |
| From the car park in Waterfall Gully Road the 1 km Kings Waterfall circuit is an easy pleasant walk. Part of the walk is boardwalks and there are a few steps on some of the inclines. You can lengthen the walk by taking the track to Seawinds, a 4km walk with sensational views. |
| BLAIRGOWRIE |
Bridgewater - 2km return
This circular walk starts at St Johns Wood Road car park, overlooks rugged bay, huge surf and returns on a coastal bush track. |
Blairgowrie - Rye Shared Recreational Track
This well made and maintained track, extended through to Rosebud and Dromana, follows the bay foreshore through natural tea tree's, banksia and other native vegetation. Note - there are some incomplete sections where you need to go via the beach or roadside. |
| CAPE SCHANCK |
|
Ace Hi Ranch and Wildlife Park
- Horse-riding, wildlife park, accommodation. The International Armoured Military Vehicles Collection is also on the Ace Hi Ranch property (see Museums) - 810 Boneo Road, Cape Schanck Vic 3939
Tel: (03) 5988 6262 |
The Cliff Top to Pulpit Rock Boardwalk
Follow the walking track from the Kiosk towards the Cape. This short track takes you to the centre of the wooden staircase and boardwalk that descends to the beach and rock platform. There are several lookouts with magnificent views over Pulpit Rock and the Devil's Desk which were created millions of years ago. Care should be taken if you chose to walk on the rock platform as unexpected waves may wash across. Cliff Top to Pulpit Rock Boardwalk Map |
Bushranger Bay
Follow the Bushranger Bay track from the Eastern Car park and be prepared for the some of the most breathtaking scenery. The Victorian Government purchased this section of the park from adjacent farms in 1977. The track finishes at Bushranger's Bay, a sandy beach surrounded by bassalt cliffs. The round trip walk takes approx 2 hours. An extension of the track forms part of the Two Bays Walking Track and leads to the Rosebud-Flinders Road (approx 3km). This track passes through shady banksia groves prior to continuing north (across the road) into stands of eucalyptus and banksia and through to Greens Bush (10km). |
| CRANBOURNE |
| Royal Botanic Gardens & The Australian Garden - Cnr of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive (off South Gippsland Highway)
Cranbourne - Tel: (03) 5990 2200 |
| CRIB POINT |
Mangrove Walk, Crib Point - 4km one way
Start from the Woolleys Road car park at Jack's Beach and proceed along the boardwalks over the white mangrove swamps to the Westernport Marina in Hastings. This walk highlights the southern most mangroves in the world, with good views to French Island and Sandstone Island. |
| DROMANA |
Dromana to Arthurs Seat - 5km
The first part of the Two Bays Walking Track, this walk starts at the Dromana Information Centre and follows Latrobe Parade. As a side track you can take Bunnerong Track and investigate the old Dromana Cemetery. or by pass this and continue up the hill to Seawinds and on around to Arthurs Seat. You will get some magnificent views of Port Philip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula. This is a medium to hard walk with some steep hills. If unfit, please do not attempt it! |
Dromana to Sorrento Bay Trail -17km one way
This trail follows the foreshore for 17km, winding through parklands and camping grounds. The longest continuous section (11kms) begins at Anthony’s nose in Dromana and travels to Rye. There are numerous places to stop for refreshments. Dromana-Sorrento Bay Trail Map |
Dromana Foreshore Reserve Walk
The track starts at the car park at the intersection of Nepean Highway, Marine Parade and Point Nepean Road. It follows the waterfront from Safety Beach past the Dromana Pier and shopping centre ending at McArthur Street. An easy walk although the track surface is not paved. |
|
Two Bays Walking Track - 52km return
This is the longest walking track on the Mornington Peninsula. The walk starts at the Information Centre on Point Nepean Road, Dromana and finishes at Bushrangers Bay at Cape Schanck.
This walk can be done in smaller sections. Two Bays Walking Track Map |
| FINGAL |
Fingal Picnic Area & Beach Walk
Fingal picnic area is located 2km north of the Cape. This lovely picnic area has electric BBQ's, toilets, tables and an area for games. The government re-purchased this land (1994-1997) after it was previously sub-divided for housing. There are walking tracks to the beach (which is exposed at low tide) and lookouts that boast awesome views of the beach and the bassalt cliffs. The return walk takes approximately 1 hour and is steep in places. Fingal Beach Walking Map |
| FLINDERS |
Blowhole Track - 1.2km return
Track is accessed from Boneo Road car park. This walk is over huge bluestone boulders to the ocean. |
| FRANKSTON |
The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve
The Pines, located at the end of Excelsior Drive is 220 hectares of bush with lots of walking tracks and a great lookout with views to the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne. Read about our visit to The Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve. |
Frankston Foreshore Boardwalk - 2km return
A beautiful easy wheelchair friendly walk that starts at Wells Street and follows the foreshore past the pier to finish at the Nepean Highway near Oliver's Hill. Lots of lookouts and seats. Views from the Melbourne skyline to the You Yang Ranges across the bay are common on nice days. |
Sweetwater Creek Nature Reserve - 3km return
This walk starts in Liddesdale Avenue off the Nepean Highway near Oliver's Hill. It takes about 45 minutes for the return journey. The walk has quite a few steps and is steep is a couple of places, but very beautiful reserve. |
| HASTINGS |
Hastings Boardwalk
The 3.5 km pathway and boardwalk includes the living salt marsh and mangroves of Western Port and two viewing platforms provide spectacular views of surrounding waters overlooking Sandstone Island. The walk commences in Salmon Street Hastings and concludes at Jack’s Beach where electric barbecues are available. |
Hastings Foreshore Reserve and Boardwalk - 6km return
From the Hastings Pier follow the paved track past the restaurant following closely to the waterfront. At the first intersection take the path to the right. Follow this arouns until you meet up with the boardwalk. The boardwalk is 400 metres long and takes you to Jack Babington Park. Return via the boardwalk and take the track to the right towards the tennis courts. This will swing around and join the original track taking you back to the pier. |
| LANGWARRIN |
Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve
This reserve has lots of history with some ruins still to be found. In the late 1800's it was a military reserve with over 2000 men involved in maneuvers. It has been a prisoner of war camp and also a military hospital. Read about our visit to the Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve. |
| MAIN RIDGE |
Baldrys Circuit – 3.5km return
Park at the picnic area at the creek crossing on Baldrys Road. The track highlights remnant tall forests of the Peninsula. You have a choice of two circuits. One is approximately 1.5km while the other is about 3.5km. |
| MORNINGTON |
Historic Walk
The early buildings described in this Historic Walk reflect life in the town as it used to be. Churches, hotels, stores and public buildings change, yet continuity is the theme. Get a detailed rundown of our own Mornington Historical Walk. |
| MOUNT ELIZA |
Moorooduc Quarry - 1.7km return
The circuit walk is the main walk here, which has a lookout at the top of the quarry with sensational views of the lake and Moorooduc plains. It is quite steep in places and the track is not the best. If you want to get to the lookout without the steep climb, I would suggest either starting the walk from Allison Street or Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza. Check out our visit to the Moorooduc Quarry. |
| MOUNT MARTHA |
Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk - 7km return
The boardwalk weaves it's way through the bushland on the south bank of Balcombe Creek from the Esplanade to the Nepean Highway. At the Nepean Highway, the boardwalk passes under the roadway at The Briars Historic Park, enabling walkers also to take in the network of walks within The Briars. See the article about our take on the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk. |
The Briars Wetlands and Woodlands Reserve
The Briars is located on the Nepean Highway at Mount Martha. There are 3 walks in this reserve. The Wetlands and Bird Hide walk, Woodland walk and Ker-bur-rer Walk. Information is available from the information centre at the car park. |
Coastal Walk - 20km return
Starts at Hawker Beach opposite Hawker Street Mount Martha and follows the cliff top and the Esplanade to Schnapper Point, Mornington. This walk incorporates the Discoverers Walk. There are tracks leading off the main track to many of the beaches along the coast line. Some of the scenery from the lookouts along the way is awesome. When we did this walk, we took a taxi from Mornington back to Hawkers Street to save time and energy! A walk well worth doing. |
Discoverers Walk - 12km return
This walk is part of the Coastal Walk (listed above) but starts at Birdrock Beach and finishes at Mornington Park. |
Mount Martha Park
Located on Forest Drive off the Esplanade, there are a number of walking tracks and a lookout. The park includes a picnic area with BBQ and a playground. |
Sunshine Reserve - 2km return
Sunshine Reserve follows Sunshine Creek from the Esplanade near Hearn Road. A pleasant reserve with Possums, Sugar Gliders, Koalas and othe native animals. |
PEARCEDALE |
Moonlit Sanctuary
Wildlife Conservation Park - 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road - Tel: (03) 5978 7935 |
| PORTSEA |
Farnsworth Track – 3km return
Start at the London bridge car park or the Portsea Ocean Beach car park and return along the beach. Some steps to the lookouts are involved. |
London Bridge - 1km return
From the London Bridge car park you can either take part of the track to the lookout on the cliff top or follow the track down the hill and along the beach to London Bridge rock formation. |
Point Nepean National Park - distance varies from 1 - 8 km
For casual or serious walkers there are many walks in this park. Most beaches are off limits due to unexploded ammunition! The Visitors Centre is open every day 9-5pm except Christmas Day. There you will find maps and regulations in the park. An entry fee is payable. |
Shelley Beach – 2.5km return
From the car park on the cliff (Hemston Avenue) proceed down the track to the beach. The track leaves at the end of the beach up to the cliff top track to Franklin Road. Return via Franklin Road and the pleasant track along Point Nepean Road. This beach track is back dropped by grand holiday houses, dotted with boathouses and ramps where birds perch to watch the dolphins and boats go by. |
| Bayplay Aquatic Tours - 3755 Pt Nepean Rd, Portsea - Tel (03) 5984 0888 |
| RED HILL |
Lookout Hill Circuit Walk - 1km
West of the Arthur's Seat summit, along Arthur's Seat Rd (before you reach the intersection with the Mornington-Flinders Rd), there is a turnoff on the left into Eaton's Cutting Rd which leads to a car park. This is the start of the Lookout Hill Circuit Walk (1 km) which passes through stringy bark forest and open sheoak. It offers excellent views of the coast, the rural hinterland and Melbourne. Lookout Hill Circuit Walk Map |
Red Hill to Merricks Track – 8km return
Proceed from the car park at Blue Moon Junction in Red Hill (near the shops) and follow the old railway line through forest and picturesque farmland to Merricks Station Reserve on Merricks Road. The trail meanders past many excellent vineyards. Some uphill sections and rough surfaces. Red Hill to Merricks Track Map |
| ROSEBUD |
Rosebud Pier to McCrae Lighthouse - 3.5km return
Follow the boardwalk from Rosebud Pier and walk through the foreshore reserve. Return via the beach. A pleasant easy walk any time of the year. |
| RYE |
Rye to Sorrento Melbourne Road Trail
This inland trail connects Rye to Sorrento and Portsea and beyond. Newer sections of path between Sorrento and Koonya General Store provide an excellent surface. Although hilly in parts, this trail is suitable for beginners. Rye to Sorrento Melbourne Road Trail Map |
Rye Pier to Whitecliffs - 2km return
The walking track follows the foreshore from the pier to the old lime kiln on the east side of the headland. Take your time and wonder out on the jetty and enjoy the view. |
| SAFETY BEACH |
Martha Cove
From the car park near the Safety beach Boat Club the path follows the Martha Cove Waterway to the marina. This is a newly developed area. |
Pebble Beach– 2km return
From the car park near the Safety Beach Boat Club follow the track to the foot of the red cliffs. This track involves walking over a pebbly beach |
| SEAFORD |
Seaford Foreshore - 10km return
The Seaford Foreshore Walk starting at Keast Park on the Nepean Highway Seaford and finishing at Mile Bridge Frankston. This walk is through a strip of bush land that runs between the beach and the Nepean Highway. Lots of wonderful views of Port Philip Bay. This walk is one of the Three Waters Walk. |
Seaford Wetlands - 6km return
The Seaford Wetlands Walk starts at the end of Eel Race Road Seaford, located a short distance north of Keast Park off the Nepean Highway to the right. It is on a sealed shared walking/cycling track. There are strands of River Red Gums around the Wetlands, some of which are estimated to be around 300 years old. This walk is one of the Three Waters Walk. |
Kananook Creek Walk - 11km return
The start of Kananook Creek Walk is located in Reserve Road opposite Keast Park . This walk finishes at Mile Bridge Frankston. It follows Kananook Creek although the creek is not always visible. The track is mainly covered in bark chip and mulch. This is one of the Three Waters Walk. |
| SOMERS |
Somers to Sandy Point Beach Walk - 10km return
This walk takes you along a beach where the feeling of any civilsation has been left far behind. It leaves from the car park at the end of Belvedere Street Somers. From Sandy Point, both French Island and Philip island are easily visable. Before starting this walk it would be advisable to get permission from HMAS Cerberus as this walk skirts there prohibited area. |
| SOMERVILLE |
Somerville to Balnarring Trail - 26km one way
This 26km trail follows Frankston Flinders Road, travels through townships, alongside railway lines, by the coast and through woodlands. Ideal for recreational cyclists and walkers. Easy walking on sealed paths. Click here for more information. |
|
| Moonraker Seal & Dolphin Swims, Sorrento Pier, Esplanade - Tel: (03) 5984 4211 |
| Dolphin Watch & Seal Colony Cruise - Sorrento Pier, The Esplanade - Tel: 1300 304 384 |
| Polperro Dolphin Swims - Sorrento Pier, Esplanade, Sorrento - Tel: (03) 5988 8437 |
Coppin's Track, Sorrento – 3km return
Start at the Sorrento Ocean Beach car park at the end of Ocena beach road and proceed to the Rotunda lookout, which provides views from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean. Go down the steps to the beach and take in the marvelous natural Amphithearte. Return to the car park and take the walk to St Pauls Beach and Diamond Bay then on to Mount St Pauls Lookout. |
Diamond Bay, Sorrento – 3km return
Start at the Koonya Beach car park (Hughes Road) and proceed to Diamond Bay. Then take the track to the Bay of Islands, before returning via St Paul's lookout. Many steps descend to Diamond Bay - a favourite swimming place. A magnificent view is available from St Paul's Lookout. |
Millionaires Walk - Sorrento
This stunning cliff top walk has historic significance as it was the first time the Union Jack was used to claim possession of Australia. The breathtaking water views across Port Philip Bay to the Bellarine Peninsula, Melbourne and Mount Dandenong are amazing. Also, you will get an insight into how Melbourne's elite spend time at their summer mansions. See our articles on The Millionaires Walk for more details. |
| TOOTGAROOK |
Tootgarook Wetlands
Located at the end of Tern Avenue. This is a great bird spotting wetland. There are over 100 species in the area. |
|
|
home>>antiques>>beaches>>boat hire>>fishing>>galleries>>
golf courses>>
historic homes & gardens>>horse riding>>
markets and fairs >> museums>>spas and springs>>
tours>>
walks parks & wildlife >>wineries>> other attractions |
