Melbourne Day Tours offer the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from Melbourne. A nature lover’s paradise, the region boasts countless coastal and inland trails through rugged cliffs, peaceful bush, and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect destination for hikers of all levels looking for an epic adventure from Cape Schanck to Fingal Beach Walk. Whether you love coastal views, sunsets, or hidden rock pools, the Mornington Peninsula has it all.
To complete your adventure, consider a Peninsula Hot Springs Tour, where you can unwind in geothermal mineral waters. You can book a tour with operators like Autopia Tours or Wildlife Tours, ensuring a memorable and relaxing experience on the Peninsula.
Iconic Trails
Cape Schanck to Bushrangers Bay Trail
- 6km return
- Moderate
- Highlights: Starting at the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, this trail winds through dense bush and coastal scrub, with panoramic views of Bass Strait and cliff tops that drop dramatically to the sea. At Bushrangers Bay, you’ll find a secluded beach, magnificent rock formations and tidal rock pools to explore.
Cape Schanck is known for its rugged beauty and ancient rock formations making it one of the Mornington Peninsula National Park’s most spectacular lookouts. The walking track offers stunning coastal views and the chance to see native flora and fauna, including the Hooded Plover. The trail takes you through scrub covered cliffs to soft sand and showcases the region’s natural beauty.
Peninsula Coastal Walk
- 30km one way
- Moderate to Hard
- Highlights: This continuous walking track goes from Cape Schanck to Point Nepean and takes you through a variety of beach sections, sandy beaches and natural bush. Along the way, it passes Rye Ocean Beach, Gunnamatta Beach, London Bridge and Diamond Bay. With several inland exits, you can walk through different sections or the whole scenic stretch.
Gunnamatta Beach is famous for its sandy surf beaches and is a favourite for surfers and beachgoers. On land, the trail leads to Fingal Picnic Area, where you’ll find entry points to the coastal b with lookout points that take in the ocean beach and Port Phillip Bay. The Mornington Peninsula Coastal Walk is perfect for those looking for a varied hike.
Point Nepean National Park Walk
- Distance: Various (3-11km options)
- Highlights: The trails in Point Nepean offer a mix of history and nature. You can walk the remains of the Quarantine Station, strategic military sites, and several lookouts with views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. The trails are also wheelchair accessible, with facilities for all.
This historic site is surrounded by bush and has views of the Port Phillip Bay Heads, perfect for a late afternoon walk. You may see kangaroos grazing along the inland tracks as you walk, adding to the fun.
Two Bays Walking Track
- Distance: 26km (one way)
- Grade: Moderate to Hard
- Highlights: The longest walk on the Peninsula, this track goes from Dromana to Cape Schanck, through Arthurs Seat State Park and to Fingal Beach. Along the way, you’ll walk through different environments, from peaceful bushland with Manna Gums to rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean.
The track has a mix of inland and coastal sections, with tracks like the Arthurs Seat Circuit Walk offering stunning views of the Peninsula from the top of Arthurs Seat. For experienced walkers, this track allows you to explore the Peninsula’s bush and coastline.
Sorrento to Portsea Artists Trail
- Distance: 3.5km (one way)
- Grade: Easy
- Highlights: For art lovers and casual walkers this trail follows art installations inspired by the landscapes of Sorrento Ocean Beach, Koonya Ocean Beach and Dimmicks Beach. The Artists Trail celebrates the creative spirit of the Peninsula and includes historical references to local artists and sites such as Coppins Track and Coppins Lookout.
The Sorrento Back Beach area has lookouts and coastal scrub where you can appreciate the art and nature. The soft sand along the beach sections makes it a perfect walk for a leisurely stroll with lookouts over the rugged cliffs that frame Bass Strait below.
Hidden Gems Along the Trails
Cliffs and Lookouts
The Peninsula’s landscape is all about cliffs and views, particularly on the Cape Schanck and Bushrangers Bay trails. Lookouts like Coppins Lookout and Fingal Beach Walk offer views over Bass Strait and rock formations. Great vantage points for panoramic views and photo ops.
Secret Beaches and Bays
Secret beaches like Bridgewater Bay, Dimmicks Beach and Shelley Beach are for a quiet getaway. Sorrento Front Beach and Portsea Surf Beach have soft sand and ocean views. Rye Ocean Beach and Portsea Ocean Beach have sandy surf beaches and tidal rock pools.
Historical Sites and Shipwrecks
History buffs will love the Quarantine Station at Point Nepean National Park and nearby shipwrecks along the coast. Historical sites from early settlement days to World War II.
Cool Rock Pools and Rock Formations
Mornington Peninsula’s rock pools, like Mushroom Reef and Sorrento Back Beach, are some of the best in Victoria. Visitors can see the rock formations and explore tidal pools full of marine life. Lizard Head and London Bridge rock pools are natural wonders with colour and texture.
Hiking
- Start at Cape Schanck Lighthouse: Cape Schanck has ocean and headland views so is a great place to start. Nearby tracks to explore Cape Schanck and Bushrangers Bay.
- Use Alternative Beach Access Points: The coastal walk has access points at Rye Ocean Beach, Gunnamatta Beach and Sorrento Ocean Beach. Secondary tracks and alternative beach access allow you to access different sections easily.
- Check the Weather: Severe weather can close trails or cause damage, so always check the trail conditions on the Parks Victoria website. Most tracks are graded for safety and are updated after significant events.
- Amenities and Safety: Most parks have facilities, public toilets at entry points and picnic areas. Mushroom Reef and Arthurs Seat State Park have toilet facilities, but bring drinking water if you’re planning a long day’s walk.
Mornington Peninsula’s coastal walks and trails bring together some of Victoria’s best landscapes, from peaceful bush to stunning coastal views. With accessible tracks, historic landmarks and a network of inland and coastal trails, Mornington Peninsula is a true nature escape. Whether you’re after a family-friendly walk, a walk with views or an adventurous trek along the cliffs, Melbourne Tours to Mornington Peninsula has it all – stunning views, history and natural beauty.
FAQ
What amenities are there along the Mornington Peninsula trails?
Picnic areas, public toilets and parking are available at most major trailheads. Fingal Picnic Area, Arthurs Seat State Park and Mushroom Reef have toilet facilities, but bring extra drinking water for longer walks.
Are Mornington Peninsula trails dog-friendly?
Some trails are dog friendly, but areas within Mornington Peninsula National Park have restrictions to protect wildlife. Assistance dogs are permitted but check entry requirements for pets on specific trails.
Are the trails suitable for people with limited mobility?
Some trails are accessible for people with limited mobility, such as Cape Schanck Boardwalk and parts of Point Nepean. Facilities, including wheelchair accessible paths and rest areas, are available at key points, but more rugged trails may not be suitable.
Can I swim at the beaches along these coastal walks?
Yes, several beaches along the trails are safe for swimming, such as Rye Ocean Beach, Sorrento Ocean Beach, and Portsea Surf Beach. Some of the more remote areas, like Bushrangers Bay, can have strong currents, so always check local signs and heed any warning signs.
When should I hike the Mornington Peninsula trails?
Autumn and spring are the best times, with cool weather and minimal storms. Check conditions on event days or before you go.