Walking

Walking tracks are located along much of the coastline and through Greens Bush. Arrow markers outline tracks; orange markers indicate longer ‘through tracks’ and blue markers indicate ‘circuit walks’.

For the ultimate challenge, try the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk which links existing tracks across the peninsula; traversing wild ocean coastlines, peaceful bay beaches and tranquil bushland.

Dogs are not permitted in Mornington Peninsula National Park. This includes beaches, carparks and Greens Bush.

Ocean Beach Walks

Coppins Track
This walk starts at Sorrento Ocean Beach and winds 4 km along the clifftop to Diamond Bay. Take a walk through time, and discover some of the changes that have happened in the area during the last 100 years.

Farnsworth Track
The Farnsworth Track links Portsea Ocean Beach with London Bridge along the cliff tops. The track is 1.5 km long and takes 30-45 minutes to walk one way. Start at either London Bridge or Portsea Ocean Beach and walk one or both ways along the track. Alternatively, complete a round trip by walking along the track and the beach.

Lifesaving Track
This 11km track was constructed in the 1890s to provide better access to the coast after two devastating shipwrecks.  A number of lookouts provide breathtaking views down the coast, with good vantage points at the Bay of Islands, St Paul’s, Koonya Ocean Beach and No 16 (the 16th lifesaving point). Detours to Diamond Bay, Jubilee Point and St Paul’s are well worth the trip.

The Coastal Walk
For those feeling more energetic, consider the 26km Coastal Walk which extends from Cape Schanck to London Bridge. See spectacular ocean views, hidden coves, rugged cliffs, tidal rock pools and dense coastal scrub.

Arrow markers indicate the walking track, where orange markers indicate longer ‘through tracks’ and blue markers indicate circuit tracks to intersecting locations. Look out for the Hooded Plover symbol which identifies that you are on the Coastal Walk. Check tides before setting off.

Cape Schanck to Bushrangers Bay
Follow the Bushrangers Bay track from the eastern carpark at Cape Schank to see some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. The track finishes at Bushrangers Bay, a sandy beach formed by Main Creek and surrounded by basalt cliffs. The return walk takes about 2 hours.

An extension to the track is part of the Two Bays Walking Track and leads to Rosebud Flinders Road (3km). This track provides fine views and passes through shady banksia groves before continuing northwards across the road and through stands of eucalypt and banksia towards Greens Bush (10km).

Fingal Beach
From Fingal Picnic Area, the 3km track leads through dense ti-tree to lookouts over Bass Strait.

Greens Bush walks
Situated between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck, Greens Bush is the largest remnant of bushland on the Mornington Peninsula.  The area contains a variety of vegetation communities and is a wildlife haven, making it an excellent place for nature walking.

Baldrys Short Circuit, 1.6km
A short but rewarding walk that takes you through eucalypt forest. Peppermint, Messmate and Manna Gum are the dominant overstorey species. Depart from Baldry Crossing (Melway map 254 G6).

Baldrys Long Circuit, 3.6 km
This track weaves further into the forest. There are several creek crossings, and the green, moist fern gullies are a welcome contrast to the drier forest. Depart from Baldry Crossing (Melway map 254 G6).

Long Point Circuit, 4 km
Accessed off the Two Bays Track, or midway between Highfield and Gate 3 on Rogers Road, this circuit passes through eucalypt woodlands with views across open grasslands and shady gullies of Coast Banksia and Blackwoods.

Two Bays Walking Trail, 8.9 km
The longer Two Bays Walking Trail is an excellent way to see Greens Bush, is a link in the 26 km bush corridor from Dromana to Cape Schanck. There are several highlights along the trail - eucalypt forest mixed with spectacular stands of grasstree (the taller grasstrees may be over 200 years old), pockets of tea-tree thicket alive with birds, picturesque fern gullies and open grasslands.

The Two Bays Walking Track is identified by a circular symbol displaying a Blue Wren, which can be seen on signage along the track.

Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

Beaches

Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
A husband and wife stop to take a photo of Masons Falls from the lookout.

Day trips

Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne.
A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

Family activities

Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Lighthouses

Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

Lookouts

Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.

How to get there

Walking

Need to know

Walking

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Mornington Peninsula National Park

    Fox Control Underway

    Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in Mornington Peninsula National Park from Portsea Ocean Beach to Greens Bush to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. 

    Programs involve the use of cage and soft jaw leg hold traps, Canid Pest Ejectors with para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) poison and buried PAPP poison, to bait foxes in strategic locations. Short track sections may be closed to isolate works (secondary tracks only). 

    Fox trapping and baiting will occur until June 2025.

    Dogs are prohibited from entering Mornington Peninsula National Park. If pets are suspected of having consumed a PAPP bait during the baiting period, a vet should be consulted immediately. An antidote to PAPP (methylene blue) is available and stocked by most vets on the Mornington Peninsula.

    London Bridge Toilet Closure

    The London Bridge toilet facility is temporarily out of service. The nearest public toilets are located at Portsea Ocean Beach area or Portsea Pier.

  • Flinders Ocean Beach (Mornington Peninsula National Park, Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary)

    Landslip affecting beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach

    There is a landslip affecting the beach west of Mushroom Reef, Flinders Ocean Beach (within Mornington Peninsula NP).  Please do not approach the slip.

    Mushroom Reef Toilet Closure Flinders Ocean Beach

    The toilet at Flinders Ocean Beach, Mushroom Reef is permanently closed.  The nearest alternative public toilets are Flinders town centre public toilets.

  • Gunnamatta Beach (Mornington Peninsula National Park)

    Gunnamatta Ocean Beach Main Carpark stairs access closed

    This Summer, alternative beach access is available via the first carpark or the Gunnamatta Lifesaving Club rescue vehicle track which is located further east

    Due to significant storm damage, access to Gunnamatta Beach from the Main Carpark is closed for safety reasons. Recent storm and swell has caused severe erosion, undermined the footings of the stairs and created a hazardous two metre plus drop. We’re currently working through solutions but need to wait for the conditions to stabilise before action can be taken. 

    In the meantime, for your safety, please avoid the closure area and adhere to all posted signage. 

    Severe weather and storm damage has impacted many parks across Victoria with an unprecedented level of damage incurred over the past 12 months. Parks Victoria rangers and contractors are working hard to address this closure along with many others across the region. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to address the damage. 

Lightwood Camping Area

Lightwood Creek Camping Area is located mid-way between Baldrys Crossing and Boneo Road on the Two Bays Walking Track. It is a north facing open and level grassy area in a remote bush setting near Lightwood Creek accessible only by foot. The nearest vehicle access is 1km away at Rogers Road Gate 3 or from the Baldrys Crossing / Boneo Road trailheads. The camping area consists of two defined zones with space for 4 sites for up to 6 people. One zone has low picnic tables. A non-flush toilet is provided adjacent to the camping area. The camp has a 2 night maximum stay.

Fees no longer apply to this campground. No bookings are taken for campgrounds where fees do not apply.  Camping is first in, first-served
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