Point Nepean Discovery Tents

Three people sitting and standing around a camping table in front of a tent.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Point Nepean Discovery Tents

The Discovery Tents are a unique way to stay on the Mornington Peninsula. Located in the historic Quarantine Station precinct at Point Nepean National Park, just 90 minutes south of Melbourne—they’re perfect for beginners and families looking for an easy way to experience coastal camping. 


About the Discovery Tents

The Discovery Tents are available from September to April each year.

You can choose from two and four-person tent sites in the coastal or woodland campground area.

Ranger tip: More affordable shoulder and off-peak rates are available mid-week, outside of school holidays and peak periods.

For more details about the Discovery Tents, please refer to the visitor guide.


What’s included

  • Spacious standing-height pre-pitched tents, two-person or four-person
  • Basic camp furniture including stretcher beds, mattresses, and limited storage
  • Dedicated accessible tents, for people with mobility needs or living with a disability are available. Please contact us to discuss suitability to your needs.
  • Modern amenities, including hot showers, toilets, camp kitchen, fridges, barbecues and an outdoor dining area with a herb garden
  • Recreation room with lounges, books, board games and a table tennis table

 

What to bring

  • Pillows, linen/sleeping bag
  • Camp chairs, torch/lantern, toiletries and personal items
  • Esky during peak periods where fridge space may be limited
  • Food and drinks
  • Cutlery, plates and cups

 

Campground rules

  • No campervans, caravans, rooftop tents, or BYO tents
  • Personal barbecues (gas only) and gazebos/umbrellas are prohibited in the campground, but can be used in designated areas, please seek advice from staff
  • Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are prohibited
  • Fires are prohibited at all times, penalties apply
  • Please keep your tent clean, store all food securely, and properly dispose of all rubbish

 

Download the Discovery Tents visitor guide (PDF 1.63 MB) for more information on campground rules and what’s included.


Special events (please read before booking)

Point Nepean National Park hosts a variety of community events, charity events, and markets. While noise restrictions apply, some weekends in the park may be busier than others.

Bookings are essential.

Please note: you can only make bookings until midnight the day before you arrive. 

BOOK NOW

Plan your stay

Watch the video below to get a taste of the Discovery Tents and everything you can see and do in Point Nepean National Park.

Please note: cutlery, plates, bowls and cups are no longer provided in the kitchen, as stated in this video. Please bring your own with you.

Things To Do

Three people walking along sand near coastline.

Point Nepean National Park 3-day itinerary

Experience this historic coastal park at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula over three days.
Wide shot of a bus on a road surrounded by nature

Point Nepean shuttle service

The Point Nepean Shuttle is a hop-on hop-off shuttle service transporting visitors between the front entrance, Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean.
A retired couple walk with a ranger through the quarantine station at Point Nepean.

Point Nepean Visitor Centre

Drop into the Visitor Centre to hire a bike, gather information and get tips on what to do in the park.

Quarantine Station

Point Nepean Quarantine Station offers a glimpse into the early European history of Victoria. Established in 1852, explore nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings. Learn about life at this once-remote location and the station's critical role in protecting Australia from introduced diseases.
South Channel Fort in Port Philip part of the Point Nepean National Park.

South Channel Fort

The South Channel Fort is a reminder of Port Phillip Bay's early history as part of the defence lines for Melbourne. The artificial island was constructed in the 1880s to illuminate the channel at night and electronically explode mines under attacking ships coming through the Heads.
A view of the bunker and canons overlooking Bass Straight at Fort Nepean.

Fort Nepean

Fort Nepean is one of the fortifications that protected Melbourne during World War I and II. Located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, where the calm waters of Port Phillip meet the wild waves of the Southern Ocean, explore the extensive tunnel complex which connects the historic gun emplacements.

How to get there

Point Nepean Discovery Tents

Point Nepean National Park is located 110 km from Melbourne near Portsea. Access to the Discovery Tents is through the main entrance and national park roads.
Point Nepean Discovery Tents

Need to know

Point Nepean Discovery Tents

Accessibility

The campground provides dedicated accessible tents for people with mobility or disability issues (tents #1, 5, 34 and 35). However, the stretcher beds provided may not be suitable for all all-abilities guests. Campground pathways, amenities, kitchen, picnic tables and barbecues are accessible. Guests can contact the Parks Victoria Bookings team to discuss specific accessibility requirements prior to booking or arrival.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves where dogs are normally prohibited, such as national parks.


Environment and wildlife

Point Nepean National Park features a natural landscape with remote bushland and rugged ocean coastline along Bass Strait. Visitors should remain on formed walking tracks and shared roads while exploring.

The park is home to diverse native wildlife, including:

  • Land animals: Wallabies, echidnas, bandicoots, lizards, and snakes
  • Birdlife: Various native bird species
  • Marine life: Whales and dolphins (sometimes seen close to shore), as well as seals and penguins that may rest on the beach

Do not approach or feed wildlife. Report any distressed, injured, or aggressive animals to park rangers.

Safety

Water safety

Swimming is not permitted along the ocean coastline or recommended from the bay beaches of Point Nepean due to:

  • Large and unexpected waves
  • Rip currents and strong winds
  • Swift tides, drop-offs, and submerged obstacles

The nearest safe bay-side swimming beaches are at Sorrento and Portsea townships.

Patrolled ocean beaches in the nearby Mornington Peninsula National Park (during summer holidays):

  • Sorrento Back Beach
  • Portsea Ocean Beach

Swim only between the flags where Surf Life Savers patrol and always observe aquatic hazard risk signs and note emergency marker codes for assistance.


Emergency and fire safety

  • For emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
  • If an emergency marker sign is nearby, provide the code to the operator.
  • Point Nepean National Park is in the Central Fire District.
  • Stay aware of forecast Fire Danger Ratings at emergency.vic.gov.au, via the VicEmergency App, or by calling 1800 226 226.
  • Total Fire Ban days: No fires may be lit.
  • Extreme / Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days: The park will be closed for public safety.
  • Warning signs may be erected, but do not expect a personal warning.
  • For park conditions, check below for any park updates or change of conditions or call 13 1963.

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.

  • Point Nepean National Park

    The Bend Beach Access Steps and Track Closed Due to Storm Damage

    The beach access steps and track at The Bend are closed due to erosion from storm damage. Visitors following the Bay Beach Walk from the Quarantine Station are advised to take Coles Track from Observatory Point if they wish to continue to Fort Nepean.

  • Fort Nepean (Point Nepean National Park)

    Engine House and Engine House Walking Track Closed

    A landslip has impacted the Engine House walking track. Due to safety concerns, a section of the track is now closed.
    Access to Engine House is only available via stairs from the Parade Ground. 

    Due to safety concerns arising from engineering inspections, entry inside Engine House is also closed. 
    Further technical assessments and remediation investigations are being undertaken.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    No Drinking Water Available Beyond Quarantine Station

    There is no drinking water available beyond the Quarantine Station. Visitors are advised to carry water with them when visiting other areas of the park such as Fort Nepean.

 
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm