Explore
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)
Perched atop dramatic cliffs, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse has ensured the safe passage of ships since 1859. Join a guided tour and hear the fascinating stories of the light keepers. Book a tour with a local operator and climb the sandstone steps to the lamp room for spectacular views over the Southern Peninsula and Bass Strait.
Cape Schanck offers stunning landscapes, the mystery of dramatic volcanic features, unspoilt and wild beaches and scenic walking tracks with spectacular ocean views. It is also a site of rich European history, identified by the heritage listed Cape Shank Lighthouse precinct.
Follow the walking track from the car park towards the Cape. This short circuit walk takes visitors to the start of the wooden staircase and boardwalk which descends to the beach and rock platform. Several lookouts have spectacular views over the geological formations, such as Pulpit Rock and the Devils Desk, both formed through volcanic and geological movement over millions of years. Please take care and remain vigilant on the rock platform, large unexpected waves may wash across the rocks.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct includes the heritage listed lighthouse, museum and former lighthouse keeper's residence. The buildings were constructed from 1859 and are an excellent example of the architecture of the day.
The 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track departs from the car park, providing some of the best coastal scenery within a day's drive from Melbourne.
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area provides a number of scenic viewing platforms, picnic tables and toilet facilities. No drinking water is available at this location.
Cape Schanck offers stunning landscapes, the mystery of dramatic volcanic features, unspoilt and wild beaches and scenic walking tracks with spectacular ocean views. It is also a site of rich European history, identified by the heritage listed Cape Shank Lighthouse precinct.
Follow the walking track from the car park towards the Cape. This short circuit walk takes visitors to the start of the wooden staircase and boardwalk which descends to the beach and rock platform. Several lookouts have spectacular views over the geological formations, such as Pulpit Rock and the Devils Desk, both formed through volcanic and geological movement over millions of years. Please take care and remain vigilant on the rock platform, large unexpected waves may wash across the rocks.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse precinct includes the heritage listed lighthouse, museum and former lighthouse keeper's residence. The buildings were constructed from 1859 and are an excellent example of the architecture of the day.
The 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track departs from the car park, providing some of the best coastal scenery within a day's drive from Melbourne.
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area provides a number of scenic viewing platforms, picnic tables and toilet facilities. No drinking water is available at this location.
How to get there
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)
Need to know
Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed
Restrictions
- No horses
- No dogs allowed
- No solid fuel portable BBQs
- No solid fuel fires permitted
Warnings
-
- Not yet assessed
Be Prepared
Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.