More people will soon have the chance to stay overnight at Point Nepean National Park, with works to expand the unique campground now underway.

The campground, with its pre-pitched ’Discovery Tents’ has proven popular since opening early last year. More than 2,000 people have stayed overnight in the park, boosting tourism in the area and providing more opportunities for people to get into nature and experience one of Victoria’s most significant national parks.

Thirteen additional tent platforms will now be built within the historic Quarantine Station precinct, creating a ’Woodland’ camping area with new campsites carefully placed among the park’s Moonah trees. 

Pre-pitched tents on timber platforms will be used to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment while providing facilities for people with all levels of camping experience.

The expansion will include some tent platforms that will be accessible-with-assistance and located close to the camp kitchen, barbecues, toilets and showers, catering to people with diverse needs and abilities. 

Pictured above: The site where the campground expansion will be built, before and after demolition. An old building has been demolished to make way for the new ’Woodland’ camping area, which will feature additional tent platforms carefully placed among the park’s Moonah trees.

Parks Victoria has worked with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Heritage Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to obtain the relevant cultural heritage and environmental assessments and approvals to complete the works.  

The project is being delivered as part of a $6.4 million investment from the Victorian Government, and is being rolled out as part of the Point Nepean Master Plan implementation, which aims to protect and celebrate the park’s unique natural and cultural values. To date, the master plan has also delivered a major upgrade to Defence Road, and new visitor facilities including picnic tables, barbecues, shelters and drinking fountains.

Further improvements are also planned for the park including new interpretive signage and experiences, to help visitors learn more about Point Nepean’s cultural and environmental values. These upgrades are expected to be delivered later this year.

Nearby at Fort Nepean, an additional $6 million has been provided by the Victorian Government to deliver heritage conservation works. Part of the government’s $16.5 million Heritage Icons investment, these works will enable the safe reopening of several historic features in the park, helping conserve this important part of Victoria’s history.  Planning and assessments for these works are underway. 

Point Nepean National Park is a significant place for the Bunurong people, and protects a range of native plants and animals within a spectacular rugged coastal setting. The Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean have played an important role in the history of Victoria’s early immigration and defence.

Find out more information about projects at Point Nepean National Park.