• Parks near Mornington Peninsula

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Parks near Mornington Peninsula

Surfers, divers, and holidaymakers alike flock to the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. However, there’s plenty of other places beyond the beach to get into nature in this region.

In the Mornington Peninsula's parks and reserves, you'll find places with incredible views. Discover wildlife on land and under the water. There’s plenty of history to be found here too, from forts to lighthouses and mansions.

Parks near Portsea and Sorrento

At the end of the Mornington Peninsula, Portsea is a hub for scuba diving. Portsea Hole and Popes Eye in Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park are popular dive spots. During summer, the patrolled ocean beaches of Portsea and Sorento are a great place to cool off.

Learn about Australia’s history at Point Nepean National Park and Collins Settlement Site.

A retired coulpe chat with a Parks Victoria Ranger at Fort Nepean.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean has played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defense of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape.
The Heads of Port Phillip taken from Point Nepean National Park.

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park

Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park is made up of six separate marine areas around the southern end of Port Phillip. A high proportion of Victorian species of marine flora and fauna are represented in the Port Phillip Head's region.
A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.
Echidna in the grass

Collins Settlement Site Historic Area

This historic site is the place where Europeans first attempted permanent settlement in Victoria in 1803.

Parks near Dromana

The bushland of Arthurs Seat State Park provides the backdrop to the coastal town of Dromana. Drive to the summit — the highest point in the Mornington Peninsula — for spectacular views. Pay a visit to Seawinds Gardens and explore the walking tracks or enjoy a picnic.

The view of Safety Beach and Port Phillip from the top of Arthurs Seat State Park.

Arthurs Seat State Park

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park is a prominent feature in the landscape of Port Philip Bay.

Parks near Somers

Located close to Somers is Coolart Homestead. Pay a visit to this magnificent late Victorian mansion, dating from 1895. The surrounding grounds are just as special, containing formal gardens, walking tracks, wetlands and wildlife. Explore the beach at Somers Foreshore Reserve.

The homestead at Coolart Heritage Area

Coolart Historic Area

Explore this tranquil park and its many different landscapes and relax in a place where history and conservation meet.
Echidna in the grass

Somers Foreshore Reserve

Set on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula and within the township of Somers, the Somers Foreshore Reserve overlooks the Westernport Bay to Phillip Island.

Parks near Cape Schanck and Flinders

Pay a visit to the stunning landscapes of Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve. There’s beautiful ocean views and the heritage listed lighthouse.

Nearby, you’ll several fantastic picnic areas in this section of Mornington Peninsula National Park. Try Bushrangers Bay Picnic Area or Fingal Picnic Area. If you’re a surfer, pay a visit to Gunnamatta Beach.

Explore the amazing rockpools of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary with the family.

A father goes rockpooling with his two young children at Mushroom Reef.

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary

Teeming with marine life from colourful anemones to the rare Black and White Sea Star, Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is a fascinating place to explore. At low tide, a magnificent mushroom-shaped reef is exposed to reveal an intricate honeycomb of bays and pools.
A mother and daughter talking to a Parks Victoria Ranger at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Cape Schanck

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 with its heritage listed lighthouse precinct.
A young couple walk along the board walk at Cape Schank.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This narrow strip of coast and bushland offers a wonderful blend of natural scenery and fascinating historic features and is popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta.

Parks near Frankston

More than just the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, don’t miss the opportunity to explore nature around Frankston.

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve and Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve are both great for walking, cycling or jogging.

Explore the walking tracks of The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve or Patterson River for incredible views.

Sunlight steams through the trees that line a dirt path in Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve

Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is an island of relatively undisturbed natural bushland nestled between Frankston and Langwarrin. It is ideal for photography and nature study.
An aerial view of The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve

The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve

The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve is a protected pocket of scrub and heathland, nestled in urban Frankston. Its widespread, inland sand dune system provides important habitat for native wildlife.
Two men and a female toddler ride bikes in front of people walking at Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve

Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve

The Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve occupies 98 hectares located south of Frankston. It is an ideal place to explore many of the Mornington Peninsula’s native plants and animals.
A kayaker on the river at Patterson River

Patterson River

Visit Patterson River to enjoy boating, canoeing or kayaking. Enjoy a picnic on the river bank and watch the boats go by or take a walk or the circuit trail.

Parks near Western Port Bay

A large area of Western Port is marine national park, including Yaringa Marine National Park and French Island Marine National Park.

The calm waters of North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve make canoeing the ideal way to explore.

Take a passenger ferry from Stony Point across to French Island National Park. With unspoilt bushland and beach walks, you’ll feel miles away.

A boat on the water at sunset French Island National Park

French Island National Park

This island paradise situated in Western Port offers a haven of peace and serenity to visitors and a diverse range of wildlife, including rare birds and the most significant population of koalas in Victoria.
A weedy seadragon swims along near the sea bed.

French Island Marine National Park

French Island Marine National Park protects significant mangrove and saltmarsh habitats, deep channels and seagrass beds that are nursery grounds for fish such as whiting.
Mangroves at Yaringa Marine National Park

Yaringa Marine National Park

Yaringa Marine National Park features significant mudflats, as well as extreme mangrove and saltmarsh areas, and supports many waterbirds, waders and marine species.
Echidna in the grass

North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve

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