Explore
Mornington Peninsula National Park
Embracing the wild ocean beaches between Portsea and Flinders, and the kangaroo haven of Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park is a favourite of Melburnians looking to escape the nearby city. Experienced surfers flock to Gunamatta Beach, while rockpools at Sorrento Ocean Beach, close to town, are perfect for families.
Dip into the excellent surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches.
Step out on The Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. The two-day walk meanders along high clifftops, through coastal vegetation and past stunning ocean beaches.
A haven for native wildlife such as kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula.
Dogs are not permitted in Mornington Peninsula National Park. This includes beaches, carparks and Greens Bush.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Mornington Peninsula National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Top places
Two Bays Walking Trail
The Two Bays Walking Trail is a 26km hike from Dromana to Cape Schanck showcasing the landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park and Mornington Peninsula National Park.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Mornington Peninsula National Park
The southern tip of the park is better accessed from Nepean Hwy/ Point Nepean Road.
When you're there
The ocean beaches of Mornington Peninsula National Park are exposed to the rough conditions of Bass Strait. These beaches can have dangerous undertows, rips and unexpected large swells. Swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags. Keep to marked trails as the cliffs are unstable.
Download the Mornington Peninsula National Park visitor guide for more information and a detailed map.
Download the Greens Bush visitor guide for more information and a detailed map.
Need to know
Mornington Peninsula National Park
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.
To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the all abilities access and experiences on offer at Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve in Mornington Peninsula National Park, Parks Victoria has released this video - produced and narrated by accessibility advocate Ryan Smith, who uses a wheelchair.
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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.
Safety
Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. See our water safety page and follow safety precautions around water to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.
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.
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Gunnamatta Beach (Mornington Peninsula National Park)
Gunnamatta Ocean Beach Staircase from Main Carpark to Beach Closed Until Further Notice
Due to significant storm swell the staircase to the beach from the main carpark at Gunnamatta Ocean Beach is closed until further notice as it is unsafe. The footings on part of the structure are no longer connected to the ground and there is a 2+ meter drop from both stairs. A sand cliff edge has also formed. We apologise for any inconvenience.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. -
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. -
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.
How we keep it special
The Management Plan for Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park directs all aspects of management in the parks until the plan is reviewed. The plan was amended in September 2014 to allow for mountain bike riding in Arthurs Seat State Park and further amended in October 2016 to prohibit dog walking in Mornington Peninsula National Park.
The Western Port and South-east Melbourne Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape, including Mornington Peninsula National Park. This covers the varied ecosystems across the area which range from heathlands to woodlands, wetlands and other marine environments.