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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. Bookings are required.
Ranger tip: you’ll have the best experience when you book your stay mid-week, outside of school holidays, when the park is at its quietest.
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 (tents #1, 5, 34 and 35)
- 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 season)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 time, penalties apply
- Please keep your tent clean, store all food securely, and properly dispose of all rubbish
Download the Discovery Tents visitor guide (PDF) for more information on campground rules and what’s included.
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.
Things To Do
Point Nepean National Park 3-day itinerary
Point Nepean shuttle service
Point Nepean Visitor Centre
Quarantine Station
South Channel Fort
Fort Nepean
Special events
Point Nepean National Park hosts a variety of community events, markets, and races. While noise restrictions apply, some weekends in the park may be busier than others.
Check event dates before booking, or consider a mid-week stay for the best experience. See the event calendar (PDF).
How to get there
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.
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Point Nepean National Park
Fox Control Program
Parks Victoria are undertaking fox control in Point Nepean National Park to relieve predation of vulnerable and threatened native fauna. Programs involve the use of soft jaw leg hold traps, Canid Pest Ejectors and para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) poison, as well as buried PAPP poison, to bait foxes in strategic locations.Fox trapping and baiting will occur until June 2025.Dogs are prohibited from entering Point Nepean 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.