Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)

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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.

How to get there

Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)

Facilities

Lookout
Lookout
Carpark
Toilets

Need to know

Cape Schanck Day Visitor Area (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, Mornington Peninsula National Park)

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No dogs allowed

Warnings

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.

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 Programs

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 Canid Pest Ejectors and para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) poison as well as buried PAPP poison to bait foxes in strategic locations. 

Fox 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.

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