An hour southeast of Melbourne, Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a quiet oasis outside the city. Part neighborhood and part nature, the Mornington Peninsula National Park’s preservation efforts keep much of the land in its natural state. A beautiful reprieve from urbanity and surrounded by water -- Port Phillip Bay to the west, Western Port on the east and the Bass Strait to the south -- there are several walking trails in the area with glorious views all around.
Beginning at Cape Schanck, the Coastal Walk is an approximately 18 1/2-mile walk that ends by London Bridge at Portsea. Relish visuals including lush vegetation and cliff-top views of the water below. Key points of interest include Fingal Beach, Bridgewater Bay and Coppins Lookout. Signs along the way mark the trail, with several stop-offs and lookout points providing a convenient break or turnaround point.
A quick, roughly 1 1/2-mile walk, the Bushranger’s Bay Trail is an ideal path for those seeking a truly private experience. Heavily enclosed walkways define much of the trail, with several lookout points displaying the magnificent coastline below. Wildlife, particularly the avian kind, exists in abundance; kangaroos are known to occasionally appear as well. A primitive staircase leads directly to the water at the end of the path near the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, so hiking shoes are recommended. No animals are allowed on this trail.
Located in Point Nepean National Park, the Range Area Walk is about 1 mile long and follows the coastline, passing through a former rifle range. Once used as a training center for the Army Officer Cadet School, the area this low-key trail winds through is perfect for those seeking a relaxed pace, as well as those with children. The Monash Light Tower is along the route; visitors are encouraged to climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the national park, as well as the city of Melbourne in the distance.
If seeking a sandier walking experience, the nearly 2-mile walk along Bay Beach may be just the thing. The walkway is accessible from three spots: Jarman Oval, the Bend, and Observatory Point, the primary location for viewing the southern side of Port Phillip Bay. Known for its beautiful water views, the Bay Beach Walk is a relaxing and picturesque way to get your legs moving and soak in some of the best scenery in Mornington. Swimming in the water is not recommended, due to the unpredictability of the currents in the area.
