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Discover the Most Scenic Walks in the Mornington Peninsula

Whether you love a leisurely stroll or consider yourself an adventurer, these walks in the Mornington Peninsula are the best for enjoyment and exploration.

Cape Schanck Boardwalk (Image Credit: Parks Victoria)

The Mornington Peninsula is blessed with some of Victoria’s most gorgeous and varied natural scenery, from sweeping beaches and dramatic cliffs to untouched bush and picturesque seaside towns. The best way to explore it all is on foot, with countless walks to suit every skill and schedule. Whether you’re after a scenic morning stroll or an all day trek, these are the unforgettable trails that you should add to your itinerary.

Quarantine Station

Quarantine Station Walk

Located within the Point Nepean National Park, this walk takes you around a historical precinct containing almost 50 heritage listed buildings. Built in 1852, they offer a glimpse into how new Australians spent their first few weeks here, with a community of hospitals, a disinfecting complex and morgue processing both humans and livestock. The precinct’s sprawling lawns and far-reaching bay views make it a walk that’s as scenic as it is interesting.

Distance: 2 kilometres

Coppins Track (Image Credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula)

Sorrento Beach to Pearce's Beach via Coppins Track

One of the most accessible walks in Mornington Peninsula, this charming route winds along the cliff tops, offering wonderful views of the coastline, beaches as well as the chance to spot seabirds, seals and whales. The awesome vistas of Spray Point and Bridgewater Bay are particularly delightful. 

There are historical markers along the way giving fascinating insight into the area's past. 

Winningly, it can be broken down into shorter walks of a few kilometres or less, and there are multiple access points from main roads, as well as public buses at the Sorrento end.

Distance: 12 to 14.8 kilometres return

Fingal Beach (Image Credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula)

Fingal Beach Walk

Explore this lovely trail near Cape Schanck, which is a moderately challenging route that takes around 2 hours to complete. A popular area for birding, hiking and walking, you'll likely encounter fellow likeminded folk along the way. Come prepared with a picnic and settle in at peaceful Fingal Picnic Area at the beginning of the trail, which also comes complete with electric barbecues, toilets, tables and even a ball game area. The perfect walk to go on with friends or family - although you'll need to leave the pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Walking tracks stemming from the picnic area lead to nearby lookouts with spectacular views of basalt cliffs and Fingal Beach, which is exposed at low tide.

Distance: 7.2 kilometre return

Greens Bush (Image Credit: Kevin via Adobe Stock)

Greens Bush & Two Bays Walking Trail

A nice trail through the Mornington Peninsula National Park not too far from Rosebud, this out and back route begins and ends from the Baldys Crossing Picnic Area, where parking is available.

Follow the Short Circuit Walking track and then the Two Bays Walking Track, all the way to Main Creek - the turnaround point for this trail.

This is a very pretty walk with lots of grass trees, ferny groves and varying bush land along the way. Idyllic when the sun strikes golden upon the gums. 

Distance: 12.6 kilometre return

Rabbit Rock (Image Credit: Tom Putt)

Rabbit Rock Circuit

Situated near Blairgowrie, this is one of the more scenic walks in Mornington Peninsula, thanks to the adorably aforementioned rock and the fact that it is beautiful to visit anytime, all year round. 

Start this circuit near the beach access carpark at the end of Hughes Road and follow Coppins Track and Dogs Head Track which will lead you out to Montfort's beach, where you'll follow the sandy shoreline.

From here you'll pass by the Rabbit Rock geological formations before returning back via the Coppins Track through coastal scrubs, grasslands and woodlands.

Sitchu Tip: Make sure to pay special attention to the tide times before setting out.

Distance: 5.1 kilometre return

Baldry's Circuit (Image Credit: Walk Mornington Peninsula)

Baldry's Long Circuit

Baldry's Long Circuit is a pristine loop along the Short Circuit, Long Circuit, and Two Bay's Walking Tracks in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, filled with undulating trails, boardwalks and steps. Traverse through eucalyptus forest with bracken understory whilst taking in the breath-taking views of grasslands and gullies made up of coast banksia and blackwood.

Distance: 3.9 kilometre return

London Bridge

Portsea Surf Beach to London Bridge Lookout Loop

Located in the gorgeous Point Nepean National Park, home to one of the most treacherous coastlines in Victoria, this scenic Mornington Peninsula walk highlights the wonderful London Bridge Lookout. Make way along the trail to a viewpoint overlooking these impressive rock formations, plus sweeping coastal views. It's a wonderful opportunity to marvel at some of nature's finest engineering.

Distance: 3.7 kilometre return

Cairns Bay (Image Credit: Visit Melbourne)

Cairns Bay Walk

Tea Tree Creek splits the two sections of the cobble and grey boulder beaches that are set among the rugged, black basalt cliffs that run from Cape Schanck to Point Flinders.

The Cairns Bay trail opens out onto the windswept cliffs and ends on the beach. The high waves that break over the reefs have built two narrow beaches in gaps in the cliff on either side of the end of the track. It's quite the sight - and one of our favourite of the smaller walks in the Mornington Peninsula. 

Distance: 1.9 kilometre return 

Two Bays Trail

Two Bays Trail (Dromana to Cape Schanck)

Seasoned hikers can make a day of the Two Bays Trail, the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington Peninsula. Extending between Dromana and Bushrangers Bay, it comprises a stunning diverse range of landscapes, from natural bushland to sweeping beaches. While there are sections with boardwalks, bridges and steps, expect a few steep sections alongside informal grass and gravel paths.

Distance: 28 kilometres

Cape Schanck Boardwalk (Image Credit: Visit Victoria)

Cape Schanck Boardwalk

If you’re short on time, head to this boardwalk for spectacular views at all times of the day. It’ll take you little more than half an hour to complete (though be prepared for lots of stairs) as you descend cliffs onto the rocky beaches below. Endlessly breathtaking views of the coast line, lighthouse and natural vegetation accompany every step.

Distance: 1.5 kilometres

Fort Nepean (Image Credit: Kelsey Harrington)

Fort Nepean Walk

Built in 1882 and in service until the end of WWII, Fort Nepean is a priceless piece of our military history. It’s accessible only by foot, bicycle or shuttle bus, but the walk is well worth it when you can explore tunnels leading to gun emplacements, ammunition stores and a historic cemetery. On the way you’ll also pass Cheviot Beach, the infamous site of Prime Minister Harold Holt’s disappearance, and the Rip, a notoriously hazardous stretch of water that has claimed many ships and lives.

Distance: 5.6 kilometres

Bushrangers Bay (Image Credit: Kelsey Harrington)

Bushrangers Bay Walk

The reward for finishing this walk is access to Bushrangers Bay, a stunning protected cove that comprises a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs. Start at Cape Schanck car park before following coastal clifftops that offer excellent views over the sea and even glimpses of the Cape Schanck lighthouse. Down below, you’ll also see wild waves crashing onto jagged rocks.

Distance: 6 kilometres 

Arthurs Seat Circuit

Arthurs Seat Circuit Walk

After a leisurely walk you can knock out before brunch time? This short circuit takes you around Arthurs Seat, one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most notable natural features. Along the way you’ll pass lovely lookouts, duck ponds, Indigenous gardens and views that stretch all the way to the city skyline on a clear day. Top tip – pack a picnic and stop for a scenic lunch at Seawind Gardens, where there are barbecue facilities and bathrooms available.

Distance: 1.8 kilometres

Red Hill Rail Trail. Image credit: Riparide

Red Hill Rail Trail

This picturesque walking trail follows the route of an old railway line which connected Red Hill to Merricks (fun fact, it was used to transport fresh apples that ended up in Melbourne). Take in scenic views over vineyards and Western Port, cut through pine trees and wind up at Merricks, where you can recharge with coffee and lunch at Merricks General Wine Store. This trail is also dog friendly, making it a great option for those with four-legged friends in tow.

Distance: 13 kilometres

Capel Sound Bay Trail

Capel Sound Bay Trail

The Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail is made for those who love long walks on the beach, with a whopping 30 kilometres of shared trails winding past sandy bays and clear waters. The Capel Sound section is a much more achievable four kilometres, taking you from Chinamans Creek through to the Rye foreshore. There’s cafés and shops at either end to reward you for your walk, plus some of the Peninsula’s most colourful bathing boxes to snap a pic with in the middle.

Distance: 4 kilometres

The Briars

The Briars

Located in Mount Martha, The Briars is a treasured conservation site that’s home to abundant native flora and fauna. Explore this haven via several walks that range from a 600 metre boardwalk through wetlands to a longer four kilometre stroll through dense scrub and woodland. There are also a couple of trails that follow along creeks, while the ‘historic homestead’ walk takes you past lush gardens, a historical homestead and adorable farm animals.

Distance: 0.5-4 kilometres

Staying for the weekend after enjoying one of these scenic Mornington Peninsula walks? Book a night or two at one of these unforgettable stays, taste your way through these brilliant wineries or plan a fun girls’ weekend with the help of our action-packed itinerary.

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