Discover the Best Walks in the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is blessed with some of Victoria’s most gorgeous and varied natural scenery, from sweeping beaches and dramatic cliffs  and picturesque seaside towns. And one of the best ways to explore the Mornington Peninsula is on foot, wandering through the countless walking trails that are on offer.

Whether you’re after a scenic morning stroll or an all day trek, there are so many unforgettable trails that you should add to your itinerary. We've taken the guesswork out of it for you - here are the best walks on the Mornington Peninsula.

Sorrento to Portsea Bay Trail

The Sorrento to Portsea Bay Trail is a beautiful track that starts at Sorrento Pier and takes you through Sorrento Park, Portsea's town and ending at the entrance of the entrance of the Point Nepean National Park. Turn it into an extra long walk and take on one of the many stunning trails the national park has to offer, or set up for the afternoon with a book and a picnic spread. Part of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail, you can extend this walk to be 30 kilometres and turn it into an all-day activity.

Distance: 5 kilometres one way

Quarantine Station Walk

Located within the Point Nepean National Park, the Quarantine Station 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 in the Mornington Peninsula that’s as scenic as it is interesting.

Distance: 2 kilometres

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 and offers wonderful views of the coastline, beaches, as well as the chance to spot seabirds, seals and whales. 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 Walk

Fingal Beach Walk is a lovely coastal walk near Cape Schanck. It's a moderately challenging route that takes around 2 hours to complete. Come prepared with a picnic and settle in at peaceful Fingal Picnic Area at the beginning of the trail, which also is complete with electric barbecues, toilets, tables and even a ball game area. This is 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 kilometres return

Rabbit Rock Circuit

Situated near Blairgowrie, Rabbit Rock Circuit is one of the best walks in Mornington Peninsula, thanks to the adorably aforementioned rock. 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. From here, you'll follow the sandy shoreline and 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 kilometres return

Baldry's Long Circuit

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

Distance: 3.9 kilometres return

Portsea Surf Beach to London Bridge Lookout Loop

Located in the gorgeous Point Nepean National Park, the scenic Portsea Surf Beach to London Bridge Lookout Loop 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, and one of the best coastal walks on the Mornington Peninsula.

Distance: 3.7 kilometres return

Cairns Bay Walk

The Cairns Bay trail is a gorgeous walk in the Mornington Peninsula just two kilometres west of Flinders Blowhole lookout. It opens out onto the windswept cliffs and ends on the beach, where you can watch high waves break over the reefs and embrace the salty and fresh air. It's quite the sight - and one of the best coastal walks down on the Peninsula.

Distance: 1.9 kilometres return 

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. However, the plethora of vantage points make up for the hard yards!

Distance: 28 kilometres

Cape Schanck Boardwalk

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a walk in the Mornington Peninsula, 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 Walk

Built in 1882 and in service until the end of World War II, 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. During the 5.6 kilometre trek, 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 Walk

The reward for finishing the Bushrangers Bay 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. It's an astounding sight, and one of the best walks in the Mornington Peninsula

Distance: 6 kilometres 

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

The picturesque Red Hill Rail 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 the 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

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

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.