The Point Nepean Walk offers a unique experience, leading to the southern tip of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula in Point Nepean National Park. Covering 17 kilometres, this Grade 3 hike typically takes around 5-6 hours to complete, guiding visitors through diverse coastal and bush landscapes while passing significant historical sites. Along the way, hikers encounter remnants of World War II military installations, including fortifications and gun emplacements, all preserved within the park’s striking natural environment.
Starting from Wilson's Folly Track near London Bridge, the trail immerses you in the serene surroundings of Moonah woodlands, eventually opening up to views over Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay. The historic Quarantine Station is another fascinating stop, allowing visitors to explore structures that once served as a quarantine area for incoming travellers in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Point Nepean National Park combines natural beauty with a rich historical narrative, making it a compelling destination on the Mornington Peninsula. From its rugged coastline to its peaceful bushland and scenic lookouts, the park also offers breathtaking views across Port Phillip Bay towards Queenscliff and the bay’s entrance at The Heads. This hike is a rewarding way to connect with the unique history and landscape of the Mornington Peninsula.
If you still have energy to burn, or are looking for a longer walk in the area, you could explore sections of the100km Mornington Peninsula Walk that includes walks like The Coastal Walk, The Bay Trail and the The Two Bays Walking Track.
There is a range of amazing walks visitors can explore and an array of historic buildings that served various purposes during the early history of the Mornington Peninsula. Here's some information about the shorter walks you'll experience along this journey.
Quarantine Station Walk
Discover the Point Nepean historical precinct which has almost 50 historical heritage listed buildings, and the oldest intact buildings erected from quarantine purposes in Australia. This is a great site to investigate with sprawling lawns, historic buildings, great views of the bay across to Queenscliff. The Quarantine Station was established in 1852 and is the second oldest permanent quarantine station (18522-1980). From 1952 the buildings also housed the Army Officer Cadet School. A self guided walk is available. This area can be explored further by continuing on to Gunners Cottage (roughly 1.6km of easy walking) and Fort Nepean.
Gunners Cottage to Observatory Point Walk
Gunners Cottage was built in the early 1900's and housed many military personnel and their families. From here you can take the 100m path to visit the historic Point Nepean Cemetery or walk the 500m Walter Pisterman Heritage Walk to the remnants of the former quarantine cattle jetty. At Observatory Point there is a picnic area and views of the Bay. Return via Coles track to complete the circuit. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).
Range Area Walk
The 1.8 kilometre walk links the Quarantine Station and Cheviot Hill and meanders through coastal scrub and a former Rifle Range. Climb the Monash Light tower with sweeping views of the park and Melbourne city. The Range Area was used to train cadets from the Army Officer Cadet School. They were trained to firing rifles, grenades and machine guns. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).
Coles Track
This path connects the Quarantine Station to Eagles Nest and runs parallel to Defence Road through the coastal bushland. In the 1940's this sandy track serviced a telephone line installed as part of the upgrading of Melbourne's defences during the Second World War. The cable ran form Queenscliff 6 kilometers across the bay to Observatory Pointy and then to both Fort Nepean and Portsea. The track also allowed access between Fort Nepean and Observatory Point jetty by the military when weather conditions were unsuitable for berthing at the Fort Nepean jetty. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).
Cheviot Hill Walking Trail
Cheviot Hill is the park’s highest point and contains World War II fortifications. It overlooks Cheviot Beach, the site where former Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared without a trace on 17th December 1967. A memorial to Harold Holt is located about 500m further along Defence Road from Cheviot Hill. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).
Fort Pearce and Eagles Nest Walk
Fort Pearce was established in 1911 and designed to take advantage of the six inch Mark V11 guns being introduced to coastal defence at that time. The Pearce Barracks site is where many of the army personnel stationed at Point Nepean lived. Explore the lookouts from the fortifications with stunning views of Bass Strait. Eagles Nest was the site of Australia’s largest 'Disappearing Gun'. Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point).
Fort Nepean Walking Trail
Located at the very end of the peninsula where you can discover a series of military fortifications dating back to the 1880s with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. Explore the tunnels, forts and gun emplacements from which the first allied shots of World War I and first Australian shots of World War II were fired. Foprt Nepean is considered one of the best examples in Australia of a major fort complex exhibiting changes in military engineering through the 19th and 20th centuries. There are numerous interpretive signs to explain the history of the area. If the tides are right you may see the pilot boat from Queenscliff boarding a ship and guiding it through the heads on its way into Melbourne.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- The Quarantine Station is located 2.3 km from the Entrance Station Picnic Area carpark, accessible by a shared bicycle and walking track.
- Cycling is an ideal way to explore this expansive 560-hectare park, allowing visitors to cover more ground and take in the natural and historical sights.
- Point Nepean National Park is open every day, with vehicle access permitted from 6 am to 6 pm (extended to 8 pm during daylight savings), and vehicles can exit the park at any time.
- Pedestrians and cyclists have unrestricted access to enter and exit as they please.
- The Point Nepean Information Centre operates daily from 10 am, except on Christmas Day. Additionally, Gunners Cottage and select buildings within the Quarantine Station are open to the public from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily for exploration.
- Swimming is permitted at the bay beach near the Quarantine Station, but visitors should exercise caution due to strong currents and potential rips.
17km option commencing at London Bridge Carpark
Total distance: 16865 m
Max elevation: 54 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 319 m
Total descent: -312 m
Download
14.5km option commencing at the Point Nepean Visitor Centre
Total distance: 14495 m
Max elevation: 39 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 246 m
Total descent: -235 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Point Nepean National Park, located near Portsea, offers stunning coastal views and a wealth of history to discover. You can reach the park by car via the M1, Eastlink (M3), and Mornington Peninsula Freeway (M11) or opt for the scenic ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, where a connecting bus provides access to the park. Public transport is also convenient, with trains running to Frankston and a connecting bus service to the park entrance.
Once at the park, explore by bike or on foot along the shared tracks, or take a more relaxed tour on the shuttle bus, which allows you to hop on and off at various points for a small fee. Parking is available at London Bridge Lookout for easy access to this walk, or closer to the Visitor Centre if you’re looking to shorten your hike. Additional parking is available at the Quarantine Station and Gunners Cottage, the latter being the last car-accessible point within the park.
Point Nepean is open daily, though vehicle access, the information centre, and historical sites like Gunners Cottage and the Quarantine Station may have specific opening hours, so check ahead. With options for cyclists, hikers, and casual visitors alike, Point Nepean National Park promises a memorable experience for everyone.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
Point Nepean National Park stands as a testament to a rich and layered history. For thousands of years, the Bunurong people called this land home, gathering food along its rugged coastline. Extensive shell middens scattered throughout the park serve as silent reminders of their enduring connection to this place.
European settlement brought about significant change. Evidence of early activities like pastoral farming and lime burning can still be found. The Shepherd Hut, located within the Quarantine Station, stands as one of Victoria's earliest intact limestone buildings, its cellar dating back to 1845.
The Quarantine Station itself played a vital role for over a century, serving as a vital checkpoint for arrivals from 1852 to 1979. Later, it housed the Army Officer Cadet School and the School of Army Health, further shaping the park's narrative.
Point Nepean's strategic location at the entrance to Port Phillip made it a crucial point of defense. The park boasts a collection of Colonial and Commonwealth era structures, ranging from the 1880s to the 1940s. Fort Nepean, considered one of Australia's finest examples of a major fort complex, showcases the evolution of military engineering across centuries.
A visit to Point Nepean National Park is a journey through time. Explore the rugged coastline, taking in breathtaking ocean and bay views as you walk or cycle along the trails. Delve into the past by exploring the fascinating military forts and tunnels. Learn about the people who passed through the Quarantine Station, and see artifacts that bring history to life. Pay your respects at the memorial marking the site where Prime Minister Harold Holt went missing.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Point Nepean National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Mornington Peninsula National Park
Favourite
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
