The Point Nepean Walk takes you right to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Point Nepean National Park, past the old Quarantine Station, World War Two military defences, along coastal and bush tracks. Wilson's Folly Track at London Bridge takes you into Point Nepean National Park and to the tip of famous Point Nepean. Visit the historic Quarantine Station, explore historic fortifications and gun emplacements, Moonah woodlands, enjoy views of Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay at the Heads. The Point Nepean National Park is a mix of beautiful landscape and rich history situated at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Point Nepean also offers some of the best views on the Mornington Peninsula across to Queenscliff and out the Port Phillip Bay Heads.
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.
Total distance: 14495 m
Max elevation: 39 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 246 m
Total descent: -235 m
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Point Nepean National Park, near Portsea, boasts stunning views and a rich history. Drive in via M1, Eastlink (M3), and Mornington Peninsula Freeway (M11), or take the scenic ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento and connect by bus. Public transport options also include trains to Frankston with a connecting bus to the park entrance. Explore the vast park by bike or foot along the shared track, or hop on the park shuttle bus for a relaxed tour. Whether you're a cyclist, hiker, or casual visitor, Point Nepean National Park offers something for everyone. Remember, the park itself is open daily, but opening hours vary for vehicles, the information center, and historic buildings like Gunners Cottage and the Quarantine Station.
Car parking is available at the Quarantine Station or Gunners Cottage (cars are not permitted past this point). A hop on/ hop off bus service is available for a fee.
- 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.
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Mornington Peninsula National Park
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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.
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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
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