Point Nepean National Park
Point Nepean National Park
Point Nepean National Park
4.5
About
Point Nepean National Park is the most westerly point on the Mornington Peninsula and sits on one of the most treacherous coastlines in Victoria. Point Nepean played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defence of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape and learn about the history of the Quarantine Station, Fort Nepean and their surroundings. Explore military forts and tunnels, learn about the people who passed through the Quarantine Station — and see fascinating artefacts spanning back over 150 years. Or jump aboard the hop-on-hop-off Point Nepean shuttle service. Running between the Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean, it’s a great way to explore all the highlights of Point Nepean National Park.
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Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,532 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited on Friday 14th February. We only managed to do the short walk to Observatory Point and a quick look around the Quarantine Station, it was raining so spoilt our visit to the National Park. We will definately be back another time to see the rest of what's on offer there.
Written April 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to review Port Nepean National Park. We're glad you were able to see the Observatory Point and Quarantine Station. There's so much to see in the park, so we hope to see you back again in the future to explore further with nicer weather!
Thanks again,
Parks Victoria
Written April 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,413 contributions
Mar 2022
This National Park has reopened after the temporary closure during the various Covid-19 lockdowns.
My wife and I visited this place for the first time, even though we have been to Mornington Peninsula around 10 times over the years. We have been to all the other various highlights in the Peninsula except for this Park, for no particular reason.
This National Park is very interesting as there are many attractions within the Park. We visited all of these:
1. The Quarantine Station which has historical significance and heritage listed buildings.
2. Gunners Cottage, where there are car parking facilities for visitors as this is where the road ends for entry to Fort Nepean.
3. Fort Pearce
4. Eagles Nest
5. Pearce Barracks
6. Fort Nepean (the main highlight)
My wife and I visited this place for the first time, even though we have been to Mornington Peninsula around 10 times over the years. We have been to all the other various highlights in the Peninsula except for this Park, for no particular reason.
This National Park is very interesting as there are many attractions within the Park. We visited all of these:
1. The Quarantine Station which has historical significance and heritage listed buildings.
2. Gunners Cottage, where there are car parking facilities for visitors as this is where the road ends for entry to Fort Nepean.
3. Fort Pearce
4. Eagles Nest
5. Pearce Barracks
6. Fort Nepean (the main highlight)
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamal P
Byron Bay, Australia8,778 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Nepean national park was fantastic with its rolling terrain and scenic skyline. Beautiful views left unforgettable images in the memory. There were so many tracks to tread on and to cover all, I may have to do several more visits. Great place to visit!
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete and Sal
Blairgowrie, Australia9 contributions
Mar 2020
This is one of my favourite spots. Historic buildings and area from settlement days all wonderfully kept in an idyllic setting. Heaps of information available from the Point Nepean website. Amazing views across the bay and you may even catch the local croquet club playing on what must be the most prized playing ground. A Saturday market also happens sometimes during summer. From the quarantine station you can start any walks along the point right to the end if you wish. A lovely place.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing some of your favourite things about Point Nepean National Park.
From exploring military forts and tunnels by foot, bike or bus, to stunning coastal landscapes and summer events; there’s plenty to be enjoyed at the park. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Thanks again,
Parks Victoria.
Written March 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth
Sunshine, Australia20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We only stopped at the Quarantine buildings and walked around, didn’t take shuttle further into park. Was a weekday and amazingly quiet, so peaceful! Beautiful views of the bay. Buildings and info centre informative, toilets available, not a hard drive in, easy parking and flat ground. Best part though was seeing an echidna ambling slowly across the path from the information centre and back into the bush!
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
griffibaby75
Melbourne, Australia17 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We had a lovely time exploring the quarantine station and local beaches. We then caught the bus up to the headlands. Views amazing and coastline a treat. Gunnery amazing. Beware- we met a large tiger snake on one of the paths- apparently there is a lot of them. And sand flys were biting well. You need water and good walking shoes.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cassandra Gilbert
Melbourne, Australia251 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Been here few times now and I never get bored of the place.Awesome place to take the family and also for a picnic too.Very clean,surrounded by big trees,beach and bike path to cycle.
My girls had so much fun walking or simply running freely and walking along the beach looking for unique shells.
Lots if undercover areas for a picnic or tables scattered around as well.BBQ areas provided for those who enjoy cooking a bbq.
A big open space and historic site to enjoy.
My girls had so much fun walking or simply running freely and walking along the beach looking for unique shells.
Lots if undercover areas for a picnic or tables scattered around as well.BBQ areas provided for those who enjoy cooking a bbq.
A big open space and historic site to enjoy.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Point Nepean National Park. We're so glad to hear you keep coming back to visit the park. We hope to have you back again soon!
Thanks again,
Parks Victoria
Written December 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CheltenhamBabs
Mornington, Australia182 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
Having lived in Melbourne all my life ive always meant to visit the Quarantine station and Point Nepean National park but havent. This long overdue visit was a very pleasant surprise. We drove to the Quarantine station carpark and spent a very pleasant and informative time wandering around neatly kept grounds which housed the officer cadet school until more recent times. The history of the station was fascinating and not really known to us until now. Information boards were every where which was was a blessing as the woman manning the information centre was not at all welcoming and was more interested in her computer than saying a simple hello to us and apart from a few brochures and a video there really was nothing there. If you choose to ride a bike to explore the region as we would have liked i suggest to bring your own as the price of $28.60 was ridiculous. Recommend you make a picnic lunch and either sit in the grounds at the few tables scattered around or simply walk down to the beach and admire the view across to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff and watch the sorrento ferry crossings. While there we saw the endangered hooded plover, numerous crimson rozellas and other birdlife as well as a very friendly echidna. We ran out of time to visit the fort but intend to on our next visit. Bring all food, water and snacks as apart from some icecreams in the information centre there is nothing you can purchase. This area is level and most of the area is suitable for wheelchairs . (If you find this review helpful please
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Written January 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renata R
Melbourne, Australia178 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
We spent a day at Point Nepean & it exceeded our expectations as a historical & nature experience. The walk from the information centre along Coles track is 4.8 km of mostly level bush track with a couple of reasonable hills at the end on the road section. There are several side walks on the way & we had downloaded the Parks Victoria app which has a great walking tour regarding the history of the region, it's former use as a military base & it's indigenous significance. The fort itself is fascinating & well preserved. We chose to return along the beach which was a great option, with both the Spirit Of Tasmania & the Sorrento/ Queenscliffe ferry passing by. Overall it was a big walk which including the time spent at the fort was appropx 4 hrs. The walk back from the fort was approx 1.5 hrs including stopping to watch a pod of dolphins. Be sure to wear good walking shoes as we did spot a small snake & the surfaces are varies & not suited to thongs or slip on shoes. Taking your own water & food is a must as well as a warmer top as it's very exposed at parts. Sunscreen & a hat are also a must as is a camera for the many photo ops. We saw many visitors taking the shuttle bus which is a good option for those who are not walkers although at $10 for an adult & 7.50 for a child it could get pricey for a family. Driving to gunners cottage & doing the short walk from there to the Fort would suit those less energetic. This visit was an unexpected delight.
Written January 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin G
Melbourne, Australia568 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
A great place for both nature lovers and history buffs, Point Nepean National Park is at the very end of the Mornington Peninsula, about a 2 hour drive from the Melbourne CBD. Alternatively you can get a train to Frankston then a bus to Portsea which stops at the entrance gates.
Fort Nepean and Fort Pearce were established by the Colonial Victorian Government as part of Melbourne's coastal defences. Due to the Gold Rush, the entrance to Port Phillip became the most heavily fortified spot in the British empire. The Quarantine Station was established in the 1850's and it along with the Forts were taken over by the Commonwealth Government upon Federation. The site was eventually proclaimed a National Park late in the 20th century when the government decided it had no more military value.
To explore the park you can either walk, ride a bike or take the hop-on hop-off bus which runs every half hour. I thought the bus price was a bit expensive ($10 or $7.50 concession) and if I read it correctly, also thought the bike hire charge was also a bit steep so I advise that if you feel like riding, if possible, bring your own bike. However, this didn't worry us as we were planning to walk the site in any case. Be aware that you can only drive as far as the Gunner's Cottage (approximately 2km from the Quarantine Station) so after that point it is walk, bike ride or bus it the remaining 2 km to Point Nepean. Even with a bike, you still have to walk the final 800 metres or so as no bikes are permitted past the site of Pearce Barracks.
We spent 6 hours walking the site. Starting at the Quarantine Station we explored the heritage listed buildings and then followed Coles Track to Observatory Point and then on to Gunner's Cottage. From there, we walked the main road till we came to the road leading to the Range Area Walk and Cheviot Hill. From the hill we overlooked Cheviot Beach, the spot from which Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in the 1960's. There is a memorial to him near by.
It was then back to the main road to walk to the Eagles Nest, a gun emplacement site overlooking Bass Strait and then on to Fort Pearce which was also the site of more gun emplacements over looking the ocean. From there it's about 800 metres to Fort Nepean at the heads.
The Forts are a series of tunnels and old gun emplacement sites. Although the weaponry is no longer there, it does not take much imagination to envisage what the sites must have been like. The first shot fired in World War 1 by the British Empire, was from number 6 battery at Fort Nepean when a German freighter attempted leaving Port Phillip Bay just hours after the declaration of war. Coincidently, the first Australian shot fired in World War 2 was also from number 6 battery when a ship refused to identify itself and attempted to enter Port Phillip Bay.
Although the terrain is not difficult, the walk is steep in parts. I suggest you take your time and carry water. We took a picnic lunch with us also. Please remember this is a national park so take all your rubbish home with you.
We had a really enjoyable day which was topped off nicely by a coffee in Sorrento on the way home.
Fort Nepean and Fort Pearce were established by the Colonial Victorian Government as part of Melbourne's coastal defences. Due to the Gold Rush, the entrance to Port Phillip became the most heavily fortified spot in the British empire. The Quarantine Station was established in the 1850's and it along with the Forts were taken over by the Commonwealth Government upon Federation. The site was eventually proclaimed a National Park late in the 20th century when the government decided it had no more military value.
To explore the park you can either walk, ride a bike or take the hop-on hop-off bus which runs every half hour. I thought the bus price was a bit expensive ($10 or $7.50 concession) and if I read it correctly, also thought the bike hire charge was also a bit steep so I advise that if you feel like riding, if possible, bring your own bike. However, this didn't worry us as we were planning to walk the site in any case. Be aware that you can only drive as far as the Gunner's Cottage (approximately 2km from the Quarantine Station) so after that point it is walk, bike ride or bus it the remaining 2 km to Point Nepean. Even with a bike, you still have to walk the final 800 metres or so as no bikes are permitted past the site of Pearce Barracks.
We spent 6 hours walking the site. Starting at the Quarantine Station we explored the heritage listed buildings and then followed Coles Track to Observatory Point and then on to Gunner's Cottage. From there, we walked the main road till we came to the road leading to the Range Area Walk and Cheviot Hill. From the hill we overlooked Cheviot Beach, the spot from which Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in the 1960's. There is a memorial to him near by.
It was then back to the main road to walk to the Eagles Nest, a gun emplacement site overlooking Bass Strait and then on to Fort Pearce which was also the site of more gun emplacements over looking the ocean. From there it's about 800 metres to Fort Nepean at the heads.
The Forts are a series of tunnels and old gun emplacement sites. Although the weaponry is no longer there, it does not take much imagination to envisage what the sites must have been like. The first shot fired in World War 1 by the British Empire, was from number 6 battery at Fort Nepean when a German freighter attempted leaving Port Phillip Bay just hours after the declaration of war. Coincidently, the first Australian shot fired in World War 2 was also from number 6 battery when a ship refused to identify itself and attempted to enter Port Phillip Bay.
Although the terrain is not difficult, the walk is steep in parts. I suggest you take your time and carry water. We took a picnic lunch with us also. Please remember this is a national park so take all your rubbish home with you.
We had a really enjoyable day which was topped off nicely by a coffee in Sorrento on the way home.
Written October 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What do you see on the Range Area Walk? Is it more of a nature walk, or are there actual things to see related to the training that took place there?
Written September 9, 2018
There are several historical sites and buildings that reflect part of the history of this site as a quarantine station and defence area during wars.
It is run by our National Parks service so is well sign posted and the ocean, and bay views, are fantastic.
Written September 9, 2018
How long is it to walk from the carpark to different attractions?
Written April 6, 2018
We took the shuttle service, but it says around half an hour to walk from the Quarantine Station to Gunner's Cottage (1.6 km). Looks like it is around 5 km to walk all the way to the tip at Fort Nepean.
Written April 9, 2018
Till what point of the park can we access by car ? Is there a toll to take the car in ?
Written January 23, 2017
You cannot access the point by car. That said there is a bus stop adjacent to the car park at the Quarantine Station. You can get on and off the bus as you wish.
Written January 30, 2017
Are the cycling paths generally flat as we are a group of over 50s and some of us have weak knees. It would be a challenge if we have to cycle up slopes.
Written May 16, 2015
It's fairly flat until near the end,there is a large hill of about 400 metres,we are over 60's and managed in 1st gear.You can only cycle to a point approximately 1 kilometre from the end and it's a nice walk from there with stunning views both sides.There is a parking stand for your bikes and you can hire bikes if required,there is also a bus if you dont want to walk.
Written May 16, 2015
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