Mornington Peninsula
National Park
Discovering Cape Schanck
Until the 1970s, the Cape Schanck area suffered from overuse. Unrestricted
vehicle and foot access was hastening erosion and facilities were inadequate
when the former National Parks Service began to manage the area as part
of the Cape Schanck Coastal Park. Today it is managed by Parks Victoria as
part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The main attractions are the
light-station, boardwalk to the rock platform and the spectacular ocean views.
Since the early 1980s, the Victorian Government
has devoted time, energy and money to
protecting the Cape and improving facilities.
Eroded gullies have been filled, bare areas
thatched for protection and revegetated with
local plants, and timber steps and board walk
built to improve access to the beach and rock
platform.
In December 1988, the area became part of the
national park. Visitors are welcome to explore
the area and discover how conservation and
recreation can co-exist. Please keep to the
tracks to minimise damage to fragile coastal
vegetation, which has to battle against salt spray,
strong winds and eroding soil.
A small kiosk operates and car park fees apply.
Parks Victoria Ranger
“Victoria has all the outdoors
you could wish for – mountains,
forests, beaches and bushland,
all preserved in our parks.
Our natural landscapes have
been here longer than anyone
knows, and together we can
make sure they’re here forever.”
The area has 4 popular places of interest.
1. The Cape
Follow the walking track from the kiosk towards
the Cape (see map overleaf). This short circuit
walk takes visitors to the start of the wooden
staircase and boardwalk which descends to the
beach and rock platform. Several lookouts have
spectacular views over the geological formations
called Pulpit Rock and the Devils Desk which
were created over millions of years. Please take
care on the rock platform as large un-expected
waves may wash across the rocks.
2. Bushrangers Bay
For more information
call the Parks Victoria
Information Centre
on 13 1963 or
visit our website at
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Follow the Bushrangers Bay track from the
eastern carpark to see some of the best
coastal scenery near Melbourne. The Victorian
Government purchased this section of the park
from abutting farms in 1977. The track finishes
at Bushrangers Bay, a sandy beach formed by
Main Creek and surrounded by basalt cliffs. The
return walk takes about 2 hours.
An extension to the track is part of the Two Bays
Walking Track and leads to Rosebud Flinders
Road (3km). This track provides fine views and
passes through shady banksia groves before
continuing northwards across the road and
through stands of eucalypt and banksia towards
Greens Bush (10km).
3. Fingal Picnic Area and
Fingal Beach
Enjoy a picnic in the delightful Fingal Picnic Area
located 2km north of the Cape. Electric BBQs,
toilets, tables and a games area are provided.
This area was subdivided for housing but was
re-purchased by the government from 1974
to 1977. Walking tracks lead to lookouts with
spectacular views of basalt cliffs and Fingal
Beach which is exposed at low tide. The return
walk takes about an hour and is steep in places.
4. Cape Schanck Light-station
This light-station includes a lighthouse, museum
and former lighthouse keepers residences. The
buildings were constructed from 1859 and are an
excellent example of the architecture of the day.
Guided tours of the light-station are held each
day. Overnight accommodation is available in
the residences. Bookings on 0500 527 891.
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Revised April 2004
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Leave the park as you found it
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LEGEND
All native plants and animals
are protected
Melway Map 258
Firearms are not permitted
in the park
Cape Schanck Area
Walking Tracks
Keep to the tracks
Dogs are not permitted at
Cape Schanck
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Help us look after this park by
remembering these guidelines:
Take your rubbish
home with you
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Caring for the
environment
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Peninsula Visitor
Information Centre
Point Nepean Road
DROMANA 3936
Ph. 5987 3078
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Parks Victoria District Office
P.O. Box 400
ROSEBUD 3939
Ph. 5986 9100
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Point Nepean Visitor Centre
Point Nepean Road
PORTSEA 3944
Ph. 5984 4276
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Light-station tours
and Accomodation
Ph. 0500 527 891
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Parks Victoria
Information Line
Ph: 13 1963
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
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Further Information