Eagles Nest Lookout - Point Nepean National Park, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

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Bestowing views up and down the Mornington Peninsula, across Port Phillip Bay, as well as out to sea – across Bass Strait towards Cape Otway in the distance, this viewpoint is outstanding.

Within the direct vicinity, the remains of the ‘Eagles Nest Gunnery Bunker’ and some shoreline ancillary gunnery bunkers are in stark contrast to the Radar Tower set on the hill just behind the lookout.

Some interesting information signage tells of the Brig ‘Edward’ which was yet another victim of the often treacherous waters that surround Point Nepean.  On the 29th October 1912 the ‘Edward’ ran aground off ‘Beacon Rock’ near Point Nepean due to defective anchors and cables.  The ‘Edward’ was carrying a cargo of 200,000 ft (61 m) of hardwood timber:

” . . . QUEENSCLIFF.  Wednesday. – This afternoon’s tide played sad havoc with the brig Edward, which is ashore near Point Nepean, heavy seas sweeping across the vessel’s hull.

Soon after 3 p.m. the brig’s main topmast snapped, and shortly afterwards the foremast, released from its weather stays, snapped off close to the deck.  The brig is a total wreck, and there appears to be no chance of salvaging any of the hardwood cargo.  At sundown the vessel’s hull had twisted around, and now the bow points W.S.W.  The wind has changed to the southward, and heavy rollers are breaking incessantly over the doomed craft.  The masts, which went overboard are dangling alongside.

During last night’s tide the ship’s boats housed on the deckhouse were washed overboard.  The lifeboat, stove in at the stern, drifted outside the Heads and will possibly be found stranded on the Sorrento back beach.

Captain Wymark, the Victorian Marine Underwriters’ surveyor, endeavoured at daylight this morning, during slack water, to board the vessel.  Owing to her position he was unable to accomplish his object, but in a small boat was able to make an excellent survey.  The Edward’s decks at the time were awash, and the vessel had settled down on her starboard side.  There appeared to be no prospect of successful salvage.  Captain Wymark returned to Melbourne by this afternoon’s train.

Fishermen report that portions of the starboard bulwarks, deckhouses, and decking, and some of the timber cargo, are being washed up on the Port Phillip eastern beach.  To-night’s tide should destroy the Edward . . . “

Source:  ‘Argus’ – Article “Brig Edward – A Total Wreck – No Prospect of Salvage” – published 20th October 1912

The Wreck of the Brig Edward – 29 Oct 1912

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These are the same waters that fill all who venture onto the lookout with absolute delight . . .

Helpful Hints:

– Located approximately 5.7 km from the Portsea Town Centre – obtain Directions here

– Accessed from Defence Road

– Located within Point Nepean National Park

– Parking at Gunners Cottage Car Park

– Visible Landmarks:

– Eagles Nest

– Eagles Nest Gunnery Bunker

– Point Nepean

– Point Lonsdale

– Fort Nepean

– P.M.A. Radar Tower

– Port Phillip Bay

– Bass Strait

Discover Portsea:

– Points of Interest

– Things to Do

– Dining Out

– Shopping

– Places to Stay

– Facilities available at Portsea include:

– Picnic Tables

– Sheltered Pavilions

– Barbecues

– Public Toilets