Perched high upon the hill, this relatively large gunnery bunker faces out towards Bass Strait, enjoying views of the surf from east to west – including the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse – extending further westward all the way through to Cape Otway (on a clear day . . . ). This gunnery bunker is accompanied by two smaller ones which are Read more…
It is at this point that the bike riding trail through the Point Nepean National Park terminates. The final 800 m leg of the journey to Fort Nepean can be traversed by foot or by hopping on the Shuttle Bus. A Shuttle Bus Stop is located just across the road. This view point also bestows amazing views across Port Phillip Bay and over the Read more…
. 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 Read more…
Abutting the shores of Port Phillip Bay’s ‘Weeroona Bay’, the ‘W E Newton Reserve’ is a delightful haven providing picnic facilities and amenities under the shelter of mature Norfolk and Cypress Pines. The park is almost divided in half by a walkway that leads directly to Portsea’s Historic Pier and the beach. Incidentally, the name ‘Weeroona Bay’ is a reminder of the Read more…
Little remains of the Cattle Jetty, nor the associated stock quarantine station, that was added to the quarantine facilities at Point Nepean in 1879. This facility was dedicated to confining new stock arrivals until they had been declared free of disease. Prior to the completion of this new stock quarantine area for animals, they had all been landed via the main quarantine jetty, which Read more…
The tragic wreck of the SS ‘Cheviot’ during a frightful storm took place at this location on the 19th October 1887, with the loss of 35 lives. It remains the greatest number of lives to be lost in a single shipwreck along this entire section of coastline . . . Cheviot Beach The screw (i.e. propeller driven) steamer SS ‘Cheviot’, Read more…
Located at the north-western corner of the ‘West Car Park‘ at Portsea’s ‘Back Beach, ‘Farnsworth Track’ meanders its way through the coastal dunes all the may to ‘London Bridge‘ which is just over a 1 km walk along a sandy trail. Approximately 200 m up the trail, you’ll find a sign to a look out – make sure you stop here, Read more…
Wandering along the sandy walking trail known as Coles Track, captivated by the stunning views that become apparent at every clearing – quite expectantly, a sombre, concrete structure materialises . . . As one ventures closer, one can’t help but be reminded of Point Nepean’s military past. One can wander all around and through this Gunnery Bunker – its mood sending images Read more…
With the end of WWII on the 8th May 1945, the extensive military infrastructure which had been built over some 70 years across Point Nepean was abandoned. Over the succeeding decade or so, all salvageable equipment was removed and many of the historical buildings were demolished – the western end of the Mornington Peninsula lay silent once more . . . ‘Mother Read more…
‘Portsea Back Beach’ lies within the parameters of the ‘Mornington Peninsula National Park’ which runs all along the surf coast from just west of ‘London Bridge‘ to beyond Cape Schank. Arriving at the first car park as you enter the National Park, atop a hill, the views are breathtaking !!! A 360° panorama greets you with the most enormous views across Bass Strait Read more…
The monument positioned to overlook Cheviot Beach reads: The 17th Prime Minister of Australia disappeared at this location on the 17th December 1967 – holding office for just short of 2 years from the 26th January 1966 until his disappearance . . . Incidentally, it was on this same beach in the year of 1887 that 35 lives were lost Read more…
Remnants of the original fencing that once encircled the Point Nepean Quarantine Station still remain. This section was found on the trail leading from the historic Cemetery to ‘Coles Track’ . . . ” . . . The whole of the work appears to have been creditably carried out. The contract for the buildings is let to J. Cain and Co. Read more…
‘Gunners Cottage’ is located in the centre of the Car Park that is the last point to which private vehicles and buses can travel within the Point Nepean National Park. It is the point from which many set out from to hike, cycle or catch the shuttle bus to very tip of the Mornington Peninsula – where one can witness the treacherous waters of ‘The Rip’. Read more…
Sited within the ‘WE Newton Reserve‘, at Portsea on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, a small rock housing a plaque commemorates the hugely significant event of the first documented landing of a European on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. An extract of the plaque reads: ” . . . Acting Lieutenant John Murray, Commander of HMS Lady Nelson, the first recorded European ship to Read more…
A 125 m long ‘Lookout Walkway’ can be accessed from the southern perimeter of the ‘London Bridge Car Park‘, on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Be sure to have the camera ready as the views from the many vantage points along this cliff edge walkway are outstanding. The eastern end bestows views all the way to Cape Schanck, whereas at the Read more…
Australian Town & Country Journal (Sydney) – 24 Oct 1906 Ironically, it is reported that the cemeteries associated with Melbourne’s first two quarantine stations were both located too close to shore, resulting in bodily remains becoming exposed due to erosion and hence, the necessary relocation. Following the emergency of the ‘Glen Huntly’ in 1840, the first quarantine station, which had been Read more…
Two viewing platforms are located at either end of the ‘Middle Car Park‘ at Portsea’s ‘Back Beach‘ on the Mornington Peninsula. Though they are only some 30 m above sea level, the views are amazing. For surfers, they are perfect to observe the waves – for visitors, the panoramas are so big and beautiful, they are literally breathtaking. Bench seats are provided on which to Read more…
Heaton’s Monument marks the location of the original cemetery established at the Quarantine Station at Portsea in Victoria which has since been relocated further inland c 1854. Upon the arrival of the tragic Clipper ship ‘Ticonderoga’ on the 22nd December 1852, a quarantine station was hastily erected at this site. Sadly, a cemetery was also immediately required as of the 170 people that died due Read more…
‘Fort Nepean’ encompasses the final 350 m of land mass situate at the very western end of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. As the name implies, this precinct was once a fort designed to defend Port Phillip Bay from invasion from by sea . . . It comprises of a network of tunnels, fortifications, parade ground, gun placements, gunnery bunkers, ammunition magazines, engine Read more…
‘London Bridge’, located on Portsea’s ‘Back Beach‘ – a beautiful coastal location which enjoys magnificent views over Bass Strait, including the wild surf of the open ocean, as well as the tranquility of the rock pools that surround the ‘Bridge’. Is the landmark of ‘London Bridge’ falling down ??? The information signage located centrally within the car park would suggest that Read more…
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