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Meet the koalas

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Maru Koala and Animal Park

Get in touch with wildlife at Maru where you can interact and hand-feed many of the animals. Enjoy hand feeding the kangaroos and wallabies, including rare albinos as you stroll through their free-range habitat. See koalas, quokkas, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian Devils, dingoes, a cassowary, a crocodile, reptiles and more in the animal park. For an engaging wildlife experience, don't miss Maru's interactive keeper talks and wildlife presentations, led by our passionate keeper team. These daily experiences offer fascinating insights into animal behaviour, care and conservation, helping visitors connect more deeply with Australia's unique wildlife. Maru also operates a wildlife shelter, playing an important behind-the-scenes role in the rescue, care and rehabilitation of native animals and supporting broader conservation efforts in the region. Also featured in the all-weather wildlife auditorium is Maru's famous sheep shearing show, a fun and authentic demonstration of traditional Australian farming life. Feed a koala, get up close to a quokka, join the pack of dingoes or slither up next to a python snake. It's all possible during special close encounters at Maru. Bring your camera and take advantage of the ample photo opportunities or have a professional photo taken as a souvenir of your experience. An award-winning business proudly founded, owned and operated by the Heffer family, at Maru they personally take the time to ensure you enjoy your visit.

Grantville VIC

1.8 km away

French Island National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

French Island National Park

French Island National Park is located in Western Port, just off the Mornington Peninsula. This ever-changing landscape is shaped by water, from rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to mangroves, saltmarshes and wetlands that shift with the tides and seasons. French Island is not accessible by car, unless destined for a permanent residence. Plan a day trip to enjoy the short, half or whole-day walks from Tankerton Foreshore Reserve. Discover the island habitats by bushwalking through heathland and woodland along the 5km Old Coast Road walking track, or follow the shoreline along Fairhaven Beach at low tide to see roosting shorebirds. The West Coast Wetlands Walk (9.6 kilometres) climbs to the Pinnacles at 60 metres above sea level, offering expansive views of Phillip Island, Western Port and the wetlands. If you need longer to explore, set up a beachside base camp at the Fairhaven Campground, five kilometres from the jetty. French Island National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Bunurong People. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

French Island VIC

14 km away

French Island Marine National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

French Island Marine National Park

Located 10 kilometres south of Tooradin, French Island Marine National Park is one of the three Marine National Parks in Western Port, a wetland listed in the Ramsar convention. The park contains a range of significant habitats including seagrass beds, deep channels, mangroves and intertidal mudflats. The mudflats are particularly important for the migratory waders for feeding. Kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to access the Marine National Park. The closest launching points for recreation users are at Warneet, 6 kilometres away, or Tooradin, 10km away. The crossing to French Island is across a channel subject to strongtidal flow and quick condition changes. Experience the biodiversity that exists under the surface of the water. Before venturing out to snorkel or dive, always ensure you check the tide times, water visibility and weather conditions. Enjoy some birdwatching, a popular activity that can be conducted from a boat or kayak. French Island Marine National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Sea Country of the Bunurong Peoples. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

French Island VIC

14 km away

Welcome to Flo Alchemy. Your private space to reset, drain and restore.

Spas and Retreats

Flo Alchemy Wellness Sanctuary

Flo Alchemy Wellness Sanctuary, located in San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island, is a bespoke wellness space offering curated experiences focused on lymphatic health, relaxation and restoration. Designed for individuals, couples and small groups, each session supports fluid balance, reduces inflammation and encourages deep relaxation in an intimate, calming setting. Experiences include magnesium float therapy, ayurveda treatments, vibro-acoustic sound lounge sessions, sauna and cold plunge experiences, steam rituals, red light therapy and specialised lymphatic drainage massage treatments.

San Remo VIC

19 km away

Highland Cattle Experience

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Churchill Island

A visit to Churchill Island (located off Phillip Island) calms the mind, with wide-open spaces to wander and fresh air to breathe. Explore the historical grounds and farming activities, soak in the tranquil scenery on bay trails, enjoy the bird watching, or relax on the deck of the café with a hot drink in hand. As you wind your way across the bridge, you’ll be greeted by honking Cape Barren geese, fossicking purple swamp hens, and curious highland cattle relaxing in the grassy paddocks. Churchill Island has been a farm, a vegetable garden, and a summer retreat for the well-heeled since European settlement. The Victorian gardens are a legacy of this history and are lovingly tended to explore today. While in the farm precinct, try your hand at the daily heritage farming activities like sheep shearing, working dogs, cow milking, and whip cracking. Then take the walking track around the edge of the island to enjoy views of Western Port Bay. Order a delicious farmhouse breakfast in the cafe from 9:00am on weekends and enjoy the peaceful views from the deck across to French Island. Or reward yourself with a coffee and cake any day of the week.

Churchill Island VIC

20 km away

Churchill Island Marine National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Churchill Island Marine National Park

Located south of Rhyll, on the eastern shore of Phillip Island, in Western Port, the park extends from Long Point south of Rhyll township to the north point of Churchill Island and along the island's western shore to the bridge. Within this park there are many habitats including mangroves, sheltered intertidal mudflats, seagrass beds, subtidal soft sediments and rocky intertidal shores. The park is part of the Western Port RAMSAR site and is an important habitat for many bird species. Migratory waders roost and feed within the Churchill Island Marine National Park and birds which can be spotted in this park include the Bar-tailed Godwit, Sacred Ibis, Red-necked Stint and Chestnut Teal. The seagrass beds are a major food source for black swans as well as providing a nursery habitat for many commercially viable species such as King George Whiting, Black Bream and Yellow-eyed Mullet. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Rhyll VIC

20 km away

Pannys Giant Chocolate Photo Room — Image credit: SMAC Advertising

Amusement and Theme Parks

Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Pannys makes the finest and most delectable treats, with more than 190 different varieties. Naturally dominated by chocolate, but also including such delectable's as a choc dipped bananas, rocky roads, Turkish delight and ginger. Entry to the cafe and factory direct retail store is free, as too is your first sample. Admission charges apply for Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate attraction. Visit Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate and see the educational exhibition on cocoa production, see the two metre chocolate statue of Michelangelo's David, a 12,000 piece chocolate mosaic of Dame Edna Everage. A chocolate village complete with working trains and an amazing spinning Zoetrope. You will be able to see Panny's life animated in the Family Window, a Side Show Ally and test your skills and aim to win chocolate. See a giant, one tonne block of chocolate, try and lift it with your friends. There is also a thunderous chocolate waterfall, where 400 kilograms of molten chocolate poverflows every three minutes. Have your photo taken in the giant chocolate display and email it to yourself for free. See the chocolate carving machine in action and chocolates being made in the chocolate factory.

Newhaven VIC

20 km away

Phillip Island Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Phillip Island Golf Club

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Phillip Island, Phillip Island Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience for members and guests. With a challenging 18-hole course that carves its way through a magnificent landscape, the course is a great challenge for beginners and experienced golfers. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond the course and into the clubhouse, where you'll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and drinks from their café, and a range of special events and activities to enjoy with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just getting started, we invite you to experience all that Philip Island Golf Club has to offer. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff are here to help you make the most of your time on the course. So why wait? Book a tee time today and discover why Philip Island Golf Club is one of the finest golf clubs in the region. The team can't wait to welcome you!

Cowes VIC

25 km away

Koala — Image credit: Phillip Island Nature Parks

Natural Attractions

Koala Conservation Reserve

Come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat along the treetop boardwalks through the Australian bushland at the Koala Conservation Reserve. The two elevated boardwalks bring you closer to the koalas as they go about their daily business of sleeping, eating, and sleeping some more. Collect and plant a seed from their Native Seed Station to grow and create a thriving native habitat in your own backyard. Watch and listen for other native wildlife like wallabies, echidnas, and colourful native birds. For those curious about how koalas live, their visitor centre has interactive and informative displays, or find one of their rangers to ask a question. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Koala Conservation Reserve offers fantastic koala viewing in their natural habitat.

Rhyll VIC

25 km away

Wellbeing Elements Phillip Island — Image credit: Wellbeing Elements

Spas and Retreats

Wellbeing Elements Phillip Island

Wellbeing Elements is Phillip Island's premium bathhouse and recovery centre, created with connection at the core of their philosophy. They offer a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals, groups and teams can step away from the demands of daily life to recover, relax and revive. The bathhouse experience is centred around contrast therapy, harnessing the restorative power of magnesium hot pools, invigorating ice and cold plunge pools, a eucalyptus steam room and rejuvenating saunas. This carefully curated hot and cold approach is designed to support circulation, reduce inflammation, restore energy and promote long-term wellbeing. Whether guests are seeking physical recovery, mental reset or meaningful time shared with others, Wellbeing Elements provides a professional and nurturing space to do so. The friendly team is committed to ensuring every visit feels safe, supportive and accessible, regardless of where someone is on their wellbeing journey. Located on Phillip Island, they are proud to contribute to the region's growing wellness culture, offering both locals and visitors an opportunity to prioritise self-care in a calm, contemporary setting. At Wellbeing Elements, they are committed to helping the community reconnect with their wellbeing, one element at a time.

Cowes VIC

25 km away

Front of A Maze'N Things on Phillip Island — Image credit: Park Lane Group

Amusement and Theme Parks

A Maze'N Things

A Maze’N Things is a unique, award-winning theme park located on Phillip Island. It is an exciting world of illusions, puzzles, mazes, magic and mini golf that provides hours of fun, magic and adventure. Families, school groups, social groups and couples young and old have spent hours challenging their minds, exploring Puzzle Island, wandering through kilometres of maze and swinging putters on the Maxi Golf course. Whatever you decide to do, you will be laughing all the way. Magic Manor, a world-class exhibit, has amazing interactive magic displays, a flying chandelier, a time machine, magic rabbits and lots more. It will make you wonder, make you smile, spark your curiosity and astonish you. Test your navigational skills and find each flag in Australia’s largest 3D timber maze, then challenge yourself with 19 holes of outdoor Maxi Mini Golf. Puzzle Café serves great takeaway coffees, yummy pizzas and delicious milkshakes. Enjoy your cold drink outdoors to one of the picnic, playground or undercover barbecue areas. This truly exciting and wonderful place is open seven days, offering a long list of things to do, problems to solve and places to go.

Cowes VIC

25 km away

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre

Entertainment Venues

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre is a fun indoor attraction in Cowes on Phillip Island. This family entertainment centre brings together tenpin bowling, Lazer Zone, arcade games, pool tables, table tennis and modern golf simulators under one roof. It is a relaxed and welcoming venue for families, friends, school groups, birthday parties, social gatherings and business functions. Visitors can enjoy a full entertainment experience in any weather. The bowling lanes feature automatic scoring, auto bumpers, ramps and lightweight balls, helping more people take part and enjoy the game. The arcade adds colour and energy with a mix of modern and classic amusement games, while pool tables and table tennis offer easy social fun between activities. Lazer Zone delivers fast paced action in an accessible arena with an internal maze, hiding spots and team play options. It is designed to be exciting, inclusive and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. The golf simulators add a premium indoor golf experience, with world class courses, practice options and social play in a comfortable setting. Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre is recognised for its strong focus on accessibility and inclusive family fun. With a cafe, licensed bar and friendly local team, it is an easy choice for entertainment, connection and memorable moments on Phillip Island.

Cowes VIC

25 km away

Underground at the State Coal Mine 1 — Image credit: Parks Victoria

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

State Coal Mine

The State Coal Mine offers a journey back in time to discover what life was like working in a coal mine in the 1900s. Follow the heritage walk among historic buildings and stunning gardens. Underground tours run daily at 11.30am and 2.pm. This walking tour requires a good level of fitness due to the steep tunnel gradient and is not recommended for those with limited mobility. Sturdy closed toe shoes must be worn. Take the family on a journey back in time to the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi. This unique attraction in Gippsland is the only historic coal mine experience in the Southern Hemisphere. Operating from 1909 until 1968, the State Coal Mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways. Drop in at the Visitor Centre and watch a film in the theatrette. Visit the souvenir shop to find unique mining memorabilia and a variety of items celebrating Wonthaggi's history. Relax and enjoy refreshments from the café after exploring the grounds or cook your own barbecue lunch at the picnic area. Please note, conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Wonthaggi VIC

25 km away

Yaringa Marine National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Yaringa Marine National Park

Located between the mainland and Quail Island Nature Conservation Reserve in Western Port, this park is part of the Western Port RAMSAR wetlands and is an area of international significance due to its importance for wader birds. The area encompasses a variety of ecologically important habitats including saltmarsh, mangroves, sheltered intertidal mudflats, subtidal soft sediments and tidal channels. Many of the variety of habitats present in Yaringa are essential for the survival of a huge range of species. The mudflats are an important feeding ground for many wader and other water birds. Some of these birds, such as the Red-necked Stint, breed in the Northern Hemisphere and migrate to Yaringa Marine National Park in the warmer months. Over 295 bird species have been spotted in Western Port with 32 of these species known to be migratory birds. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Tooradin VIC

26 km away

Phillip Island Sauna — Image credit: Phillip Island Sauna

Spas and Retreats

Phillip Island Sauna

Phillip Island Sauna offers a deeply restorative wood-fired sauna experience set beside the ocean at Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island. Designed around simplicity, warmth and connection, each session invites guests to slow down and embrace the natural rhythm of heat, cold and rest. The sauna is heated by fire, creating a soft, even heat that encourages relaxation and release. Guests move between the sauna and the surrounding coastal environment, with the ocean providing a natural cold-water immersion. Sessions are hosted, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for both experienced sauna users and those trying sauna for the first time. Phillip Island Sauna focuses on small group experiences, allowing space for quiet reflection, gentle conversation, or simply sitting with the warmth and the view. Seasonal elements, herbal teas and small touches enhance the experience without overcomplicating it. Located in one of Victoria's most iconic coastal destinations, Phillip Island Sauna is an ideal addition to a weekend getaway or wellbeing-focused escape. The experience celebrates contrast — hot and cold, stillness and movement — and offers a grounding pause from busy schedules and everyday life. Bookings are essential and available for public sessions, private group bookings and special events. Each session runs for approximately 75 minutes, providing the perfect amount of time to unwind, reset and recharge.

Cowes VIC

26 km away

Poppet Head at Coal Creek — Image credit: Coal Creek

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Coal Creek

Coal Creek is a living history museum, recreating the time of settlement and the story of the coal miners from South Gippsland. Coal Creek was established in 1974 when a new home for the old Korumburra Courthouse was required. From this single building a historic village was born. The park has undergone many changes over its 40 plus years of operation, all of these changes culminating in an authentic feeling coal mining village spanning from the 1870s to the 1920s. Coal Creek is home to over half a million collection items ranging from trains to thimbles. Each piece is important as it helps them tell the story of life in South Gippsland during pioneer times. During their monthly Heritage Days, held on the first Saturday of every month, their expert guides host free tours of the park showcasing Coal Creek's rich mining history, the fascinating evolution of the park and community and the historical displays. Coal Creek is also the perfect venue to hold your special event. Surrounded by acres of period buildings and native bushland, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the perfect setting for your needs. Coal Creek creates a stunning backdrop for a memorable wedding ceremony, birthday celebration, photoshoot or seminar. Groups can book tours of the park and the education program is a must for schools.

Korumburra VIC

27 km away

Stony Point Jetty, Crib Point — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Stony Point Pier

Stony Point Pier is located on the western side of Western Port, and the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula. It acts as a port for various vessels including passenger ferries to French Island and Phillip Island. The pier is popular for fishing. It provides food and habitat for fish of all sizes so casting away from the pier is not always required. Fishing for a few hours on either side of high tide is best. Catches may include squid, King George whiting, Australian salmon, silver trevally, yellow-eye mullet, flathead, and snapper There are boat ramps, public toilets and a car park nearby and the general store is across the road. The Stony Point Caravan Park provides accommodation for those wishing to stay in the area. Please note that swimming, diving and scuba diving are prohibited in this area.

Crib Point VIC

27 km away

Feel the adrenaline as you race the replica Go Kart track.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre and Go Karts

Experience the thrill of motorsports at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre and Go Karts, an adventure for the whole family. Located next to the world renowned 4.445-kilometer circuit overlooking stunning Bass Strait, the 750-meter replica Go Kart track offers an unparalleled go-karting experience. Choose from individual or tandem karts and immerse yourself adrenaline fuelled fun. See website for details. Go back in time as you visit the History of Motorsport Display, where you can explore the rich racing heritage of Phillip Island. You will see an impressive collection of images, cars, memorabilia, and 25 Grand Prix motorcycles from the iconic Italian brands, Aprilia and Cagiva. There are always new additions to this collection so stay tuned via our social media pages! After an adrenaline-packed day, refuel at Champions Café, where you can enjoy barista made coffee and some tasty treats. Before leaving, make sure to browse our great range of merchandise in the gift shop and take home a piece of the Circuit with you to remember for ever.

Ventnor VIC

28 km away

Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park

National Parks and Reserves

Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park

Bunurong Marine National Park (2,046 ha) is located on the Bass Strait coastline between Inverloch and Wonthaggi. This coastline is beautiful, full of striking rock formations, attractive sandy coves, rugged sandstone cliffs, dunes and prominent headlands. The coastal waters protect a remarkable range of habitats including intertidal reefs, subtidal rocky reefs, algal gardens and seagrass beds. The waters here are cool, akin to Victoria's central and western coasts, however they are relatively protected from south-westerly swells due to the location of far away King Island. The marine life of the region is considered special due to the unusual set of environmental conditions. The intertidal sandstone reefs of the area boast the highest recorded diversity of intertidal and subtidal invertebrates in eastern Victoria. The range of seaweed species is also large and includes greens, blue-greens, browns and encrusting, coralline reds. Seagrass meadows and sandy bays are also important habitats within the area. The diversity of habitats supports many marine animals including seastars, featherstars, crabs, snails, Port Jackson Sharks and up to 87 species of fish. If you are lucky you may see Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales or Sub antarctic Fur Seals.

Cape Paterson VIC

28 km away

Boating on Western Port

National Parks and Reserves

Western Port

Formerly a major river drainage system inundated by the rising sea in the Holocene period, the Western Port sunkland now forms an extensive tidal bay. Two large islands, French Island (approximately 170 square kilometres) and Phillip Island (approximately 100 square kilometres), dominate Western Port. The coastline, including that of the islands, is some 263 kilometres. Fishing, pleasure boating and yachting are some of the popular pastimes on the bay, with the deep channels leading from Bass Strait into the western section of the bay, giving access to the region's port facilities. Hastings is the main boat landing in Western Port bay, however there are boat launching ramps at Stony Point, Tooradin, Newhaven, Cowes, Hastings, Warneet, Lang Lang, Grantville and Rhyll (Phillip Island) Accommodation is available on both Phillip Island and French Island. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Cowes VIC

30 km away

Somers Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Somers Beach

Somers Beach is 3 kilometres long, running between the eastern bluffs and rocks and the mouth of Merricks Creek. The beach is often narrow and steep with deep water at high tide, and sand and reef flats exposed at low tide, and small yachts and sail boats are commonly seen off the beach. There are three sections to the beach - the central area with the Somers Yacht Club at the Alexandra Avenue end, the South beach adjacent to the historic Coolart property, and the eastern end accessed from Mirimar Road via the staircase with over a 100 steps, with its popular 200 metre long sandy leash-free dog zone (make sure to check signage as there are sometimes restricted leash free times). All three sections of the beach face south into the Western Passage of Western Port and overlook Phillip Island. Nearby Coolart is a 87.5 hectare historic farming property and homestead surrounded by significant wetlands, that face onto the South section of the beach. There are a series of walking tracks throughout the park and wetlands which allow you to explore the coastal woodlands, wetlands, lagoons, and formal gardens surrounding the homestead.

Somers VIC

31 km away

Bunurong Environment Centre — Image credit: South Gippsland Conservation Society

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bunurong Environment Centre

The Bunurong Environment Centre in Inverloch offers three separate attractions for visitors. The Shell Museum and Marine Display features over 8,000 of specimens found locally along the Bunurong Coast of Bass Coast region and across the Pacific. It was started as a private collection and later donated to Bass Coast Shire Council. Let your children touch the amazing display of shells, shark eggs, sea dragons, fossils, sea sponges and much more. The Discovery Room has a dinosaur and fossil display for your children to enjoy, touch tables, climate change information along the ever-changing Inverloch shoreline. Pull up a bean bag or chair and watch one of the short movies, while your young ones can enjoy the books and puzzles. Outside the Bunurong Environment Centre you can measure your wingspan on our Albatross Seat - featuring the Shy Albatross. You can sit in the middle of the seat, spread your arms and measure your wingspan. The Shop is an extensively stocked with specialist books on sustainability, birds and bee keeping, Australian flora and fauna, Indigenous culture, local history and more. You can also find a diverse range of gift items and sustainable products, STEM kits for kids, fossils, gemstones and much more. Run by volunteers, the Shop proceeds go towards South Gippsland Conservation Society activities, including education, conservation and restoration projects.

Inverloch VIC

31 km away

Hastings Pier — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Hastings Pier

Hastings Pier provides many opportunities for both anglers and the visitors who just enjoy a casual walk, soaking up the surroundings of the busy area. A Visitor Centre is located in the old fish shed on the pier, providing visitors with inspiration for their day out. There is a waterfront cafe nearby. Pelicans can normally be seen in this area and are fed daily by local fishermen. Angling is most productive at high tide, those who are keen could expect to catch a variety of fish including: King George whiting, Australian salmon, silver trevally and flathead. Hastings is located on a crescent-shaped bay opening onto Western Port. It is probably the safest small boat harbour on Western Port, as it is easily accessible, and protected from prevailing winds. The mudflats support significant mangrove forests, these being the most southerly species of mangrove in the world. Jacks Beach Walk takes hikers through and over the mangroves via a series of boardwalks. The mangrove forests are natural fish hatcheries, important for the maintenance of good fish populations in the bay. A significant area of Western Port north of Hastings has been declared a Marine National Park.

Hastings VIC

31 km away

Warringine Park — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

National Parks and Reserves

Warringine Park

Warringine Park is one of the best-kept secrets on the Mornington Peninsula. Declared a conservation park in 1994, the park is divided into four sections: Coastal, Wetland, Creek and Woodland, and is located between Hastings and Bittern. Each section has its own special value. Managed primarily for conservation purposes, the park provides wonderful opportunities for passive recreational activities and has walking tracks through the coastal and creek sections. The beauty of the park can be quite subtle so take the time to pause and observe your surroundings – you won’t be disappointed. As you stroll through the park you will discover: a bird watchers paradise with over 110 bird species including the endangered Great Egret and Lewin’s Rail; a haven for other native fauna species including the threatened Swamp Skink and Southern Brown Bandicoot; vegetation communities that include open woodland, coastal heathland, paperbark scrub, saltmarsh and one of the southern most stands of mangroves in the world. There are two walking tracks - Bittern coastal foreshore 3.7km and the creek section 1.7km. Warringine Park offers you a chance to walk through some of the unique vegetation and coastal features of Western Port. Dogs are not permitted.

Bittern VIC

32 km away

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