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Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary

National Parks and Reserves

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary

Named after its mushroom shaped reef, Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary protects 80ha of the open coast of Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula. Composed of sandstone rock platforms extending from the shore, the park includes sheltered rock pools, coves and a shallow reef on the ocean side. The reef is formed from ancient basalt which has weathered beautifully, allowing creatures to hide within crevices and cracks or under loose rocks. This area is famous for its diversity of marine life and has attracted scientists for over 100 years. The intertidal soft sediment is an important feeding and roosting habitat for many birds. When searching the rockpools one can find many crabs, multicoloured cushion seastars, numerous species of snails and delicate anemones. Before you go 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.

Flinders VIC

0.3 km away

Flinders Golf Club — Image credit: Visit Victoria

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Flinders Golf Club

The Flinders Golf Club is an historic treasure of Victorian golf offering a sense of tradition that comes with playing for over 122 years on the links land. With views of the ocean on every hole, it is simply breathtaking. The Club is to be found on the Mornington Peninsula and is perched high on the cliff tops with views across the rugged coastline to Bass Straight and Phillip Island. Continuous upgrades to the course ensure Flinders has a high standard of course presentation. Visitor access and competitive green fees make Flinders a great option for golfers of all standards. Pre and post golf, enjoy stunning views from the clubhouse whilst enjoying refreshments and dining from the Club's seasonal menu. Or why not make the Club the next place for your special occasion.

Flinders VIC

0.6 km away

Flinders Pier

Landmarks and Buildings

Flinders Pier

Flinders Pier is located at the point where Western Port meets Bass Strait and has great views across Western Port to Phillip Island. The pier is 250 metres long, jutting out from the protected beach and is sheltered from the waters of Bass Strait by West Head. This area is popular for sailing, fishing, and other watersports, and is well known for the abundance of squid caught, especially during spring months. Numerous other species have been caught off this jetty, including King George whiting, Australian Salmon, silver trevally, wrasse, leatherjackets, barracouta and short-finned pike. Nearby Bass Park offers barbeques, walking trails and a playground. Public toilets are available at the pier.

Flinders VIC

0.7 km away

Mushrooom Reef — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism

Natural Attractions

Mushroom Reef Beach

Mushroom Reef Beach is on the Bass Strait side of the Flinders headland known locally as West Head. This small beach is black pebbles over white sand set against the black basalt cliffs that stretch to the west towards Cape Schanck. It is home also to the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary (80 ha) that extends offshore to the south approximately one kilometre. At high tide the coastline is spectacular but hides the wonders of the offshore reefs. Low tide exposes a huge mushroom-shaped platform with a line of cobbles stretching out to sea, forming the stalk of the mushroom. The exposed rockpools provide a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn about the amazing diversity of Victoria's marine life - multicoloured cushion seastars, rectangular crabs, colourful anemones and spiralled shells of many shapes and sizes. These are all protected and must only be observed. This area is a protected park and penalties apply if regulations are not followed. While some more experienced surfers may take advantage of the waves formed around West head, it is important to be aware of the large unexpected waves and tide variances when walking on shore and on rock platforms.

Flinders VIC

0.7 km away

Flinders Pier — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Flinders Beach

Flinders Beach area is located just a few minutes scenic drive from the peaceful township of Flinders. Here there is a leash-free area for dogs, bathing from the beach at mid to high tide and a popular pier which attracts many fishermen. There are two sheltered beaches on either side of Flinders Point called Dodds Creek (400 metre long) and Kennon Cove (1.2 kilometre long). The Flinders Beach and pier area is a popular snorkelling and scuba diving site known for its weedy sea dragons, fish and octopus and a wreck at the end of the pier. When the tide is out the rockpools appear so it is best to check tide times before you arrive. You will find a barbecue area and playground located near the car park south of the pier. Kennon Cove provides the best access and picnic facilities. The leash-free dog beach is located north of Dodds Creek, check signposts for restrictions.

Flinders VIC

0.7 km away

Flinders Blowhole — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Flinders Blowhole

The Blowhole track is off Boneo Road (opposite Razorback Road) between Flinders and Cape Schanck. There is a well-made track and a wooden boardwalk and stairway to the blowhole. Magnificent views can be seen of the wild surf and rocky Bass Strait coastline. Great photo opportunities exist with the blowhole on the right at the end of Elephant Rock. Bird lovers be camera ready to capture Little Bird Rock on the right where many birds rest. If luck is on your side, you may even witness sea eagles soaring above in all their majestic beauty. Beware of large sea swells and slippery bluestone rocks when exploring near the blowhole.

Flinders VIC

2.5 km away

Cairns Bay — Image credit: MPRTB

Natural Attractions

Cairns Bay

Located between Cape Schanck and Flinders and just west of the Flinders Blowhole, this small bay is hidden from the road. The walk to the beach is approximately one kilometre and steep in parts but well worth the visit if you are fit enough for the trek back to the car. There is huge appeal in discovering a less visited beach like Cairns Bay that you will likely be only sharing with a few others. If you are lucky you may even have this beach to yourself - amazing if you love rambling along isolated beaches. The scenery from the beach is stunning and at low tide, you will be rewarded with rock pools to explore. Follow the path from the small parking bay on Boneo Road, into the Tea Tree Creek Reserve, then descend a steep track from the black basalt cliffs to the beach. These cliffs stand up to 80 metres high and the beach is mostly rocky so shoes are a good option. Swimming is not recommended at this unpatrolled beach due to large waves, strong currents and submerged rocky reefs.

Flinders VIC

3.5 km away

Shoreham Beach Surf — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Shoreham Beach

Shoreham Beach is in two parts and offers a wide stretch of sand and views across to Phillip Island. The 700 metre long Shoreham Beach faces almost due east and Stony Creek flows into Western Port at the northern end of it. A foreshore reserve runs along behind the beach with a picnic area. It's a fantastic beach for swimming, exploring rocky bays towards Flinders and playing in the creek. At the southern point of Shoreham beach, known as the Pines to surfers, surfing is popular off the reasonably exposed point break that has reasonably consistent surf. There is no surf lifesaving offered and so care must be taken. A tranquil walk below rocky cliffs brings you to another sandy bay located below the sheltered camping ground. This section is known as Shoreham camping Beach. It is 1.5 kilometre long and curves around to face south-east. Both beaches are very protected and usually have no waves. Extensive sand and reef flats front both beaches and, as a result, the beaches have deep water only at mid to high tide. The tidal flats, and often seaweed, are exposed at low tide.

Shoreham VIC

5.0 km away

Pt Leo Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Point Leo Beach

Point Leo is one of the Mornington Peninsula's famous surf beaches providing excellent waves for beginners and experienced surfers. It as also a prime spot for leisure and fishing. The low, vegetated basalt bluffs form the surrounds of Point Leo with wide stretches of sand and extensive inter-tidal rock platforms at each end and some rock reefs offshore. The beach is 500 metres long and faces almost due south, however its location several kilometres inside the wide entrance to Western Port Bay affords considerable protection from higher ocean waves. Strong rips are also in this area (even on calm days) and therefore this is a surf beach patrolled by lifesavers. Care should be taken to swim between the flags. Point Leo also has its own Surf Life Saving Club (formed in 1955) and Boating Club, and there is camping available in the adjacent foreshore reserve.

Point Leo VIC

7.3 km away

'Pointing Girl' by Matt Calvert

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Montalto Sculpture Trail

At Montalto, they have built an amazing collection of contemporary sculptures showcasing the best of (mainly) Australian artists. 20 of these pieces were winners of the annual Montalto Sculpture Prize, with another 15 additional works acquired over the years. From 2003 through to 2023, the changes in form, material and scale are a reflection of the art form: unique and inspiring. This collection now permanently represents Montalto's first 20 years of sculpture at Montalto, with some curated movements to reward visitors with a comprehensive journey over time. The Montalto Sculpture Trail permanent collection will always remain free to all visitors – they feel passionately that as many people as possible can continue to enjoy these incredible works each and every time they come to visit. It is recommended to allow one hour to enjoy the Sculpture Trail across the estate. The trail is approximately one kilometre and suitable for most ages and abilities.

Red Hill South VIC

7.4 km away

Mornington Peninsula — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

National Parks and Reserves

Greens Bush - Mornington Peninsula National Park

The largest remnant of National Park bushland on the Mornington Peninsula, Greens Bush is situated between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck. It is surrounded by farmland and contains a variety of flora and fauna, making it a prime nature walking destination. Although most of the mammals in the park are nocturnal, at dawn and dusk you may see Eastern Grey Kangaroos or koalas. There are mutliple arrow marked public walking tracks for visitors to explore the diversity of plants and animals that call Greens Bush home.

Main Ridge VIC

8.9 km away

Bushranger's Bay — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Bushrangers Bay

The beautiful Bushrangers Bay comprises a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs on the ocean side of the Mornington Peninsula. Swimming is not recommended at this site as the beach is unpatrolled and often hazardous due to strong rips and large waves. This serene location is contrasted by dark and brooding headlands and wild waves that often crash onto jagged rocks guarding the entrance to the bay. Bushrangers Bay can be accessed via a walk along Main Creek from the Boneo Road car park and picnic area (2.5 kilometres). This section of the Two Bays Walking Track provides fine views and passes through shady Banksia groves. Alternatively, follow the 2.6 kilometres Bushrangers Bay Track from the Cape Schanck car park to see some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. There is limited or no mobile phone reception. Bushrangers Bay is a high risk area with many unpredictable dangers not visible to the eye. Swimming is not recommended, however if you choose to please take extreme care, know the conditions and your limits, this beach is unpatrolled and it is recommended to only swim between the red and yellow flags, never swim alone and do not let children out of site or reach.

Cape Schanck VIC

9.0 km away

Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park — Image credit: Pt. Leo Estate

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park

Discover one of Australia's most remarkable cultural experiences at Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park, set on Victoria's beautiful Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour from Melbourne. Spanning 16.5 acres, this ever-evolving outdoor gallery brings together more than 70 original works by celebrated Australian and international artists. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and cinematic ocean views, it is a cultural destination unique in its collection, scale and spectacular setting. The remarkable collection includes Yayoi Kusama's iconic Pumpkin, KAWS' SHARE 2020, Jaume Plensa's Laura and works by Takashi Murakami, Antony Gormley, Henry Moore, Reko Rennie, George Rickey, Tony Cragg, Inge King and Deborah Halpern, to name a few. Designed for all, accessible pathways welcome wheelchairs, walkers and prams. Whether seeking a creative escape, family adventure or quiet moment in nature, Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park offers something for everyone. For deeper discovery, Guided Sculpture Park Tours and creative experiences including Sip and Sketch offer new ways to engage with the collection. The experience continues inside Pt. Leo Estate's main building, with artworks throughout the Cellar Door and three restaurants: luxury fine dining restaurant Laura, the iconic Pt. Leo Restaurant and alfresco Wine Terrace. Open daily, discover world-class art, spectacular gardens, dining and wine in one remarkable destination.

Merricks VIC

9.1 km away

The Nobbies Centre on Summerland Peninsula

Amusement and Theme Parks

The Nobbies Centre

Take a stroll along the boardwalks to soak up breathtaking coastal views. Overlooking the Bass Strait, the Nobbies boasts spectacular clifftop views. Follow the road past the Penguin Parade, through the scenic Summerland Peninsula, until you reach the very tip of the peninsula. Explore the winding boardwalks (500m in length) and see the explosive blowhole in action. Visit the Nobbies Centre to enjoy sustainably caught, MSC certified seafood and delicious coffee at the Nobbies Café and gaze out to the Nobbies rock formations and beyond to Seal Rocks, home of Australia's largest fur seal colony. You may even spot a migrating whale in the right season.

Summerlands VIC

10 km away

Red Hill Station Reserve — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Parks and Gardens

Red Hill Station Reserve

Surrounded by the beauty of tall eucalypt trees, the Red Hill Station Reserve sits at the hub of an expansive network of trails for walkers, horse riders and bike riders alike. Located in the hinterlands of the Peninsula, the reserve seeks to preserve some of the heritage features of the Red Hill Railway. Designed to be in harmony with its natural surrounds, children can play on nest swings, swings or crawl through tunnels to explore. Picnic tables and barbecues make the reserve a beautiful environment to share feasts with loved ones.

Red Hill South VIC

10 km away

Red Hill Lavender Farm

Agritourism

Red Hill Lavender Farm

The largest Lavender farm on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill Lavender Farm offers the opportunity, via an interactive tour, to demonstrate the end-to-end process of Lavender farming and oil production through to the delivery of a high-quality branded product. Through demonstrations and explanations, visitors are shown the process of running a commercial lavender farm, the distillation and the extraction of lavender oil, and the stripping of dried lavender to harvest the florets for use in applicable products. A full range of products is available to sample and purchase. Visitors are able to sample lavender related foods such as lavender scones, lavender ice creams and lavender teas. This will occur in the Red Hill Lavender Farm Cafe. The Lavender Fields will be open from 17 September.

Main Ridge VIC

11 km away

Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve

Things to do - Visit the lighthouse museum - Take a guided tour of the historic lighthouse - See some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne when you follow the Bushrangers Bay Nature Walk (allow two hours) - Take a walk to the tip of Cape Schanck and see Pulpit Rock and spectacular basalt cliffs - Enjoy your lunch at The Pines Picnic Area, where there are electric barbecues - Observe marine life in the rock pools Heritage The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has served shipping since 1859. It was built from dressed limestone and sandstone and is significant because the original mechanisms are still in place. Before you go 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.

Cape Schanck VIC

11 km away

Fingal Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Shire

Natural Attractions

Fingal Beach

Located along the Coastal Trail between the Fingal Picnic Ground on Cape Schanck Road and Gunnamatta, this beach is accessed by step steps. With more than 400 steps, a visit to this spectacular beach is not for the faint hearted but is worth the visit if you are up for the long climb back to the trail. The walk will from Cape Schanck Road to Fingal Beach will take approximately 30 minutes each way. This long sandy beach is not patrolled and the reefs and rocks make this a dangerous beach for swimming and surfing. Dogs are not permitted on this beach or on the Coastal Trail.

Cape Schanck VIC

11 km away

Golf Course at RACV Cape Schanck Resort — Image credit: William Watt, Contours Agency

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Golf Course at RACV Cape Schanck Resort

RACV Cape Schanck Resort is unlike anything you've ever seen. Contemporary luxury shaped by nature. In this rare and raw location, you'll experience one of the most special corners of Victoria. Designed by renowned American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Junior, the resort's 18-hole, par-70 championship course features impressive bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and breathtaking ocean views from elevated tee positions. With excellent drainage and superbly manicured greens, the course provides outstanding year-round conditions for the serious and occasional golfer.

Cape Schanck VIC

11 km away

One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort — Image credit: RACV

Spas and Retreats

One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort

Designed to rejuvenate, One Spa provides luxurious treatments that awaken, revive and promote balance within the body. In the comfortable and relaxing surrounds of RACV Cape Schanck Resort, it's easy to enjoy an extensive range of beauty treatments delivered by their experienced therapists. One Spa offers an exclusive and personalised treatment menu that includes massages, facials, skin and body treatments and a variety of water therapies. They provide a variety of pamper packages for the ultimate relaxation experience. Prepare to be submerged into another world as you enter the tranquil, well-appointed spaces to unwind and be pampered.

Cape Schanck VIC

11 km away

Merricks Beach — Image credit: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board

Natural Attractions

Merricks Beach

Merricks Beach is a fairly narrow, steep strip of clean white sand over a more rocky tidal bay area. It lies on Western Port Bay and overlooks Phillip Island. From Palmers Bluff in the north east (accessed via a small path from near #15 Cliff Rd) the beach meanders for over two kilometres towards the south-west, eventually ending up at East Creek, Pt Leo. The beach is buffered by a long area of bushland known as the Merricks Beach Bushland Reserve. A low dune backs the northern section of Merricks Beach, giving way to 10 to 20 metre high vegetated bluffs in the southern section. This area is home to the endangered Red-Capped Plover. The Merricks Yacht Club is about halfway along the beach and can be accessed from the end of Merricks Beach Road. There are picnic facilities and a toilet block here. There is also access via a small walking track opposite #7 Bluff Road. The beach is fairly protected and receives low wind waves and very rare ocean swell. There is deep water at high tide and exposed sand and reef flats at low tide. You can walk along the beach at low tide to Balnarring Beach in the north-west. There is no access to Point Leo Beach as the beach is divided by East Creek which can flow quite deeply.

Merricks VIC

11 km away

Hut Yoga & Wellness

Spas and Retreats

Hut Yoga and Wellness

The Hut Yoga and Wellness is a luxury wellness sanctuary located on a working farm and vineyard in Red Hill on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Blending yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing and immersive retreat experiences, The Hut offers a modern space for restoration, connection and conscious living. Inspired by the rhythm of the land, The Hut provides thoughtfully curated experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect and embrace the present moment. Every detail—from the architecturally designed studio and infrared warmth to aromatherapy, premium Manduka equipment and post-class tea rituals—has been intentionally created to support wellbeing and relaxation. Founded on the philosophy of accepting imperfection, impermanence and simplicity, The Hut has become a destination for locals and visitors seeking a meaningful balance of movement, mindfulness and community in a beautiful natural setting.

Red Hill VIC

11 km away

The National Golf Club — Image credit: Contours Golf

Sports and Recreation Facilities

The National Golf Club

The National Golf Club at Cape Schanck must rank as the best piece of golf real estate in the country. The 'Moonah' (Greg Norman), 'The Old Course' (Robert Trent Jones Jnr.) and the 'Gunnamatta' (Tom Doak), are three magnificently designed, world-class, 18 hole championship courses. The state-of-the-art Clubhouse is surrounded by stunning wild vegetation with magnificent views of the sea. It overlooks the Moonah and Gunnamatta courses built on rolling sand dunes in classic 'links land' and is the venue for grand events and celebrations. Although an exclusive private Club, The National Golf Club does allow selected groups to play the fine courses and use the excellent facilities. These groups include interstate and overseas visitors. The National Golf Club is a private golf club. For all Victorian residents bookings can only be made by members of The National Golf Club. For interstate and international visitors please follow the booking procedure as stated on the website.

Cape Schanck VIC

12 km away

Endeavour Fern Gully

Natural Attractions

Endeavour Fern Gully

Walk the Fern Gully Trail through Mornington Peninsula’s original temperate rainforest—a diverse habitat teeming with unique flora and fauna. While there, visit the Nearkey Biik Environmental & Education Centre, now available for community and educational hire. Visit a rural bushland remnant of rain forest, a meandering creek and lush fern gully. Open free all year round the Gully is rich in local flora and fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, Powerful Owls, orchids and colourful fungi. The Gully is one of the few known sources of Austral Mulberry, used by the local Indigenous community to make djiel warrk or firesticks. Of the 27-hectare property, 9.5 hectares are gradually being re-vegetated by volunteers. This bushland provides an important biolink in an area of habitat fragmented by urbanisation. Open daily, the property includes a 30 – 45-minute, 2 km loop walking track with interpretive signage.

Red Hill VIC

12 km away

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