Mornington Peninsula National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mornington Peninsula National ParkVictoria |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Elephant Rock, one of the park's landmarks.
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 Mornington Peninsula National Park
Location in Victoria
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| Nearest town or city | Melbourne |
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| Area | 26.86 km2 (10.4 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Parks Victoria |
| Website | Mornington Peninsula National Park |
| See also | Protected areas of Victoria |
The Mornington Peninsula National Park is a special protected area in Victoria, Australia. It's about 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Melbourne, on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. This national park covers a huge area of 2,686 hectares (about 6,637 acres).
This park, along with the nearby Arthurs Seat State Park, was once recognized for its amazing natural beauty and history. It's a really important place for Australia's natural heritage.
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Discovering the Park's Features
The Mornington Peninsula National Park offers many exciting things to see and do. It's known for its stunning coastline and natural bushland.
Coastal Adventures and Walks
One of the best ways to explore the park is by walking. The Coast Walk is a long trail, about 30 kilometers (19 miles), that takes two days to complete. It stretches from Cape Schanck to London Bridge. Along this walk, you'll see incredible ocean views from cliff tops. You'll also walk along beaches, passing cool sand dunes and tidal rock pools. These pools are like tiny aquariums, full of sea creatures when the tide is out!
There are also shorter walks for you to enjoy:
- The Farnsworth Track is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long. It connects Portsea Surf Beach with London Bridge.
- The Coppins Track is a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) return walk. It goes from Sorrento Ocean Beach to Diamond Bay.
Historical Lighthouse Views
At Cape Schanck, you can visit the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse. This lighthouse and its buildings were built way back in 1859. They are great examples of old architecture and offer amazing views of the coast.
Exploring Greens Bush
Greens Bush is a large area of natural bushland within the park. It's located between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck. This area is surrounded by farms, but it's a safe haven for many different plants and animals. It's a fantastic spot for nature walks and spotting wildlife.
Fun Activities in the Park
The national park is a great place for outdoor activities:
- Horse Riding: If you love horses, you can go horse riding in certain parts of the park. You can access these areas near Gunnamatta and also close to St Andrews Beach.
- Dog Walking: You can even walk your dog in some beach areas of the park. Just make sure to check the specific hours and always keep your dog on a leash.
