Part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Nepean was opened to the public in December 1988. Prior to that, it was off limits to the general public for more than 100 years. Visitors today can discover the associations with early settlement, quarantine and defence, as well as enjoy the fantastic coastal scenery and the panoramic views of the Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay.

Access and Location
Point Nepean is located at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay from Bass Strait. Entry to the park is about 1 km west of Portsea village and only 95 km south of Melbourne. There is an entry fee payable at the Point Nepean Visitor Centre and is applicable to all park visitors, whether you are walking, cycling or using the transport provided. There are fee concessions for groups, senior citizens and families (conditions apply).

There is the option of walking from either the Visitor Centre or Gunners Car Park, cycling, or using the the Park transport system, which lets you on and off as required at three designated stops. To reach Fort Nepean, all visitors must walk from Fort Pearce. The transport provided are in open-sided carriages drawn by a tractor, giving you spectacular views of the bay and ocean.
 

Distance
7 km — from the Visitor Centre at the entrance to the tip of Point Nepean.
7 km — the total return distance from Gunners Car Park.

See specific walks for distances and approximate times or contact the Parks Victoria and pick up the brochure.

Disabled Access
Point Nepean caters for people with a range of disabilities. There is a sealed walking track to the Observatory Point beach from Gunners Car Park suitable for wheelchairs. All upper areas of Fort Nepean, Fort Pearce and Eagles Nest are also suitable for wheelchairs. The available transport is also able to accommodate wheelchairs, however you must notify staff at the Visitor Centre.

Facilities
There are electric BBQs, picnic facilities, toilets, information, audiovisual and other displays at the Visitor Centre. Toilets are also provided at Gunners Car Park and Fort Nepean. You are encouraged to bring sun protection and insect repellent in summer, wet weather gear in winter, a sturdy pair of walking shoes, food and refreshment, although these are also available for purchase at the Visitor Centre. Dogs are prohibited at the park.

For Your Safety

• At all times, stay on defined tracks and within areas open to the public. Other areas may contain unexploded shells or other ammunition.
• Observe warnings signs and fences.
• Both ocean and bay beaches at Point Nepean are hazardous because of strong currents, undertows, unexpected big waves and deep water.
• Beach access is only permitted between Observatory Point and The Bend. Swimming, diving, surfing, fishing and entering the water is not permitted.
• All native plants and animal are protected by law. This applies to both marine and land flora and fauna.
• Fires are not permitted in the National Park.
• Firearms and access to the park by boat are prohibited.
• In the case of emergency, please call the Visitor Centre for assistance — Ph: 03 5984 4276

For additional information contact the Point Nepean Visitor Centre or Parks Victoria at Rosebud:

	Point Nepean Visitor Centre PORTSEA VIC 3944 Ph: 03 5984 4276 Fax: 03 5984 4311 Open every day (except Christmas Day) Opening Times vary with the seasons. Transport timetable available from the visitor centre (bookings required for groups) Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph: 13 19 63 Mornington Peninsula Visitor Centre - Dromana
	MSN Map of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia