Portsea

Portsea is a seaside suburb on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, approximately 60 kilometres south-west of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the Shire of Mornington Peninsula local government area. Portsea recorded a population of 787 at the 2021 census. Wikipedia.
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Top attractions in Portsea

Point Nepean National Park
1. Point Nepean National Park
4.7
(3195)
National park
Nature & Parks
National park with historic forts & a visitor centre, plus bike hire, walking tracks & beach access.
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Point Nepean National Park is a remarkable destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, this park is perfect for a full day of exploration. The extensive walking trails meander through picturesque scenery, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the stunning bay. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail suited to your preferences. One of the standout features of Point Nepean is the impressive fort and the historic quarantine station, both of which provide fascinating insights into Australia's maritime history. As you wander through the fortifications, you’ll discover intriguing stories from the past and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. The well-preserved architecture and informative displays make it easy to immerse yourself in the history of this unique site. Additionally, the park is family-friendly, making it an ideal destination for a day out with loved ones. Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the scenic spots, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views. Overall, Point Nepean National Park offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination.
📍 Good historical location. You can’t drive your private vehicle all the way to Point Nepean — parking is available only at the entrance. From there, you’ll need to take the shuttle service, which requires a paid return ticket purchased at the start. Note that the shuttle doesn’t operate all the time, so check the schedule beforehand. Alternatively, you can walk barefoot (or in comfortable shoes) for around 4–5 km. Plan at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the surroundings and the historic atmosphere.
The day was rainy with thunder and lightning, peaceful and the solitude I craved. Great walking tracks, asphalt the whole way. The up keep of the fort is good, an historic part of our past. Pack a picnic to share at the Quarantine Station, magnificence buildings.
Great history! Lovely walk around the grounds of the quarantine station at Point Nepean. I advise you to watch a short video about the quarantine station before your walk. Very interesting. There is a lovely little coffee van there on site, too.
Lots of fascinating points of interest along a spectacular scenic coastline. The old gun placements were great to walk around and you really felt in the moment walking through the tunnels under the point. The sites were well signposted with plenty of information detailing the point of interest. Great bus service to get you to the point without having to make the 3 km hike over some very steep hills.
Utterly Gorgeous park! Fantastic range of walks to stunning views! Shuttle bus runs out to the point & very accessible! Highly recommend if in the area!
Beautiful park with stunning views on both sides of the peninsula. A lovely shuttle that takes u from quarantine station to the fort at the very end. Be on the lookout for animals!
Absolutely stunning! Point Nepean National Park offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich history, and adventure. Breathtaking coastal views, peaceful walking trails, and historic forts make it a must-visit. The bike ride to the tip is a highlight — scenic, breezy, and unforgettable!
Fort Nepean
2. Fort Nepean
4.7
(1610)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Preserved 18th-century fortress with tunnels, WWII battlements & other military defense displays.
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Point Nepean Fort offers a fantastic day out for families, combining history, natural beauty, and engaging activities. The stunning coastal scenery sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of this historic site. As you wander through the grounds, you'll encounter a wealth of information about its rich past, including fascinating displays and photographs showcasing the fort's historical significance, including its impressive gun turrets. One of the highlights of visiting Point Nepean is the convenience of the shuttle bus, which efficiently transports visitors to key locations within the fort, ensuring you can maximize your experience without the hassle of walking long distances. The diverse walking trails allow for leisurely strolls, providing ample opportunities for family photos against a backdrop of breathtaking views. Overall, Point Nepean Fort is a must-visit destination that promises both educational value and a memorable outdoor experience perfect for a day of family bonding. Highly recommended!
Visiting Fort Nepean is such a rewarding experience, both for the history and the breathtaking scenery. From the car park, it’s about a 2 km walk to the tip, and while it’s very manageable, there’s also a shuttle bus available for around $12 if you’d prefer to save your energy. Once you reach the fort, the historic tunnels and gun emplacements blend beautifully with the natural setting, making it easy to lose yourself between the stories of the past and the power of the landscape. Watching the waves crash against the rocks while seabirds circle overhead is something you don’t quickly forget.
Great place for a good hike and a bit of history. Best time to visit is in mid spring or autumn (too hot in summer especially for long walks; too cold for a winter with strong sea breeze). There is a shuttle from car park to fort (with few intermediate stops) but a bit costly (charged $100 for 5 adults and 5 kids). No one-way option. The walk is about 2.5 km but there is a 1km walk up an down inside the fort too. Very picturesque especially on a good sunny day.
Fort Nepean is an absolute must-visit! The history, the views, and the whole atmosphere make it one of the most memorable places on the Mornington Peninsula. We decided to explore it on e-bikes and honestly — the e-bikes are so much fun and a total must-do! They make the ride effortless, enjoyable, and let you take in every bit of the stunning scenery without getting tired. The fort itself is fascinating, with so many nooks, tunnels, and lookouts to wander through. The coastal views are breathtaking and the whole experience feels like stepping back in time while still enjoying a fun outdoor adventure. Highly recommend visiting Fort Nepean and definitely grab an e-bike — it takes the whole experience to the next level!
A beautiful historical place! I highly recommend visiting it. You can learn a lot of new and interesting things there. Stunning views, beautiful beaches, and the majestic ocean await.
Hike was boring at the start there was trees everywhere. As it opens up though, you get this amazing view of the sea. Very hilly, going up hill on the way to the edge, but going down was downhill. Not much to see there was gated off areas, and damaged path, so -1 star. Otherwise the history is worth a trip here
Visited Fort Nepean and it was an incredible blend of nature, history, and stunning coastal views. The walk through the old military tunnels and bunkers gives you a real sense of Australia’s past — it’s fascinating to explore the gun emplacements and lookout points that once guarded the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with rugged cliffs, turquoise water, and sweeping panoramas of the ocean and coastline. The walking track is well maintained, and there are plenty of informative signs explaining the history of the fort and the area. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk from the car park, with spots to rest and take photos along the way. Standing at the very tip of the peninsula, surrounded by wind and waves, you really feel the power of nature and the significance of the site. A must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, hiking, and spectacular coastal scenery.
Great attraction, we rode our bikes lots of hills but manageable with normal bike. Shuttle bus for anyone who doesn’t want to walk.
London Bridge Lookout
3. London Bridge Lookout
4.7
(1532)
Vista point
Sights & Landmarks
Viewpoint on a sandstone cliff overlooking beaches, rock pools & national park accessed by a path.
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A stunning and spectacular place where you can walk down to the sea from the beach or over the rocks. There are plenty of beautiful fish, and a large rock you can climb for a great view. The waves out at sea are strong — it’s also an amazing spot to watch the sunset.
Just one of those gorgeous "secret" beaches. I love coming here with a book/picnic (take your rubbish with you!!!). Due to the choppy water and cliff faces, you really can't hear any other beach goers, and it is a serene little sound bubble. There are loads of nice nature trails too - bonus.
Arrived about 1pm parked and walked down the ramp to beach. From the bottom of the ramp we walked until we reached the grotto. When you enter you can see the ocean through a couple of large openings on the ocean side. At low tide yo can walk around one side and stand where the two openings are. It's a great area for photographers 📸
Lovely to walk along the beach and climb in and around the 'cave' from the pinnacle at sunset time. Gorgeous!
Very scenic. Definitely worth visiting. Our overseas visitors loved it.
Great views of the ocean and the surfers. It feels very calming on the beach. Worth a trip!
The lookout isn't just one location, but several, plus a path overlooking the entire location. There is also a path down to the beach. The London Bridge is an enthralling sea stack that has a hole in the middle. It's a worthwhile subject for photography, but finding the "just right" composition isn't entirely straightforward. The beach is lovely and clean though the same is very fine and soft, so walking might be tiring for some. There are also several good walks around the location.
This is a beautiful beach. You will love it. You can take so many nice photos here. Great for kids, it was quiet when we were there. Also it's good for picnic, few spots you can have shade under the rocks. Strongly recommended, you shouldn't miss it.
Back Beach
4. Back Beach
4.9
(23)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
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Mothernature at her best 🥰 strong surf & rips ,so take care 🌊🌊🌊 hear the roar of the ocean ,look out for whales 🐳🐳🐳 June, July & august during there migration, steps or a ramp for beach access,tide comes all the way up sometimes, be aware, enjoy our beautiful mornington peninsula
Here is a snapshot of my TripAdvisor Review of Portsea Beach. There are a few levels of carparks, which are free, but time limited. There are picnic tables facing out over the bay in some areas and there are public toilets on different levels. As you walk down the many stairs to reach the beach you will find the Portsea Surf Club. Handy to know this incase you need help. There ware walking tracks that lead to the Sphinx Rock and to London Bridge, just to name a few. TIPS: Wearing sturdy walking shoes and taking a pair of flip flops / thongs in your bag to sway into. Sunscreen and a hat is a must [our sun is harsh no matter the time of year] Layering of clothes [including bathers if you are inclined to swim] Water and snacks **Read the signs in regards to swimming and how long you can park **Be vigilant of local wildlife **Time of day to visits depends on you and the parking restrictions Worth a visit now that restrictions are slowly being lifted.
Close to Fort Napean, do visit this amazing beach - there is also a way to get down on the other side of the carpark, where you will also find a beach!
What a nice beach ever!
What a beautiful place to go, the views are incredible, and the waves crashing in is something that has to be heard to appreciate the experience that not just me who loved it, but the 3 overseas visitors were in awe of this place
Heaven basically. One of the most beautiful spots in Victoria to go swimming at. Beware there are no lifeguards here so swim at your own risk.
Caught an uber to mernda and took a casual stroll to the back beach for some r&r .a bit cold here today but the serenity of this private beach is worth the visit.
Takes a bit of effort to walk there worth the effort though to see the wild waves of the ocean and pristine sand
Millionaire's Walk
5. Millionaire's Walk
4.4
(743)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Private residences line the pathway of this cliffside walk with sweeping ocean views & art displays.
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Scenic and exclusive Walking track along cliff top in front of mainly fenced off private property. Several swing gates along the way and some tree branches and exposed roots are some of the obstacles. Worth a try more for curiosity
I really enjoyed this walk. The water vistas are outstanding with interesting and beautiful properties to image their views. It’s a short walk, but can be extended by walking along the shore line. Also the sunny day adds to this experience.
We went on a public holiday, after lunch, which was great as there was car parking available & the walk wasn't crowded. This is an easy walk along the cliff top, with lovely views of the bay & the coastline.
The perfect clifftop stroll with million-dollar views! The Millionaire's Walk is an absolute must-do when in Sorrento or Portsea. It's a relatively short, easy. mainly flat walk that takes you along the clifftop, offering truly spectacular, uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The highlight is seeing the incredible private mansions on one side, and on the other, gazing down at the turquoise water and the unique, colourful boat sheds and jetties that belong to those properties. It feels a bit like walking through a secret garden, especially as you pass through the ornate gates. We included this as part of a longer walk including Shelley Beach.
Interesting, short walk on the clifftops of Portsea. Most millionaire’s homes can’t be seen due to high fences. Would have preferred a longer, more varied walk. Views to the bay are nice.
Just a few photos of what I took on Millionaires walk. A surprising walk through paths past locked gates, some backyards without fencing. Looking over the cliff-from back yards onto the bay. All along curious to who might live or have lived in the homes. This was a self guide walk, not a guided one. It is said a guided one will tell you who had lived there and how much the property was worth. When you go around the block to the front, you get a bigger appreciation of the grandness and beauty of each property.
Walking track behind the houses beside the cliff. Nice views. Watch out for tree roots. I parked at the end of Pt.King road to start. Not many spots.
Great little walk. Some stunningviewsof PortPhillipBayfrom alongthe top of the cliff. It will feel like you are on private property in some places. The entrance at one end is a little hidden. Look for the pick up your dog poo sign on the gate to your left as you head towards the beach
Fort Pearce
6. Fort Pearce
4.6
(203)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Fort constructed in 1910 with an observation post & 2 gun emplacements, located in a national park.
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Beautiful place We must visit. Catching a shuttle bus is the easiest option. Rental bicycles are available at the information centre.
Great view, decent walk about 30mins one way slight incline on the way there. But there’s also a shuttle for a $12 fee.
A lovely place to walk and take in all the amazing views! We had so many breaks in between to just take in the sound of the ocean, the sea breeze and to click pictures to remember the kind of place we took a walk to! Highly recommended and once you reach the fort, don't forget to sit for a while and enjoy :) the other areas are locked out due to COVID but the walk was worth it!
The remains of a bunkered concrete fortress that was completed in 1911, taking advantage of the long-distance firing range of the coastal defence guns into the bass strait. Some great views from this outpost and plenty of information boards to account for this history at this site.
There's a lot to see and do here. There's a bit of walking involved to see the rest of the park unless you have a bicycle. All the fortifications and tunnels are very interesting and have information boards. Well worth a visit.
Well worth a visit if you like history abd exploring! Great day out!
A great way to spend a half day exploring! The rugged landscape is amazing, and it's great to be able to crawl through the disused fort. The fact that the shuttle bus is $12 per adult is absolutely insane, so I'd pack some good walking shoes. A great spot to look out from is the Harold Holt Memorial site.
Disappointing not much here it’s very run down seems more like a bus stop to pay to go down to the fort. it’s very wind swept and beautiful views here
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Other notable attractions

Portsea Pier
Fishing pier
Sights & Landmarks
Harold Holt Memorial
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
London Bridge Rd
Nature & Parks
Beaches
This coastal route ends at a scenic beach & is lined with upscale resort properties.
Sierra Nevada Rocks
Permanently Closed
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
WE Newton Reserve
Park
Nature & Parks
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