If you are thinking about a break away at Cape Schanck you will be surprised at how much there is to do in this corner of the Peninsula. Below are some of our favourites and some hidden treasures. I am sure you will agree there is the perfect combination of peace and tranquility, and also enough to see and do.
Cape Schanck National Park & Lighthouse
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse at Mornington Peninsula has been sitting at the top of the clifftop overlooking the Bass Strait since 1859. This working lighthouse keeps the shipping lanes safe for boats of all types as they pass Mornington Peninsula to and from Melbourne.
Take a tour of the lighthouse, climb the stone steps to the lamp room and look out over the blue waters of the Bass Strait from the balcony. Twenty one metres tall and located on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse is one of few lighthouses still operating as it did during the 1800s. Look out for whales during the migration season.
The Walks
The Cape Walk
The Cape Walk begins at the Kiosk at the carpark and goes to the staircase and wooden boardwalk at the base of the lighthouse. There are several lookouts with views of Devils Desk and Pulpit Rock. Take a look at this short clip showing just a part of the experience.
Bushrangers Bay
This walk takes around 2 hours and has some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne. Not only is this a stunning sandy surrounded by basalt cliffs, but if you walk up this track as the sun is starting to go down you are guaranteed to see Kangaroos as they all move from the low ground up to the high paddocks to graze before nightfall. They may even jump straight across the path in front of you! This is a truly magical place as the sun is getting lower, we have seen echidna, kangaroo and foxes on the beach all at the same time. For more details visit
Fingal Beach Walk and Picnic Area
Walking in the opposite direction from Bushrangers Bay you’ll find the delightful picnic area at Fingal Bay 2 km from the carpark. There is an electric BBQ, toilets and picnic area provided. Walking tracks lead to lookouts over the basalt cliffs and Fingal Beach. The return walk takes around 2 hours and is steep in some sections. For more details visit
Beaches
Gunnamatta Beach
The fierce swells and consistent breaks of Gunnamatta Beach make it a world-class surfing destination. Deep gutters in the sandy bottom are great for fishing. Wander along the vast coastline taking in the spectacular scenery including the rugged cliffs towards Cape Schanck.
Dog-friendly beach at Flinders
The Northern end of Flinders Beach welcomes dogs throughout the year. Check local beach notices for seasonal timings.
Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary
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 rock pools 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 spiraled shells of many shapes and sizes.
World-Class Golf Courses
Flinders Golf Club
Perched high on the cliff tops, views across Western Port to Phillip Island and the rugged Bass Strait coastline provide a stunning panorama whether you are strolling the fairways of this unique golf course, enjoying a light lunch or hosting your special occasion in our award-winning clubhouse. Visit their website for green fees and availability.
RACV Cape Schanck
The RACV course at Cape Schanck is an 18-hole, par-70 Championship course boasting impressive bunkering, treelined fairways and stunning ocean views from elevated tee positions. This course provides outstanding year-round playing conditions for both the serious and occasional golfer. Book a Tee Time here.
St Andrews Beach Golf Course
There’s no membership committee to impress here. No captain’s car park. No sign-ins, bag-tags, or disapproving looks. At St Andrews Beach, all we really care about is the golf. Book a Tee Time here
The Dunes Golf Links
Opened in 1995 in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Dunes is the 27 hole public golf course that helped revolutionise Australian golf. A championship links golf course consistently ranked in the Top 20 in Australia, that is open to the public and a joy to play for golfers of all standards. Integral to our club are the clubhouse, a vibrant membership and a variety of practice facilities. Book Here
Moonah Links Golf Course
Moonah Links is considered one of Australia’s most unique leisure resorts combining two 18 hole championship golf courses, a la carte restaurant, an onsite day spa and luxury accommodation. With panoramic views from raised tees, shared greens and a host of other unique features this course will fast become a must-play for all serious golfers.
Places to Eat and Drink
Something A Bit Fancy
La Campagna
One of our local favourites for a special lunch, La Campagna is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch – Stop at this vineyard and olive grove prepare to feel like you’ve been transported to the heart of Tuscany. The food on the menu of this hidden gem is traditional Italian fare, with dishes such as lasagna and crackling porchetta with roasted vegetables straight from the woodfired oven. For dessert, the flourless orange and almond cake is a must, as is a table outside to enjoy the verdant surrounds. These guys don’t advertise and change their telephone numbers if they get too busy. You have got to book a table to be able to eat this is true Italian food and it won’t break the bank either. 7 Rogers Road, Boneo, VIC 3939. Tel. (03) 59885350 (for now haha)
Cape
Stunning views and finest-quality regional produce. Boasting stunning views of the bay, the modern grill menu designed by Executive Chef Josh Pelham showcases seasonal food and the finest-quality produce from the region. In October 2019 Cape was awarded a Chefs Hat by AGFG, a coveted culinary accolade.
Pelham, formerly of the two-Michelin-star restaurant The Square in London, is committed to working with local producers to deliver simple, tempting fare that pairs to perfection with Mornington Peninsula’s famous wines, and the new and exciting tastes coming from the region’s up-and-coming craft breweries, cider makers and distilleries. For enquiries or restaurant bookings, call Cape Restaurant on 03 5950 8038.
Something a Bit More Relaxed
Mantellina
Mantellina offers a relaxed, family-friendly, trattoria experience with an Italian-influenced menu including light snacks, ‘grab and go’ all-day dining, and a seasonal a la carte menu. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely time-out with the family or after a round of golf.
A modern blend of indoor and alfresco dining, bathed with natural light, seamlessly connects indoors without for a relaxed dining experience for meals, coffee or afternoon drink. Adjacent to a well-equipped games room, and overlooking the golf course and resort playground. For enquiries or restaurant bookings, call Mantellina on 03 5950 8031.
The Shopping
Flinders Village is a beautiful and historic coastal village overlooking Western Port and Bass Strait. Why not browse the tiny township’s preserved streetscape, passing under quaint verandahs to the historic general store and post office. Shop up a storm in the antique stores and crafty corners or sample some gourmet dining at local restaurants. Check out this article from Style & Shenanigans with their shop by shop guide on where to shop and eat in Flinders.
Where to Stay at Cape Schanck
Where will you stay? With us of course! Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats have gorgeous holiday accommodation throughout the Peninsula, including Cape Schanck.
Cape House – Where Urban meets Coastal
Currently, we have two properties in this location having just listed the stylish Cape House. Check out the video below which gives you a guided tour of this stunning property. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this is the perfect escape for multi-generational family stays, group getaways and corporate retreats. Visit the property page for full details
Edelweiss
Another beautiful property in this area is Edelweiss. This picture-perfect white weatherboard cottage has a cosy fire and 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Edelweiss is also just 10 minutes drive from the Red Hill vineyards, Cape Schanck National Park, Flinders and world-class golf courses. Visit the property page for full details.
Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats specialises in pet-friendly, family and group accommodation. We would love to recommend the perfect holiday home for you to enjoy the area. Give our friendly team a call or send us an email at info@oceanbluecoastalretreats.com.au