42 mornington peninsula visitors guide summer 2015 TOP ATTRACTIONS Walking on the Peninsula We are surrounded by many of the best walking tracks in Victoria and you don t have to walk far to feel the rejuvenating benefits of soaking in our magnificent countryside.
Let s start with some shorter walks...
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks John Muir There s no better way to re-energise than by getting outdoors.
With so many spectacular trails to choose from, there are endless options for getting your coat on and heading out for some adventure.
Why not try some new paths this year Sweetwater Creek Bushland Reserve is one of Frankston s hidden jewels and has a beautiful 3km return walk that starts in Liddesdale Avenue near Oliver s Hill.
The reserve is a refuge for indigenous plants and animals and on an early evening stroll you might be lucky enough to see a Tawny Frogmouth or any number of other nocturnal creatures that live here.
The Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve is another great place that has a colourful history including extensive military operations during the 1900 s.
Today the reserve is an important habitat area, particularly for small mammals.
A network of walking paths allow access to this unique landscape and the 3km Centre Break track is an easy walk which takes you from the main entrance at McClelland Drive to the other side of the park Heading into Mount Martha, The Briars Woodland Walk is an excellent workout.
Only 2km in distance, the path winds its way through woodland then opens up to stunning views across the countryside.
Keep your eye out for kangaroos, wallabies and resident koala s which can often be seen around this area.
Up into Arthur s Seat there are many tracks to choose from including an easy 1.8km Circuit Walk that guides you to points of interest at the summit.
For spectacular views towards Melbourne, try the Lookout Hill 1km walk or if you have more time, the boardwalk which loops around OT Dam Circuit is a great 3km option.
For those who want to walk a little further.....
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty.
She s ninety-seven now, and we don t know where the hell she is Ellen DeGeneres Warringine Park is a lesser known park located in Bittern.
There are two walking tracks, 3.7km in the coastal foreshore and 1.7km along the creek.
Here you have the chance to walk through some of the impressive woodland, wetlands and coastal features of Western Port.
Rangers often host walks and talks so check their schedule to learn more about this beautiful area.
Heading to the hills, put on your gumboots or waterproof shoes and locate the rustic 8km return Red Hill Rail Trail that ambles along to Merricks Station Reserve.
Starting behind the group of shops on Red Hill Shoreham Road near the intersection of Arthurs Seat Road, follow the old railway line past beautiful vineyards, galleries and farmland.
Many times in winter I ve done this walk and enjoyed the magnificent views along the way.
The feeling of stillness here along with the abundant wildlife and sound of wind through the tall pines never fails to recharge my batteries after a busy week.
In Mount Martha, the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk is great in almost all weather conditions.
The 7km return boardwalk starts at Mirang Avenue and follows Balcombe Creek all the way through to Nepean Highway and The Briars.
Perfect for prams and wheelchairs, stroll through majestic paperbarks while listening to the frogs croaking and wrens chirping Now for the extreme walkers among us....
Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time Steven Wright Most locals know about the three big walks Two Bays Walking Track 52km return from Dromana to Cape Schanck, The Bay Trail 56km return from Dromana to Portsea and The Coastal Walk 60km return from Cape Schanck to Portsea and.
However there are some other lesser known trails that are great for the keen explorer.
The Mount Martha Coastal Walk starts at Hawker Beach opposite Hawker Street and follows the cliff top and Esplanade to Schnapper Point in Mornington.
This beautiful 20km return walk rewards your efforts with outstanding views across the bay.
For a different experience, the Western Port Bay Trail will take you 26km one way along railway lines, woodlands and coast from Somerville to Balnarring.
Passing through the towns of Tyabb, Hastings, Bittern and Somers, this is an easy walk on sealed paths.
And for those who like an EVEN GREATER CHALLENGE, combine our three big walks with the Point Nepean Walk and you can keep trekking along continuously for 100km - Linda Ryding Walks at Point Nepean Point Nepean is home to many kilometres of walking tracks which take visitors through coastal Moonah woodland, historic sites including an old Quarantine Station and extensive forts the Port Phillip Bay beach.
A highlight walk of Point Nepean is the 1.8km walking track in the Range Area which meanders through coastal shrub and links the Quarantine Station and Cheviot Hill.
The walk takes visitors past great features in the park like Monash Break and Light which has sweeping views of the Quarantine Station, Queenscliff and Melbourne City.
The track also takes visitors past the Rifle Range which is a 400 metre, six lane firing range.
The Range Area was used by the Army Officer Cadet School from 1952 1985 with many forms of training taking place like firing rifles, rockets, grenades and machine guns.