mornington peninsula national park and arthurs seat state park

Management Plan

Mornington Peninsula National Parkand Arthurs Seat State Park

May 1998 - Amended 2013

This Management Plan for Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park isapproved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct all aspects of management in the parks until theplan is reviewed. A Draft Management Plan was published in November 1996. A total of 36submissions were received.

Copies of the Plan can be obtained from:

Parks Victoria378 Cotham RoadKEW VIC 3101

Parks Victoria Information CentreVault 11Banana AlleyFlinders StreetMELBOURNE VIC 3000

NRE Information Centre8 Nicholson StreetEAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Parks Victoriac/- Dromana Information CentrePoint Nepean RoadPO Box 192DROMANA VIC 3936

For further information on the Plan, please contact:

Bob BrinkmanChief Ranger - Mornington Westernport District,Parks Victoria Dromana Office,( 5987 2755

Amended 2013

ii Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

Published in May 1998 by Parks Victoria378 Cotham Road, Kew, Victoria 3101.

National Library of AustraliaCataloguing-in-Publication entry

Parks Victoria.Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat StatePark management plan.

Bibliography.ISBN 0 7306 6743 X.

1. National parks and reserves - Victoria - MorningtonPeninsula - Management. 2. National parks and reserves -Victoria - Arthurs Seat -. 3. Mornington Peninsula NationalPark (Vic.). 4. Arthurs Seat State Park (Vic.). I. Title.

333.783099452

Cover: Ocean, beach and bushland settings of the Parks (Photographs: Parks Victoria collection)

Printed on recycled paper to help save our natural environment

Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park iii

FOREWORD

Mornington Peninsula National Park andArthurs Seat State Park together contain thelargest and most significant remainingvegetation on the Mornington Peninsula. Thecoastal sections in particular have spectacularscenic views and support important marinehabitats as well as some of the highest densitiesof Aboriginal archaeological sites along theVictorian coast.

Mornington Peninsula National Park is apremiere attraction within Victoria’s highestvisited tourist region and is the most visitednational park in Victoria providing a diverserange of year-round activities close toMelbourne. The rugged coastline environmentsencompassing the historic forts at PointNepean, Cape Schanck and expansive sandybeaches are among the many visitor attractions.Arthurs Seat State Park includes attractionssuch as the Seawinds Gardens and summit areaand offers panoramic views across Port PhillipBay and the southern Mornington Peninsula.

This Approved Plan provides for the protectionof the Parks’ important natural and culturalfeatures as well as ensuring a quality visitorexperience.

I thank those individuals and organisations whomade submissions on the Draft Plan and I lookforward to the continuing community support inmanaging these Parks.

Marie Tehan MPMinister for Conservationand Land Management

iv Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This approved Management Plan has beenprepared under the provisions of section 17 ofthe National Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) and isapproved for implementation.

The plan provides the basis for futuremanagement of Mornington Peninsula NationalPark and Arthurs Seat State Park. It wasfinalised following consideration of 36submissions received on the Draft Plan.

Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park v

SUMMARY

Mornington Peninsula National Park (2686 ha)and Arthurs Seat State Park (572 ha) protectmajor natural and cultural heritage sites on theMornington Peninsula and provide diverserecreation opportunities. Highlights includepopular beaches, rugged coastal scenery andassociated flora and fauna between PointNepean and Flinders and diverse bushland inGreens Bush. Outstanding recreationopportunities include walking tracks along thecoast, and in forested areas in Arthurs SeatState Park. Rich cultural heritage, includingAboriginal sites along the coast and historicfortifications at Point Nepean and SouthChannel Fort, is also of considerablesignificance.

These features and excellent access to the Parkshave resulted in high visitor numbers, in factMornington Peninsula National Park is themost heavily visited national park in Victoria’sparks and reserves system. Sight-seeing,swimming, surfing, walking, picnicking andheritage appreciation are some of the mostpopular activities.

The Parks will be managed and protected ashighly significant areas for conservation,recreation and education. They will bemanaged with particular attention paid to theprotection of important species andcommunities from the impacts of pest plantsand animals and inappropriate recreationalactivities.

High quality visitor experiences will beprovided based on the outstanding opportunitiesprovided by the Parks’ walking tracks, lookoutsand other facilities. The Parks will become anincreasingly important component of the highquality tourism experiences being developed onthe Peninsula. This increased use will belargely outside the summer peak period andmanaged to ensure protection of heritagevalues.

Facilities and services available to visitors willbe progressively upgraded to increaseenjoyment and appreciation of the specialvalues of the Parks.

Significant management directions for the Parksare summarised below.

• Significant flora and fauna, and othernatural and cultural features will beprotected.

• Weed and pest animal control and firemanagement will be undertaken to improveprotection of significant remnant areas,and erosion works will be undertakenwhere appropriate.

• The Parks will be marketed as keyattractions and conservation assets on theMornington Peninsula, with outstandingnatural and cultural values and diverserecreational opportunities.

• A comprehensive visitor facilities andtourism services strategy will beprogressively implemented, particularly atmajor visitor destinations such as CapeSchanck, Point Nepean and Arthurs Seat,to enhance enjoyment of the Parks.

• The visual identity of the Parks will beupgraded, and orientation and informationservices improved, to assist visitors tolocate and enjoy the diverse range ofsettings available consistent with codes ofbehaviour to promote low-impact use andsafety.

• The walking track network will beenhanced to provide further outstandingopportunities to enjoy the best landscapesand bushland on the Peninsula.

• Monitoring of visitors will be improved toprovide managers with better informationon visitor numbers, satisfaction and needs.

• The tourism sector, local community,Mornington Peninsula Shire Council andother interested groups and individuals willbe invited to participate more fully inmanagement, interpretation and promotionof the Parks.

vi Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park vii

CONTENTS

FOREWORD iii

SUMMARY v

1 INTRODUCTION 3

1.1 Location and planning area 31.2 Regional context 31.3 Significance of the Parks 31.4 Creation of the Parks 41.5 Legislation and guidelines 51.6 Park management aims 5

2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 7

2.1 Park vision 72.2 Management directions 72.3 Zoning 9

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK

3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 15

3.1 Geological and landform features 153.2 Vegetation 153.3 Fauna 173.4 Landscape 183.5 Cultural heritage 19

4 PARK PROTECTION 22

4.1 Fire management 224.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 234.3 Soil conservation 25

5 THE PARK VISIT 26

5.1 The Park visitor 265.2 Marketing 285.3 Informing the visitor 30

5.3.1 Orientation 305.3.2 Interpretation and education 32

5.4 Visitor recreation 355.4.1 Day use areas 355.4.2 Major attractions 375.4.3 Vehicle access 395.4.4 Walking 405.4.5 Camping 445.4.6 Beach-going, surfing and fishing 45

viii Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

5.4.7 Horse riding 465.4.8 Cycling 475.4.9 Hang gliding and paragliding 475.4.10 Fossicking 485.4.11 Dogs 48

5.5 Commercial tourism operations 495.6 Public safety 50

6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 52

6.1 Friends and volunteers 526.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 526.3 Schools and other education 53

7 OTHER ISSUES 54

7.1 Authorised uses 547.2 Boundaries and adjacent land uses 55

8 IMPLEMENTATION 58

ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARK

9 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 63

9.1 Geological and landform features 639.2 Vegetation 639.3 Fauna 649.4 Landscape 649.5 Cultural heritage 65

10 PARK PROTECTION 67

10.1 Fire management 6710.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 6810.3 Soil conservation 69

11 THE PARK VISIT 70

11.1 The Park visitor 7011.2 Marketing 7111.3 Informing the visitor 73

11.3.1 Orientation 7311.3.2 Interpretation and education 74

11.4 Visitor recreation 7511.4.1 Day use areas 7511.4.2 Vehicle access 7611.4.3 Walking 7711.4.4 Camping 7911.4.5 Cycling 7911.4.6 Dogs 79

11.5 Commercial tourism operations 7911.6 Public safety 80

Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park ix

12 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 82

12.1 Friends and volunteers 8212.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 8212.3 Schools education 83

13 OTHER ISSUES 84

13.1 Authorised uses 8413.2 Boundaries and adjacent land uses 84

14 IMPLEMENTATION 86

REFERENCES 87

TABLES

1 Mornington Peninsula National Park - Management zones and overlays 102 Arthurs Seat State Park - Management zones and overlays 11

Mornington Peninsula National Park3 Summary of recreation activities 294 Existing and proposed visitor orientation facilities 335 Existing and proposed interpretative facilities 346 Existing and proposed recreation facilities 367 Management of vehicle roads and tracks 418 Management of walking tracks 429 Authorised uses and occupations 5510 Priority management strategies 58

Arthurs Seat State Park11 Existing and proposed interpretation facilities 6612 Summary of recreation facilities 7213 Existing and proposed visitor orientation facilities 7514 Existing and proposed recreation facilities 7615 Management of vehicle roads and tracks 7816 Management of walking tracks 7817 Authorised uses and occupations 8518 Priority management strategies 86

APPENDICES

1 Significant geological and geomorphological features 892 Significant flora 913 Significant fauna 934 Significant historic sites 955 Major environmental weeds 96

x Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

FIGURES

1 MPNP and ASSP Regional Locality Plan End of Plan2 MPNP Management Zones and Public Land Use "3 Access & Recreation Management "4 ASSP Management Zones and Public Land Use "5 Access & Recreation Management "

PLAN AMENDMENT

Attachment 1 and Maps 1, 2a, 2b, 3 and 4 End of Plan

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARKAND


INTRODUCTIONAND

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Introduction

Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park 3

1 INTRODUCTION

This Plan covers both Mornington PeninsulaNational Park (MPNP) and Arthurs Seat StatePark (ASSP). The Parks have been consideredtogether in the planning process, particularly inrelation to regional issues, but a range ofmanagement aims and actions are specific toeach Park. This is reflected in the plan format:Sections 1 and 2 deal with both Parks together,after which the document is divided intoseparate sections dealing with each Park.

1.1 Location and planning area

Situated about 70 kilometres south ofMelbourne, Mornington Peninsula NationalPark runs along the coast from Point Nepean,at the western tip of the Mornington Peninsula,to Bushrangers Bay, where it turns inland alongthe Main Creek valley, still as a narrow band,until it joins the more expansive Greens Bushsection of the Park. A narrow coastal stripbetween Simmons Bay and Flinders also formspart of the Park, as does South Channel Fort inPort Phillip Bay (figure 1).

Arthurs Seat State Park embraces the westernand northern escarpments of Arthurs Seat, aprominent landmark on the MorningtonPeninsula. The Park is about 60 kilometresfrom Melbourne and three kilometres north ofthe Greens Bush section of MorningtonPeninsula National Park (figure 1).

This management plan covers:

• Mornington Peninsula National Park(2686 ha);

• Arthurs Seat State Park (572 ha), includingtwo areas which will be added to the Park:the McKellar Flora Reserve area (43 ha)upon transfer of the title to the Crown andpart of the Tower Hill Road link(1.3 ha).

1.2 Regional context

The Mornington Peninsula is the most popularinformal recreation area in Victoria and hasbeen described as ‘Melbourne’s Playground’.

Both Parks contribute significantly to theattraction of the Peninsula while being popular

in their own right. Mornington PeninsulaNational Park is the most visited park in theState.

Mornington Peninsula National Park providesthe setting for most of the recreation activitieson the south of the Peninsula, including year-round beach activities such as surfing, scubadiving, walking, horse riding, hang gliding andcoastal viewing. The network of walking tracksoffers much variety, and both Parks are popularfor nature study and observation as well asheritage appreciation. Greens Bush inMornington Peninsula National Park and areasof Arthur Seat State Park are the most naturalsettings for nature-based activities.

The Parks are bordered by a range of land usesincluding urban development, farms, townshipsand golf courses. Commonwealth land (theformer Army Logistics Training Centre) islocated between two sections of Park at PointNepean. The Harold Holt Marine Reserveabuts the Point Nepean section of MorningtonPeninsula National Park.

1.3 Significance of the Parks

Mornington Peninsula National Park andArthurs Seat State Park make valuablecontributions to Victoria’s parks system, whichaims to protect viable, representative samplesof the State’s natural environments. Parks alsoenable visitors to enjoy and appreciate naturaland cultural values, and many make importantcontributions to tourism and present importantopportunities for research.

Mornington Peninsula National Park isassigned Category II of the IUCN UnitedNations’ list under National Parks andProtected Areas. Category II areas aremanaged primarily for ecosystem conservationand appropriate recreation.

Arthurs Seat State Park is assigned CategoryIII under the IUCN United Nations’ list ofNational Parks and Protected Areas. CategoryIII areas are managed mainly for theconservation of specific natural features.

Introduction

4 Mornington Peninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park

Both Parks are also listed on the Register of theNational Estate, in recognition of theiroutstanding values and their importance as partof our heritage.

Significant features of the Parks aresummarised below.

Natural values

• Largest and most significant remainingareas of native vegetation on theMornington Peninsula.

• Numerous sites and features ofgeomorphic significance, particularlyalong the coast (cliffed calcarenite coast,sandy forelands and basalt shoreplatforms).

• Only representation in the Victorianconservation reserve system of fourparticular land systems formed within theSouthern Victorian Coastal Plains and theSouthern Victorian Uplands.

• Many significant native plants andvegetation communities, especially inGreens Bush and former McKellar FloraReserve, and the most extensive remnantcoastal grassy forest habitat on theMornington Peninsula.

• Highly scenic landscape values along theocean coast and at Port Phillip heads andthe prominent landscape feature of ArthursSeat.

• Many significant fauna species, includingpopulations of the nationally significantHooded Plover, over 30 species of Statesignificance and many species of regionalsignificance.

• High quality marine and intertidal habitats,with some pristine areas within PointNepean.

Cultural values

• Nationally significant and fascinatinghistoric sites at Point Nepean.

• Sites near Sorrento Ocean Beachassociated with early recreational activitiesin the area dating back to the 19th century.

• The historic Seawinds Gardens in ArthursSeat State Park.

• One of the highest recorded densities ofAboriginal archaeological sites along theVictorian Coast (MPNP).

• South Channel Fort is an importantcomponent of the historic fortificationdefence system of Port Phillip (and animportant bird nesting and roosting site).

Tourism and recreation values

• Spectacular scenery and popular surfbeaches associated with a wild and ruggedcoastline.

• The closest opportunities to Melbourne toexperience Bass Strait coastalenvironments.

• A variety of year-round activities, whichare part of the total recreational andtourism experience of the MorningtonPeninsula.

• Local and regional economic benefits.

• Intensively used recreational nodes, e.g. atPortsea, Sorrento, Cape Schanck andArthurs Seat.

• The most extensive system of walkingtracks in coastal and bushland settings onthe Mornington Peninsula, with panoramicviews across the bay, ocean and southernPeninsula.

• Diverse opportunities for education andschool visits.

1.4 Creation of the Parks

The former Cape Schanck Coastal Park,incorporating the then existing coastal reserve(which was managed by a committee ofmanagement) was declared on 1 December1975 (900 ha) as a result of the National ParksAct 1975 (Vic.). On 16 May 1978, as a resultof the National Parks (Amendment) Act 1978(Vic.), Nepean State Park (which included thenorthern section of Greens Bush and most ofwhat is now Arthurs Seat State Park) wascreated. Land in the Arthurs Seat area wasfirst reserved for public purposes in 1863. The

Introduction


Seawinds property was purchased by thegovernment in 1975.

Between 1978 and 1987 several additions weremade to both parks, and in 1988, followingacquisition of additional land at Greens Bushand Commonwealth land at Point Nepean, theareas became the Point Nepean National Park(2200 ha) and Arthurs Seat State Park(350 ha).

Further areas were added to Point NepeanNational Park, including South Channel Fort in1995 when its name was changed toMornington Peninsula National Park (2686 ha).

In its 1994 review, the former LandConservation Council (LCC 1994) endorsed theexisting status of Mornington PeninsulaNational Park because the Park has importancefor the representation of land systems, containsthe largest remaining area of remnant nativevegetation on the Peninsula with associatedsignificant flora and fauna and recreationvalues, and has nationally significant historicalvalues at Point Nepean and South ChannelFort.

The LCC review in 1994 recommended anumber of additions to Arthurs Seat State Park.Most of these areas (including the Arthurs SeatPublic Park and Parkdale block) wereproclaimed as part of the Park in June 1997.When the McKellar Flora Reserve area(currently owned by the Trust for Nature) andpart of the Tower Hill Road link are transferredto the Crown, the total area of the Park will be572 ha.

1.5 Legislation and guidelines

Mornington Peninsula National Park andArthurs Seat State Park are reserved andmanaged under the National Parks Act. TheAct requires the Director to preserve andprotect the natural environment of the Parksand their natural and other features and, subjectto this, to provide for the use of the Parks bythe public for enjoyment, recreation andeducation. The Act also provides forappropriate research.

The LCC (1994) recommendation that thechairlift operation within the former ArthursSeat Public Park continue by arrangement

under the leasing provisions of the NationalParks Act was included in the legislation whichprovide for the addition of this area to the Park.

The Environment Conservation Council (ECC)will finalise the Marine and Coastal SpecialInvestigation commenced by the former LCC.This will give direction for the management anduse of the marine areas abutting the PointNepean section of the Mornington PeninsulaNational Park.

The Parks are managed in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines for the managementof parks and LCC recommendations and otherplans and guidelines, including:

• (former) Dandenong Region Fire ProtectionPlan (CNR 1992);

• Point Nepean National Park, Point NepeanSection Management Plan (CFL 1989);

• Point Nepean and South Channel FortConservation Plans (Historic BuildingsBranch 1990; Honman & Historic BuildingsBranch 1990).

The management strategies within the PointNepean Sector Management Plan remain inplace unless amended in this plan.

1.6 Park management aims

Sections 4 (Objects) and 17 of the NationalParks Act provide the basis for management ofthe Parks. The following management aims arederived from those sections and as such broadlygovern all aspects of park management.

Resource conservation

• Preserve and protect the naturalenvironment.

• Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with the minimum of interference.

• Maintain biodiversity.

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

Introduction


Park protection

• Protect water catchments and streams.

• Protect human life, the Parks and adjacentlands from injury by fire.

• Eradicate, or otherwise control, introducedplants, animals and diseases.

The Park visit

• Provide opportunities for appropriaterecreation and tourism.

• Promote and encourage an appreciation,understanding and enjoyment of the Parks’natural and cultural values and theirrecreational opportunities.

• Encourage appropriate park use andvisitor behaviour, and foster aconservation ethic in visitors and anunderstanding of minimal impactbehaviour.

• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safetyof visitors.

Other

• Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding andmanagement of the Parks.

• Co-operate with local, State andCommonwealth government authorities,the community and other interestedorganisations to assist in the managementof the Parks.

Strategic directions


2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

2.1 Park vision

Future visitors to Mornington PeninsulaNational Park and Arthurs Seat State Parkperceive the Parks as an integral part of thetotal experience of the Mornington Peninsulaand as important components of Victoria’sparks system. They are aware that the Parkshave special natural and cultural values notfound elsewhere on the Peninsula, and highvalue coastal characteristics and attractions notfound elsewhere in Victoria. Through anemphasis on the Parks as a whole system, eachPark is perceived as a unified and coherentexperience rather than a series of unrelateddestinations.

Mornington Peninsula National Park continuesto be Victoria’s most visited national park, andboth Parks combined provide a variety ofactivities and attractions linked through a‘Peninsula parks drive’. The Parks draw abroad range of visitors which come from thelocal area (residents, holiday makers), the PortPhillip region, interstate and overseas, and theParks offer opportunities targeted to each ofthese market segments. The Parks are enjoyedin all seasons, and, while the beaches remainpopular summer destinations, the growth invisitor numbers has been largely in other partsof the Parks.

The summit at Arthurs Seat is a focal point forvisitors following the improvement of theamenity of the precinct and the provision ofhigh quality orientation, interpretation andeducation material about the Parks. This isreinforced by information about the Parks at allmajor visitor destinations.

At Cape Schanck there are improved visitorfacilities and educational services integratedwith the lighthouse area, while at Point Nepeanand South Channel Fort there is improvedaccess, and information and promotionalprograms. The major ocean beach areas havehigh quality facilities of sensitive design andconsistent style and information that attractsbeach-goers to enjoy the other opportunities inthe Parks. There are appropriately located

commercial opportunities which offer a rangeof tourist support facilities and services.

The Parks are managed to maintain biodiversityand significant flora and fauna, particularly theimportant conservation areas of Greens Bushand Point Nepean.

The superb European cultural heritage sites atPoint Nepean are a major attraction, and thereis a greater awareness of the European culturalsites elsewhere in the Parks through improvedinterpretation. The rich Aboriginal culturalheritage of the coastal areas is appropriatelyprotected and a focal point for some visitors,especially international visitors, and isinterpreted at several sites.

There is a sense of ownership of the Parks bythe local community that has been encouragedthrough Friends groups, volunteers, educationand other initiatives.

2.2 Management directions

Major management directions for the Parks areoutlined below.

Mornington Peninsula National Park


• A greater emphasis will be given toprotecting and enhancing the Park’sbiodiversity.

• Ongoing research will be encouraged andadditional surveys undertaken to updatePark resource information.

• A co-ordinated information base will bedeveloped to incorporate and update allsurveys, research and monitoring results.

• Significant flora species and communitieswill be given special protection.

• Weed control and fire management will beundertaken to manage significant remnantareas, especially in Greens Bush.

• Significant fauna species and habitats willbe protected, especially the Hooded Ploverand other threatened fauna.



• Landscape qualities along the coast will bemaintained and enhanced.

• Aboriginal archaeological sites and non-Aboriginal historic sites and landscapeswill be protected, particularly at PointNepean.

Park protection

• The Park and neighbouring assets will beprotected against wildfires. Fuel reductionburning will not be undertaken along thenarrow section of the coast.

• The spread of Cinnamon Fungus into andwithin the Park will be minimised.

• Pest plant control will be undertaken inaccordance with a strategy that willprioritise weeds, emphasise the protectionof significant communities and encouragegood neighbour practices.

• Pest animal control will continue; furtherprograms will be established at GreensBush and Point Nepean and other prioritysites.

• Disturbed areas along the coast will bemanaged to protect significant natural,cultural and landscape features.

The Park visit

• The Park will be promoted to Victorian,interstate and international visitors as amajor attraction and unique destination onthe Peninsula. Distinctive imaging for thePark’s key strengths will be developed forfuture marketing.

• Facilities and services at major visitorprecincts will be improved, including thoseat Cape Schanck, Point Nepean and othermajor ocean beach destinations, and atSouth Channel Fort.

• Ongoing monitoring of visitors will beundertaken to determine numbers, levels ofrecreational activity and impacts.

• Visitor enjoyment of the Park will beenhanced by improved pre-visitinformation and orientation andinterpretative facilities and services linkedwith other tourist attractions on the

Peninsula, ultimately increasing the levelsof net benefits to the region.

• Visitor numbers will be increased in off-peak periods; Point Nepean will bepromoted to increase visitor numbers.

• A designated walking track network willbe enhanced and maintained to a highstandard.

• The commercial sector will be encouragedto provide quality tourist support facilitiesand services at key attractions.

Community awareness and involvement

• Volunteers will be encouraged to beinvolved in resource conservation andmonitoring programs.

• Park neighbours will be encouraged toassist in park protection. Existingvolunteer and Friends groups will beencouraged.

• School visits will be promoted to key sitessuch as Point Nepean and Cape Schanck.

Arthurs Seat State Park


• Biodiversity conservation programs will begiven a greater emphasis.

• Biological surveys to identify flora andfauna will be conducted.

• A co-ordinated information base will bedeveloped to incorporate and update allsurveys, research and monitoring results.

• Areas and sites of flora and faunasignificance will be given specialprotection.

Park protection

• Environmental weeds will be controlledand a pest plant strategy developed.

• The Park and neighbouring assets will beprotected against wildfires by continuing arole in emergency response, and focusingon slashing and firebreaks.

The Park visit



• The Park will be promoted in conjunctionwith the Mornington Peninsula NationalPark as a key regional attraction providingall-year round sightseeing and nature-based activities.

• Visitor enjoyment of the Park will beenhanced by improved tourist facilities andservices, including a potential visitorcentre and high quality informationservices about the Park and other parkattractions.

• Arthurs Seat will be upgraded as a keytourist destination following preparation ofa development plan for the visitor precinct.

• Ongoing monitoring of visitors will beundertaken to determine numbers, levels ofrecreational activity, and impacts.

• The walking tracks will be upgraded andconsolidated to establish and improve linksbetween park areas.


• The volunteer resource will continue to beencouraged.

• Extensive volunteer weed controlprograms will continue to be undertaken.

2.3 Zoning

A park management zoning scheme has beendeveloped for each Park to:

• provide a geographic framework in which tomanage the Parks;

• indicate which management directions havepriority in different parts of the Parks;

• indicate the types and levels of useappropriate throughout the Parks;

• assist in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween those and the protection of parkvalues;

• provide a basis for assessing the suitabilityof future activities and developmentproposals.

Three management zones apply to the Parks:Conservation, Conservation and Recreation,and Recreation Development. Overlays arealso used to indicate management requirementsadditional to those of the underlyingmanagement zones.

The zones and overlays in MorningtonPeninsula National Park are described in table1 and figure 2.

The zones and overlays in Arthurs Seat StatePark are described in table 2 and figure 4.


TABLE 1 MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK - MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

ZONE OVERLAY

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION

AND RECREATION

RECREATION

DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL

PROTECTION AREA

SPECIAL

MANAGEMENT

AREA

(PUBLIC UTILITY)

LAND USE

DESIGNATION

(FOSSICKING)

AREA/LOCATION

548.5 ha, 20.4% ofthe Park.

2070.5 ha, 77.1% ofthe Park.

67 ha, 2.5 % of thePark.

Sites near MainCreek, BushrangersBay Track and inGreens Bush.

Various localities(table 9) — notmapped.

Stockyard to DoubleCreeks.

VALUES Relatively broad areasof sensitiveenvironments at PointNepean andLightwood CreekCatchment.

Areas of sensitiveenvironments orless sensitivenaturalenvironmentssupporting a rangeof geological,cultural andrecreation values.

All existing majorfacilities and sites,and visitor areasfor upgrading.

Threatened florapopulations.

Point Nepeannavigation facilities,Sorrento phonetowers, Sorrentowater tanks, Boag’sRocks sewerageoutfall.

Zeolite fossickingzone.

GENERAL

MANAGEMENT

AIM

Protect sensitivenatural environmentsand provide forminimal impactrecreation activitiesand simple visitorfacilities subject toensuring minimalinterference to naturalprocesses.

Protect lesssensitive naturalenvironments andprovide forsustainabledispersed recreationactivities and small-scale recreationfacilities withoutsignificant impacton naturalprocesses.

Provide primarilyfor high use visitorprecincts with aconcentration ofrecreation and/orinterpretationfacilities.

Protect specificnatural or culturalvalues in specificareas and sites wherea specialmanagement focus isrequired.

Highlight areas orsites where specialmanagementprovisions are neededto provide for aparticular non-standard use oractivity.

Provide for specificlegislativerequirements.

Strategic directionsTABLE 2 ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARK - MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

ZONE OVERLAY

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION

AND RECREATION

RECREATION

DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL

PROTECTION AREA

SPECIAL

MANAGEMENT AREA

(PUBLIC UTILITY)

AREA/LOCATION 52 ha, 8 % or the Park. 557 ha, 91 % of thePark.

8 ha, 1 % of the Park.Note: final zoneboundaries for theArthurs Seat visitorprecinct will bedetermined in thedevelopment plan(section 11.4.1).

Sites near the CookStreet Spur and in theMcKellar FloraReserve.

Various localities(table 15) – not mapped.

VALUES Relatively broad areas ofsensitive environmentsand significantvegetation communities.

Majority of the Parkincorporating areas withconservation andrecreation values.

Existing majorfacilities at Seawinds,and proposedupgrade of ArthursSeat and base of thechairlift.

Threatened florapopulations.

GENERAL

MANAGEMENT

AIM

Protect sensitive naturalenvironments andprovide for minimalimpact recreationactivities and simplevisitor facilities subjectto ensuring minimalinterference to naturalprocesses.

Protect less sensitivenatural environmentsand provide forsustainable dispersedrecreation activities andsmall-scale recreationfacilities withoutsignificant impact onnatural processes.

Provide primarily forhigh use visitorprecincts with aconcentration ofrecreation and/orinterpretationfacilities.

Protect specificnatural or culturalvalues in specificareas and sites wherea special managementfocus is required.

Highlight areas or siteswhere specialmanagement provisionsare needed to provide fora particular non-standarduse or activity.



MORNINGTON PENINSULA

NATIONAL PARK


Mornington Peninsula National Park 15

3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

3.1 Geological and landformfeatures

Mornington Peninsula National Park’s mainlandform feature is the extensive coastlinedominated by sand dunes, cliffs, headlands,wide shore platforms and nearshore reefs.Point Nepean to Gunnamatta consists mainly ofcliffs of Pleistocene dune limestone. Coastaloutcrops of older volcanic basalts occur fromFingal and Cape Schanck to Flinders.

Most of the coastal section of the Park has beenidentified as having geological andgeomorphological significance (appendix 1).

The Cape Schanck area from Fingal Beach toBushrangers Bay is a relatively undisturbedarea with many significant geological features.These include Angel Cave, which is of Statesignificance, coastal cliffs, basalt shoreplatforms and the trace of Selwyn Fault.Despite isolated cases of vandalism, AngelCave is under little threat from visitor impactbecause of the controlled access.

An internationally significant site for zeoliteminerals is located at Cairns Bay (section5.4.10).

Aims

• Minimise impacts from visitors on sensitivegeological features.

• Protect significant dune systems.

• Provide opportunities for appropriateresearch, appreciation and education ofgeological and geomorphological sites andprocesses.

• Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with minimum disturbance.

• Protect significant historical sites andstructures from coastal erosion.

Management strategies

• Manage Angel Cave in accordance with themanagement recommendations of theVictorian Caves and Karst managementreport (Davey & White 1986).

• Monitor Angel Cave and discourage accessto the shore between Cape Schanck andFingal Beach.

• Provide interpretation material atsignificant sites such as Point Nepean andCape Schanck (section 5.4.2).

• Manage zeolite areas in accordance withsection 5.4.10.

• Manage coastal dune areas in accordancewith section 4.3.

• Monitor cliff areas for disturbance anderosion and discourage visitor access,other than on designated walking tracks.

• Continue to undertake erosion controlworks at Point Nepean where the Park’ssignificant natural values and historicalsites are threatened.

• Monitor changes to coastal areas andprioritise areas for erosion control works.

3.2 Vegetation

The Mornington Peninsula has been largelycleared of native vegetation. MorningtonPeninsula National Park and Arthurs Seat StatePark contain the largest and most importantareas of native vegetation remaining on thePeninsula.

Although some vegetation surveys have beenundertaken, there has been no consistent andcomprehensive flora survey of the Park.

The Park contains nine species considered rareor threatened in Victoria and over 40 speciesthat are rare or uncommon on the MorningtonPeninsula (appendix 2). Most sites wheresignificant species are located are relativelyisolated and will need to be managed on an ‘asneed’ basis. A population of the endangeredPurple Eyebright is located in Greens Bush andwill require on-site management includingmonitoring. Active monitoring and weedcontrol occurs in strategic areas for the



protection of Leafy Greenhood and DaintyMaidenhair.

The native vegetation communities found withinthe Park include (LCC 1991):

• Coastal dune scrub;• Coastal grassy forest;• Coast banksia woodland;• Sand heathland;• Coastal heathland;• Foothill forest;• Heathy woodland;• Riparian forest/thicket;• Swamp heathland;• Swamp sedgeland.

Non-indigenous pasture occurs in areas ofGreens Bush and at Highfield. These providegrazing for kangaroos.

A number of vegetation communities,particularly coastal grassy forest, coast banksiawoodland and sand heathland, have beengreatly depleted since European settlement, andare of particular conservation significance.Parts of the Flinders coastal section of the Parkhave been depleted of native vegetationprincipally due to a long history of grazing.Management should aim at enhancing andretaining the diversity of vegetationcommunities by the use of fire, pest plant andanimal control and visitor management.

Greens Bush has a varied land use historyincluding grazing and cropping activities insome areas, but the Lightwood Creek catchmentarea is one of the least disturbed sites within thePark and includes significant heathlands.

Major threats to the vegetation in the Park aresoil disturbance from recreation activities bothinside and adjacent to the Park, inappropriatefire regimes, invasion by both native and exoticspecies, and dune destabilisation in coastalcommunities. Cinnamon Fungus is asignificant problem in Greens Bush(section 4.2).

Vegetation linkages will be an importantcomponent in managing remnant communitieson the Peninsula. The key corridor in the Parkis Main Creek, connecting Greens Bush withBushrangers Bay.

Fire is important for the maintenance of heathyvegetation types and the areas with more grassyunderstoreys in Greens Bush (section 4.1).

Aims

• Conserve native plant communities in theirnatural condition and maintain and enhancehabitat diversity while allowing naturalenvironmental processes to continue.

• Improve knowledge of flora in the Park andassociated management requirements.

• Provide special protection for significantplant species and communities.


• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedspecies, communities and potentiallythreatening processes according toapproved Action Statements.

• Undertake flora surveys and encourageflora research on significant species andcommunities. Establish (and continuallyupdate) a significant flora database inconjunction with volunteers, Friendsgroups and naturalists.

• Actively manage vegetation communities toretain habitat and community diversity bygiving priority to the control of pest plants,appropriate fire regimes andencouragement of natural regeneration.Ensure that management protects andenhances threatened and significant species(appendix 2).

• Map and monitor vegetation communities,sites of significant vegetation and locationsof significant species.

• Develop management guidelines and amonitoring program for Purple Eyebrightand undertake surveys in Sand heathlandcommunities in Greens Bush for itspresence.

• Prepare and implement a revegetationprogram to enhance the Main Creekcorridor and the Flinders coastal section.


17 Mornington Peninsula National Park

• In implementing a revegetation program,retain strategic open areas at Highfield forkangaroo grazing (section 3.3).

• Ensure that monitoring and research onsignificant plant species assesses anyimpacts from kangaroos.

• Continue to liaise with landholders, theMornington Peninsula Shire Council(Shire) and others as appropriate toencourage the maintenance, enhancementand addition of ecological corridors(including roadsides) that connect with thePark (sections 6.2 and 7.2).

3.3 Fauna

The Park plays a vital role in faunaconservation. Around 30 species listed asthreatened in Victoria have been recorded in thePark and it supports significant populations ofone nationally significant species, the HoodedPlover. A number of species are listed underthe Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988(Vic.) (appendix 3).

The Park also supports a diverse fauna,particularly of birds, that is regionallyimportant as a major contributor to theconservation of biodiversity on the Peninsula.The known native fauna of the Park comprises32 mammals, 167 birds, 22 reptiles, 7amphibians and 2 freshwater fish (NREdatabase 1997a).

Regionally important species include the White-footed Dunnart, Long-nosed Bandicoot, BlackWallaby, Singing Honeyeater, Spiny-cheekedHoneyeater and Blue-winged Parrot.

Over the past four years special managementand monitoring of the Hooded Plover has beenundertaken along the ocean beaches inpartnership with volunteers.

The White-faced Storm-Petrel, a coloniallybreeding small seabird, breeds on SouthChannel Fort. This is the second largest colonyin Victoria and one of only three breedingcolonies in the State.

Other significant species require habitatprotection and enhancement measures through

the use of fire, the control of pest plants andanimals, and track rationalisation.

The key fauna habitat areas in the Park are:

• the relatively large and isolated coastal andhinterland areas at Point Nepean;

• the ocean beaches and dunes;

• the woodlands and heaths of Greens Bush;

• South Channel Fort (which is listed on theRegister of the National Estate largely dueto the presence of the White-faced Storm-Petrel colony).

The Point Nepean area supports a range ofspecies that are not well represented in coastalparks elsewhere in the State, for examplebandicoots and possibly the New HollandMouse. Further survey work is required in thisarea. Because of its geographical location,Point Nepean is one of only a few sites inVictoria that may benefit from a predatorexclusion zone. If implemented, such anexclosure could increase wildlife populationsand enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.

The intertidal zone (within the Park boundary)is being significantly affected by the collectionof shellfish and marine invertebrates,particularly the Fingal Beach — Cape Schanckarea. Although shellfish species are protectedunder the Fisheries (Shell Fish Protection)Regulations 1993 (Vic.), intertidal species arebeing depleted.

Greens Bush supports the largest population ofEastern Grey Kangaroos on the MorningtonPeninsula. This population moves freely in andout of the Park and pasture areas within thePark and surrounding properties providegrazing areas. An integrated approach tokangaroo management across public andprivate land is required and development of amanagement strategy is primarily theresponsibility of Department of NaturalResources and Environment (NRE).

Numbers of kangaroos are not confirmed butthere appears to have been an increase since thearea was declared Park. This is supported byan increase in requests for control by Parkneighbours in recent years. Current impacts onadjacent areas include damage to fences, loss of



forage and road safety issues. If the kangaroopopulation increases there is potential forecological damage within the Park. However, ifpasture areas within the Park are reduced thismay affect the availability of forage areas andpotential tourism opportunities (Highfield is animportant area for kangaroo viewing).

The large Silver Gull population on SouthChannel Fort affects the visual appearance ofthe site, is in direct competition with White-faced Storm-Petrels and may impede recreationopportunities.

A small population of introduced Fallow Deeroccurs in Greens Bush. Although deer areprotected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1985(Vic.), there may be impacts on natural values.Some illegal hunting has occurred in the past.

Aims

• Conserve native fauna species and maintainthe integrity of their habitats.

• Provide special protection for significantfauna.

• Protect genetic diversity of nativepopulations and maintain habitat diversity.


• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee Actlisted species and potentially threateningprocesses according to approved ActionStatements.

• Conduct fauna surveys giving priority tomammals, reptiles and amphibians in keyhabitat areas.

• Maintain and enhance fauna habitatquality through the control of pest plantsand diseases, and in the coastal sectionundertake appropriate weed control andtrack rationalisation.

• Continue to monitor the Hooded Ploverpopulation and introduce additionalmanagement measures for the population,including signage and fencing (particularlyduring nesting activity), closure of sectionsof the horse riding beach, increased rangerpresence and fox control in appropriate

areas, to ensure that the Park continues tosupport a viable population of this species.

• Develop fauna habitat management plansfor Point Nepean (in conjunction with theDepartment of Defence) and Greens Bush,and for the White-faced Storm-Petrelcolony at South Channel Fort. Ensure thatfauna management strategies focus onthreatened and regionally significantspecies (appendix 3).

• Investigate the feasibility of a predatorexclusion zone at Point Nepean, andimplement if appropriate.

• Determine measures to minimise theimpacts of Silver Gulls at SouthernChannel Fort in the preparation of thefauna management plan for the site.

• Support NRE in implementing anintegrated kangaroo management strategyincorporating measures determinednecessary to manage impacts on naturalvalues in the Park.

• Develop information signs for theprotection of the intertidal zone includingshellfish regulations, and formalise signageat key access points.

• Continue to participate in pre-park visiteducation programs about shellfish andmarine habitat protection, e.g. providingnewspaper articles.

• Seek additional protection mechanisms forthe intertidal zone (e.g. protection underthe Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic.) and under theNational Parks Act).

• Monitor the deer population in GreensBush, and consider controls as necessary toprotect natural values.

3.4 Landscape

The coastal landscapes are some of the best inVictoria and have been recognised in NationalTrust landscape classifications of PointNepean, Diamond Bay, ‘The Cups’ (near CapeSchanck), Cape Schanck, Lower Main Creek,



most of Greens Bush and the Bass StraitCoastline (CNR 1996). These landscape valuesmake a major contribution to the experience ofmany visitors.

Most of the Park is situated within the CoastalLandscape Character Type (Leonard &Hammond 1984) characterised by sandybeaches interspersed with calcarenite cliffs. AtCape Schanck the contrast between the dunecalcarenite of the coast and the toweringbasaltic cliffs is striking (Leonard & Hammond1984). Many of the natural transitions betweenadjacent landscape character types on theMornington Peninsula have been lost becauseof development. However, the transition to theSouthern Lowlands Character Type has beenpreserved at Greens Bush.

The coastal landscapes are particularlysensitive to visual intrusions because of thesparse vegetation, long distance visibility andproximity to residential and other development.The impact of non-indigenous vegetation isevident along some of the boundaries adjacentto housing, and in picnic areas where pine treesremain.

There are sites within the Park, such as somecar parks or roads, that have been constructedwithout adequate design guidelines.

Much of the adjacent land in the coastal areabetween St Andrews and Portsea is subject toplanning scheme provisions which emphasiseprotection of the special coastal landscapecharacter and the need for development to havedue regard to the adjacent Park.

Pressure to develop land close to the Park mayincrease in some areas with potential impact onthe Park’s landscape values.

Aim

• Protect and preserve the landscape values ofthe Park in areas of scenic quality andviewer interest, especially along the coastalsection.


• Continue to liaise with the Shire tominimise visual impacts of adjacentdevelopment on Park landscapes, andsupport initiatives to improve the landscapecharacter in adjacent areas.

• Use landscape design expertise and followParks Victoria guidelines in facility designand construction, including redevelopmentof intrusive facilities, e.g. car parks, roadsand buildings.

• Progressively reinstate indigenousvegetation, including replacement of pinesand revegetation of cleared areas whereappropriate (sections 3.2 and 4.2).

3.5 Cultural heritage

The Bunurong clan Burinyung-Bulluk occupiedthe southern section of the MorningtonPeninsula (belonging to Point Nepean and CapeSchanck) (Barwick 1984).

The Park contains a wide range and largenumber of Aboriginal archaeological sites. Thedensity of sites in the coastal zone is among thehighest recorded in Victoria.

All Aboriginal material and sites are protectedunder the Archaeological and AboriginalRelics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and theAboriginal and Torres Strait IslandersHeritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth).

A comprehensive archaeological survey of theMornington Peninsula was undertaken bySullivan (1981). Over 200 Aboriginalarchaeological sites have been recorded in thePark (Site Register, Aboriginal AffairsVictoria). These are predominantly shellmiddens, ranging from extensive and stratifiedshell deposits to small surface scatters. Stoneartefacts occur at some sites, sometimes inlarge numbers. Cumulatively the sites have ahigh scientific, cultural and educationalsignificance.

Management of these sites needs to address theimpact of natural processes, park visitors(particularly the aggregation of walking tracks,the impact of horse riders and the collection of



artefacts), and adjacent urbanisation andrevegetation works.

The Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation andCultural Heritage Council is the relevantauthority for cultural heritage in the Park.

The Mornington Peninsula has a varied history.Significant events include the first attemptedEuropean occupation in Victoria in 1803,followed by land settlement and a lime-burningindustry, resort development and the operationof the defence installations and the quarantinestation at Point Nepean.

Point Nepean is one of the key sites inVictoria’s defence history, it is the site wherefortifications were developed in 1882 to protectPort Phillip Bay. Today South Channel Fortand Fort Nepean are of national historicalsignificance, and many important fortificationsand related structures can be seen (appendix 4).Fort Nepean is a popular visitor destinationcontaining interesting displays andinterpretation material. Pearce Barracks, thelast remaining barracks on the Peninsula, is ofconsiderable historic significance.

Twenty shipwrecks have been recorded in thePoint Nepean area alone and a total ofapproximately 80 near the Park (CFL 1989;CNR 1996). The area is also notable as thelocation of the disappearance of Prime MinisterHarold Holt (Cheviot Beach).

Occupation of the Peninsula during the mid-nineteenth century also led to a number ofimpacts on natural values. The coastal areaswere disturbed by timber-cutters and lime-burners who removed many large trees andmined limestone (Calder 1986).

Prior to the purchase by the State Government,much of Greens Bush was grazed by cattle.The northern section was also cropped between1975 and 1985 (Costello, Jenkins & Muller1991).

The lighthouse complex at Cape Schanck, whilenot within the Park boundary, is highlysignificant.

The Sorrento Ocean Beach area was a populardestination for recreation at the turn of thecentury. Several sites relating to this periodremain, e.g. parts of Coppins Track. In more

recent times, changing community attitudes toconservation and resource use have led to anincreasing interest in the history and values ofthe Park.

Limited conservation works have beenundertaken on non-Aboriginal historic sites.Some stabilisation has occurred at PointNepean, but many high-cost tasks remain ifrecommendations in conservation plans forPoint Nepean and South Channel Fort are to beimplemented (Historic Buildings Branch 1990;Honman & Historic Buildings Branch 1990).Apart from these two major sites, little researchappears to have been undertaken on non-Aboriginal historical sites.

Interpretation of historic sites is a major visitortheme. Interpretation of the sites at PointNepean is of a high standard, but opportunitiesexist to improve interpretation at other sites, asprovided for in section 5.3.2.

There is an opportunity to improve presentationand interpretation of the original gun barrels atPoint Nepean.

Aims

• Protect all Aboriginal archaeological sites.

• Interpret the Aboriginal cultural heritagevalues of the Park.

• Conserve significant features and landscapesof historic and cultural significance.

• Interpret the cultural values of the Park,especially at Point Nepean, assisting visitorsto gain an understanding and appreciation ofpast activities in the Park.


• Manage Aboriginal sites in accordancewith Parks Victoria guidelines, ensuringthat management works do not adverselyaffect sites.

• Continue to assess, manage and monitorAboriginal archaeological sites at a locallevel with ongoing input from AboriginalAffairs Victoria and the Wurundjeri TribeLand Compensation and Cultural HeritageCouncil.



• Monitor and maintain an ongoing archiveof the condition and management ofAboriginal archaeological sites.

• In conjunction with Aboriginal AffairsVictoria and the Wurundjeri Tribe LandCompensation and Cultural HeritageCouncil, develop and implementconservation and interpretation plans forsignificant Aboriginal sites. Considerdeveloping guided walks and on-siteinterpretative signs where appropriate.

• Continue to provide interpretation ofAboriginal history at the Point Nepeanvisitor centre and at major visitor sitesalong the coast (section 5.3.2).

• Encourage further research on historicplaces to determine significance andpriorities for conservation andinterpretation.

• Monitor historic places and maintain anongoing archive of their condition andmanagement, incorporating thosesignificant sites in appendix 4.

• Undertake assessments and conservationworks on European historic places inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelinesand in accordance with Burra Charterprinciples.

• Develop and implement conservationstrategies for significant sites basedgenerally on the principle of retardingdeterioration, and in accordance withexisting conservation plans (HistoricBuildings Branch 1990; Honman &Historic Buildings Branch 1990)(appendix 4).

• Undertake an assessment of the futuremanagement of Pearce Barracks, includingconsideration of asbestos safety.

• Continue to provide high qualityinterpretation at Point Nepean, focusing onthe key role of the area in Victoria’sdefences.

• Investigate opportunities to improve thepresentation and interpretation of gunbarrels at Point Nepean.

• Upgrade interpretative facilities andservices at sites of cultural and historicsignificance in accordance with aninterpretation plan (section 5.3.2).

• Liaise with heritage authorities, the localhistorical society and Friends Group, andencourage continuing communityparticipation in conservation andinterpretation of sites.

• Link interpretation of sites in the Park withAboriginal sites where appropriate, andwith other cultural heritage sites on theMornington Peninsula.

Park protection


4 PARK PROTECTION

4.1 Fire management

The National Parks Act requires the Directorof National Parks to ensure that appropriateand sufficient measures are taken to protectparks and people from injury by fire. Currentfire protection measures are in accordance withthe Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment (NRE) Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land and with the(former) Dandenong Region Fire ProtectionPlan (CNR 1992). This plan includesprovision for the maintenance of the Park’ssystem of fire protection tracks and liaisonwith private landholders for the commonpurpose of fire management within the Parksand on adjacent land.

Parks Victoria works closely with NRE andthe Country Fire Authority (CFA) on theMornington Peninsula in relation to firemanagement, and particularly in co-operativewildfire control planning and suppression.

Fire is now very uncommon in the coastalareas of the Park. The narrowness of much ofthe coastal section of the Park and theproximity of adjacent houses and farms meansthat there is generally no practical and safeway to use fire as an ecological managementtool or for fuel reduction in such areas. Theecological effects of vegetation managementwithout the use of fire require research.

In coastal areas with broader expanses ofvegetation (e.g. the Fingal area), the use of firefor ecological purposes or fuel reduction isfeasible. However, as the effects of burning inthese Tea-tree dominated environments are notwell understood any burning program shouldbe carefully planned and carried out initiallyon a trial basis.

A low fire incidence at Point Nepean in recenthistory has resulted in the depletion of grassywoodland and replacement by dense Tea-treeand other woody shrubs. It would bepracticable to implement ecological burning atPoint Nepean.

Studies in Greens Bush show that fires overthe last 120 years occurred at a frequency of

about one in every decade, but there have beenno fires since the area became Park (Costello,Jenkins & Muller 1991). Significantvegetation communities where fire has notoccurred for a long period include anextremely old Riparian thicket (Williams &Molnar 1996) and the Riparian Forest alongwet gullies. Fire is important in themaintenance of both the heathy vegetationtypes and the areas with more grassyunderstoreys. The Regional Fire ProtectionPlan designates most of Greens Bush forecological burning. Ecological burning at afrequency of 10 and 20 years could beaccommodated within the prescriptions for thisburning zone.

Aims

• Protect human life, property and parkvalues from injury by fire.

• Improve knowledge of the ecological effectsof lack of fire on coastal vegetation.

• Maintain fire regimes appropriate to theconservation of native flora and fauna.

• Minimise the adverse effects of all fires andfire suppression methods on park values.


• Undertake annual fire preventionmeasures in accordance with theDandenong Region Fire Protection Plan.

• Ensure that Cinnamon Fungus controlprescriptions are incorporated in firemanagement measures in Greens Bush(section 4.2).

• Encourage research on the ecologicaleffects of the lack of fire on coastalvegetation.

• Investigate options for fuel and firemanagement in the narrow coastalsections of the Park.

• Do not burn for either fuel reduction orecological management in the narrow

Park protection


coastal sections of the Park until furtherresearch is undertaken.

• Consider a trial burning program inbroader coastal areas dominated by Tea-tree (e.g. Fingal area).

• In consultation with the Department ofDefence, develop an ecological burningprogram for Point Nepean to maintain andexpand a mosaic of remnant grassland andwoodland areas.

• Burn Priority 3 areas (as shown in theDandenong Region Fire Protection Plan)in Greens Bush on a 10 year rotation(range 8–12) and burn Priority 4 areas ona rotation of 10–20 years, for both fireprotection and ecological management.

• Develop local prescriptions for fuelreduction burning and weed control.

• Do not burn wet gullies in Greens Bushand seek to prevent fire in the extremelyold Riparian thicket community unlessthere is a specifically identified ecologicalor management need.

• Monitor before and after wildfires andprescribed burns to enhance knowledge onfire ecology and impacts of suppressionand improve fire management practices.Prepare and implement rehabilitationplans following fires as necessary, asspecified in the Code of Practice for FireManagement (CNR 1995a).

• Continue to liaise with the Country FireAuthority in relation to fire managementissues in and adjacent to the Park and co-operative wildfire control.

4.2 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

Over 150 non-indigenous plant species occurin the Park (CNR 1996) and many are seriousenvironmental weeds (appendix 5).

Much of the narrow coastal area supportspopulations of environmental weeds that arewidespread and very difficult to control. Insome areas, adjacent garden plantings providea constant source of weed propagules. Someplant nurseries sell a number of these ‘gardenescapees’. Pine wildings are spreading inareas adjacent to the Pines Picnic Area and inother localised areas adjacent to boundaries.

Pest plants are also widespread in other areasof the Park, but the overall level of infestationis lower and there remain some substantialareas with few weeds. There is no pest plantstrategy for the Park.

Ragwort is controlled in accordance with theRagwort Management Plan (CFL 1988) andconsiderable resources are applied within thePark.

Cinnamon Fungus is widespread on theMornington Peninsula and occurs in GreensBush, particularly in the northern parts, and inShire road reserves adjacent to and withinGreens Bush. An interim control strategy hasbeen developed for the Park and adjacentroads, however this needs to be reviewed inpartnership with the Shire.

A range of pest animals occur in the Park.Wandering domestic dogs and cats are verycommon along the coast section and adjacentto the Park. Foxes are also widespread on theMornington Peninsula. Recent fox control inthe Point Nepean area appears to have had animpact on fox numbers.

Current planning to control rabbits should takeinto account the likelihood that rabbitcalicivirus will reach the area in the nearfuture.

Wandering cattle have an impact on the Parkespecially along Main Creek and BushrangersBay where there is inadequate fencing betweenthe Park and adjacent properties.

Park protection


Northern Sea Star and sabellid worms arethreats in Port Phillip Bay but are currently notlocated in the intertidal areas of the Park.

Aims

• Control, and where possible eradicate, pestplants and animals in the Park.

• Protect the Park from other threats anddiseases, in particular Cinnamon Fungusand new infestations of non-indigenousspecies.

• Minimise the impact of control programson native flora and fauna.


• Develop and implement a comprehensivepest plant management strategy based onthe ecology of target species and thevegetation communities in which theyoccur incorporating the followingprinciples:

• identify priorities for protection ofsignificant natural and cultural assets;

• prioritise weed species (appendix 5) fordifferent areas of the Park;

• identify and control isolatedinfestations before they spread;

• identify those areas or species forwhich control will not be feasible;

• identify weed-free areas;• minimise the spread of weeds into

weed-free areas and reduce the risk ofinfestation;

• develop a weed mapping program;• incorporate good neighbour principles

and practices;• develop actions in accordance with

Parks Victoria guidelines.

• Until the pest plant management strategyis prepared, continue to control pest plantsusing the above principles, giving priorityto Boneseed, Blackberry, Myrtle-leafMilkwort, Sea Spurge, Bridal Creeper, andSweet Pittosporum, Coast Wattle andEnglish Ivy in Greens Bush.

• Liaise with the Catchment and LandProtection Board when developingpriorities for pest plants and animals.

• Continue to manage Ragwort and invasivegarden plants (particularly from adjacentresidential areas) as part of the ‘GoodNeighbour’ program.

• Review the Ragwort Management Plan andliaise with landholders and agricultureand catchment specialists.

• Develop and implement a CinnamonFungus control strategy for the GreensBush area, based on a risk analysis ofthreats to communities and species,incorporating prescriptions formanagement (e.g. vehicle hygiene and useof road making materials) and visitor use,fire control and prevention, co-operativemanagement with the Shire andlandholders and community education.

• Encourage volunteers to assist with pestplant control in small areas with majorweed problems.

• Liaise with and educate Park neighboursand local nurseries to reduce the sale andplanting of weeds in adjacent gardens.

• Remove pine wildings from the Park, andprogressively remove mature pines at thePines Picnic Area and replace withindigenous vegetation (section 5.4.2).

• Monitor for encroachments of NorthernSea Star and sabellid worms, especiallyinto the Point Nepean section of the Park.

• Maintain fox control programs andconcentrate control where achievable inisolated or significant areas such asGreens Bush, Main Creek, Point Nepeanand Cape Schanck to Fingal (section 3.3).

• Control feral cats, giving priority to areaswhere they are impacting on wildlife(section 3.3).

• Liaise with neighbours and the Shire toreduce the impacts of roaming domesticcats and dogs and wandering cattle(section 5.4.11, 6.2 and 7.2).

Park protection


• Continue to control rabbits in the Parkand, in accordance with any future policy,manage the impacts of the spread orintroduction of rabbit calicivirus.

4.3 Soil conservation

The coastal dunes and cliffs are susceptible toerosion from a range of factors includingnatural processes and recreational pressures.Inappropriate access into the Park and off-track walking has led to the development of anetwork of undesirable tracks in many duneand cliff areas in the Park. Despite the ad-hoctrack network, natural dune blow-outs appearto have decreased since stabilisation andrevegetation works have occurred. Naturaldune blow-outs are an integral part of coastalprocesses.

Marram Grass has been extensively used forstabilisation works during the 1970s and early1980s. While dune areas have beensuccessfully stabilised, the use of MarramGrass may have altered natural coastalprocesses and decreased habitat areas for theHooded Plover.

The Point Nepean heads are exposed toconsiderable wave and wind forces. Seawallsand rock revetments are located along theheadland to control erosion. Some of the wallsare in disrepair, causing further coastal erosionwhich threatens historical structures. Repairworks are currently being undertaken.

Aim

• Prevent and control soil erosion and dunedestabilisation from visitor andmanagement activities and adjoiningactivities.


• Revegetate coastal areas which have beendisturbed by visitor activities, particularlywalking tracks that are not part of thedesignated track network (section 5.4.4).

• Avoid using Marram Grass for dunerevegetation wherever possible.

• Identify and monitor natural dune blow-outs and allow natural coastal processesto continue.

The Park visit


5 THE PARK VISIT

Mornington Peninsula National Park is apremier attraction within Victoria’s highestvisited tourism region. The Park attracts largenumbers of visitors from Melbourne andVictoria and growing numbers of interstate andoverseas tourists.

Point Nepean, the Bass Strait ocean beachesand the Cape Schanck headland are amongstthe ‘jewels in the crown’ of the MorningtonPeninsula and are outstanding attractions. Keystrengths of the Park are the rugged coastalscenery, expansive surf beaches, coastal andbush walks and the Point Nepean heritage.

5.1 The Park visitor

Current estimates of visitor numbers indicatethat the Park is the most heavily visited nationalpark in Victoria, with about 2.5 million visitorsrecorded in 1995/96. Visitor numbers varyseasonally, with the ocean beaches being verypopular on hot days in summer.

The Park is a very popular day visit destinationthroughout the year. A survey conducted insummer 1997 showed that 60% of visitorssurveyed were on a day visit from home and40% were visiting the Park as part of a holiday.Additional research is required to determine thepatterns of day visits throughout the year.

Repeat visits to the Park are high, particularlyvisits to the ocean beaches for swimming,surfing and other beach-related activities. Thesummer survey indicated that 80% of visitorshad visited the Park before.

The duration of visits varies from site to siteand seasonally. The summer survey indicatedthat overall 50% of visitors stay for more than2 hours, with around 20% staying over 4-8hours. A visit and tour through Point Nepeantakes most visitors 3-4 hours.

The majority of visitors travel to the Park alongthe Mornington Peninsula freeway and PointNepean Road. This is reflected by the highlevel of visitation to the ocean beaches,particularly in the Sorrento-Portsea area.Portsea and Sorrento Ocean beaches eachreceive more than half a million day visits each

year. Point Nepean, which provides non-beachactivities such as sightseeing, walking andheritage appreciation receives about50 000 visitors per year.

The number of visitors to the Park travellingvia Hastings and the Frankston-Flinders Roadis unknown, however, there is likely to beincreased visits with further improvement ofarterial roads on the eastern side of thePeninsula and potential establishment of avehicle ferry service linking the Peninsula withPhillip Island.

Numbers of visitors to the Park travelling viathe Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry are unknown,but are expected to increase with furtherpromotion of the Peninsula by the tourismindustry as an ‘extension’ to the Great OceanRoad.

Park visits are concentrated at readilyaccessible sites dispersed along the coast,particularly at London Bridge, Portsea,Sorrento, Rye, Gunnamatta, Cape Schanck,Flinders and Point Nepean. During summervisits to the major ocean beaches sites exceedscapacity on hot days over the holidays and onweekends.

The Park’s diverse range of coastal andbushland settings offers visitors a broad rangeof opportunities in addition to beach-going,swimming and surfing in summer. The Parkalso provides for major opportunities for sight-seeing and walking, as well as natureobservation and heritage appreciation, horseriding, hang gliding, diving and fishingthroughout the year. The 1997 summer surveyof visitors showed that the main reasons forvisits were high energy recreation such assurfing and swimming (26%), walking andnature appreciation (21%), getting ‘away fromit all’ (8%) and socialising with family orfriends (8%). Further research is required onthe reasons for visits and the levels of variousactivities throughout the year.

The Park has an outstanding network ofwalking tracks in coastal and bushland settings.Improved signs, interpretation and promotionare needed to increase use of the tracks by

The Park visit


visitors and enhance appreciation of Parkfeatures. The track network also allows goodaccess for the local community and nearbyresidents.

Orientation and interpretative information forvisitors is currently provided at Point Nepean,London Bridge, Portsea and Sorrento Oceanbeaches and Greens Bush and through visitorcentres. A brochure is a key source of pre-visitinformation, however, previous visitor surveyshave shown that there is poor knowledge ofpark features and recreation facilities amongpotential visitors.

Information services at Point Nepean arelargely focused on activities and features ofPoint Nepean and could be broadened to coverthe whole Park. The Dromana InformationCentre provides a quality information service,but, because of its location and the extension ofthe Mornington Peninsula freeway to Rosebud,attracts relatively small numbers of potentialvisitors.

Providing for the visitor

Parks Victoria uses an integrated approach topark management to ensure the balance ismaintained between protecting the natural andcultural assets of parks and enhancing visitorexperience.

The planning of visitor facilities takes intoaccount factors such as travel patterns andvisitor needs relating to information requiredbefore and during visits, along with parking,toilets and transport.

Visitor support can be achieved at six keylevels.

• Pre-visit information to encourage visits andassist with planning visits.

• Orientation and park-specific information onwhat experiences the Park offers and how toaccess them.

• Advisory information to ensure that visitorsunderstand what activities may putthemselves or the Park environment at risk.

• Interpretative information at attractions toenable visitors to understand, appreciate andenjoy what they are seeing.

• Basic visitor comfort facilities: toilets, carparking, shelter, food and water etc.

• Full tourist support facilities and services inkey locations to encourage tourists to staylonger in the area: kiosks, retail outlets,tours etc.

Key tourism directions identified in theMornington Peninsula Tourism DevelopmentPlan (Mornington Peninsula Tourism Forum1995) are to promote all-year round visits to theMornington Peninsula and particularly non-beach activities. Increased walking, sightseeingand other non-beach activities has the potentialto place pressures on additional areas of thePark. A comprehensive visitor managementstrategy will be required to achieve the balancebetween Park protection and enhanced visitorexperiences.

Future visitor management will address thefollowing considerations.

• Future promotion of the Park’s range ofopportunities through distinctive imaging ofthe Park’s different precincts including:

• the cultural heritage of Point Nepeanand links to South Channel Fort andQueenscliff;

• the natural heritage, scenic walks and‘nature rambles’ of the Cape Schanckand Greens Bush areas;

• the ‘wildcoast’ stretching from LondonBridge to Gunnamatta.

• Opportunities for the establishment oforientation and information facilities in themedium term at ‘gateway locations’ such asArthurs Seat, Sorrento, Point Nepean andFlinders.

• The need for quality orientation and visitorinformation at major park ‘entry points’ inrecognition of the expansive linear nature ofthe Park and multiple points of entry.

• Further provision of in-Park interpretationrelated to the human experience of natureand site specific information (currentlyprovided at Point Nepean, Sorrento, Portseaand London Bridge) at other key locationssuch as Rye, Gunnamatta, Flinders andGreens Bush to ensure visitors gain an

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appreciation and understanding of thediversity of the Park’s environment andattributes.

• An enhanced ‘Peninsula parks experience’through linkages with other Parks Victoriaattractions strategically located on touristroutes (e.g. Coolart, the Collins SettlementHistoric Reserve and Seawinds Gardens).

• Partnerships with the private sector toenhance tourist services at key visitorprecincts, including redevelopment of thevisitor centre at Point Nepean andestablishment of visitor centres at the CapeSchanck Lighthouse and potentially ArthursSeat (sections 5.4.2 and 11)

• Continuation of the major program toimprove basic visitor support facilities in thePark, particularly at key ocean beachdestinations to provide for large numbers ofvisitors, to reach the standards expected byvisitors to an ‘icon’ national park and toensure that visitor impacts on the fragilecoastal environment are minimised.Improvements are required at CapeSchanck, Rye Ocean Beach, Gunnamatta,Koonya and Flinders Ocean Beach.

• Building on the Park’s walking opportunitiesby linking sites and offering improvedopportunities for visitors and neighbours.

Future planning for visitors will take intoaccount research into visitor use patterns,visitor numbers, needs and satisfaction levelsand monitoring to determine management needsto minimise visitor pressures on sensitiveenvironments.

Aims

• Provide a wider choice of quality visitoropportunities and experiences.

• Develop a more detailed understanding ofcurrent and potential visitors.

• Provide for visitors in accordance with theabove overview of future management forvisitors.

• Provide a hierarchy of orientation,interpretation and visitor support facilitiesacross the Park.

• Ensure that visitor use has minimal impacton the Park and park values.

• Increase awareness of the Park andexperiences available to visitors, by creatingdistinctively imaged precincts andopportunities within the Park.


• Permit recreational activities inaccordance with table 3.

• Provide and maintain facilities and servicesthat cater for visitor needs and expectationswithin the capacity of sites and in keepingwith the Park’s distinctive character andthemes (sections 5.3 and 5.4).

• Progressively implement furtherimprovements to orientation andinterpretation services and visitor supportfacilities in partnership with the privatesector where appropriate (sections 5.3, 5.4and 5.5).

• Encourage all visitors to adopt minimalimpact techniques and to adhere to codesof conduct appropriate to their activity.

• Develop and implement programs toenhance the visual identity of the Park andits key precincts.

• Continue visitor monitoring (e.g. profiles,patterns of behaviour, expectations andsatisfaction) as the basis for futureresearch and planning for visitor facilitiesand minimal impact visitor use.

5.2 Marketing

Marketing has considerable potential toenhance interest in the Park’s attractions and toinfluence visits by Victorian, interstate andinternational visitors and overnight stays on theMornington Peninsula.

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TABLE 3 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT ZONES

1 2 3

Picnicking N Y YWalking Y Y YSurfing, swimming* N/A Y YFishing* N/A Y YCamping N YC NBicycle riding YC YC YCHorse riding N YC NOrienteering/Rogaining N N NRock climbing/Abseiling N N NFossicking N N YCDriftwood collection N N NIntertidal collection N N NHang gliding/Paragliding N YC NFirewood collection N N NHunting N N NDog walking N N NNature observation/study Y Y Y

KEY:Zones: Y Yes1 Conservation Zone YC Conditional — refer to relevant section for2 Conservation and Recreation Zone details3 Recreation Development Zone N Not appropriate

N/A Not applicable* Not permitted in Point Nepean

The Tourism Development Plan for thePeninsula developed by the MorningtonPeninsula Tourism Forum (1995) identifies thePark as a major attraction for visitors. Thereis, however, a low level of communityawareness and appreciation of the heritagefeatures of the Park and the Peninsulagenerally. The plan identified the need to ‘re-position’ the Peninsula, with the Park playingan important role.

The Regional Tourism Development plan forthe Island, Bays and Peninsulas (currently inpreparation by Tourism Victoria) builds on thePeninsula Tourism Development Plan andidentifies the need to shift the image of theMornington Peninsula as mostly a summerbeach destination. A key action is to promotethe Park to Victorian, interstate andinternational visitors as part of the regional

attractions and as one of Victoria’s essentialdestinations.

The regional plan identifies the need to focusfuture promotion on the Park’s competitivestrengths, identified as cultural history, coastallandscapes and environmental values.Promotion of these strengths needs to beconsistent with visitor management strategiesand encourage use of areas with facilities thatprovide for enjoyment in keeping with thecapacity of sites.

The Park is also well placed to support regionaltourism objectives to encourage visitors to stayovernight on the Peninsula by emphasising thatthe range of park activities and opportunitiesavailable to visitors can take from one toseveral days to experience, particularly if thePark’s opportunities are linked with otherrelated attractions. The Cape SchanckLighthouse and Highfield are strategically

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located to provide support facilities for longerduration visits (sections 5.4.2 and 5.5).

Other complementary attractions on thePeninsula include the Port Philip Bay andbeaches, the Arthurs Seat chairlift and ArthursSeat State Park, golf courses, Sorrentotownship, Coolart, wineries, art and craftoutlets and markets and events.

A marketing strategy for the Park needs to givean emphasis to:

• developing imaging of the Park’s keystrengths (section 5.1);

• increasing the profile of the Park’s diversenatural and cultural attractions andstrengths;

• highlighting related attractions in the areasuch as Point Nepean, the Cape SchanckLighthouse, Arthurs Seat and Coolart;

• supporting park visitor managementstrategies to encourage visitors to key sitescapable of controlling pressures (andminimise pressures on Park areas withminimal facilities).

To optimise the experience of Park visitors andenhance the regional and State economies it willbe essential to integrate Parks Victoriamarketing of the Park and related attractionswith regional, State and National Tourismagency marketing programs.

Future marketing of the Park will need toconsider trends in visitation and the results offurther research into customer satisfaction fromin-park surveys and the tourism industry.

Aims

• Ensure that the Park is marketed as one ofVictoria’s icon parks.

• Market the Park as a ‘stand alone attraction’and in conjunction with other related naturaland cultural attractions.

• Target international, interstate and otherappropriate market segments in marketingand promotion of the Park.


• Develop distinctive imaging for the Park’skey strengths (i.e. Point Nepean, CapeSchanck - Greens Bush and the ‘wildcoast’)for future marketing activities.

• Promote the Mornington PeninsulaNational Park as a tourism icon and anessential destination for visitors to Victoriain partnership with Tourism Victoria andthe Peninsula tourism industry.

• Target international, interstate and otherappropriate market segments in

• Promote the Park in conjunction with otherrelated Parks Victoria attractions such asArthurs Seat, Cape Schanck Lighthouseand Coolart and other complementaryattractions.

• Provide the peak industry body, TourismVictoria and key tourism operators on thePeninsula with up-to-date information andimages to assist with targeting key marketsand promotional activities for the Park andto focus on off-peak use and strengths otherthan beaches, e.g. bush and coastal walks,rugged scenery, and Point Nepeanheritage.

• Support the distribution of effectivepromotional material including maps,brochures and guidebooks and other mediafeaturing the Park and complementaryattractions on the Peninsula.

• Incorporate visitor and customersatisfaction monitoring in the developmentof future marketing of the Park and relatedattractions.

5.3 Informing the visitor

5.3.1 Orientation

The provision of orientation services isimportant to facilitate enjoyment of the Park,particularly for independent car-basedtravellers. Orientation needs to enable visitorsto readily locate where they are, identify whatsites are available to visit and travel routes to

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sites and provide information on features at thesites.

The primary source of current pre-visitinformation and orientation for the Park is thePark brochure which is available at theDromana, Sorrento and Mornington TouristInformation Centres, Point Nepean, theOutdoors Centre in Melbourne and the ParksVictoria information line (13 1963). Dromanaalso provides displays and information onwalks and other activities. Some pre-visitinformation is provided in a range of tourismpublications widely available on the Peninsulaat tourism venues.

A local FM band tourist radio service in theSorrento area provides some pre-visitinformation on the Park.

Touch screen information panels on theQueenscliff-Sorrento ferry and at theMelbourne Tourist office provide someinformation on Point Nepean and the attractionsof both the Mornington Peninsula NationalPark and Arthurs Seat State Park. Theprovision of touch screen services at key ParksVictoria venues and through tourist informationcentres on the Mornington Peninsula is worthinvestigation.

The Park is highly accessible from a number ofmajor access routes and the arterial roadnetwork on the Peninsula (figure 3). Mostvisitors access the Park in private cars viaroads branching off from Point Nepean Road,Melbourne Road and Boneo Road. Significantnumbers of buses visit Point Nepean, Sorrento,Cape Schanck and other accessibledestinations. Many visitors appear to preferaccess points with good views from theirvehicle.

Overall, there are more than 50 vehicle accesspoints to the Park, classified into two broadcategories.

• Major visitor destinations that are easilyaccessible from main arterial roads and anumber of other sites on popular scenicdriving routes (e.g. The Pines Picnic Area,Main Creek, Highfield, The Blowhole, Ti-tree Creek and Baldry’s Crossing).

• Visitor sites that are accessible via minorroads and residential streets. Theseinclude Diamond Bay, St Pauls Road, StAndrews Beach, Number 16, PearcesBeach, Bridgewater Bay and Spray Point.Many of these roads, particularly in thewestern part of the Park, are poorly suitedto use as major access routes.

Directional signs to key Park destinations areprovided along the major access routes andarterial roads, although improvement isrequired at several locations.

It is important that visitors experience a senseof arrival and that orientation information isprovided at key entry points to the Park.

Where feasible, orientation should be availablealong travel routes before the visit isundertaken. This will help optimise visitor useand enjoyment of the Park and inform visitorsof an appropriate code of behaviour before theirvisit to minimise environmental impacts and toinform visitors on natural risks and safety.

This strategy has been implemented in recentyears by providing prominent information nodesat popular visitor destinations including PointNepean, London Bridge, Portsea Ocean Beachand Sorrento Ocean Beach. Display panels atthese information nodes include maps,information on park features and attractions,information on how to enjoy the Park andinterpretative information on natural andcultural history.

Orientation is needed at major sites in theeastern half of the Park and at Greens Bush.Additional FM band radio services may be afeasible alternative, or a support service, toestablished facilities along key travel routes(e.g. Flinders, Cape Schanck and Greens Bush).

Based on existing traffic circulation patternsand the increasing popularity of scenic drivingon the Mornington Peninsula there is anopportunity to establish orientation andinformation services for the Park at other ParksVictoria venues at strategic locations alongtravel routes. This would facilitatedevelopment of a ‘parks tour’ linking theMornington Peninsula National Park withArthurs Seat State Park and cultural venues

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such as Coolart, the First Settlement Site andthe Cape Schanck Lighthouse.

Aims

• Provide motivational and tour planninginformation to visitors before they undertaketheir visit to the Park.

• Orientate the independent car-based travellerto the Park in relation to Park features

• Inform visitors of appropriate codes ofbehaviour before and during their visit andprovide key safety messages.


• Develop and distribute pre-visitinformation designed for key target groups.Include information on vehicle andpedestrian access, access for the disabled,popular sites, codes of behaviour, keyregulations and safety issues.

• Implement an orientation strategy for thePark based on provision of facilities at keysites (table 4 and figure 3) and including:

• completion of the program to establishorientation information at key visitorsites including Rye Ocean Beach,Gunnamatta, Cape Schanck, Flindersand at Greens Bush on Baldry’s Road;

• investigation of establishment oforientation information on the Park atother Parks Victoria venuesstrategically located along major travelroutes to the Park;

• Development of a ‘Peninsula ParksDrive’ linking key attractions in thePark with other related sites;

• Partnerships with Tourist InformationCentres and tourism operators atexisting and proposed Visitor Centres atPoint Nepean, Cape Schanck andArthurs Seat (sections 5.4.2 and 11);

• Potential establishment of orientationservices in the township of Flinders toservice car-based visitors travelling tothe southern Peninsula via Hastings andat Sorrento foreshore to service visitorsarriving by ferry.

• Develop, distribute and promote qualityinformation materials related to the Park

• Investigate potential establishment of FMband radio services along key travel routesto the Park.

• Work with VicRoads and the Shire tofurther improve directional signage alongaccess routes to key Park sites.

• Actively promote visitor use of the ParksVictoria Information Service (13 1963) as akey source of detailed pre-visit information.

5.3.2 Interpretation and education

The Park’s diverse natural environment andcultural history provide excellent opportunitiesfor interpretation to enhance visitorappreciation of the Park and knowledge of theneed for appropriate use and behaviour.

With its very high visitation, proximity toMelbourne and potential to substantiallyincrease its share of the day-visit market, thePark is well placed to enhance communityunderstanding and appreciation of the Victorianparks network and Parks Victoria’s custodialrole in conserving natural and cultural valuesand providing for visitor enjoyment.

Visitors must also be informed about:

• suitable access locations to minimiseimpacts and risks of injury;

• key regulations and safety issues,particularly issues of water safety;

• the role of Parks Victoria as the manager ofthe Park;

• recreational activity codes of conduct tominimise their impact on the environment;

• park management strategies, especiallywhen strategies have a high visual impact.

A range of information and interpretationservices is provided in the Park but these areunevenly distributed and of varying standards.

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TABLE 4 EXISTING AND PROPOSED VISITOR ORIENTATION FACILITIES

CATEGORY SITE

Major indoor display Point Nepean Visitor CentreProposed Arthurs Seat Visitor Centre*Proposed Cape Schanck Visitor Centre*

Indoor display Major Tourist Information Centres*Coolart Visitor Centre*Collins Settlement Site*Highfield*

Outdoor display (including Gunners Cottage London Bridgesignage map) Portsea Ocean Beach Sorrento Ocean Beach

Rye Ocean Beach GunnamattaFlinders Ocean Beach and/orFlinders Township*

Baldry’s Crossing

Parks Victoria Office at Rosebud Sorrento foreshore*

Information Shelter/Signage Diamond Bay/St Pauls Koonya Ocean BeachMap Bridgewater Bay Number Sixteen

Boneo Road The Pines Picnic AreaGreens Bush (Greens Road)

* Subject to investigation and future tourism development at Arthurs Seat, Cape Schanck and Highfield.

Point Nepean has high quality on-siteinterpretation and a visitor centre that providesa range of services including information,publications and an audio-visual program.Sorrento and Portsea Ocean Beaches andLondon Bridge have a series of high qualityinformation and interpretation panels.

The remainder of the Park is serviced byleaflets, information shelters and interpretativesigns at various locations, a nature trail atBushrangers Bay and holiday activity programs.

Many ocean beach areas have virtually noinformation or interpretation services on-sitedespite their high levels of visitation. Improvedservices are proposed as these sites areupgraded.

There are major opportunities for the Park toplay an important role in increasing communityawareness of Victoria’s parks, particularlyrelated to coastal and marine conservation andcultural heritage. The natural and cultural

heritage of the Park present a number of themesfor the development of interpretative services inthe Park (table 5). Interpreting conservation ofthe coast is a key element of the interpretationthemes. The proposed expansion of theprotected marine area around Point Nepeanprovides an opportunity for enhancedinterpretation of the marine environment.

There are also opportunities to linkinterpretation of the Park’s natural and culturalheritage with interpretation of heritage sites inthe area including the former QuarantineStation at Point Nepean, the First SettlementSite at Sorrento and the Cape SchanckLighthouse. Important also is the opportunityto build on alliances with the tourism industryand volunteers, and their participation inproviding in-park information and interpretationservices.

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TABLE 5 EXISTING AND PROPOSED INTERPRETATIVE FACILITIES

CATEGORY SITE FORM AND THEMES

Primary Existing Visitor Centre atPoint Nepean

Proposed Visitor Centre atCape Schanck*

Interpretation to be tailored to specific visitorexperiences that highlight the diversity of theenvironment (especially marine and coastal) and richcultural history of the area. Point Nepean willcontinue to provide a complete overview of militaryhistory and quarantine, Aboriginal culture andhistory and an increased focus on the marineenvironment. Cape Schanck to includeinterpretation of shipping, navigation, shipwrecks,coastal geology and geomorphology and links withBushrangers Bay

Secondary Sites that attract highnumbers of visitors including:

Interpretation to focus on the human experience ofnature and site specific elements of natural andcultural history including:

• Sorrento Ocean Beach • military life (late 1800s to present)• Portsea Ocean Beach • settlement and urban pressures• Point Nepean • lime burning and early tree clearance• London Bridge • the fragile coast — cliffs, dunes and people• Rye Ocean Beach • coastal processes; natural and human forces• Gunnamatta • Aboriginal life along the coast• Highfield* • early recreation at Sorrento• Boneo Road • flora and fauna that visitors may see• Flinders Ocean Beach • seas and safety

• the custodial role of Parks Victoria

Tertiary Sites that are off the maintourist itinerary and attractfewer visitors including:

Interpretation to be site specific and focus onopportunities to educate visitors on:

• Diamond Bay • basic ecology• Koonya • site specific safety (cliffs and the sea)• Bridgewater Bay • flora and fauna• The Blowhole • coastal conservation & management• The Pines and Fingal area • key pests and disease (e.g. Cinnamon Fungus)• Greens Bush • site features• South Channel Fort

* Subject to Master Plan for the Lighthouse (section 5.4.2) and future directions for Highfield (section 5.5)Note: At other sites interpretative material will be low key and specific to site features, management activities(e.g. fire and Hooded Plover habitat protection) and visitor safety (section 5.6).

Aims

• Enhance visitor understanding andenjoyment of the Park through the provisionof interpretative information.

• Provide park educational information tomeet a variety of visitor demands and toassist with park protection needs.

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• Provide Park interpretation services basedon the following:

• differing levels and styles ofinterpretation at primary, secondaryand other visitor sites (table 5 andfigure 3);

• a primary interpretative facility at thePoint Nepean Visitor Centre andpotentially at the Cape SchanckLighthouse;

• interpretative material that is thematic,site-specific, imaginative and relevant tothe overall park context;

• interpretative information on hazards tosupport advisory signage and safetywarnings;

• information for key user and interestgroups (e.g. disabled persons);

• publications aimed at targeted marketsegments to increase the profile of thePark profile and community awarenessof its values and opportunities;

• provides linkages with other key naturaland cultural sites on the Peninsula(section 5.3.1), including the formerQuarantine Station;

• Park information at tourism visitorcentres on the Mornington Peninsula.

• Encourage quality commercial andvolunteer interpretative services andguiding programs. Maintain regularcontact between staff and tourismoperators.

• Provide interpretation and educationmaterial on the whole Park at the PointNepean visitor centre.

• Establish monitoring and maintenanceschedules for all interpretative facilities.

• Monitor and evaluate information andinterpretation services provided in thePark.

5.4 Visitor recreation

5.4.1 Day use areas

The Park is primarily a day visit destination,and only offers low-key overnight camping forsmall numbers at one location in Greens Bush(section 5.4.5).

Existing and proposed recreation facilities forvisitors are listed in table 6 and shown in figure3.

While the major portion of visits are to theeasily accessible sandy beaches at Portsea,Sorrento, Rye and Gunnamatta, other popularcoastal sites are Point Nepean, London Bridge,Koonya, Cape Schanck and Flinders. Siteswhich attract moderate levels of use includeDiamond Bay, Main Creek, which providesaccess to both Greens Bush and the coast,Baldry’s Crossing and the Blowhole.

Parking, toilets and walking tracks are providedat the major ocean beach destinations and mostother popular sites to accommodate largenumbers of visitors and minimise visitorimpacts on the coastal environment.

Diamond Bay, which is a popular family beacharea, has limited parking and no toilets and it isinappropriate to develop additional parking orassociated facilities due to poor access. Majorcongestion sometimes occurs in adjacentresidential streets. There is potential toimprove access to this popular site andminimise impacts on residents in the areathrough rationalising car parking in the locality.It may be feasible to develop a new car park(with appropriate facilities and new walkingtrack links) in the St Pauls Road area, andremove and rehabilitate the existing DiamondBay and St Pauls Road car parks.

Barbecues and picnic tables are provided atPoint Nepean, Sorrento and the Pines PicnicArea, and there are lookouts at numerouslocations along the coast.

Access and facilities for persons with limitedmobility are currently provided at key sites suchas Point Nepean and Portsea and SorrentoOcean Beaches. These sites provide access tothe bay and ocean beaches via ramps.

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TABLE 6 EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITIES

SITE TOILET PICNIC

TABLES

GAS/EL

BBQS

WATER

SUPPLY

PARK

INFO.WALK

TRACK

LOOK-OUT

CAR

PARK

SHE LTER KIOS

K

FOOD* JETTY

Point Nepean E E E E E E E E E P

London Bridge E E N E E E E E N P

Portsea E E N E E E E E N E

Sorrento E E E E E E E E E E

St Pauls Road P N N P P E E E N

Koonya E N N E P E E E N

Rye E N N E P E N E N E

Gunnamatta E N N E P E E E N E

Cape Schanck E E N E P E E E N P**

Pines Picnicarea

E E E E P E E E N

Boneo Road P E N P P E N E N

Main Creek N E N N N E N E N

The Blowhole N N N N E P E E N

Baldry’sCrossing#

P E E P E E N N

Flinders E N N E P P E E N P

Sth ChannelFort

P N N N P P E N

Ti-tree Ck P E+

KEY:

E = existing facilityN = no facilityP = proposed facility* Food and refreshment concession** In Lighthouse Reserve or Park# Some facilities on Shire Road Reserve+ Replace existing facility

Excellent coastal viewing from cars is possibleat Sorrento, Portsea, Rye and the Blowhole.Apart from Point Nepean, there are limitedopportunities for the disabled to access walkingtracks.

The new kiosk and tea rooms at Sorrento OceanBeach offer a quality service to visitors andbasic refreshment services are currentlyprovided at Portsea, Gunnamatta, Rye andCape Schanck in holiday periods.

South Channel Fort has few facilities. A newjetty for improved access and facilities, such asboardwalks, composting toilets andinterpretation are required to ensure protectionof conservation values.

In Greens Bush, basic facilities include walkingtracks, signs and information shelters.Roadside car parking is available at Baldry’sCrossing, Greens Road and Long Point Road.

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Parks Victoria encourages visitors to take theirrubbish home to minimise impacts of rubbishbins and wind-blown rubbish, reduce wastemanagement costs and foster responsible use ofthe Park. Rubbish bins are provided by foodand refreshment concessionaires to ensure thatwaste generated by their operation has minimalimpact on park values.

Aims

• Upgrade and maintain day visitor facilitiesthat enhance visitor enjoyment and areconsistent with protecting park values.

• Provide and maintain facilities suitable forpersons with limited mobility.


• Provide and maintain day visitor facilitiesin accordance with table 6.

• Concentrate day visitor facilities andsupport services in the specified RecreationDevelopment Zones to minimise impacts onsensitive areas (figure 2).

• Permit quality food, recreation andeducation services in accordance withtable 6.

• Encourage visitor services that provideeducational and safety benefits.

• Continue the major program to upgradevisitor facilities at the main visitordestinations. High priority sites includeGunnamatta, Rye Ocean Beach, FlindersOcean Beach, Cape Schanck and Koonya(see also section 5.1).

• Incorporate appropriate facilities andaccess for persons with limited mobility thedisabled at key sites.

• Investigate the feasibility of a new dayvisitor site at St Pauls Road with walkingtrack links to Diamond Bay, St Pauls Beachand Coppins Track, and implement ifappropriate.

• Liaise with the Shire to improve facilities atthe Baldry’s Road, Greens Road and LongPoint parking areas (section 5.4.3).

• Replace the jetty and provide basic day usefacilities at South Channel Fort.

• Monitor visitor satisfaction and regularlyreview the provision of facilities andservices.

• Ensure that rubbish collection facilities areprovided by food and refreshmentlicensees.

5.4.2 Major attractions

Major precincts identified in the Park are CapeSchanck, Point Nepean and the heavily usedbeach sites at London Bridge, Portsea,Sorrento, Rye, Gunnamatta and Flinders.

No substantial changes in future direction areenvisaged for the beach precincts althoughfacilities and services will be progressivelyupgraded (section 5.4.1).

Cape Schanck and Point Nepean are complexsites requiring special attention, and arediscussed further in this section.

Cape Schanck

The Cape Schanck precinct has outstandingcoastal scenery, a spectacular boardwalk, oneof the most accessible lighthouses in Victoria, arange of excellent walking opportunities andpleasant picnic facilities at The Pines picnicarea.

Conservation work undertaken since 1975 hasbeen very successful but is not interpreted tovisitors. Facilities and services such as toiletsand signs are of variable standard and could beimproved to better meet the needs of visitors.Only basic refreshments are available, noshelter is provided and parking facilities areunsatisfactory with a high incidence of break-ins and theft.

The operation of the Lighthouse Reserve, whichis permanently reserved Crown land, has beenintegrated with other facilities and services inthe car parking area.

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There are significant opportunities to enhancethe Cape Schanck precinct, facilitating amemorable experience for visitors andextending the length of stays in the area.

The car park at Cape Schanck which servicesthe needs of Park visitors is on Shire land,managed informally by Parks Victoria(section 5.4.3).

Aim

• Develop the Cape Schanck precinct as a keydestination providing quality facilities andservices compatible with the area’s highnatural and cultural values.


• Prepare and implement a master plan forthe Cape Schanck precinct whichincorporates the following:

• provision for the needs of international,interstate and other nature-basedtourists;

• integration of the Lighthouse Reserveand tourism use with Park facilities andservices in the precinct and potentiallyat Highfield;

• upgrading of facilities and servicesincluding parking, toilets, picnicking,signs, information, orientation andinterpretation;

• improved walking track links with keysites (including Main Creek andHighfield);

• opportunities for a visitor centre linkedwith the lighthouse providing visitorinformation, retail sales, food andrefreshments and orientation andinterpretation services;

• targeted promotion of the precinct;• possible development of a ranger

station in the precinct.

• Prepare a landscape development plan forThe Pines which includes strengthenedlinks with the main Cape Schanck visitorarea. Progressively remove mature pinetrees and replace with indigenous species(section 4.2). Change the name of the areafrom The Pines to Fingal Picnic Area.

Point Nepean

Point Nepean is an outstanding site whichfeatures excellent coastal scenery, wellinterpreted cultural heritage and a sense ofmystery. A shuttle transport service is providedwithin Point Nepean to transport visitors fromparking areas to Fort Nepean at the tip of theNepean Peninsula.

Limited promotion of the site and constraints onaccess, particularly limited transport services,have contributed to lower visitor numbers thanwere expected when the management plan forthe precinct was completed in 1989.

To date, services at Point Nepean have not metthe needs of some tourism markets. This hasresulted in a low level of visits by internationaland interstate visitors on special tour itinerarieswith limited time.

Major facilities and services developed on thesite provide opportunities to increase visitornumbers substantially without adverselyaffecting the fragile environments or visitorexperiences.

A review of access in 1995 led to thedevelopment of a new visitor node at Gunner’sCottage with additional facilities and parkingcloser to the Park’s features. This developmentwill reduce delays experienced by visitors,increase numbers and enhance visitoropportunities.

Access for public vehicles is not feasiblebeyond Gunner’s Cottage because ofenvironmental constraints in developing carparking facilities and upgrading the road toprovide for frequent two-way traffic.

Use of a shuttle transport service will continueas an important part of the suite of visitorexperiences and to meet the needs andpreferences of some visitors. It will beimportant to provide transport services thatenhance visitor experiences and do not impacton the ambience of the historic precinct.

Existing tracks are well-used and additionalwalking tracks and links between attractionswill increase opportunities to capitalise onoutstanding coastal viewing. The access reviewin 1995 also identified new walking

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opportunities to link Point Nepean with LondonBridge and the coast and features within PointNepean. A track between Cheviot Hill and FortNepean will offer excellent views, andovercome conflicts with vehicles and cyclists onDefence Road.

The visitor centre has been moderatelysuccessful as an interpretative centre butinterpretative services could be substantiallyimproved and a range of additional servicesprovided (e.g. food and refreshments, souvenirsales and guided tours). A link track withLondon Bridge, which has more than 200 000visitors per annum, has the potential tosubstantially increase visitation to the VisitorCentre.

The Commonwealth Department of Defencedecision to move the Army Logistics TrainingCentre from Point Nepean provides anopportunity for tour linkages and integratedvisitor services focused within the NorrisBarracks complex and former QuarantineStation (see also section 7.2).

Aim

• Increase visitor use, appreciation andenjoyment of the Point Nepean area whileprotecting natural and cultural values.


• Improve shuttle transport services to meetthe needs of visitors and tour operators.

• Improve Defence Road west of Gunner’sCottage to provide safe access for cyclists(section 5.4.8).

• Enhance walking opportunities, includingdevelopment of a new track betweenCheviot Hill and Fort Nepean and, iffeasible, a track between the visitor centreand London Bridge.

• Seek and develop partnerships with thetourism sector to provide a range of visitorservices and participate in management atPoint Nepean. Encourage services such astransport, tours, orientation andinterpretation to meet the needs of allmarket segments.

• Subject to future use of the Norris Barracksarea, develop strategies to integratetourism use and visitor services in the areawith the Park.

• Encourage commercial and volunteerguiding services.

• Provide on-going customer service trainingfor staff.

• Work in partnership with the tourismindustry and tour operators in promotionand marketing activities to target increasedvisits to Point Nepean, particularly in off-peak periods.

• Monitor impacts of increased numbers andensure that a high quality experience ismaintained and park values are protected

5.4.3 Vehicle access

Most key visitor destinations in the Park areaccessed by a short section of road within thePark. Many other sites are accessed via roadsthat terminate at the Park boundary. Peakloads at popular beach sites during goodweather in holiday periods or on weekends areextremely high and often beyond the capacity ofroads and car parks. Local residents can alsobe adversely affected.

There is little or no scope for expansion at mostof these sites to enhance access. Existingparking areas in the Park need to be clearlydefined to limit damage to sites, minimiseimpacts on neighbours and maintain access foremergency vehicles.

Greens Bush is too sensitive to allow access bypublic vehicle, but access for walkers could beimproved and car parking enhanced. Baldry’sCrossing access site is on Shire managed land.

Some access points into the Park are located onpotentially dangerous stretches of road, e.g.Highfield, Main Creek and Ti-tree Creek.

The western section of the Park is reasonablywell served by public transport with a regularbus service to the Sorrento and Portseatownships and Point Nepean. Tour operatorscould develop transport services to sites in the

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Mornington Peninsula National Pak 40

Park, e.g. Cape Schanck, Sorrento and Portsea.Increasing numbers of visitors use ferryservices arriving near the Park at Sorrento.

The car park at Cape Schanck is on Shire land,but has been effectively managed as part of thePark since 1975 under an informal agreement.

Access by emergency vehicles to the Park’sbeaches and foreshore areas is restricted toPortsea Ocean Beach, Rye–St Andrewsbeaches, Gunnamatta and Flinders.Environmental constraints limit any additionalaccess points. Emergency access to other areasis principally by helicopter and on foot.

Aims

• Provide and maintain an appropriatenetwork of sign-posted roads, tracks and carparking facilities for visitor use andmanagement purposes.

• Minimise the impacts of vehicles on thePark’s values.


• Permit use of and maintain roads andtracks in the Park in accordance with table7 and figure 3.

• Continue to redevelop major visitordestinations to meet a range of visitorneeds and encourage vehicle-based visits.

• Develop a program to redesign andupgrade other access points asappropriate. Determine maximum numbersof parking spaces in this process.

• Promote vehicle-based visits to the Park’smajor destinations and other sites onarterial roads through improveddirectional signage and pre-visitinformation (section 5.3.1).

• Do not promote vehicle-based visits tocoastal sites that are only accessible byminor roads and residential streets.

• Do not develop any new vehicle access sites.

• Liaise with the Shire and park neighbourswith the aim of minimising access andparking problems in urban areas.

• Develop a small car park at Ti-tree Creekto improve traffic and parking safety.

• Liaise with the Shire to improve theBaldry’s Road, Greens Road and LongPoint Road parking areas to enhanceaccess to Greens Bush.

• Liaise with VicRoads and the Shire toensure safe access at sites such asHighfield, Main Creek and Ti-tree Creek.

• Encourage tour operators to providetransport services to the Park.

• Arrange a formal agreement with the Shirefor management of the car park at CapeSchanck.

• Regulate beach access by emergency andother approved vehicles to minimiseenvironmental damage and visitor conflict.

5.4.4 Walking

The Park provides outstanding walkingopportunities close to Melbourne. These rangefrom shorter walks along the coast and throughbushland in Greens Bush and along MainCreek, to long distance coastal walking betweenCape Schanck and London Bridge. There areover 50 kilometres of walking tracks, includingsome sections along beaches (table 8 and figure3).

Walks to Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay andFingal, along the coast between Sorrento andNumber 16, and at Point Nepean, offer some ofthe best coastal views in Victoria. Walking andmanagement tracks in Greens Bush give goodaccess to some of the most intact bushlandremaining on the Peninsula.

The track network is under-utilised because of alack of awareness by visitors and inadequatesigns and information.

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TABLE 7 MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE ROADS AND TRACKS

ROAD OR TRACK NAME CURRENT COMMENTS²CLASS STATUS

Defence Rd 1 O/MVO Public vehicle access only at times when thePark is open. Public vehicles not permittedpast Gunners Cottage. Cyclist access pastGunners Cottage permitted subject toconditions (section 5.4.8).

* Wilsons Folly-HarrisonsBowl Tk

3 MVO

* Observatory Point Tk 3 MVO

* Butlers Tk 3 MVO

* Fort Nepean Tk MVO Vehicle track to engine house (upgrade forwalkers)

London Bridge Rd 1 O Bitumen

Back Beach Rd (Portsea) 1 O Bitumen

* Portsea Emergency Rd 1 MVO Sealed and timbered surfaced track andmain visitor access to beach.

Ocean Beach Rd 1 O Bitumen

St Pauls Rd 1 O Bitumen

Hughes Rd 1 O Bitumen

Spray Pt Rd (section) 1 O Gravel

Pearse Rd (section) 1 O Gravel

* Number Sixteen Rd 1 O Unsurfaced (poor condition). Investigatepartial closure in conjunction with redesignof car parking.

* Boags Rocks Tk 1 MVO Gravel access road to outfall/short bitumensection. Section used for horse riding accessto St Andrews Beach.

* Rye Ocean Beach Rd 1 O Bitumen

Truemans Rd (Gunnamatta) 1 O Bitumen

Cape Schanck Rd (extension) 1 O Gravel

Pines Picnic Area Rd 1 O Gravel

Flinders Access Rd (section) 1 O Access via Golf Links Rd

* Greens Bush and HighfieldTks

3 MVO

Long Point Rd (extension) 3 MVO

² Tracks to be maintained to their current class and status unless indicated.

Class: Status:1 = all weather 2WD road O = open to public vehicles2 = dry weather 2WD road MVO = management vehicles and walkers only3 = 4WD track W = walkers only

* = Unofficial name

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TABLE 8 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING TRACKS

TRACK NAME CURRENTCLASS

COMMENTS ²

# Pisterman Heritage Trail A1

Coles Tk A2

# Cheviot Hill Tk A2 Steep and stepped sections.

# Eagles Nest – Fort Pearce HeritageTrail

A1/A2 Some stepped sections.

# Fort Nepean Walk A1/A2 Stepped sections. Some sections notsuitable for people with limited mobility.

# Farnsworth Tk A2 Stepped sections. Some fully sealedsections.

London Bridge Tk A1/A2 Stepped section to beach. Suitable forwheelchair access to lookout.

* Franklin Road Tk C/D Sand surfaced track defined in sections byfencing.

# Coppins Track (from Sphinx Rock –Diamond Bay)

A2/B Track with varied surfacing (originallimestone, gravel and sand) with somestepped sections. Preserve originallimestone sections.

# Life-saving Track (from DiamondBay –No. 16)

A2/B Generally natural surface (somegravel/limestone sections).

Bay of Islands Tk A2/B Side track

Spray Point Tk A2/B Side track

Montforts Beach Tk A2/B Side track

Fowlers Beach Tk A2/B Side track

Bridgewater Tk – Pirates Bay A2/B Side track

Dimmicks Beach Tk A2/B Side track

No. 16 Access Tk B/C Sand surface (defined by fencing).

Heyfield Road Tk B/C

Avon Road Tk B/C

* Brewster Road Tk B/C

* Alison Avenue Tk B/C

* Miami/Ocean Drive Tk B/C

St Andrews Beach Access Tk B/C Various surfaces, fenced through dunes.

# Coastal Walking Tk (Gunnamatta –Cape Schanck)

B/C/D Predominantly natural surfaces.

# Fingal Walking Tk A2/B/C Natural surfaces, steep and steppedsection.

# Cape Schanck Tk (loop) A2 Gravel, timber surface-extensive steps,boardwalk.

# Bushrangers Bay Tk (Cape Schanck–Boneo Rd)

A2/B Predominantly gravel or natural surface(stepped sections to Bushrangers Baybeach).

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Table 8 (cont.)

TRACK NAME CURRENT

CLASS

COMMENTS ²

Blowhole Tk A2/B Stepped, gravel track.

King Street Tk B Stepped, gravel, natural surface.

# Two Bays Tk (Greens Road – BoneoRoad)

A2/B Predominantly natural surface withboardwalks over wet areas.

Long Point Circuit Walk A2/B Natural surface (section includes MVOextension of Long Point Road).

# Baldry’s Circuit Walk A2/B Natural surface with boardwalks over wetareas.

Ti-Tree Creek Tk D Upgrade to class A2/B.

² Tracks to be maintained to their current class unless indicated.

KEY:

Walking Track Class:A1 = walking track suitable for disabled access, fully sealed surface, 1.5 – 2.0 m wideA2 = well defined walking track up to 1.5 m wide, well drained with a good surfaceB = well defined, benched and drained walking track up to 1.0 m wide, rougher than category A and may

have some steep sectionsC = walking track defined through use which may be benched, drained and cleared in sectionsD = a walking track or path defined through use but having no basic construction.* = unnamed# = popular walking tracks

Opportunities exist to provide more coastallookouts and more short loop tracks.Additional tracks have also been proposed atPoint Nepean (section 5.4.2).

Although most tracks are in good condition,regular maintenance is required, particularlyon heavily used tracks and coastal sectionsprone to erosion.

An extensive network of informal tracks hasbeen created by some visitors and neighboursin sections of the coast, with resultant damageto soils, vegetation and sites of significance(sections 3.5 and 4.3). Use of these tracksincreases risks to visitors, particularly nearfragile cliffs.

Walking along the coastal beaches and rockplatforms is popular, however, visitors maybecome trapped by rising tides in cliffed areasand place themselves at risk (section 5.6).

Sections of the original Coppins Track,established in the early 1900s, remain near the

Sorrento Ocean Beach. There areopportunities to conserve the track’s originalfeatures and upgrade other sections toappropriate standards.

At Greens Bush, boardwalks have beenconstructed to minimise the spread ofCinnamon Fungus by walkers.

Various proposals have been made to link theTwo Bays Track in Greens Bush with thesection in Arthurs Seat State Park(section 11.4.3).

A long distance link between Cape Schanckand Flinders has also been suggested. Bothproposals are components of potential longdistance walks on the Southern MorningtonPeninsula, and entail use of road reserves, landpurchase or access through private land.

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Aims

• Maintain and improve the existing walkingtrack system to provide a range of walkingopportunities while protecting park values.

• Increase use and enjoyment of the tracksystem.


• Maintain walking tracks to the standardsin table 8.

• Prepare a walking track plan whichencourages safe and minimal impact use,particularly along the coast. Incorporateactions to rationalise, relocate or closeinformal access tracks to protect sites ofsignificance, and opportunities to createadditional short loop tracks where landcapability is adequate.

• Upgrade walking track maps, signs andinformation, and create start and endpoints where practicable.

• Establish additional viewing areas toenhance views along the coast.

• Work with the Shire, the tourism industryand community groups to improveawareness of the Park’s walks and toestablish and promote long distancecircuit walks featuring the Park andArthurs Seat State Park (section 11). Givepriority to initiatives to link the twosections of the Two Bays Track.

• Investigate the feasibility of creating atrack linking Flinders and Ti-tree Creekand implement if appropriate. Investigatelong-term opportunities for a track fromTi-tree Creek to Bushrangers Bay.

• Develop new walking tracks within PointNepean (section 5.4.2).

• Protect the upper Lightwood Creekcatchment by not providing further tracks.

5.4.5 Camping

The Park has provided for basic walk-incamping at Long Point in Greens Bush, anddrive-in camping at Gwenmarlin Road, east ofMain Creek. Toilets are not provided at eithersite and disposal of wastes is a problem. Somedamage to vegetation and creek banks hasoccurred and campfires present a potential firehazard. Falling tree limbs are a significanthazard to users.

Some camping has occurred on South ChannelFort. This is not appropriate because of theimportance of the island for fauna, conflictswith day-use, and risks of fire.

Accommodation within the fort structure isrestricted to management and authorised uses(including volunteer groups).

The Highfield area has potential to provide forwalk-in camping and other accommodation(section 5.5). Outside the Park there areserviced car-based camping areas on PortPhillip Bay and Westernport in semi-naturalsettings. French Island also offers campingopportunities.

Demand for camping in the Park is low, but itis locally popular with small groups.

Aims

• Protect Park resources and ensure visitorsafety.

• Provide for basic walk-in camping.


• Close and rehabilitate the camp site atGwenmarlin Road.

• Provide for walk-in camping for overnightwalkers at Long Point until an alternativesite in the Park (such as Highfield) isestablished.

• Do not permit camping on South ChannelFort, unless under special permit (e.g.volunteer groups).

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5.4.6 Beach-going, surfing andfishing

The Park’s beaches are a key year-roundattraction for many visitors. Popular activitiesinclude sight-seeing and relaxing, informalgames, swimming, surfing, fishing and diving.

Beaches along the ocean coast are hazardousfor swimming and a number of lives have beenlost. Waves washing over rock platforms alsopresent a hazard (section 5.6).

The Portsea and Gunnamatta Surf Life SavingClubs conduct patrols during holiday periodsand some weekends, providing a valuablerescue service for swimmers at these beaches.

The Park includes some of the most popularsurfing beaches in the State, includingGunnamatta, Portsea and Rye. Surfingcompetitions held regularly at these beachescan put pressure on sensitive coastalenvironments and create conflict with otherusers. A permit system is used to regulate useand strike a balance between competition andcasual use.

Beach and rock fishing are popular along theocean coast and competitions are heldregularly. Monitoring is undertaken byRangers to encourage compliance with fishingregulations.

Access to the shoreline near Point Nepean isonly permitted on the beach area between TheBend and Observatory Point on Port PhillipBay.

Diving is popular at Cape Schanck, Flinders,the Blowhole, Number 16, South Channel Fortand elsewhere in the Park. Scuba divers oftenseek crayfish and abalone or take photographs.Skin divers use spear guns to catch fish. Fewconflicts occur with other users.

The LCC draft final recommendations forcoastal and marine areas (LCC 1996)recommend ‘no-take’ Sanctuary zones atCheviot Beach and near Point Nepean.

Driftwood and seaweed collection by casualcollectors may have had some impact onforaging for food by the Hooded Plover andother birds and beach ecology.

The Park provides opportunities for inlandfishing along sections of Main Creek. Fishingin Lightwood Creek is not appropriate becauseof the presence of rare native fish, risks ofCinnamon Fungus spread and potential impacton significant flora.

Aims

• Provide for a range of beach-related andwater-based activities while protecting parkvalues.

• Ensure that visitors are aware of majorhazards along the coast.


• Continue to provide access to coastalareas other than restricted areas in PointNepean for appropriate recreationactivities (table 3).

• Advise visitors of the hazards of the sea,cliffs and rock platforms through on-siteinterpretation and signs and pre-visitinformation . Encourage swimming andother water-based activities at Portsea andGunnamatta during periods whenpatrolled by surf life saving services.

• Encourage commercial and volunteerorganisations and clubs to offer programson water safety which also promoteminimal impact use and enhanceawareness of conservation needs.

• Permit surfing contests to be held atGunnamatta, Rye, Portsea and otherappropriate sites in accordance with ParksVictoria guidelines. Regulate events toprovide for ongoing casual use of thesesites.

• Enforce the prohibition on seaweed anddriftwood collection to protect beachhabitat values.

• Provide for inland fishing in the Park onlyalong Main Creek.

5.4.7 Horse riding

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Horse riding is currently permitted on a sectionof beach south-east of Portsea Surf LifeSaving Clubhouse, and at St Andrews Beachbetween Boags Rocks and a point close to RyeOcean Beach.

Two commercial horse trail operators havepermits to use a section of the St AndrewsBeach with up to three rides per day and 20riders in each group.

Three trail-riding schools and individual ridersregularly use Shire-managed road reserves,including the ‘triangle’ (Wallermerriyong,Limestone and Greens Roads), adjacent toGreens Bush. This trail is increasinglypopular because it is a loop trail through anatural quiet setting.

Wallermerriyong Road traverses erodible soilsand a wetland which is seasonally inundated.The road passes through a known habitat forthe rare Swamp Skink and is known to beinfected with Cinnamon Fungus.

Management of these roads as a horse trailneeds formalising due to the current andpotential impacts horse riding has on the Parkand road reserves. These road reserves areimportant buffers which contribute toconservation and recreation values in thelocality.

There is conflict with other users of the Park,including walkers and motorists along GreensRoad, and impacts on natural values, inparticular ground vegetation, soil erosion ofdunes, and disturbance to seasonal wetlands.

Cinnamon Fungus is widespread in some areasin the northern part of Greens Bush. Horseriding can contribute to its spread, particularlyalong road reserves and tracks that becomewaterlogged in wet weather. Some of theseroad reserves, and the Main Ridge Pony Club,are located at the head of drainage lines forGreens Bush and Main Creek and are thereforea potential source of spread into significantvegetation communities.

The area set aside for horse riding near Portseais not heavily used by horse riders, and boththis site and part of the area south-east of Ryeare important habitat for the Hooded Plover.Horses have been identified as one of the

factors disturbing plover habitat and breeding.These areas are also popular visitordestinations, and consequently potential forconflict is high.

Horse riding can be accommodated in the Parkwith restrictions to regulate use and protectnatural values.

Aims

• Provide opportunities for both commercialand recreational horse riders withoutcompromising other Park managementobjectives.

• Minimise any environmental impactscaused by horse riding.


• Allow horse riding only in the beach areabetween the St Andrews Beach access trackat Paradise Drive and Boags Rocks (figure3).

• Provide information signs on low-impactuse and to clearly identify the horse ridingarea.

• Install signs to close the beach or sectionsof the beach to horse riders to assist withthe protection of the Hooded Plover duringthe breeding season as required.

• Encourage a voluntary permit system fornon-commercial horse riding in the Parkto regulate use and provide riders withinformation on park values, safety andprotection needs.

• Continue to liaise with the Shire toencourage minimal impact horse riding inareas adjacent to the Park.

• Negotiate with the Shire to seek closure ofWallermerriyong Road and a portion ofGreens Road to limit the spread ofCinnamon Fungus and protect significanthabitats.

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5.4.8 Cycling

Cycling access to the Park is by the roadsystem — the main bike trail on the Peninsularuns around Port Phillip Bay, remote frommost park destinations. Roads provide goodcycling access to most coastal sites in the Parkwith only a short walk to beaches.

Cycling along the Point Nepean access road iscurrently permitted on ‘bike and hike days’ andhas proved to be popular. Cycling in thisspectacular coastal setting gives visitorsunique and enjoyable experiences not offeredby the shuttle transport service.

Cycling access to Point Nepean may beenhanced with a potential loop linking with the‘Bay Trail’ via a route between London Bridgeand the visitor centre (Edaw, 1997). It may beappropriate to utilise the proposed walkingtrack link identified in section 5.4.2 forcycling.

Elsewhere in the park, walking tracks are notsuitable for cycling because of their sandyerodible soils and conflicts with other users.Mountain bikes can cause considerabledamage to tracks.

Cycling is not considered appropriate inGreens Bush because of conflicts with otherusers and the risk of erosion and spread ofCinnamon Fungus.

There have been proposals to allow cycling atall times on Defence Road to Fort Nepean, butthe road past Cheviot Hill is currentlyunsuitable when other vehicles (e.g. shuttletransport) are using the road.

New, separate bicycle tracks are inappropriatebecause of the narrowness of the Park and itsenvironmental sensitivity. However,improving Defence Road to facilitate cycling atthe same time as shuttle transport may beachievable with minimal environmentalimpacts and due consideration for cyclistsafety.

Aim

• Provide cycling access to the Park andimprove opportunities for on-road cyclingat Point Nepean.


• Improve Defence Road past Cheviot Hill toallow for cycling (subject to conditions)throughout the year. Include safety signsand measures to create separate cyclinglanes at specified locations.

• In the interim, continue to permit cyclingon Defence Road past Gunner’s Cottageunder the current arrangements (i.e. ondays when transport services are notprovided).

• Permit cycling on Defence Road toGunner’s Cottage when the road is open topublic vehicles.

• Do not permit cycling on any walkingtracks in the Park, or management tracksin Greens Bush.

• Liaise with the Shire to encourageimproved cycle access to the Park atsuitable locations.

• Provide bike facilities (e.g. bicycle racks)at appropriate locations in the Park.

• Support a bicycle trail link to PointNepean via London Bridge subject tofeasibility.

5.4.9 Hang gliding and paragliding

Hang gliding and paragliding are conductedfrom a platform near Flinders and a launchingarea at London Bridge.

These activities are compatible withmanagement objectives provided that naturalvalues are protected, conflicts with other usersare minimised and Parks Victoria’s liabilityrisk is minimised. Some damage to soils andvegetation has occurred at London Bridge.

The Ti-tree Creek area along the Flinders coasthas also been used informally for paraglidingor hang gliding.

Aim

• Provide for hang gliding and paraglidingconsistent with management objectives.

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• Allow hang gliding and paragliding inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelines,with launching from areas at Flinders andLondon Bridge.

• License the Victorian Hang GlidingAssociation for use of the two launchingsites.

• Investigate the suitability of the Ti-treeCreek area for paragliding and set asidean appropriate area if safety requirementsare met and park values protected.

• Monitor use and ensure that naturalvalues and Parks Victoria interests areprotected.

5.4.10 Fossicking

Fossicking is currently permitted as a specialuse of the Park under the provisions of theNational Parks Act within the intertidal areabetween Stockyard and Double creeks (figure2).

Permits to fossick for zeolite have been issuedsince reservation of the former Cape SchanckCoastal Park. Zeolite are crystalline mineralsfound in cavities in volcanic rock, and theyoccur in cliff faces east of Cape Schanck. Thezeolite in this locality are recognised as beingof international geological significance(appendix 1).

Aim

• Protect park values from damage byfossicking.


• Permit collection of zeolite for scientificresearch purposes and collection bymineralogical clubs subject to permitconditions that ensure damage to parkvalues and risks to visitors are minimised.

• Monitor use and, if damage and risks areunacceptable, consider permittingcollection for scientific purposes only.

5.4.11 Dogs

The Park is adjacent to a number of urbanareas, and dog walking is a traditional activityfor some residents. Dog regulations in thePark have continued essentially unchangedsince the coastal section of the present Parkwas proclaimed as Cape Schanck Coastal Parkin 1975.

Dogs on a leash are currently permitted in thecoastal area between London Bridge andGunnamatta and the Flinders section ofcoastline. Restricted times apply over theNovember–April period in the area betweenLondon Bridge and Number 16.

Dogs are not permitted elsewhere in the Park,e.g. at Point Nepean, Bushrangers Bay, GreensBush and the Cape Schanck area.

Most dog walking is undertaken by permanentand temporary residents in the early morningand late afternoon or evening.

Dogs are generally not permitted in nationalparks because of conflicts with natureconservation objectives and other park users.The community at large expects public areasand parks to be safe from dog attacks and freeof dog excrement.

Many complaints and concerns have beenexpressed about threatening dogs and dogattacks on Park users (especially children, theelderly and families), annoying behaviour,interference with wildlife — particularly theHooded Plover and other wading birds — andthe fouling of tracks and beaches. It iscommon practice for the majority of dogowners to let their dogs off leads, making theproblem worse.

The Shire has strict dog regulations,potentially leading to an increase in use of thePark for dog walking and exercise. There are,however, a wide range of alternative sitesavailable for dog walking on the MorningtonPeninsula, including beach walking.

The conflicts created by dogs in the Parkrequire resolution in a manner which reflectsthe area’s national park status and itsimportance for fauna protection, protecting

Note: Section 5.4.11 is replaced by Attachment 1 at the end of the plan.

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other natural values, safeguarding visitor well-being and maximising enjoyment of the Park.

Aim

• Minimise the impacts of dogs on parkvalues and visitor experiences.


• On a 12 month trial basis commencing 1September 1998, permit dogs on leadsduring daylight up until 9.00 am only intothose areas of the Park where dogs arecurrently permitted (i.e. between LondonBridge and Gunnamatta and the Flinderssection of coastline).

• Monitor dog walking in the Park over the12-month trial period. Should monitoringduring or post the trial period show thatnon-compliance with the regulationscontinues to be a major problem, with on-going impacts of dogs on park values andother visitors, seek additional restrictionsor a total ban on dogs in the Park.

• Develop and implement an on-goingeducation strategy on responsible dogownership and use of the Park.

• Liaise with the Shire and ForeshoreCommittees of Management to encouragethe provision of areas outside the Park fordog walking and exercise, including accessto specified Port Phillip Bay andWesternport beaches.

5.5 Commercial tourismoperations

The Park plays an important role in theprovision of commercial tourism opportunitiesin the region. In particular, the Park is a majordestination for many visitors staying inaccommodation on the Peninsula, and forsight-seeing bus tours.

The Park’s rich natural and cultural heritageand recreation values present opportunities forcommercial nature-based and cultural tourismopportunities.

Activities currently offered by commercialoperators include horse riding, walking,cycling and driving tours. Fishing and surfingcompetitions are conducted regularly andorganised diving activities are also undertaken.Refreshment services are provided at Sorrentoand other sites (section 5.4.1).

There are opportunities to provide a range ofadditional tourism services that are compatiblewith park management objectives, enhancevisitor enjoyment and experiences and protectpark values. Well-organised tour groups canhelp interpret park values and minimise visitorimpacts.

Current commercial tours in the Park includecycling at Point Nepean, horse riding at StAndrews Beach and boat tours to SouthChannel Fort. Sites such as Point Nepean,Cape Schanck, Highfield, Greens Bush andSouth Channel Fort present opportunities fortours to focus on interpretation of natural andcultural history (section 5.3.2). Otheropportunities for Point Nepean are discussed insection 5.4.2.

Highfield has the potential to offer a range offacilities and services includingaccommodation, interpretation and education.Decisions about the future use andmanagement of Highfield need to considerfuture development at Cape Schanck (section5.4.2) and the potential for the private sector toprovide complementary facilities, services andexperiences in the locality. Cape Schanck andHighfield present opportunities to attract abroader range of market segments and year-round visits through linkages such as transportservices, nature-based tours and walks.

The Park should be marketed in co-operationwith external tourist organisations and serviceproviders (section 5.2).

Aims

• Encourage commercial nature and culture-based tourism services consistent with parkmanagement objectives.

• Complement other tourism opportunitiesand activities on the Peninsula.


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• Encourage increased use of the Park byskilled commercial tour operators,particularly in off-peak times (section 5.2).

• Ensure all commercial tour operators arelicensed under Parks Victoria guidelinesand encourage operators to providequality interpretation and assist with parkprotection.

• Investigate options for the involvement ofthe private sector in providing visitorfacilities and services at Highfield.Encourage nature-based education andtourism (including accommodation andwalk-in camping) and tourism linkageswith Cape Schanck (section 5.4.2).

• Run in-Park information sessions to raiseawareness of the Parks among tourismoperators, tourist information staff,service clubs and other localorganisations.

• Maintain close contact with TourismVictoria and the key Mornington Peninsulatourism organisations and participate instrategic planning and marketingcampaigns that encourage off-peak visits.

• Encourage the provision of quality foodand refreshment services in accordancewith table 6.

• Seek opportunities for sponsorship andpartnerships to assist with conservationprograms and visitor services.

5.6 Public safety

The coastline of the Park presents inherentdangers and risks to visitors. Hazards includesteep slopes and cliffs, loose and slipperysurfaces and rocks, strong ocean currents anddeep water. The calcarenite cliffs areinherently unstable and subject to periodiccollapse through natural weathering. Recentdeaths have resulted from visitors beingwashed off rocks, and rock falls.

Unexploded ordnance is a potential hazard atPoint Nepean, but access is only permitted inspecified areas where investigations have

determined safe access. Wildfire is a potentialthreat in bushland areas. Recreationalactivities such as hang gliding and horseriding, also entail an element of risk.

Parks Victoria guidelines set out proceduresfor assessing risks, developing strategies andimplementing remedial actions. Typically,warning signs and fences are erected, walkingtracks re-routed and provision made foremergency access. There are opportunities toreduce risks in the Park while also providingimproved visitor experiences and enhancedPark protection.

Victoria Police is responsible for search andrescue operations within the Park. Suchoperations usually involve Parks Victoria, theState Emergency Service and other groupsunder Police supervision.

Parks Victoria has a responsibility to ensurevisitors are aware of safety issues and risks.

Aims

• Warn visitors about the Park’s risks.

• Promote and encourage safe practicesamong staff and visitors to the Park.

• Minimise exposure of visitors to the Park’scoastal hazards.

• Comply with Parks Victoria guidelines onrisk management.


• Manage the Park in accordance withParks Victoria risk mitigation andemergency management guidelines.

• Prepare and implement a comprehensivecoastal risk mitigation program in relationto visitor access, facilities and theirproximity to hazards, including regularinspections of high risk cliffs by ageotechnical engineer.

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• Discourage access to dangerous sites, butaccept some adventure and risk taking inaccordance with Parks Victoria guidelines.Consider closing sites if risks becomeunacceptable.

• Ensure that visitor facilities in proximityto cliffs are inspected annually byappropriately qualified persons.

• Provide signs at appropriate locations towarn visitors of risks and promote safeuse, particularly along the coast (section5.3.2).

• Ensure that safety messages are includedin pre-visit and in-Park information, andencourage visitors to seek information onpotentially hazardous activities.

• Design and maintain new facilities withdue consideration of risks, particularlyset-backs from cliffs.

• Contribute to emergency managementplanning for search and rescue in thePark.

• Continue to liaise with surf life-savingclubs to enhance visitor safety (section5.4.6).

• Liaise with emergency services andprovide and maintain access for helicopterlanding and vehicle access at specifiedlocations.

• Ensure that staff are trained inappropriate emergency procedures.



6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

6.1 Friends and volunteers

The Park has a large and important volunteerresource including approximately eightincorporated Friends groups which concentrateon particular sites in the Park, and on theHooded Plover. These groups make a veryimportant contribution to management andprotection of the Park. Individuals with anactive interest in the Park also provide ParksVictoria with valuable resource information.

Park staff guide volunteer activities andcoordinate the activities of the groups.

Aim

• Encourage and maintain volunteerinvolvement in managing the Park.


• Maintain existing volunteer contributionsto the Park and continue to encouragecommunity involvement in volunteergroups.

• Develop, implement and evaluate a long-term volunteer strategy which incorporatesthe skills and interests of volunteer groupsin Park management strategies, e.g.volunteer guide programs.

• Promote the unique work of volunteers andFriends groups as a significant aspect ofthe Park’s resources.

• Continue to provide a co-ordination,training and support role for the groupsand ensure that programs enhance thelong-term management of the Park.

• Develop a co-ordinated approach tomonitoring and recording of resourceinformation in the Park’s databases byvolunteers(sections 3.2 and 3.3).

• Promote exchange of ideas and informationbetween different programs (e.g. CoastAction) and groups on the Peninsula.

6.2 Community awareness andPark neighbours

Until recently the Park was not perceived by thelocal and regional community as having astrong identity. This was the result of historicalassociations, name changes, multiple entrieswith a focus on individual sites, andinconsistent signs and facilities. The Park’sidentity is strengthening but many holidaymakers and residents still see the Park as aseries of unrelated destinations.

Residential development has occurred alongparts of the Park boundary, particularly in thewestern half of the Park. Adjoining land usesinclude holiday and residential housing, golfcourses, agriculture and horticulture.

Principal issues with Park neighbours includethe development of informal access tracks fromback gates into the Park, illegal dog walking,cattle incursions, and the visual impact ofhouses and other uses. Weed invasion fromadjacent properties is a significant problem,made worse by the availability of environmentalweeds from local nurseries and the general lackof public knowledge about their impact on parkvalues.

Aims

• Increase community awareness ofmanagement activities undertaken in thePark.

• Create a positive image of the Park.

• Encourage conservation and sound landmanagement and recreation practices onprivate land adjoining the Park.


• Liaise with local community groups andland owners and, as appropriate, involvethem in relevant aspects of planning andmanaging the Park.

• Encourage the application of the ‘GoodNeighbour’ policy to management issues onor near the boundary of the Park.



• Encourage local nurseries to sellindigenous plants and discontinue sellingenvironmental weeds.

• Liaise with the Shire to ensure thatadjacent land use and activities do not havea detrimental effect on the Park.

6.3 Schools and other education

The Park offers diverse opportunities forenvironmental education. Point Nepean andCape Schanck, in particular, are excellentvenues for investigations of coastal processes,unique and important cultural history, humanimpacts and interaction with nature and coastalconservation works.

Point Nepean is a popular education locationand has increasing numbers of visits from local,city and country schools.

Education services and programs for schoolsare run on the Mornington Peninsula through anumber of privately operated school and othergroup camps. These often incorporate a visit tothe Park as part of the program. There is alsopotential for the private sector to contribute toeducation through visitor centres and tours atkey sites such as Point Nepean, Cape Schanckand potentially Highfield (section 5.4.2 and5.5).

Parks Victoria will be working closely with theDepartment of Education to develop a statewideschools curriculum program about the parkssystem to be delivered via the internet. It isexpected that the Park will continue to be animportant venue for school visits as part of thecurriculum program given its close proximity toMelbourne and the metropolitan area.

Park staff will assist with the provision ofsupport resource material to schools and othereducators.

Aims

• Ensure that the Park’s unique attributes andopportunities for education are incorporatedin the statewide schools curriculumprogram.

• Promote the Park as a venue for schoolvisits.

• Provide appropriate resource materials tosupport the schools program and othereducators.


• Assist with the development of the schoolscurriculum, particularly in relation to theunique history of Point Nepean and its rolein the settlement of Victoria.

• Promote key areas in the Park as venuesfor learning experiences on cultural historyand coastal management and processes.

• Support the private sector in the delivery ofservices to schools at Point Nepean, CapeSchanck and potentially at Highfield.

• Support other private education providers,particularly those based on the MorningtonPeninsula.

• Assist in the development of educationalresource materials to support educationalprograms and activities.

• Catalogue and conserve photographic andother educational resource materials foruse in educational programs. Undertakeon-going photographic monitoring to assistin future education and interpretationactivities.

Other issues


7 OTHER ISSUES

7.1 Authorised uses

7.1.1 Public utilities and occupancies

The Park contains a number of utilities andother authorised occupancies as listed in table9. These include communication andnavigational structures, surf life-savingfacilities at Portsea and Gunnamatta, a kioskand tearooms at Sorrento, Defence Road atPoint Nepean and many telephone lines, cablesand water mains. Some of the uses arecurrently subject to Section 27 consents.

There are two bathing boxes at Flinders OceanBeach. These are not historically significantand the LCC (1994) recommended their phaseout in accordance with its long-standing policyon the occupation of coastal public land byindividuals.

A licence has been issued to the Barragundaproperty for water supply purposes.

The south-eastern sewerage outfall dischargesat Boags Rocks outside the Park.

Powerlines currently traverse parts of GreensBush. Maintenance of the powerlines andworks to minimise fire risks may impact onconservation and landscape values and increaserisks of Cinnamon Fungus spread.

Aims

• Provide for the appropriate continuing useof existing public utilities and occupanciesin the Park.

• Minimise the impacts of the construction,maintenance and operation of utilityinstallations on the Park.


• Liaise with utilities and service providerswith existing facilities in the Park to ensurethat maintenance and new works areconsistent with maintaining park values.

• Initiate action to remove the bathing boxesat Flinders Ocean Beach.

• Seek to relocate the powerlines in GreensBush to reduce impacts on park values.

• Ensure that all existing and proposed publicutilities are covered by a Section 27 consent.

• Ensure that any new proposals for publicutilities in the Park or on its boundariesare assessed for their landscape impacts(section 3.4).

• Encourage continued monitoring programsin the intertidal areas near Boags Rocks inco-operation with the sewerage authority.

• Review the licence for water supply to theBarragunda property.

7.1.2 Apiculture

The effect of introduced bee species onindigenous flora, fauna and natural processes isnot fully understood.

Two apiculture sites were previously licensed inthe Greens Bush area when the area wasincluded in the former Nepean State Park in1978. These sites have not been used foralmost ten years. Use for apiculture is notappropriate given the area’s importance forconservation of flora and fauna and informalrecreation. The LCC’s generalrecommendations (LCC 1994) do not makeprovision for apiculture in national parksexcept on traditionally licensed sites.

Aim

• Minimise the potential effect of apicultureon park values.

Management strategy

• Do not provide for apiculture in the Park.

7.1.3 Major events

The major surf beaches in the Park attract anumber of major sporting events including theIron Man competition at Portsea, surf life-saving carnivals, triathalons, fun runs andboard riding competitions.

Other issues


TABLE 9 AUTHORISED USES AND OCCUPATIONS

LOCATION AUTHORISED USE COMMENTS

Defence Road Access easement for use byDepartment of Defence

Land transfer agreement.

Point Nepean and SouthChannel Fort (SCF)

Victorian Channel Authority (VCA)Navigational Structures

Covered by Section 27 consent(except SCF)

Eagles Nest, Point Nepean VCA Pilot Radar Beacon Covered by Section 27 consent

Boags Rocks Effluent pipeline easement Lease

Portsea Ocean Beach Portsea SLSC clubhouse Lease

Gunnamatta Gunnamatta SLSC clubhouse Lease

Sorrento Ocean Beach Coppins Kiosk and Tearooms Lease

Sorrento Water storage tanks Section 27 consent required

Sorrento and Point Nepean Disused water storage reservoirs Remove and rehabilitate

Sorrento Communication carriers at Sorrentowater supply tanks

Section 27 consents to befinalised

St Pauls Lookout Survey Trig Point Covered by Section 27 consent

Cape Schanck Water supply to Barragunda Licence (review)

Various localities Power, telephone and water services Section 27 consents required

These events can increase awareness, use andenjoyment of parks and provide income andsponsorship opportunities for Parks Victoria.

Events, however, can cause environmentaldamage, over-utilise the Park’s resources andinterfere with other visitors and with significantfauna. Events can also draw large crowds andimpact on neighbouring areas.

Aim

• Provide opportunities for special eventsconsistent with Park management objectives.


• Manage major events in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines.

• Require Parks Victoria naming rights (e.g.Park name) in promotion, televising rightsetc. as a condition of permits, and

negotiate additional publicity asappropriate.

• Ensure that major events provide benefitsto Parks Victoria.

• Work with the tourism industry and Shire toco-ordinate Park events with other majorevents on the Peninsula and minimiseimpacts on neighbouring areas.

7.2 Boundaries and adjacent landuses

The entire coastal boundary of the Park is thelow water mark. The boundary of the existingHarold Holt Marine Reserve is the high watermark at Point Nepean.

The Environment Conservation CouncilVictoria (ECC) is currently completing aMarine and Coastal Special Investigation(commenced by the former Land Conservation

Other issues


Council). This includes a review of theestablishment of a marine park in the southernPort Phillip Bay, incorporating the existingHarold Holt Marine Reserve.

No substantial areas of public land adjoin thePark boundary. Because of the Park’s linearnature and its proximity to Melbourne,residential development occurs along thecoastal portion of the Park in the area betweenPortsea and St Andrews, and at Flinders.

The Melbourne Water Corporation owns andmanages 65 ha of land adjacent to the Parkbetween St Andrews and Gunnamatta. Thisland has been identified as surplus toMelbourne Water’s needs and may be avaluable addition to the Park.

Other land uses adjoining the Park include fourgolf courses, the former Army LogisticsTraining Centre at Point Nepean, the Navy’sWest Head Gunnery Range, the townships ofFlinders, Portsea and Sorrento, farming land(mainly cattle grazing and vineyards) and theCape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve.

A formal management agreement was enteredinto between the Commonwealth and the Stateat the time of transfer of land at Point Nepeanto the State in 1988.

Major portions of the Commonwealth land atPoint Nepean comprise significant vegetationcommunities and sites of natural and culturalsignificance. The Department of Defencedecision to relocate the Army LogisticsTraining Centre and dispose of the landprovides an opportunity for the transfer ofadditional land for incorporation into the Park.Additions to the Park would bring substantialcommunity benefits and increase the attraction

of the Point as a major conservation andtourism asset.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Counciladministers the local planning scheme, whichrequires the Shire to seek comment from ParksVictoria on adjacent development.

Road reserves are important buffers whichcontribute to conservation and recreation valuesalong many Park boundaries. Uses along theseroads include walking, horse riding and cycling.

Some of the boundaries of the Park have poorlymaintained fences and some areas are unfenced.Cattle can enter these boundaries and impact onvegetation and areas undergoing regeneration.They also contribute to the spread of weeds.This is a particular problem along Main Creek.

The Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve wastransferred to the State Government from theCommonwealth in 1995. A separate processfor the leasing and management of thelighthouse and grounds is currently in progress.The Cape Schanck car park, which services thelighthouse and the Park, is located on Shireland but managed by Parks Victoria (section5.4.3).

Other potential impacts on the Park fromadjacent areas include oil and cargo spills fromships along the ocean coast.

Aims

• Encourage co-operation with adjoininglandholders in the protection of the Park.

• Minimise conflicts between park values andsurrounding land use.

• Ensure that key identified areas areconsidered for addition to the Park asopportunities for acquisition or inclusionarise.


• Continue to liaise with adjacentlandholders regarding access, boundarydefinition, fence maintenance, pest plantsand animals, fire protection and othermanagement issues.

• Identify areas of boundary uncertainty;survey and negotiate fencing wherenecessary.

• Continue to liaise with local planningauthorities and private land ownersregarding planning schemes, guidelines,covenants and legal agreements tominimise potential adverse effects ofadjacent development on park values.

Other issues


• Liaise with the Shire to encouragemanagement of road reserves to minimiseimpacts on park values.

• Encourage adjacent landholders tomaintain fences to prevent cattleincursions. If incursions continue, takeaction under relevant legislation.

• Consider the implications of theinvestigation by the ECC for marine andcoastal areas, particularly adjacent toPoint Nepean.

• Liaise with appropriate authorities toreview local contingency plans for oil spillsand other potential hazards.

• Subject to the outcomes of Commonwealth-State negotiations on the transfer ofadditional areas at Point Nepean foraddition to the Park, prepare andimplement visitor and environmentalmanagement programs for new additions tobe integrated with existing Park areas.

• Continue to liaise with the MelbourneWater Corporation regarding the potentialaddition to the Park of land in the StAndrews–Gunnamatta locality.

Implementation


8 IMPLEMENTATION

A three-year rolling implementation program will be prepared for the Park to ensure efficientimplementation of this Plan. Priorities for management are identified below in table 10 as an initial stepin this process.

TABLE 10 PRIORITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY SECTION IN PLAN


Prepare and implement a revegetation program for Main Creek corridor 3.2

Protect the Hooded Plover population along the coast 3.3, 5.4.7

Develop a fauna habitat management plan for Point Nepean and the White-facedStorm-Petrel on South Channel Fort

3.3

Develop a fauna habitat management plan for Greens Bush 3.3

Develop and implement conservation plans for significant Aboriginal sites 3.5

Upgrade interpretative facilities at historic sites (other than Point Nepean) 3.5

Undertake an assessment of the future of Pearce Barracks 3.5

Park protection

Develop and implement an ecological burning program at Point Nepean 4.1

Develop and implement a pest plant management strategy and a Greens BushCinnamon Fungus control strategy

4.2

Maintain fox control programs 4.2

Ensure existing public utilities are covered by a Section 27 consent 7.1.1

Undertake erosion control works at Point Nepean to protect sites of significance 4.3

The Park visit

Improve visitor orientation and interpretation facilities and services 5.1, 5.3.1

Promote the Park as a tourism icon and key attraction 5.2

Develop a ‘Peninsula Parks Drive’ 5.3.1

Upgrade the following visitor sites — Gunnamatta, Rye, Flinders, Cape Schanck,Koonya and Diamond Bay/St Pauls (if feasible).

5.4.1, 5.4.2

Provide safe access and basic facilities at South Channel Fort 5.4.1

Seek partnerships with the private sector at Point Nepean 5.4.2

Improve road access at Point Nepean for cycling and tours and improve shuttletransport services

5.4.2

Prepare and implement a master plan for the Cape Schanck precinct 5.4.2

Improve access to Greens Bush 5.4.3

Implementation


Table 10 (cont)


Arrange a formal agreement for the management of the Cape Schanck car park 5.4.3

Prepare a walking track plan and close informal tracks 5.4.4

Phase out camping in Greens Bush 5.4.5

Permit horse riding at St Andrews Beach only (to protect the Hooded Plover) 5.4.7

Introduce a permit system for all horse riding in the Park 5.4.7

Introduce 12-month trial to permit dogs on leads under special conditions. 5.4.11

Consider options for private sector involvement in providing visitor facilitiesand services at Highfield

5.5

Prepare and implement a coastal risk mitigation program 5.6

Monitoring and research

Undertake flora and fauna surveys and establish a monitoring database 3.2, 3.3

Monitor geological features such as cliffs and zeolite sites and dune blow-outs 4.3, 5.4.10

Monitor sites of flora significance 3.2

Monitor Hooded Plover populations and habitat areas 3.3

Monitor and maintain an ongoing archive of the condition and management ofAboriginal archaeological and historic sites

3.5

Undertake a weed mapping program 4.2

Monitor numbers and visitor use to ensure adequate provision of facilities 5.1

ARTHURS SEAT

STATE PARK


Arthurs Seat State Park 63

9 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

9.1 Geological and landformfeatures

Arthurs Seat State Park comprises a ridgeformed from Devonian granite in the SouthernVictorian Uplands (LCC 1994) and overlain inplaces on the lower slopes by either Tertiarybasalt or Quaternary aeolian siliceous andcalcareous sands (Ferwerda 1979). ArthursSeat ridge, the highest point on the MorningtonPeninsula, slopes gently to the south-west withundulating valleys flanking both sides of theridge.

Although no sites of geological significancehave been recorded in the Park, Arthurs Seathas local significance as the only knownassociation of the Dromana Granite andrhyodacite. This can be clearly seen on theArthurs Seat Road (Geological Society ofAustralia Inc. 1980). The trace of SelwynFault is also clearly evident to the west.

Gravel has been extracted on the northern andnorth-western escarpments since the 1960s(Calder 1986). Some of these old gravel pitsare located in the Park.

Geological and landform features of the Parkare, in general, not subject to threateningprocesses.

Aims

• Protect areas of geological andgeomorphological interest.

• Provide opportunities for appropriateresearch and appreciation of and educationabout geological and geomorphological sitesand processes.

Management strategy

• Provide interpretative material on thegeological features of the Park (section11.3).

9.2 Vegetation

Four threatened flora species are located in thePark (appendix 2). There is significant interestin the area from field naturalists and staff, but

there is no consistent and comprehensive florasurvey data for the Park. More than 25 speciesfound in the Park may be considered rare oruncommon on the Mornington Peninsula (CNR1996; Cook 1993).

The bushland area to the south of SeawindsGardens (former McKellar Flora Reserve)supports a diverse range of vegetationcommunities. Six communities have beenidentified as regionally significant, and theheathy woodland-lower slopes community is ofState significance (Cook 1993). Most of thisarea was burnt in a wildfire in January 1997(section 10.1).

There are also areas that should be managed forparticular species or communities, such as thePurple Eyebright sites and the grassy woodlandareas (section 10.1).

Many nearby vegetated blocks and roadsidesare isolated from the Park. Potential corridorsshould be considered to enhance the Park’sexisting ecological and landscape values.

The biggest threat to vegetation is the invasionof environmental weeds, and inappropriate fireregimes which may encourage pest plants.

Aims

• Conserve native plant communities in theirnatural condition, and maintain and enhancehabitat diversity.

• Provide special protection for significantplant species and communities.

• Improve knowledge of the Park’s flora andtheir management requirements.


• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedspecies, communities and potentiallythreatening processes according toapproved Action Statements.

• Manage communities to retain habitat andspecies diversity and ranges of vegetationclasses, with an emphasis on activelymanaging pest plants, appropriate fire


Arthurs Seat Park 64

regimes, and undertaking revegetationprograms.

• Develop a regional strategy to re-establishindigenous vegetation communities indisturbed areas by addressing naturalregeneration processes, and by activeplanting.

• Investigate regeneration of PurpleEyebright following the recent fires.

• Map and monitor vegetation communities,particularly sites of significant vegetationand locations of significant species.

• Continue to liaise with landholders, theShire and others as appropriate toencourage the maintenance andenhancement of ecological corridors(including roadsides) that connect to thePark (section 12.2 and 13.2).

9.3 Fauna

As one of the largest remaining areas of habitaton the Mornington Peninsula, the Park has avital role in fauna conservation in the region.Several species of State significance areregularly recorded from the Park (Lewin’s Rail,Powerful Owl) and many species of regionalsignificance (appendix 3). Species of particularregional importance include the SouthernBrown Bandicoot, Koala, Tree Goanna,Southern Emu-wren and Wedge-tailed Eagle.As well as these significant species, the Parksupports a diverse fauna, particularly of birds,that is regionally important as a majorcontributor to the conservation of biodiversityon the Peninsula.

Key habitat areas are the Park’s woodlands andforests, and the wet gully areas.

The key issue for the conservation of mostfauna species in the Park is the maintenance orenhancement of habitat quality through thecontrol of pest plants and diseases and throughappropriate fire regimes. Control of pestanimals is also important (section 10.2) forfauna conservation.

Aims

• Conserve native fauna and maintain theintegrity of their habitats.

• Provide special protection for significantfauna.

• Protect genetic diversity of nativepopulations and maintain habitat diversity.


• Encourage fauna surveys, giving priority tomammals, reptiles and amphibians andmaintaining the Park’s databases.

• Manage fauna species, communities andpotentially threatening processes listedunder the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Actaccording to approved Action Statements.

• Maintain and enhance fauna habitatquality through the control of pest plantsand diseases. Emphasise protection andenhancement measures for threatened andsignificant species (appendix 3).

9.4 Landscape

Arthurs Seat is the highest point on theMornington Peninsula (314 m) and is aprominent scenic landmark in an otherwiseresidential and agricultural landscape. ThePark offers some of the best views available ofPort Phillip Bay and the Peninsula and hasmany scenic outlooks from Seawinds Gardens,the summit area and elsewhere. The mix ofpre- and post-European visual features give thePark its unique character. Parts of ArthursSeat are listed on National Trust landscapeclassifications.

The Park lies within the Southern LowlandsLandscape Character Type (Leonard &Hammond 1984). Landscape features of thePark are of high scenic quality because of therolling terrain with forested areas; most of thewestern portion of this landscape type has beencleared outside the Park.

Kings Falls and the steep Waterfall Creek gullyare striking features in the south of the Park. Anumber of dams (e.g. the O.T. Dam) provideattractive settings within bushland environs.


65 Arthurs Seat State Park

Landscape values are affected by adjacent landuses, including quarries and residential andtourist development. Landscape integrity isalso compromised by the lack of contiguousland in the Park, especially across the northface. Large communication towers are locatedadjacent to Arthurs Seat summit.

Introduced pines, and particularly pine wildingsthat have invaded bushland areas, reduce thenaturalness of the Park landscape.

Aim

• Protect and preserve the landscape values ofthe Park in areas of scenic quality andviewer interest, especially at Arthurs Seatand Seawinds Gardens.


• Continue to liaise with the Shire tominimise visual impacts on parklandscapes and support initiatives toimprove the landscape character of areasnear the Park.

• Use landscape design expertise and followParks Victoria guidelines in facility designand construction in the Park.

• Progressively reinstate indigenousvegetation, including replacing pines andrevegetating cleared areas whereappropriate (section 9.2).

9.5 Cultural heritage

The Bunurong clan Burinyung-Bulluk occupiedthe southern section of the MorningtonPeninsula (Barwick 1984). The MorningtonPeninsula contains a wide range and largenumber of Aboriginal archaeological sites.However, most of these are along the coastalfringe; only one site is recorded in Arthurs SeatState Park (Site Register, Aboriginal AffairsVictoria). This may reflect the lack ofarchaeological survey and recording in the area.

The Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation andCultural Heritage Council is the relevantauthority for Aboriginal cultural heritage in thePark.

Matthew Flinders climbed Arthurs Seat in 1802on his voyage around Australia in theInvestigator. Land in the area was taken upfrom the 1840s.

The Park has been subject to a variety of usessince the Peninsula was settled, particularlytimber harvesting in the early days and clearingof the surrounding range for grazing andorchards. Before Arthurs Seat was reserved forpublic purposes (the Government had boughtback many blocks by the mid-1970s), the areawas under threat from residential developmentand quarrying.

Historic places include Seawinds Gardens,Arthurs Seat and the O.T. Dam area (appendix 4).Seawinds was developed in the 1940s and featuresWilliam Ricketts’ sculptures, sheltered lookoutsand attractive trees, lawns and gardens.

Aims

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

• Interpret significant historical andsignificant sites.


• Encourage and facilitate research to locateand determine significance of Aboriginalcultural sites with assistance fromAboriginal Affairs Victoria and theWurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation andCultural Heritage Council.

• Determine the significance of historicplaces in the Park, and develop strategiesto ensure appropriate protection.

• Liaise with local historical societies andFriends and encourage continuingcommunity participation in conservationand interpretation of sites, especially atSeawinds Gardens.

• Interpret historic sites in accordance withthe themes in table 11.



TABLE 11 EXISTING AND PROPOSED INTERPRETATION FACILITIES

CATEGORY SITE FORM AND THEMES

Primary Proposed Visitor Centre Interpretation to be tailored to specific visitorexperiences that highlight the Park’s environment,history and community use. The proposed visitorcentre to include a comprehensive overview ofArthurs Seat and Peninsula landforms; earlyexploration, settlement and changes in land use atArthurs Seat; creation of the Park and communityinvolvement in Park management

Secondary The summit, SeawindsGardens and walking tracklink (via Matthew Flinderslookout)

Interpretation to focus on site specific elements ofnatural and cultural history and human experienceswith nature including:

• urban pressures on natural remnants• Seawinds Gardens — history, Ricketts

sculptures, features, views• indigenous plants and revegetation• flora and fauna that visitors may see• fire and ecology (friend and foe)• geology and geomorphology — Arthurs Seat and

Port Phillip• Parks Victoria’s role and responsibilities

Tertiary Sites that attract fewervisitors in dispersed partsof the Park including:

Site specific interpretation that focuses on educationof visitors on:

Kings Falls, O.T. Dam • basic ecologyarea, Lookout Hill, • flora species and fauna habitatTwo Bays Walk, • site featuresMcKellar Circuit Walk • early land use (e.g. stone extraction, horticulture

and water supply)• key weed species

• Link interpretation of sites in the Park withAboriginal sites where appropriate, andwith other heritage sites on the Peninsula,including Mornington Peninsula NationalPark and Collins Settlement Site atSorrento.

Park protection


10 PARK PROTECTION

10.1 Fire management

The National Parks Act requires the Directorof National Parks to ensure that appropriateand sufficient measures are taken to protectparks and humans from injury by fire. Currentfire protection measures are in accordance withthe Code of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (CNR 1995a) and with the(former) Dandenong Region Fire ProtectionPlan (CNR 1992). This plan includesprovision for the maintenance of the Park’ssystem of fire protection tracks and firebreaks,and liaison with private landholders for thecommon purpose of fire management withinthe Park and on adjacent land.

Fire has significantly altered the vegetation inthe Park in the last few decades. BeforeEuropean settlement the vegetation consistedof Messmate forests with wet gullies lined withtree ferns. When utilisation of the areadeclined in the 1960s (including timber,quarrying, orchards and residentialdevelopment) and the area was reserved, thevegetation generally consisted of open grassywoodlands. Large wildfires in the 1970screated dense understoreys of tea-tree and,more recently, the introduced Boneseed andBluebell Creeper. Between these fires and therecent wildfires, only minor fuel reductionburns have occurred. Wildfires can threatenthe Park in summer but are usually contained.

The wildfire in January 1997 severely burntthe northern slopes of Arthurs Seat,approximately 70 % of the former McKellarReserve and parts of Seawinds Gardens andthe summit area. Park staff have prepared awildfire recovery plan incorporating strategiesto re-establish boundary fencing, minimise soilerosion, control weeds, rehabilitate theGardens and re-establish visitor facilities.

Steep slopes and the proximity of adjacentresidential development and other land usesrequires substantial fire management measuresto protect life, property and assets fromwildfire. The County Fire Authority

provides invaluable assistance with wildfirecontrol planning and suppression in andadjacent to the Park, and education of adjacentresidents.

There is a need to review fire protection onArthurs Seat in relation to protection of bothpublic and private assets. Access for firesuppression, co-ordinated fuel reductionburning in the Park and in private bushlandareas and other protection measures need to beplanned with the Shire and CFA.

The Regional Fire Protection Plan lists most ofthe Park as Priority 3 burning zone, with a fewpriority 4 (ecological burning zones) andpriority 2 zones. There is scope for ensuringthat fuel reduction burns also have positiveecological effects on habitats such as theThemeda grassy woodland areas on ConceptSpur.

Fire can alter vegetation structure and diversityand can assist in the control of some weedspecies. However, particular fire regimes havebeen shown to encourage Bluebell Creeper andBoneseed, which are present in the westernsection of the Park. Due regard should begiven to the effect of fuel reduction burning ondifferent weed species, and in some casesburning should be avoided in order to protectthe Park’s natural values.

Aims

• Protect human life, property and parkvalues from injury by fire.

• Minimise the adverse effects of all fires andfire suppression methods on park values.

• Maintain fire regimes appropriate to theconservation of native flora and fauna.


• Implement annual fire preventionmeasures in accordance with theDandenong Region Fire Protection Plan.

• Where possible, ensure that fuel reductionburns also have positive ecological effectsby ensuring that fire frequencies are not

Park protection


less than eight years in Priority 3 zones,with the exception of some specified areaswhere fire is used for weed control and ashorter fire rotation is required.

• Do not burn wet gullies in the Park unlessthere is a specifically identified ecologicalor management need.

• Prepare and implement recovery andrehabilitation plans following wildfires asnecessary.

• Develop a strategy for fire managementincorporating the needs of particularspecies and communities (section 9.2),access requirements, prescriptions for fuelreduction burning and maintenance offirebreaks and prescriptions for erosionand weed control (e.g. Boneseed andBluebell Creeper).

• Monitor the effects of fire on weed controlstrategies and structures of vegetationcommunities.

• Continue to liaise with NRE and theCountry Fire Authority regarding firemanagement.

10.2 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

Pest plants are considered one of the majorthreats to the Park. Large numbers ofdispersed plants as well as major infestationsoccur throughout the area. Majorenvironmental weeds are listed in appendix 5.

A weed mapping program has beenimplemented to form a sound basis for pestplant management. There are several areaswhere weed control has been successfullyundertaken by volunteers.

Some pest plant species (notably BluebellCreeper and Boneseed) are able to spread veryrapidly after fire (section 10.1).

Cinnamon Fungus is known to occur alongdrainage lines at Waterfall Gully and ReidsBlock, and is suspected on Concept Spur. Thedisease does not appear to threaten park valuesor adjacent property at this stage, and as a

result there is currently no strategy forCinnamon Fungus in the Park.

Foxes are one of the biggest threats to thefauna of the Park. Roaming domestic dogsand cats are common in and around the Park.

Pest plant problems extend across Parkboundaries. Strategies relating to the impactof environmental weeds in neighbouring areasare dealt with in section 12.2.

Aims

• Eradicate, or otherwise control, introducedplants, animals and diseases.

• Protect the Park from other threats anddiseases, in particular Cinnamon Fungus.

• Minimise the impact of control programson native flora and fauna.


• Develop and implement an ecologically-based pest plant management strategyincorporating the following principles:

• identify priorities for protection ofsignificant natural and cultural assets;

• prioritise weed species (appendix 5);• identify and control isolated

infestations before they spread;• identify those areas or species for

which control will not be feasible;• identify weed-free areas;• minimise the spread of weeds into

weed-free areas and reduce the risk ofinfestation;

• maintain a weed mapping program;• develop strategies in accordance with

Parks Victoria guidelines.

• Until the pest plant management strategyis prepared, control pest plants using theabove principles, and give priority toBoneseed, Bluebell Creeper, Pittosporum,pines and Furze.

• Liaise with the Catchment and LandProtection Board when developingpriorities for pest plants and animals.

• Develop and implement a control strategyfor Cinnamon Fungus incorporating:

Park protection


• management prescriptions;• visitor use;• fire control and prevention;• co-operative management approaches;• education of local communities.

• Encourage volunteers to assist in smallareas with major weed problems.

• Remove mature pines and pine wildingsfrom bushland areas of the Park andmature pines in Seawinds Gardens as theybecome unsafe.

• Liaise with Park neighbours and localnurseries to reduce the sale and plantingof weeds.

• Use results of fauna surveys to targetareas for fox control.

• Liaise with the Shire and encourageeducation on responsible pet ownership.

10.3 Soil conservation

The Park contains old gravel sites that requirerehabilitation. Because of the hilly terrain andthe nature of the soils, areas of the Park aresusceptible to erosion, especially during wetterperiods of the year and following

wildfire, particularly on the steep erosion-prone granitic soils. Often management tracksneed to be closed to management vehiclesduring winter as they become impassable.

Aim

• Prevent and control soil erosion from visitorand management activities, and wherepossible from adjoining activities.


• Monitor and manage tracks and disturbedareas to control soil erosion.

• Rehabilitate and revegetate disturbedareas, particularly tracks that are not partof the designated track network and oldgravel sites.

• Ensure erosion control is given priority inwildfire recovery plans (section 10.1).

• Upgrade and improve walking tracks andmanagement vehicle tracks that arecurrently eroded or have the potential toerode during wetter weather (sections11.4.2 and 11.4.3).

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11 THE PARK VISIT

11.1 The Park visitor

Most visitors to Arthurs Seat State Park arefrom Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula.However, significant numbers of interstate andoverseas tourists visit the Arthurs Seat summitarea and chairlift.

Popular activities include sight-seeing,picnicking, bushwalking and heritageappreciation.

The Park attracts about 700 000 visitorsannually. The summit area is one of the mostpopular attractions on the MorningtonPeninsula and has about 600 000 visitors peryear. Seawinds Gardens attracts 70 000visitors and 80 000 take a ride on the chairlifteach year. Numbers of visitors are expected toincrease following redevelopment of the Park’smajor recreation sites (section 11.4.1).

The majority of visitors to the Park travel viathe Mornington Peninsula freeway and theArthurs Seat Scenic Road. Other key accessroutes include Arthurs Seat and Purves Road,both of which link with the rural area of theMornington Peninsula. Directional signs to thePark’s major attractions are provided on thearterial road network.

Park visits are concentrated at the summit,chairlift and Seawinds Gardens areas.Attractions such as Kings Falls, Lookout Hill,and the O.T. Dam receive a moderate numberof visitors.

The addition of the summit and chairlift areasto the Park provides an opportunity to raise theprofile of the whole Park, integrate Seawindswith the popular summit area more effectivelyand enhance use and knowledge of the Park’sother attractions and range of bush walkingopportunities. The additions, which have joinedisolated blocks, also provide an opportunity forwalking tracks to be linked on both the northernand western escarpments of Arthurs Seat.

Providing for the visitor

Parks Victoria’s integrated approach to parkmanagement and planning for visitors

facilities outlined for the Mornington PeninsulaNational Park in section 5.1 equally apply tovisitor management for Arthurs Seat StatePark.

Future visitor management for the Park willaddress the following key considerations:

• The Park’s strategic location adjacent to theMornington Peninsula freeway and potentialfor a ‘gateway’ orientation and informationnode to service visitors to the Park andpotential visitors to other attractions such asMornington Peninsula National Park(sections 5.1 and 5.3.1).

• Improvement of visitor facilities in the Park,especially within the popular ‘visitorprecinct’ encompassing the chairlift, thesummit, Seawinds Gardens and the sceniclookouts on Arthurs Seat Tourist Road.

• The Park’s lookout facilities, which offerpanoramic views across Port Phillip and thesouthern Peninsula, provide opportunitiesfor visitors to the Park to orientatethemselves in relation to the City ofMelbourne, Port Phillip Heads and otherareas of interest.

• The feasibility of a major visitor centreshould be investigated as part of the suite oftourist facilities and services provided in theprecinct.

• Promotion of the Park should emphasise thatthe Park offers unique experiences notprovided elsewhere on the MorningtonPeninsula, and which together with other keyattractions, offers visitors a diverse‘Peninsula parks experience’.

• Enhancing excellent walking opportunitiesthrough development of link tracks andcircuits emanating from the ‘visitorprecinct’.

The Park contains a range of settings foroutdoor recreation. Seawinds Gardens and thesummit area offer formal and indigenousgardens, excellent views of Port Phillip Bay andthe Peninsula, and pleasant picnicking andwalking opportunities.

Park protection


Most of the remainder of the Park consists ofbushland blocks of natural and near-naturalhabitat which offer opportunities for short andlonger bushwalks, picnicking and natureappreciation. Seamist Drive (i.e. the ConceptSpur area) provides excellent views of thesouthern Peninsula.

The number of international tourists is expectedto increase as facilities and services areenhanced, particularly in the summit area. Thesummit has the potential to increase its role as amajor focal point for tourism and become amajor node to inform visitors about thePeninsula’s parks, attractions andopportunities.

Visitor facilities and services are currentlyconcentrated at Seawinds Gardens, the summitand the base of the chairlift. The chairlift willcontinue to be an important facility.

Basic facilities will be provided in bushlandareas compatible with sound management ofnatural values. Walking opportunities will befurther developed and promoted to increase useand enjoyment of these areas.

The level of use of bushland areas is relativelylow and is not expected to significantly affectpark values in the foreseeable future. Thesummit and base of the chairlift are heavilyused and active management will be needed tominimise impacts on the Park’s conservationand landscape values. A plan for thedevelopment of the Arthurs Seat visitor precinctwill determine the final boundaries of theRecreation Development Zones between thesummit and Seawinds Gardens (section 11.4.1).

Improved promotional activities andinformation services are required to raise theawareness of recreation opportunities in thePark and to help visitors discover sites ofinterest. There is also a need to create a senseof arrival through prominent signage andorientation and information services at keylocations.

Existing and proposed market research withinthe tourism industry can assist with planningfor future visitors. There are opportunities tofind out more about visitors to the Park and todetermine their needs and preferences.

Aims

• Provide for visitors in accordance with theabove overview of future management forvisitors.

• Develop a more detailed understanding ofcurrent and potential visitors.

• Enhance awareness and appreciation of thePark’s values and opportunities.

• Ensure that visitors have minimal impact onthe Park.


• Permit recreation activities in accordancewith table 12.

• Provide and maintain facilities and serviceswhich highlight, but are in keeping with,the area’s distinctive character (section11.4).

• Establish a hierarchy of orientation andinterpretation services (section 11.3).

• Encourage customer research through thetourism sector on visitor satisfaction,profiles, use patterns and expectations.

• Apply market research findings on visitorprofiles, patterns of behaviour,expectations and preferences to assist inpark management.

• Monitor visitor numbers and use to ensureadequate provision of facilities consistentwith appropriate types and levels of use.

• Encourage all visitors to adopt minimalimpact techniques and adhere to codes ofconduct appropriate to their activity.

11.2 Marketing

The Tourism Development Plan for theMornington Peninsula (Mornington PeninsulaTourism Forum 1995) identifies the importanceof natural areas and bushwalking opportunitieson the Peninsula, many of which are in thePark.

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TABLE 12 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT ZONES

1 2 3

Picnicking N Y YWalking Y Y YCamping N N NBicycle riding N YC YCHorse riding N N NOrienteering N N NRock climbing/Abseiling N N NFishing N/A Y N/AFossicking N N NHang gliding, paragliding N/A N NFirewood collection N N NHunting N N NDogs N N NNature observation/study Y Y Y

Zones:1 Conservation Zone Y Yes2 Conservation and Recreation Zone YC Conditional — refer to relevant section for details3 Recreation Development Zone N Not appropriate

N/A Not applicable

These are seen as complementing visits to otherattractions in the rural areas of Main Ridge andRed Hill such as wineries, galleries, tearoomsand mazes.

The Park can assist in achieving regionalmarketing aims of re-imaging the Peninsulaaway from the image as mostly a summer beachdestination (section 5.2).

Marketing has the potential to raise communityawareness of the Park as a key naturalattraction with a diverse range of opportunitiesfor year-round non-beach related activities.The competitive strengths of the Park are thespectacular scenic views available day andnight and the chairlift, complemented by avariety of opportunities for outdoor leisure (e.g.picnicking and walking in bushland and gardensettings).

Promotion of visits to the Mornington Peninsulashould incorporate the Park as one of the ‘mustsee and experience’ venues as part of theregional attractions.

The inclusion of the chairlift and summit areainto the Park will enable the chairlift to bepromoted as an integral part of the Park andexperiences offered in the visitor precinct.

The proximity of the ‘visitor precinct’ tonatural areas and expansive views provides anopportunity for the Park to be promoted as avenue for visitors to appreciate and learn aboutthe Peninsula’s natural heritage (section11.3.2).

The Park is well placed to increase its appeal tokey market segments such as Nature MadeEasy, Social Relaxers, Out and About Seniorsand Family Focused visitor segments.

A marketing strategy for the Park needs to givean emphasis to:

• imaging that not only emphasises the Parksstrengths but also complements the strengthsof other key park attractions on thePeninsula (e.g. Point Nepean and CapeSchanck);

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• increasing the profile of the ‘visitor precinct’and range of activities for visitors;

• highlighting that the Park is one of a rangeof attractions on the Mornington Peninsulafor year-round visits;

• targeting key market segments.

Aim

• Market the Park as a key regional attractionand in conjunction with the MorningtonPeninsula National Park and relatedattractions.


• Develop distinctive imaging for the Park’sstrengths (i.e. non-beach, naturalattraction) for future marketing activities.

• Work in partnership with the tourismindustry and tour operators to target keymarkets and promote the Park and itsopportunities for all-year sightseeing andnature-based activities. Ensure that thechairlift is promoted as a key Parkattraction.

• Provide the tourism industry and keyoperators with information and materialsto support their promotional activities.

• Promote the Park in conjunction with theMornington Peninsula National Park andother related attractions.

11.3 Informing the visitor

11.3.1 Orientation

The major portion of visitors to the Park arriveas independent car-based travellers andparticipants on organised coach tours.Orientation information on arrival is animportant service that enables visitors to readilylocate where they are, identify sites of interestand how to get there and provide information onthe Park features. This is important for ArthursSeat due to the fragmented nature of the Parkand the choice that visitors have on how theyundertake their visit.

It is important that visitors travelling fromMelbourne and further afield experience a senseof arrival at key entry points to the Park. Thiswill help maximise their enjoyment of the Park,inform visitors about minimal impact use andenhance awareness of potential risks (e.g.wildfires on days of high fire danger).

Orientation nodes may be required at both thebase of the chairlift and at the summit tocapture visitors travelling via different routes.Low-key orientation information is alsorequired at the Park’s dispersed features toservice vehicle-based visitors and walkers usingthe track network or walking in from adjacentareas.

The primary source of pre-visit information isthe Park brochure, primarily available at touristinformation centres on the Peninsula, and theParks Victoria Information Service (telephone13 1963). Some additional pre-visitinformation is included in tourism publicationswidely available on the Mornington Peninsula.

A Peninsula Parks Drive is proposed to link thePark with Mornington Peninsula National Parkand other attractions (section 5.3.1). ArthursSeat strategic location in relation to the arterialroad network provides an opportunity for thePark to act as a key node for provision ofinformation on the Parks Drive and directvisitors through the rural areas to Greens Bushand Cape Schanck and to Point Nepean and themajor ocean beaches.

Pre-visit information about Arthurs Seat canalso be provided at other Parks Victoria venueson the Mornington Peninsula.

There is scope to improve roadside directionsigns to enhance access to the Park’s dispersedattractions (e.g. Kings Falls and the O.T. Dam).

Aims

• Provide pre-visit motivational and tourplanning information about the Park.

• Orientate vehicle-based travellers to thePark in relation to features and opportunitiesfor visitors.

• Inform visitors on low impact and safe use.

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• Develop and distribute pre-visitinformation about the Park. Includeinformation on vehicle and pedestrianaccess, access for the disabled, features,codes of behaviour and safety.

• Incorporate the need for orientationservices at key ‘entry nodes’ to the Parkinto the future planning for development ofthe visitor precinct (section 11.4.1).

• Implement an orientation strategy for thePark based on provision of orientationfacilities in the Park in accordance withTable 13 and including potentialorientation information at other ParksVictoria venues and Tourist InformationCentres (Section 5.3.1).

• Include Arthurs Seat as a key node andsource of orientation information within theproposed ‘Peninsula Parks Drive’ (section5.3.1).

• Liaise with VicRoads and the Shire toimprove direction signs on major roads topark features.

• Actively promote use of the Parks VictoriaInformation Service (13 1963) as a keysource of pre-visit information.

11.3.2 Interpretation and education

Current information and interpretation servicesprovided in the Park include a Park brochure,information shelters at Seawinds Gardens andinterpretative signs at Kings Falls, the TwoBays Track and Seawinds Gardens. Aninterpretative trail and worksheet for children iscurrently provided through the chairliftoperation.

The high number of visits to the Park’s mainrecreation sites presents an opportunity tosubstantially improve visitor awareness of thePark and knowledge of appropriate uses andbehaviour through improved interpretationfacilities and services.

There is potential to develop a visitor centre asa focal point where visitors can gaininformation on the whole Park (section 11.1) inpartnership with the private tourism sector.

There is also potential to improve on-siteinterpretation within the main ‘visitor precinct’,particularly at lookouts and along the circuitwalk connecting the summit with Seawinds andthe Matthew Flinders cairn.

Aims

• Enhance visitor understanding andenjoyment of the Park.

• Encourage visitors to adopt minimumimpact activities.


• Provide Park interpretation services inaccordance with table 11.

• Ensure that interpretation incorporatesinformation on visitor safety and low-impact use and information for specificuser groups (e.g. disabled persons).

• Encourage quality commercial andvolunteer interpretative programs.Maintain regular contact between staff andvisitors and staff and tourism operatorsand encourage the provision of informationon low-impact use.

• Support and provide input intointerpretation and education productsprovided by the tourism industry and theprivate sector.

• Establish and implement monitoring andmaintenance schedules for allinterpretative facilities.

• Undertake regular evaluation ofinformation and interpretation programsrelated to the Park.

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TABLE 13 EXISTING AND PROPOSED VISITOR ORIENTATION FACILITIES

CATEGORY SITE

Major indoor display Proposed Arthurs Seat Visitor Centre*

Indoor display Other Parks Victoria venues* and major Tourist InformationCentres on the Mornington Peninsula (see section 5.3.1)

Outdoor/Sheltered display • ‘Gateway’ facility at the base of the Chairlift*(including signage map) • Arthurs Seat summit area*

• Parks Victoria Office at Rosebud

Information Shelter Seawinds Gardens main picnic area* and indigenous garden

Signage/Map • Seawinds and Arthurs SeatScenic Road lookouts

• Two Bays Walking Track(Latrobe Parade)

• McLarens Dam • O.T. Dam Car Park andwalk

• Lookout Hill• Concept Spur

• Kings Falls Car Park andCircuit Walk

* Specific location of facilities subject to future tourism development at Arthurs Seat (section 11.4.1). Displaysat other venues subject to investigation and future tourism development (e.g. Cape Schanck and Highfield).

11.4 Visitor recreation

11.4.1 Day use areas

Existing recreation facilities for day visitors areshown in table 14 and figure 5. The majority ofthese are currently within the Park’s RecreationDevelopment Zones at Seawinds Gardens, thesummit and the base of the chairlift.

Seawinds Gardens facilities include car parks,picnic facilities, toilets, barbecues, walkingtracks, lookouts, and information shelters.Weddings and a range of low-key events arefrequently held in the gardens.

The summit and chairlift areas includetearooms and kiosks, toilets, picnic facilities,barbecues, lookouts and walking tracks.Elsewhere in the Park, basic facilities includingcar parking, walking tracks and signs areprovided.

Facilities for persons with limited mobility areonly currently provided at Seawinds Gardensand the summit area.

There is a major opportunity to improve thequality and range of visitor facilities and furtherimprove integration of the summit area with otherareas of the Park through improved design,enhanced information services and improved tracklinkages. The summit and chairlift have thepotential to become a greater focal point fortourism on the Peninsula, although parkingavailability may be a constraint.

The chairlift, a significant attraction, has beenin operation since 1960. There is potential toupgrade the chairlift and provide enhancedvisitor experiences all year round.

Aims

• Provide and upgrade day visitor facilitieswhich enhance visitor enjoyment and areconsistent with protecting park values.

• Provide facilities and services for a varietyof visitor experiences appropriate to thePark.

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TABLE 14 EXISTING AND PROPOSED RECREATION FACILITIES

SITE TOILET PICNIC

TABLES

GAS/EL

BBQS

WATER

SUPPLY

PARK

INFO

WALK

TRACK

LOOK-OUT

SHELTER KIOSK

Seawinds Gardens E E E E E E E P N

O.T. Dam N N N N P E P N N

Lookout Hill P P N P P E E N N

Concept Spur(Seamist Drive)

N N N N P E E N N

Arthurs SeatSummit

E E E E P E E P E

Base of chairlift E E P E P E N E E

Kings Falls N N N N P E N N N

E = existing facility N = no facilityP = proposed facility

• Develop Arthurs Seat as a key touristdestination.


• Concentrate day visitor facilities within theArthurs Seat visitor precinct’s RecreationDevelopment Zones to minimise impacts onsensitive areas.

• Provide recreation facilities in accordancewith table 14.

• In partnership with the tourism sector,prepare and implement a plan for thefuture development of the Arthurs Seatvisitor precinct which incorporates thefollowing:

• enhanced facilities and services(table 14);

• improved access for persons withlimited mobility to facilities andfeatures;

• a visitor centre with information andother services that enhance enjoymentand experiences;

• upgraded walking links between majorrecreation sites and other features;

• appropriate commercial facilities;

• fire protection requirements to protectvisitors and assets;

• enhanced bushland values in clearedand degraded areas;

• an upgraded chairlift and associatedfacilities;

• potential development of the base of thechairlift as a gateway to the Park.

11.4.2 Vehicle access

Public vehicle access within the Park isrestricted to the main Arthurs Seat ScenicRoad, the Bunurong Track and the entry roadinto Seawinds Gardens.

VicRoads is responsible for management of thesection of Arthurs Seat Road within the formerPublic Park area and the Shire manages otherroads giving access to various Park areas. Anumber of car parks providing for access to thePark are located on or adjacent to these roads.Improved signs are needed to enhance access tosome sites such as Kings Falls, the O.T. Damand Lookout Hill.Bunurong Track provides a local traffic linkbetween Rosebud and the Arthurs Seat, RedHill and Main Ridge areas. Unfortunately, thetrack has been the site where a number of fireshave been deliberately lit, including the major

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wildfire in January 1997. Temporary closureduring the fire danger period is desirable.

Management tracks in the Park are not suitablefor public vehicles but offer good opportunitiesfor walking.

Aims

• Provide and maintain appropriate roads andtracks for visitor use and managementpurposes.

• Increase awareness of the location of Parkfeatures and facilities.


• Permit use of and maintain roads andtracks in accordance with table 15, figure 5and Parks Victoria guidelines.

• Continue to liaise with the Shire andVicRoads regarding the management ofaccess roads and roadside parking areasadjacent to the Park.

• Enter into an agreement with the Shire onfuture management of Bunurong Track,including potential for closure during thefire danger period.

11.4.3 Walking

The Park offers scenic short walks at SeawindsGardens and adjacent areas, and pleasantlonger bushwalks at several sites (table 16 andfigure 5). The Two Bays Track, whichcommences near Dromana, traverses the Parkbelow Seawinds Gardens and ends at KingsFalls. It has been proposed to link the trackwith Greens Bush (section 5.4.4).

There is potential to develop a northernescarpment walk subject to negotiation with theR.E. Ross Trust (section 13.2), as part of aproposed long distance walking track networkon the Mornington Peninsula.

The addition of land on the north face ofArthurs Seat to the Park has provided theopportunity to link existing tracks and createseveral loop walks.

There are opportunities to improve use of thewalking tracks and enhance enjoyment of thePark’s features, particularly through provisionof orientation and interpretation information(section 11.3).

Most walking tracks are in good conditionalthough regular maintenance is required,particularly in areas prone to erosion. Sometracks in the former Public Park area need re-alignment and upgrading to minimise erosion.

Aims

• Provide a walking track system for a rangeof walking opportunities while protectingpark values.

• Increase use and enjoyment of the tracksystem.


• Provide and maintain a network of walkingtracks in accordance with table 16 andParks Victoria guidelines.

• Prepare a walking track plan for the Park.Include a review of existing tracks andmake provision for additional link and looptracks where land capability is adequate,particularly on the north escarpment ofArthurs Seat.

• Monitor the condition of walking tracksand ensure maintenance to Parks Victoriastandards.

• Enhance start and end points for tracks(e.g. at Lookout Hill) and upgrade mapsand signs, giving time and distanceinformation.

• Improve awareness of walkingopportunities through publications andpromotional activities in conjunction withthe Shire and tourist industry,.

• Negotiate with the R. E. Ross Trustregarding a link track between the O.T.Dam and Lookout Hill.

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TABLE 15 MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE ROADS AND TRACKS

ROAD/TRACK NAME CURRENT COMMENTS²CLASS STATUS

Arthurs Seat Rd 1 O/C Major scenic road (excluded from Park managedby VicRoads and the Shire).

Bunurong Tk 1 O/C Local through traffic.

Concept Spur Tk 3 MVO/C Upgrade erodible sections.

McLarens Dam Tk 3 MVO/C

Cook St Spur Tk 3 MVO Steep. Upgrade erodible sections.

Quarry Tk 3 MVO/C Steep. Upgrade erodible sections.

O.T. Dam Tk (from ArthursSeat Rd - Hillview CommunityReserve)

3 MVO/C Steep sections. Upgrade erodible sections.

Seawinds Entry Rd 1 O/C Vehicles and cyclists only during park openinghours.

² Tracks to be maintained to their current class and status unless indicated.Class: Status:1 = all weather 2WD road O = open to public vehicles2 = dry weather 2WD road MVO = management vehicles and walkers only3 = 4WD track W = walkers only

C = cycling

TABLE 16 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING TRACKS

NAME CURRENT

CLASS

COMMENTS²

Walking track

Two Bays Track A2/B Various surfaces, some steep and steppedsections. Upgrade erodible sections.

McKellar Circuit Walk A2/B Natural surface.

Kings Falls Circuit Walk A2/B Steep/stepped sections — gravel/natural surface

Lookout Hill Circuit Walk - Natural surface, to be A2/B class.

O.T. Dam Circuit Walk - Short circuit with steps/boardwalks — access viaO.T. Dam Tk, to be A2/B class.

Friends Track (Reids Block) B Natural surface.

Arthurs Seat Summit walk(s) A1/A2/B Link track to Seawinds. Upgrade sectionsclassed as B to class A2.

Seawinds walks A1/A2 Gravel and grassed surfaces.

² Tracks to be maintained to their current class and status unless indicated.

Class:A1 = walking track suitable for disabled access, fully sealed surface, 1.5–2.0 m wideA2 = well defined walking track up to 1.5 m wide, well drained with a good surfaceB = well defined, benched and drained walking track up to 1.0 m wide, rougher than category A and may have

some steep sectionsC = walking track defined through use which may be benched, drained and cleared in sectionsD = a walking track or path defined through use but having no basic construction

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11.4.4 Camping

Camping facilities have not been provided inthe Park because of site constraints. Someundesirable camping has occurred in bushlandareas, e.g. near the O.T. Dam, leading toproblems with disposal of human wastes,inappropriate fire lighting, damage tovegetation, soil erosion and conflicts with othervisitors. Demand appears to be low andprovision for camping is inappropriate becauseof environmental impacts. Alternative semi-natural sites are available elsewhere on thePeninsula.

Aim

• Protect park values by not permittingcamping.


• Do not provide for camping in the Park.

• Advise visitors of alternative sites outsidethe Park.

11.4.5 Cycling

Cycling, particularly mountain bike riding, isincreasingly popular in the Park. Somemanagement tracks are suitable for this use butnone of the walking tracks are appropriatebecause of conflicts with walkers and possibledamage to soils and vegetation.

Aim

• Provide for cycling where compatible withother management objectives.


• Provide for cycling only on specified roadsand management tracks (table 15).

• Encourage use of the Mountain Bike Code.

11.4.6 Dogs

Dogs have been allowed in some of the areasrecently added to the Park (i.e. former PublicPark area). Dogs are also permitted invehicles in transit through the Park on publicroads.

Dogs are not desirable in the Park because ofthreats to fauna and conflict with othervisitors. There are many alternative areasavailable for dog walking outside the Park,including adjacent reserves, municipal parksand the Port Phillip Bay foreshore beaches.

Potential conflicts created by dogs should beresolved in a manner which protects naturalvalues, safeguards visitor well-being andmaximises enjoyment of the Park.

Aim

• Regulate dog use to protect park values,ensure public safety and enhance visitorexperience.


• Do not permit dogs in the Park.

• Permit dogs in the former Public Parkarea only until 1 May 1998.

• Provide information through keycommunity groups and the local media toinform residents and visitors on thereasons for prohibiting dogs in the Park.Provide visitors with information onalternative areas where dogs arepermitted.

• Liaise with the Shire to encouragecontinuing provision of areas for dogwalking outside the Park.

11.5 Commercial tourismoperations

Significant commercial tourism operations inthe Park include the chairlift and associatedfacilities. The summit area also includes asmall craft cottage and the tower lookout.

Weddings and various events and activities atSeawinds Gardens are arranged by permit.

Future development on Arthurs Seat (section11.4.1) may provide for existing and potentialtourism facilities and services to be integratedwith other areas of the Park (e.g. SeawindsGardens).

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There are opportunities for the commercialsector to provide a range of quality visitorfacilities and services, particularly within themajor recreation sites. Opportunities includepackaged activities in the area as part of bus orself-drive tours, and guided tours of SeawindsGardens and the natural areas of the Park.

Facilities that may be provided, and locations,will be considered in the proposed plan for thedevelopment of the visitor precinct as a majortourism destination (section 11.4.1).

Aims

• Provide opportunities for commercialtourism services consistent with parkmanagement aims.

• Complement other tourism opportunitiesand activities on the Peninsula.


• Develop partnerships with the tourismsector for the provision of compatiblefacilities and services and participation inmanagement within the RecreationDevelopment Zones.

• Encourage increased use of the Park bynature-based tour operators for activitiescompatible with conservation objectives.

• Ensure any new commercial developmentsor activities are consistent with the Park’sstatus as a State Park.

• Ensure positive benefits to Parks Victoriafrom commercial use and special events atSeawinds Gardens and other sites.

• Encourage and manage compatible eventsat Seawinds Gardens (e.g. non-intrusivemusic or theatre) in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines.

• Support the production and distribution oftargeted promotional material includingmaps, brochures and guidebooks andother media featuring the Park andcomplementary attractions on thePeninsula.

• Run in-Park functions and provideinformation to raise awareness by tourismoperators, tourist information staff,service clubs and other localorganisations.

• Maintain close contact with TourismVictoria and the Mornington PeninsulaTourism organisations, and participate instrategic planning and marketingcampaigns.

11.6 Public safety

Parks Victoria has a responsibility to providesafe facilities and to ensure that visitors areaware of safety issues and risks.

Seawinds Gardens and the bushland areas havea low level of risk although potential wildfiresmay pose significant threats in dry weather.Open water bodies, e.g. the O.T. Dam,constitute a potential risk to visitors.

The chairlift operation involves issues ofpublic safety relating to access and walkingtracks on steep slopes.

Mature pine and other trees located in highvisitor areas are a potential risk to the publicwhen they become unsafe.

The Victoria Police is responsible for searchand rescue operations within the Park. Theseactivities usually involve Parks Victoria, theState Emergency Service and other groupsunder Police supervision. There is anemergency response plan for wildfire atArthurs Seat.

Aims

• Warn visitors about the Park’s risks.

• Promote and encourage safe practicesamong staff and visitors to the Park.

• Comply with Parks Victoria guidelines onrisk management.


• Ensure that staff are trained inappropriate emergency procedures.

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• Manage the Park in accordance withParks Victoria risk mitigation andemergency management guidelines.

• Upgrade signage and information toimprove visitor awareness of safety issuesand potential hazards in the Park (section11.3).

• Include a review of access and walkingtracks under the chairlift in the walkingtrack plan for the Park (section 11.4.3).

• Monitor the condition of mature trees invisitor areas and take action wherenecessary (section 10.2).

• Continue to liaise with emergency servicesin relation to emergency responseplanning.

• Contribute to Emergency Managementplanning for search and rescue in thePark.



12 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

12.1 Friends and volunteers

The Park has one of the largest and mostimportant volunteer resources assisting ParksVictoria. These include the Seawinds Gardensnursery volunteers, the Friends of Arthurs SeatState Park, approximately 24 other volunteergroups and a number of individuals with anactive interest in the Park. Most volunteers livenear the Park.

Friends and volunteers have made majorcontributions to park management, includingthe propagation of all indigenous plants used inPark revegetation works and for sale to otheragencies and the local community. Otheractivities undertaken include most of the treeand shrub planting, intensive weed control overmore than 5% of the Park, establishing andmaintaining indigenous gardens, assisting in themaintenance of Seawinds Gardens, and walkingtrack construction. Valuable research andsurvey work has also been undertaken by manyfield naturalists.

Parks Victoria gives substantial support to thevolunteer resource and promotes local publicityto encourage numbers. Volunteer work in thePark is an important theme in education andinterpretation programs.

Aim

• Encourage and maintain volunteerinvolvement in managing the Park.


• Support and encourage existing volunteergroups and programs.

• Encourage growth of volunteer groups andrecruitment of additional members.

• Continue to provide a co-ordination andsupport role for the groups, and ensure thatthe programs are consistent with, andenhance, the long-term management of thePark.

• Develop, implement and evaluate a long-term volunteer strategy which incorporatesthe skills and interests of volunteer groupsin a broad range of park managementactivities, e.g. monitoring and research,conservation works and volunteer guideprograms.

• Develop a co-ordinated approach toincorporate data and research results fromvolunteers, field naturalists and Friendsgroups into the Park’s databases (sections9.2 and 9.3).

12.2 Community awareness andPark neighbours

Residential development has occurred alongmost of the southern and western Parkboundaries. Other adjacent uses includefarmland, quarries and public land.

Principal issues involving adjacent housinginclude boundary encroachment, invasion ofpest plants, dog walking along boundaries andfire protection. The problem of invading pestplants is enhanced by the availability ofenvironmental weeds from local nurseries andthe general lack of public knowledge about theirimpacts on park values.

The recent consolidation of the Park (with theaddition of the Public Park and other areas)provides the opportunity for the Park’s image tobe enhanced by having a single land status.

Aims

• Increase public awareness of managementactivities undertaken in the Park.

• Create a positive image of the Park.

• Encourage conservation and sound landmanagement and recreation practices onprivate land adjoining the Park.




• Liaise with local community groups andland owners, and as appropriate involvethem in relevant aspects of planning andmanaging the Park.

• Apply the ‘Good Neighbour’ policy tomanagement issues on or near theboundary of the Park, particularly relatingto invasive garden plants.

• Continue regular liaison with adjoiningland owners about park managementissues.

12.3 Schools and other education

The Park presents a range of opportunities forenvironmental education, particularly studies onthe impacts of development on environmentalvalues, urban and rural interfaces andenvironmental management.

With the development of a curriculum programabout the Victorian parks system available toschools on the internet (section 6.3), localschools in particular are likely to continue visitsto the Park.

The proposed visitor centre at Arthurs Seat(section 11.4.1) has potential to be a focal pointfor school and other education group visits tothe Park and provide orientation andinformation services to enable groups to accessnearby sites for educational activities.

Park staff can assist with school visits andcurriculum-based studies through the provisionof resource materials.

Aim

• Provide for use of the Park as aneducational resource for schools and othergroups.


• Encourage self-sufficient school and othereducational group visits to the Park,focused in the visitor precinct and nearbysites of interest.

• Support school curriculum based activitiesand projects through the provision ofeducational resource materials.

Other issues


13 OTHER ISSUES

13.1 Authorised uses

A number of public authorities maintainfacilities within the Park (table 17). South-EastWater maintain a pluviograph at SeawindsGardens and an undergroundtelecommunication line, located in the areaadjacent to the O.T. Dam, is not currentlycovered under a Section 27 consent.

Other uses include a seismograph station atLookout Hill which is utilised by RMIT andmay require relocation and licensing. TheCarrington Bowling Club maintains a watersupply tank, pump station, water mains andpower supply at McLarens Dam which aresubject to licensing.

The Park attracts a number of major eventsincluding the annual Hill Climb on ArthursSeat, and minor events such as weddings atSeawinds Gardens (section 11.5).

There are also a number of occupations in theformer Public Park area including the chairliftlease and tower/kiosk lease. Legislation whichprovided for the addition of this area to thePark also provides for leases to continue byarrangement under the leasing provisions of theNational Parks Act.

Aims

• Provide for the appropriate use andmaintenance of existing public utilities in thePark.

• Minimise the impacts of the constructionand maintenance of utility installations onthe Park.


• Liaise with utilities and service providerswith existing facilities in the Park to ensurethat maintenance and new works areconsistent with maintaining park values.

• Ensure that existing and new public utilitiesare covered by a Section 27 consent.

• Ensure that any new proposals for publicutilities in or adjacent to the Park areassessed for their landscape impacts.

• Manage major events in accordance withParks Victoria guidelines.

• Monitor uses for visual and environmentalimpact on park values.

13.2 Boundaries and adjacent landuses

The Park consists of a number of parcels ofland and is largely surrounded by housing andsemi-developed land, generating a longboundary and associated management issues.

Other adjoining uses include Hillview andPioneer Quarries, Rosebud Park Golf Courseand farmland.

The R. E. Ross Trust owns a number ofbushland areas on the northern escarpment ofArthurs Seat. These areas are important forwildlife habitat and their contribution to naturallandscape values. There may be an opportunityto establish future walking track links betweenseparated parcels of Park in these areas throughpotential additions to the Park or negotiatedagreement with the Ross Trust.

The recent addition of the former Arthurs SeatPublic Park, McKellar Flora Reserve area,Tower Hill Road link and Parkdale Estate areahave joined the major portions of public landparcels on Arthurs Seat to form a consolidatedState Park. The former Public Park area adds arange of new uses and boundary issues.

The Shire-owned land in the Concept Spur areaof the Park is currently managed on a day-to-day basis by Parks Victoria. There is noformal agreement between the Shire and ParksVictoria for management. The Two BaysTrack passes through this area.

Other issues


TABLE 17 AUTHORISED USES AND OCCUPATIONS

LOCATION AUTHORISED USE COMMENTS

Lookout Hill RMIT seismograph Subject to possible relocationand licensing.

Seawinds Gardens South-East Water pluviograph Covered by Section 27consent.

McLarens Dam Carrington Bowling Club watersupply tank, pump station, watermains and power supply

Licensing required.

O.T. Dam area Telstra underground cables Section 27 consent required.

Arthurs Seat summit andchairlift areas

Many occupations includingChairlift lease, tower/kiosk lease

Tower Hill Road Telstra underground cables Section 27 consent required.

Aims

• Co-operate with adjoining landholders in theprotection of the Park from fire, pests,visual threats, erosion and other hazards.

• Minimise conflicts between park values andsurrounding land uses.


• Seek a formal agreement with the Shire tomanage the Shire-owned land adjacent tothe Concept Spur area as part of ArthursSeat State Park.

• Continue to monitor boundaries forencroachments, weed invasion and firehazards and take appropriate action.

• Continue to liaise with landholders, theShire and others as appropriate toencourage the maintenance andenhancement of ecological corridors(including roadsides) connecting with thePark.

• Liaise with the R. E. Ross Trust regardingpotential additions to the Park to linkseparate areas on the northern escarpment.

Implementation


14 IMPLEMENTATION

A three-year rolling implementation program will be prepared for the Parks to ensure efficientimplementation of this Plan. Priorities for management are identified below (table 18) as an initial stepin this process.

TABLE 18 PRIORITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES



Encourage fauna surveys 9.3

Reinstate indigenous vegetation in cleared areas 9.2, 9.4

Encourage surveys to locate significant Aboriginal archaeological sites 9.5

Assess the significance of historic places 9.5

Park protection

Develop a fire management strategy for the Park 10.1

Prepare and implement wildfire recovery plans 10.1

Develop a pest plant management strategy and Cinnamon Funguscontrol strategy

10.2

Continue ‘Good Neighbour’ pest plant programs and volunteerinvolvement in control works

10.2, 12.2

Remove pine wildings and mature pines from bushland areas 10.2

Prevent erosion of management vehicle tracks 10.3

Ensure that existing public utilities are covered by a Section 27 consent 13.1

The Park visit

Promote the Park in conjunction with the Mornington PeninsulaNational Park for all-year sightseeing and nature-based activities

11.2

Implement an orientation and interpretation strategy for the Park 11.3

Prepare and implement a development plan for the visitor precinct 11.4.1

Prepare a walking track plan for the Park 11.4.3

Develop partnerships with the commercial tourism sector for theprovision of facilities and services in the visitor precinct

11.5

Monitoring and research

Maintain a weed mapping program 10.2

Monitor sites of flora significance 9.2

Monitor uses for visual and environmental impact 13.1

Apply market survey findings and monitor visitor numbers 11.1

Monitor visitor use to ensure adequate provision of facilities 11.1

References


REFERENCES

Barwick, D. E. 1984, ‘Mapping the past: anatlas of Victorian clans 1835–1904’ inAboriginal History, Vol 8 (1–2):100–131.

Brown, S. 1996, Mornington PeninsulaNational Parks: Management Plan:Cultural Heritage Component ProgressReport No 1, Preliminary Draft Report bydu Cros and Associates, Port Melbourne.

Calder, W. 1986, Peninsula Perspectives —Vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula,Victoria, Jimaringle Publications,Melbourne.

CFL 1988, Ragwort Management Plan,Department of Conservation, Forests andLands, Victoria.

CFL 1989, Point Nepean National ParkManagement Plan — Point NepeanSection. Department of Conservation,Forests and Lands, Victoria.

Clarke, I. D. 1990, Aboriginal Languages andClans: An Historical Atlas of Victoria,1800 – 1900, Monash Publications inGeography No 37, Department ofGeography and Environmental Science,Monash University, Clayton.

CNR 1992, Dandenong Region FireProtection Plan, Department ofConservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

CNR 1995a, Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land, Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

CNR 1995b, Threatened Fauna in Victoria —1995, Department of Conservation andNatural Resources, Victoria.

CNR 1996, Mornington National ParkResources and Uses Inventory, Port PhillipArea, Dromana office, unpub.

Cook, D. 1993, Vegetation of T.S. McKellarFlora Reserve, Arthurs Seat State Park,unpub.

Costello, C., Jenkins, M. & Muller, G 1991,An integrated approach to the conservationof Greens Bush, Monash University, unpub.

Davey, A. & White, S. 1986, Victorian Cavesand Karst Strategies for Management andCatalogue, A report to the CavesClassification Committee, Department ofConservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria.

Ferwerda, F. 1979, Revegetation Survey —Nepean State Park — Arthurs Seat,National Parks Service, Victoria.

Geological Society of Australia Inc. 1980,Geological Features of the National Estatein Victoria, Geological Society of AustraliaVictorian Division.

Historic Buildings Branch 1990, Point NepeanNational Park Fortifications. ConservationPlan Prepared for Department ofConservation, Forests and Lands, Ministryof Housing and Construction, Victoria.

Honman, L. & Historic Buildings Branch 1990,South Channel Fort. Conservation PlanPrepared for Department of Conservationand Environment, Ministry of Housing andConstruction, Victoria.

LCC 1991, Melbourne Area District 2 ReviewDescriptive Report, Land ConservationCouncil, Victoria.

LCC 1993, Marine and Coastal SpecialInvestigation Descriptive Report, LandConservation Council, Melbourne

LCC 1994, Melbourne Area District 2 Review,Final Recommendations, LandConservation Council, Melbourne.

LCC 1996, Marine and Coastal SpecialInvestigation, Draft FinalRecommendations, Land ConservationCouncil, Melbourne.

Leonard, M. & Hammond, R.J. 1984,Landscape Character Types of Victoria,Forests Commission, Victoria.

MPW 1995, A Guide to Priorities forMelbourne’s Open Space Network,Melbourne Parks and Waterways, Kew.

References


Mornington Peninsula Tourism Forum 1995,Tourism Development Plan, MorningtonPeninsula Tourism Forum, Mornington.

NPS 1995, National Parks and ConservationReserves Guidelines and ProceduresManual, National Parks Service,Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, Victoria.

NRE database 1997a, Atlas of VictorianWildlife, Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment, Victoria.

NRE database 1997b, Flora InformationSystem, Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment, Victoria.

Rosengren, N. 1988, Making the Most of theBay, Technical Report Series — Sites ofGeological and GeomorphologicalSignificance on the Coast of Port PhillipBay Victoria, Report prepared for Ministryfor Planning and Environment, Victoria,unpub.

Rosengren, N. 1995, Geological andGeomorphological Values of SixLightstation Reserves, Victoria. La TrobeUniversity, Bendigo, Report to theDepartment of Conservation and NaturalResources, Victoria, unpub.

Sullivan, H. 1981, An Archaeological Surveyof the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria,Victorian Archaeological Survey OccasionalReports Series No 6. Ministry forConservation, Victoria.

Williams, N. & Molnar, C. 1996, BotanicalAssessment of the Northern Section ofGreens Bush, Mornington PeninsulaNational Park, Flora Research andAssessment, Natural Resources andEnvironment, Victoria

Personal communications

Eichler, J., Senior Town Planner, City ofFrankston

Hill, W., Ranger, Arthurs Seat State Park

Meredith, C., Biosis Research Pty Ltd.

Rennick, S., Field Naturalist, Melbourne

Walker, G., Field Naturalist, MorningtonPeninsula

Appendices


APPENDIX 1 SIGNIFICANT GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES

LOCATION FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE (ref)

COMMENTS

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARKCairns Bay world famous zeolite mineral

localityInternational(1,2,4,5)

Gemstone fossickingonly permitted in an areabetween Stockyard andDouble Creeks

Bird Rock, CairnsBay

zeolite and associated minerals International (5) As above. Major sourcefor zeolite collection.

Point Nepean - RyeOcean Beach

cliffed calcarenite coast with shoreplatforms, stacks and arches

State (2)

Cape Schanck -Bushrangers Bay

high coastal cliffs of basalt andlimestone

State (2,5) Some illegal fossickingfor zeolite. Generalrecreation pressures.

Observatory Pointcuspate foreland,Point Nepean.

one of few localities in Port PhillipBay to show sustained sandyaccretion and least disturbedsequence of sandy ridges andvegetation in the bay

State (3)

Point Nepeanplatforms

geographical landmark of theVictorian coast (i.e. Port Phillipheads) and illustrates the truncationof the Nepean Bay bar.

State (3)

Angel Cave (CapeSchanck)

Pleistocene dune calcarenite coversa cleft in Tertiary basalt; carbonateprecipitation from ground water hasformed stalactites

State (4,5) Limited access.Vandalism has includedtheft and breakage ofspeleothems, ooliths andpisoliths. Classifiedadventure cave (Davey& White 1986).

Diamond BaySorrento

lithified dunes eroded to formrugged cliffs 60 m high, andextensive platforms. Soil horizonsfrom Pleistocene and Holocene eras

State (1,5) Some threats frominformal tracks overdunes.

Rowley Rocks andCape Schanck

shows contrast between the dunecalcarenites of the coast and thetowering basaltic cliffs of CapeSchanck. Exposure of the Selwynfault. Outcrops of Older Volcanicbasalt show thick sequences ofseveral flows with fossil soils

State (1,5) Also significantlandscape feature.Relatively undisturbedarea.

London Bridge arched rock stack Regional/local(2)

Appendices


Appendix 1 (cont.)

LOCATION FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE (ref)

COMMENTS

Bushrangers Bay —Double Creek

basalt shore platforms with stacksand boulder beaches

Regional/local(2)

Flinders — marinecliffs and bluffs

cliff-bluff sequence typical of hardrock coast lines

Regional/local(2)

Cape Schanck —Burrabong Creek

freshwater limestone overliesligneous clay and basalt of theOlder Volcanic sequence

Regional/local(1)

Flinders oceanforeshore

low cliff of calcarenite containingbryozoans and foraminiferans,overlying an eroded surface ofLower Tertiary basalt

Regional/local(1,5)

ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARKArthurs Seat Only known association of the

Dromana Granite and rhyodaciteRegional/local(1)

Source: 1 Geological Society of Australia Inc. (1980), 2 LCC (1993), 3 Rosengren (1988), 4 Rosengren(1995), 5 CNR (1996)

Appendices


APPENDIX 2 SIGNIFICANT FLORA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS


Rare or threatened floraAdiantum capillus-veneris Dainty Maidenhair * eAdriana quadripartita Rare Bitter-bush * eCorybas despectans Coast Helmet-orchid vEpilobium pallidiflorum Showy Willow-herb dEuphrasia collina ssp. muelleri Purple Eyebright EeGlycine latrobeana Clover Glycine * VvOlearia sp. aff. lanuginosa Peninsula Daisy-bush rPteris comans Netted Brake rPterostylis cucullata Leafy Greenhood * Vv

Regionally significant floraAcacia retinodes var. unicifolia WirildaAcrotriche affinis Ridged Ground-berryAjuga australis Austral BugleAllantodia australis Austral Lady-fernAmyema preissii Wire-leaf MistletoeApalochlamys spectabilis Showy ApalochlamysAsplenium bulbiferum ssp. gracillimum Mother SpleenwortBeyeria lechenaultii Pale Turpentine BushBlechnum cartilagineum Gristle FernBlechnum chambersii Lance Water-fernBlechnum patersonii Strap Water-fernCaladenia deformis Bluebeard CaladeniaCaladenia praecox Early CaladeniaCalystegia marginata Forest BindweedCyathea australis Rough Tree-fernDodonaea viscosa Sticky Hop-bushDoodia caudata var. caudata Small Rasp-fernGahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedgeGnaphalium indutum Tiny CudweedHistiopteris incisa Bat’s Wing FernHymenolobus procumbens Oval PurseHymenophyllum cupressiforme Common Filmy FernLastreopsis acuminata Shiny Shield-fernLeucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus Lance Beard-heathLotus australis Austral TrefoilMicrosorum pustulatum Kangaroo FernNicotiana suaveolens Austral TobaccoPhyllanthus gunnii Shrubby SpurgePimelea serpyllifolia Thyme Rice-flowerPolyphlebium venosum Veined Bristle-fernPomaderris paniculosa ssp. paralia Shining Coast Pomaderris

Appendices


Appendix 2 (cont.)

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS

Prasophyllum australe Austral Leek-orchidPterostylis plumosa s.l. Bearded GreenhoodPultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-peaPultenaea tenuifolia Slender Bush-peaRanunculus glabrifolius Shining ButtercupRapanea howittiana MuttonwoodScaevola albida var. pallida Coast Fan-flowerSchizaea fistulosa Narrow Comb-fernScutellaria humbles Dwarf SkullcapStackhousia spathulata Coast CandlesZygophyllum billardieri Coast Twin-leaf


Rare or threatened floraEuphrasia collina ssp. muelleri Purple Eyebright EeGlycine latrobeana Clover Glycine * VvPrasophyllum lindleyanum Green Leek-orchid vRytidosperma procerum Tall Wallaby-grass k

Regionally significant floraAustrofestuca hookeriana Hooker FescueBrachyscome decipiens Field DaisyBrachyscome spathulata Spoon DaisyLobelia gibbosa Tall LobeliaPodolepis jaceoides Showy PodolepisPterostylis alpina Mountain Greenhood

Source:Threatened flora: NRE database (1997b), Cook (1993), J. Eichler pers. comm. 1996, CNR (1996), S Rennickpers. comm. 1996Regionally significant flora: CNR (1996), S. Rennick pers. comm. 1996, J. Eichler pers. comm. 1996, G.Walker pers. comm. 1997.

For regionally significant species, the ‘region’ refers to the Mornington Peninsula.

Status: NRE database (1997b)AustraliaE endangeredV vulnerable

Victoriae endangeredv vulnerabler rarek poorly knownd depleted* FFG listed

Appendices


APPENDIX 3 SIGNIFICANT FAUNA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS LOCATION


Rare or threatened faunaMammalsArctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur Seal R/C G, P, C, FEubalaena australis Southern Right Whale * End P, CMiniopterus schreibersii Common Bent-wing Bat * R/C G, CPteropus policephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox * R/C P

BirdsAnseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose Ins PArdea alba Great Egret *R/C PFalco subniger Black Falcon R PLarus dominicanus Kelp Gull R/C PLarus pacificus Pacific Gull R/C G, P, C, FLathamus discolor Swift Parrot * End G, CMorus serrator Australasian Gannet R/C G, P, CNeophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot * End GNinox strenua Powerful Owl * R GNycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron R/C PPachyptila turtur Fairy Prion R/C G, CPelagodroma marina White-faced Storm-Petrel R/C CPelecanoides urinatrix Common Diving-Petrel R/C P, CPelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican R/C CPhalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant R/C PPhalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant R/C CPlegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis R/C CPomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler * End GPorzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake Ins PRallus pectoralis Lewin’s Rail R GSterna bergii Crested Tern R/C G, P, CThinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover * Vul P, C

ReptilesDermochelys coriacea Leathery Turtle Ins CEgernia coventryi Swamp Skink R GPseudemoia rawlinsoni Glossy Grass Skink Ins G

FishGalaxias truttaceus Spotted Galaxias R G

Regionally significant faunaAntechinus swainsonii Dusky AntechinusPerameles nasuta Long-nosed BandicootRattus lutreolus Swamp RatSminthopsis leucopus White-footed DunnartWallabia bicolor Black WallabyAcanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked HoneyeaterFalco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon

Appendices


Appendix 3 (cont.)

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS LOCATION

Lichenostomus virescens Singing HoneyeaterNeophema chrysostama Blue-winged ParrotPachycephala olivacea Olive WhistlerZoothera dauma Bassian Thrush

Amphibolurus muricatus Tree Dragon


Rare or threatened fauna

BirdsAccipiter nocaehollandiae Grey Goshawk RArdea alba Great Egret R/CCereopsis novaehollandiae Cape Barron Goose RLathamus discolor Swift Parrot * EndNinox connivens Barking Owl RNinox strenua Powerful Owl * RNycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron R/CRallus pectoralis Lewin’s Rail RStictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck * R

Regionally significant faunaAcrobates pygmaeus Feathertail GliderAntechinus swainsonii Dusky AntechinusIsoodon obesulus Southern Brown BandicootPhascolarctos cinereus KoalaWallabia bicolor Black Wallaby

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed EagleFalco peregrinus Peregrine FalconFalcunculus frontatus Crested Shrike-titPachycephala olivacea Olive WhistlerPhaps elegans Brush BronzewingStipiturus malachurus Southern Emu-wrenZoothera dauma Bassian Thrush

Amphibolurus muricatus Tree DragonEulamprus tympanum Southern Water-skinkVaranus varius Tree Goanna

Source: NRE database (1997a), CNR (1996), C. Meredith pers. comm. 1996For regionally significant species, the ‘region’ refers to the Mornington Peninsula.Status: CNR 1995bEnd Endangered Location:Vul Vulnerable G Greens Bush (Cape Schanck to northern boundary ofR Rare Greens Bush)R/C restricted colonial, breeding or roosting sites P Point Nepean sectionIns Insufficiently known, suspected of being C Coast (Point Nepean - Cape Schanck)

in one of the above categories F Flinders (Cairns Bay - Flinders)* FFG listed

Appendices


APPENDIX 4 SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC SITES

LOCATION FEATURE SIGNIFICANCE COMMENTS


South ChannelFort

Unique constructed island formilitary structures, located in PortPhillip Bay

National significance

Listed on Register ofNational Estate &Victorian HeritageRegister. Classified byNational Trust.

Managed inaccordance withthe conservationplan (Honman &HistoricBuildingsBranch 1990)

Point Nepean • Fort Nepean Fortifications National significance

Listed on the VictorianHeritage Register

Managed inaccordance withthe conservationplan (HistoricBuildingsBranch 1990)

• Point Nepean Cemetery n.a.

Sorrento OceanBeach area

• Coppins Track. Intactevidence (limestone rubblepathway) of resort facilitieslate last century

n.a.

• Grave site of Mr Charles Woo n.a.

• Back beach tram terminus site n.a.

• Sullivans Kiosk site n.a.

Jubilee Point Jubilee Point. Site of rotunda. n.a.

BridgewaterBay

• Memorial plaques n.a.

• Lime kiln, Carlisle Avenue n.a.

No. 16 Part of original life saving track n.a.


Arthurs Seat • Seawinds Gardens and worksby artist William Ricketts

Regional significance

• Lookout tower 1934 Local significance

Arthurs SeatRoad

Cairns. A series of plaques andmarkers at lookout points

n.a.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT AREAS IN THE REGION

Point Nepean Former Quarantine Station 1852 –1978

National Commonwealthland

Cape Schanck Lighthouse station State significance Crown land

Source: Brown (1996), CNR (1996).n.a. = not assessed

Appendices


APPENDIX 5 MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME


Acacia longifolia Sallow WattleAloe saponaria AloeAsphodelus fistulosus Onion-weedChrysanthemoides monilifera BoneseedCirsium vulgare Spear ThistleCyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedgeDelairea odorata Cape IvyDipogon lignosus Common DipogonEchium plantagineum Patersons CurseEuphorbia paralias Sea SpurgeHedera helix English IvyLycium ferocissimum African Box-thornMyrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal CreeperPittosporum undulatum Sweet PittosporumPolygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf MilkwortRhamnus alaternus Italian BuckthornRubus fruticosus spp. agg. BlackberrySenecio jacobaea RagwortSilybum marianum Variegated ThistleSolanum linnaeanum Apple of SodomTradescantia albiflora Wandering CreeperZantedeschia aethiopica White Arum Lily

ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARKAcacia longifolia Sallow WattleAllium triquetrum Angled OnionAsparagus officinalis AsparagusChrysanthemoides monilifera BoneseedCortaderia selloana Pampas GrassDipogon lignosus DipogonEchium spp. Patersons CurseErica baccans Berry-flower HeathErica lusitanica Spanish HeathMyrsiphyllum aethiopicus Asparagus FernOnopordum acanthium Scotch ThistlePinus radiata Radiata PinePittosporum undulatum Sweet PittosporumPolygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf MilkwortPsoralea pinnata Blue PsoraleaRubus fruticosus spp. agg BlackberrySollya heterophylla Bluebell CreeperUlex europaeus GorseWatsonia meriana Bulbil Watsonia

Source: CNR (1996), W. Hill pers. comm. 1996(This list is not in priority order)

Ferry

P O R T

P H I L L I P

B A Y

B A S S S T R A I T

W E S T E R N P O R T

Portsea

Flinders

Sunbury

Cranbourne

Dromana

Queenscliff

OceanGrove

Sorrento

BacchusMarsh

Torquay

Wonthaggi

Mornington

Yarra Junction

Healesville

FrankstonGeelong

MELBOURNE

Dandenong

BRISBANE RANGESNATIONAL PARK

MORNINGTONPENINSULA

NATIONAL PARK

DANDENONG RANGESNATIONAL PARK

CHURCHILLNATIONAL PARK

ORGAN PIPESNATIONAL PARK

STEIGLITZHISTORIC

PARK

WOODLANDSHISTORIC

PARK

LYSTERFIELDLAKE PARK

LANGWARRIN FLORA & FAUNA

RESERVE

YOU YANGSREGIONAL PARK

FRENCH ISLANDNATIONAL PARK

BUNYIPSTATE PARK

WARRANDYTESTATE PARK

PHILLIPISLAND

PENGUINRESERVE

CAPESCHANCK

LIGHTHOUSE

Mud Island

DevilbendReservoir

Point Cook

HAROLD HOLTMARINE RESERVE ARTHURS SEAT

STATE PARK

LERDERDERGSTATE PARK

KINGLAKENATIONAL PARK

YARRA RANGESNATIONAL PARK

0 20 40 60 km

REGIONAL LOCALITY PLAN

FIGURE 1

★

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK &ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARK

Highway

Major road

Parks and reserves (NP Act)

Other public land

G/6522.1

Cartography byNatural Resource Systems

Park boundary

NO BEACH ACCESS

PointNepean

Department of DefenceArmy Logistics Training Centre

Portsea Ocean Beach

Cheviot Beach

Sorrento Ocean Beach

SouthChannel

Fort

DiamondBay

Koonya Ocean Beach

Bridgewater Bay

Pearses Beach

The D vide

Number S xteenBeach

St Andrews Beach

Rye Ocean Beach

Gunnamatta SurfBeach

Bushrangers Bay

Cape Schanck

Cape SchanckLighthouse

CairnsBay

TheBlowhole

F indersOceanBeach

Mud Island

Mai

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Cre

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Harold HoltMarine Reserve

FingalBeach

BoagsRocks

London Bridge

Ma

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Creek

Lightw

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Cre

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Double

Red Hill

Red Hill South

Flinders

Dromana

McCraeBlairgowrie

Boneo

Highfield

Portsea

Sorrento

Rye

Tootgarook

M O R N I N G T O N P E N I N S U L A

N A T I O N A L P A R K







A R T H U R S S E A TS T A T E P A R K


G R E E N SB U S H

Rosebud

Shoreham

Main Ridge

Pines PicnicArea

Main RidgeF ora Reserve

Coll ns SettlementHistor c Reserve


N A T I O N A L P A R KGunners Cottage

Baldry'sCrossing

Point NepeanVisitor Centre

POINT

NEPEAN

ROAD

HOTHAM ROAD

ROAD

MELBOURNE

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HUGHES

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RO

AD

BA

LDR

Y

ROAD

BROWNSROAD

JET

TY

RO

AD

OLD

CA

PE

SC

HA

NC

KR

OA

D

PO NT

NEPEAN

ROAD

ARTHURS

SEAT ROAD

MO

RNING

TON

PENINSULA

FREEWAY

PU

RV

ES

RO

AD

SHANDS ROAD

HIGHWAY

NEPEAN

DROMANA BITTERN ROAD

EASTBOURNE ROAD

BONEO ROAD

St PAULS

RO

AD

ROAD

HY

SL

OP

S R

OA

D

WALLE

RM

ERR

GO

NG

RO

AD

GR

EE

NS

RO

AD

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼▼

▼▼

Figure 2MANAGEMENT ZONESAND PUBLIC LAND USE

ZONES

Conservation

Conservation and Recreation

Recreation Development

OVERLAYS

Special Protection area

Land Use designation

G/6522 2

PUBLIC LAND USE

Other Parks under National Parks Act.

Other Parks and Reserves

Shire Land

Commonwealth Land

Major road

Minor road (local road network excluded)

Management vehicles & walkers only

Walking track (minor walking tracks excluded)

Gate

MORNINGTON PENINSULANATIONAL PARK

B A

S S

S T

R A

I T

P O R T P H I L L I P B A Y

1 0 1 2 3

K lometres

▼

▼

Cartography byNatural Resource Systems 98

Park boundary

NO BEACH ACCESS

Po ntNepean

Department of DefenceArmy Logistics Training Centre

Portsea Ocean Beach

Cheviot Beach


SouthChannel

Fort

DiamondBay

Koonya Ocean Beach

Bridgewater Bay

Pearses Beach

The Divide

Number SixteenBeach

St Andrews Beach

Rye Ocean Beach

Gunnamatta SurfBeach

Bushrangers Bay

Cape Schanck

Cape SchanckL ghthouse

CairnsBay

TheBlowhole

Fl ndersOceanBeach

Mud Island

Mai

n

Cre

ek

Harold HoltMarine Reserve

FingalBeach

BoagsRocks

London Bridge

Ma

inC

reek

Creek

Lightw

ood

Cre

ek

Stoc

kyar

d

Ti-tr

ee C

r eek

Creek

Double

Red Hill

Red Hill South

Flinders

Dromana

McCraeBlairgowrie

Boneo

Highfield

Portsea

Sorrento

Rye

Tootgarook











G R E E N SB U S H

Rosebud

Shoreham

Main Ridge

Pines PicnicArea

Main RidgeFlora Reserve

Collins SettlementHistoric Reserve


N A T I O N A L P A R KGunners Cottage

Baldry'sCrossing

Point NepeanV sitor Centre

POINT

NEPEAN

ROAD

HOTHAM ROAD

ROAD

MELBOURNE

OCEAN

BEAC

H

RD

HUGHES

RO

AD

JET

TY

R

OA

D

DU

ND

AS

BROWNS

ROAD

STREET

LIMESTONESANDY ROAD

TR

UE

MA

NS

RO

AD

BO

NE

OR

OA

D

CA

PE

SC

HA

NC

KR

OAD

ME

AK

INS

ROAD

RO

AD

COOK ST

MO

RN

ING

TO

N F

LIND

ER

S

FLIN

DE

RS

FR

AN

KS

TO

N

RO

AD

BA

LDR

Y

ROAD

BROWNSROAD

JET

TY

RO

AD

OLD

CA

PE

SC

HA

NC

KR

OA

D

POINT

NEPEAN

ROAD

ARTHURS

SEAT ROAD

MO

RNNG

TON

PENINSULA

FREEWAY

PU

RV

ES

RO

AD

SHANDS ROAD

HIGHWAY

NEPEAN

DROMANA BITTERN ROAD

EASTBOURNE ROAD

BONEO ROAD

St PAULS

RO

AD

ROAD

HY

SL

OP

S R

OA

D

WALLE

RM

ERR

GO

NG

RO

AD

GR

EE

NS

RO

AD

▼▼

▼▼

▼▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼▼

▼▼

VISITOR INFORMATION FACILITIES

Major Tourist Centre (Includes Major Indoor Display and Primary Interpretation Centre)

Orientation Interpretation

Major indoor display Primary

Major outdoor sheltered display Secondary

Information shelter Tertiary

Signage map

LONG POINTCAMPING AREA

Proposed minor road

Proposed walking track

Proposed horse riding area

G/6522 3

Park boundary


Figure 3ACCESS & RECREATION MANAGEMENT

MAIN CREEK

EXISTING RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES

Toilets Lookout

Kiosk Nature walk

Shelter Picnic table

Water Access for Disabled

BBQ Camping

Surf Life Saving Club house

PROPOSED RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES

Toilet Picnic table

Kiosk Horse riding

Water

FORT NEPEAN

GUNNERS COTTAGE

LONDON BRIDGE

PORTSEA

SORRENTO

DIAMOND BAY/ST PAULS

RYE

GUNNAMATTA

BALDRY'S CROSSING

THE PINES PICNIC AREA

CAPE SCHANCK BONEO ROADFLINDERSTHE BLOWHOLE

KOONYA

SOUTH CHANNEL

FORT

POINT NEPEANVISITOR CENTRE

OBSERVATORY POINT

CHEVIOT HILL

Major road

Minor road (local road network excluded)

Management vehicles & walkers only

Walking track (minor walking tracks excluded)

Gate

MORNINGTON PENINSULANATIONAL PARK

B A

S S

S T

R A

I T

P O R T P H I L L I P B A Y

1 0 1 2 3

Ki ometres

▼

▼


ROAD

BUNURONG

TRACK

LO

NS

DA

LE

O T Dam

Kings Falls

Mc LarensDam

ROSEBUD PARKPUBLIC GOLF COURSE

H llviewQuarry

P oneerQuarry

Red Hill

Dromana

McCrae

Lookout Hill

HILLVIEWRESERVEDromana

Cemetery

▼▼

▼▼

▼

▼

CH

AIR

LIF

T

ARTHURS SEATMO

RNIN

GTO

N

PENINSULA

FREEWAY

NEPEAN

ROAD

CONCEPT

SPUR

TRACK

DAM TRACK

TWO BAY

WALK

ING

TRACK

T.C.

TRACK

COOK

STREETTRACK

QUARRY

TR

AC

K QT. T

RA

CK

TRACK 1

TRAC

K 2

LO

OK

OU

T RD

ARTHURS

SEAT

ROAD

PU

RV

ES

RO

AD

MA

IN

CR

EE

K

RO

AD

BOUNDARY

ROAD FLIN

DE

RS

- M

OR

NIN

GT

ON

ROAD

LATROBE

PARADE

BAYVIEW

ROAD

CINERAMA

CRES

ELIZABETH

DR

IVE

COO

K ST

WATERFALLGULLY

ROAD

SEAMIST DRIVE

CA

LD

WE

LL

RO

AD

LO

OK

OU

T H

IL

L CIRCUIT WALK

POINT

STREET

RO

AD

EAT

ON

SC

UT

TIN

G

FLINDERS - MORNINGTON

steep se

cton

T C McKELLAR CIRCUIT WALK

Figure 4MANAGEMENT ZONESAND PUBLIC LAND USE

G/6524 4

PUBLIC LAND USE

Other Reserves

Other Public Land

Shire Land

ZONES

Conservation

Conservation and Recreation

Recreation Development

OVERLAYS

Special Protection AreaPark Boundary

Public Land Boundary

ARTHURS SEATSTATE PARK

P O R T P H I L L I P

B A Y

Metres

250 0 250 500 750 1000

Major road

Minor road

Management vehicles and walkers only

Walking track

Gate▼

▼


ROAD

BUNURONG

TRACK

LO

NS

DA

LE

O.T. Dam

Kings Falls

Mc LarensDam

ROSEBUD PARKPUBLIC GOLF COURSE

HillviewQuarry

PioneerQuarry

Red Hill

Dromana

McCrae

Lookout Hi l

HILLVIEWRESERVEDromana

Cemetery

▼▼

▼▼

▼

▼

MO

RNIN

GTO

N

PENINSULA

FREEWAY

NEPEAN

ROAD

CONCEPT

SPUR

TRACK

DAM TRACK

TWO BAY

WALK

ING

TRACK

T.C.

TRACK

COOK

STREETTRACK

QUARRY

TR

AC

K Q.T. T

RA

CK

TRACK 1

TRAC

K 2

LO

OK

OU

T RD

ARTHURS

SEAT

ROAD

PU

RV

ES

RO

AD

MA

N

CR

EE

K

RO

AD

BOUNDARY

ROAD FLIN

DE

RS

- M

OR

NIN

GT

ON

ROAD

LATROBE

PARADE

BAYVIEW

ROAD

CINERAMA

CRES

ELIZABETH

DR

IVE

COO

K ST

WATERFALLGULLY

ROAD

SEAMIST DRIVE

CA

LD

WE

LL

RO

AD

LO

OK

OU

T H

LL CIRCUIT W

ALK

POINT

STREET

RO

AD

EAT

ON

SC

UT

TIN

G

FLINDERS - MORNINGTON

steep se

ction

T.C. McKELLAR CIRCUIT WALK

CH

AIR

LIF

T

Figure 5ACCESS & RECREATION

MANAGEMENT

G/6524.5

Arthurs Seat State Park

Park Boundary

VISITOR INFORMATION FACILITIES

Major Tourist Centre (Includes Major Indoor Display and Primary Interpretation Centre Note : Location subject to a development plan)

Orientation Interpretation

Major outdoor sheltered display Primary

Information shelter Secondary

Signage map Tertiary

CONCEPT SPUR

KINGS FALLS

LOOKOUT HILL

SEAWINDS GARDENS

O.T. DAM

CHAIRLIFT

ARTHURS SEATSUMMIT

EXISTING RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES

Toilets Lookout

Kiosk Nature walk

Shelter Picnic table

Water Access for Disabled

BBQ

PROPOSED RECREATION SITES AND FACILITIES

Water Picnic table

Lookout BBQ

Shelter

Toilets

ARTHURS SEATSTATE PARK

P O R T P H I L L I P

B A Y

Metres

250 0 250 500 750 1000

Major road

Minor road

Management vehicles and walkers only

Walking track

Gate▼

▼


London Bridge

Portsea Ocean Beach

Upper Car Park

Lower Car Park

London Bridge

FRA

NK

LIN

R

D

HOTHAM RD

CHEV

IOT

R

D

WY

UN

A CT

PARI

NG

A

RD

FRA

NK

LIN

R

DFARNSWORTH AV

LAGOON CT

LONDON BRIDGE RD

BASS

R

D

BASS RD

BACK

B

EACH

R

D

MER

EDIT

H

PL

BACK

B

EACH

R

D

PORTSEA OCEA

N BEACH RD

LATHAM DR

LATH

AM

D

R ELIZABETH RD

WANDA CL

SEABIRD WAY

FRIMMELL WAY

HA

YD

EN

CT

DURCELL AV

PORTSEA OCEAN BEACHACCESS LOWER RD

LONDON BRIDGE RD

FARNSWORTH

TRK

WILS

ONS FOLLY TRK

B A S S S T R A I T

P O R T S E A


Mornington PeninsulaNational Park

Point Nepean National Park

See

Map

2a

Point NepeanQuarantine Station

SorrentoOcean Beach

Surf LifeSaving Club

Dogs on leash only permitted from sunrise to 9.00am within hatched area on access roads, car parks, defined tracks and sign posted beach areas

www.parks.vic.gov.au

Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which

may arise from you relying on this information.

Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Cartography by Parks Victoria May 2013For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps

10050Metres

0 200

N

Parking

Information

Toilets

Hang gliding ramp Dogs prohibited

Main road

Sealed road

Unsealed road

Walking track

Park/Reserve boundary

Park/Reserve

Picnic table

Lookout

Gate

Dog walking area

Beach

Rocks/Reef

Map 1 – Portsea Ocean Beach Dog Walking Area

B A S S S T R A I T

P O R T

P H I L L I P

DIAM

OND BAY R

D

CENTR

AL AV

SPR

AY

POINT

RD

BEACH A

V

TI - T

REE A

V

KING

ST

QUEENS

RD

WES

TMORE

AV

IVANHOE

ST

ST

PAULS

RD

MELBOURNE RD

POINT NEPEAN RD

OCEAN BE

ACH

RD

MELBO

URN

E RD

HUGHES

RD

H

UGHES

RD

ST

JO

HNS W

OOD RD

MELBO

URNE RD

POINT NEPEAN RD

ST PAULS

RD



LIFESAVINGTRK

LIFESAVING

TRK

LIFESAVING

TRK

COPPINSTRKMount Kerford

50m

Sphinx Rock

Darby Rock

St Pauls Rock

Jubilee Point

The Dogs Head

D i a m o n dB a y

K o o n y a

S u l l i v a n B a y

T h e S i s t e r s

C a m e r o n B i g h t

Pelly Point

Spray Point

Montforts Beach

Portsea

Bridgewater Bay

Mt. St Paul

S O R R E N T O

B L A I R G O W R I E

Collins SettlementHistoric Site

Koonya Ocean Beach

Diamond Bay

St. Pauls Beach


Spray Point

See

Map

2b







250125Metres

0 500

N

Parking

Information

Toilets

Picnic table

Electric BBQ

Lookout

Gate

Lookout

Main road

Sealed road

Park/Reserve

Unsealed road

Walking track

Dog walking area

Dogs prohibitedPublic land

Beach

Map 2a – Sorrento Ocean Beach to Spray Point Dog Walking Area

B r i d g e w a t e r B a y

The Bridge

P i r a t e s B a y

Glenn Point

Dimmocks Beach

The DivideB A S S S T R A I T

Orr Point

Koreen Point

CA

NTE

RB

URY

JET

TY R

D

PEA

RSE

RD

MU

NG

ALA

CR

TASMAN DR

BROWNS RD

HEYFIELD RD

BREWSTER RD

FRA

NC

IS

ST

AV

ON

RD

Rye

Sorrento

DU

ND

AS

S

T

CA

NTE

RB

URY

JET

TY R

D

MELBOURNE RD

MELBOURNE RD

ST JO

HNS WOOD R

D

Number Sixteen Beach

Bridgewater Bay

Pearces Beach


R Y E

B L A I R G O W R I E

See

Map

2a

LIFESAVING

TRK







300150Metres

0 600

N

Parking

Lookout Dogs prohibited

Main road

Sealed road

Gate

Walking track

Unsealed road

Park/Reserve Dog walking area

Beach

Map 2b – Bridgewater Bay to Orr Point Dog Walking Area

Boag Rocks

S a i n t A n d r e w s B e a c h

R y e O c e a n B e a c h

B A S S S T R A I T

F I N G A L

R Y E

S T . A N D R E W S B E A C H

C A P E S C H A N C K

Rye Ocean Beach

St. Andrews Beach

Gunnamatta Surf BeachPL

AC

AD

ENA

R

D

DEV

ON

PORT

D

R

SERINA RD

FOA

MRD

BASS MEADOW

S BVD

PARADISE DR

MA

X AV

KRYNEN ST

OCEA

N D

R

CONSTANTINE AV

TIB

ERIU

S

RD

MAXWELL RD

SANDY

RD

BANYAN ST

GUNIDA C

T

TRU

EMA

NS

RD

SANDY RD

LIMESTONE RD

TRU

EMA

NS R

D

SANDY RD

DUNDAS ST

BO

NEO

R

D

Orr Point

Cape Schanck

Surf Lifesaving Club

MorningtonPeninsula

National Park

MorningtonPeninsula

National Park



See

Map

2b






300150Metres

0 600

N

Parking

Toilets

Picnic table

Dogs prohibited

Lookout

Gate

Main road

Sealed road

Dog walking areaPark/Reserve

Unsealed road

Walking track

Beach

Map 3 – Rye Ocean Beach to St. Andrews Beach Dog Walking Area

King Street

West Head

The Blowhole

Flinders Ocean Beach

F L I N D E R S

MARK

WATER

HIGHCapeSchanck

FlindersGolf Course

West HeadNavy Gunnery

BASS ST

GEO

RG

ES

RD

GOLF LIN

KS RD

GO

LF LINKS RD

PAN

TON

R

D WO

OD

ST

KIN

G

ST

K

ING

S

T

DOUBLE CREEK RD

GLE

N

RD

VALE

ST

BARKER ST

RAZORBACK RD

BLO

WH

OLE TR

K

BONEO

R

D

COOK ST

BASS ST

THE

ESP

LAN

AD

E

COOK ST

Double

Creek

Cree

k

Sprin

g

West Head

K e n n o n C o v e

B A S S S T R A I T

Flinders Jetty




Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary







200100Metres

0 400

N

Parking

Toilets

Picnic table

Lookout

Marine Park/Sanctuary

Dogs Prohibited

Note: Dogs not permittedin the Marine Sanctuary

Rock/Reef

Main road

Sealed road

Walking track

Unsealed road

Dog walking areaPark/Reserve

Public land

Beach

Map 4 – Flinders Ocean Beach Dog Walking Area

mornington peninsula national park and arthurs seat state park

Documents