Point Nepean National Park is on the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula. It is famous for its old forts and as the location for Australia’s Prime Minister Harold Holt’s drowning.
Access and Parking to Point Nepean National Park
We parked near the cottage and then took the track to the forts. There is an option to take a shuttle bus, but this seemed to defeat the purpose of being there. The tracks and views make the experience here, not just the old forts.
As you walk along the main track, there are signs warning of unexploded munitions in the surrounding sand hills. This is because the area was once a live firing range. Only go where you are permitted, because exploring off the tracks could prove to be dangerous.
Harold Holt Monument
We found the monument to Harold Holt and looked around at the beach he had been swimming at. While we were there the bus came by, as this was one of the stops you could get on or off at. Great place to take pictures.
Fort Nepean
At the forts we looked through the old gun emplacements and fortifications. Before the historical significance of the area was acknowledged, a large amount of material was salvaged for scrap.
There are some old gun barrels on display at Fort Nepean and the tunnels are open for inspection. Motion detectors turn the lights and audio presentation on when you enter.
The walk is not difficult, but can take a while depending on how much you explore. Remember to take water and sunscreen, dress for the weather and probably take something to eat as there is no kiosk at the end of the track.
The old quarantine station is nearby and worth looking at if you are interested.
