Southern Peninsula

Stretching from the western-most point of the Peninsula down to its southern-most point, this region offers its communities a vast spectrum of coastline. Calm bayside beaches to the north are popular locations for swimming, diving and boating. Spectacular ocean beaches to the south, facing Bass Strait are known for their rock pools, surfing and rugged coastal walks along limestone cliffs.

Marine and coastal areas offer abundant biodiversity with habitats and significant flora and fauna species, including unique and rare marine species. The region is rich in Aboriginal cultural heritage, significant and sensitive sites and places, important to the Bunurong/Boon wurrung people. There are over 200 Aboriginal cultural sites identified within the bounds of the Mornington Peninsula National Park alone.

From the historic towns of Sorrento and Portsea in the west, Point Nepean at the Heads, through to Cape Schanck and historic lighthouse in the south, this region provides a variety of ways to experience the full breadth of its diverse coastal and marine environment. The area’s numerous piers, jetties and facilities, including Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry terminal and Blairgowrie marina.

Changing wave climates and water levels and shifting sands have seen changes to parts of this region’s coast. Cliff and dune stability on some areas of steep terrains pose challenges. Various coastal structures have been introduced in efforts manage hazard risks. Coastal and marine environments are expected to become even more dynamic, with rising sea levels and will experience more frequent and intense storms.