Arthurs Seat Summit

Imagine climbing to the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. You are standing on Arthurs Seat Summit. The view is breathtaking! It’s no wonder that the Boonwurrung people called this place Wonga. It’s a name steeped in history, a connection to a language spoken long before European settlement. They held their corroborees here, dances that would have filled the valley with sound and laughter. It’s hard to picture today, with the busy road winding up the hill. But back then, it was a natural clearing, a place of peace and ceremony. This granite peak has been a place of connection for millennia.
The view from here is truly remarkable. To the west, you see the blue expanse of Port Phillip Bay. It’s like a gigantic mirror, reflecting the sky and the sunlight. Across the bay, the Melbourne city skyline is a hazy silhouette. And if you look carefully toward the east, you might even spot the You Yangs in the distance. These ancient volcanic formations, shaped like giant humps, are a reminder that the land around us has a long and dramatic history.
The summit also boasts several attractions. There’s the Seawinds Garden, filled with exotic trees and local plants. You can wander through the paths and admire the sculptures by William Ricketts, a local artist who dedicated his work to honoring Indigenous culture. For the more adventurous, there is the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a state-of-the-art gondola that takes you soaring over the trees. The area is also a hiker’s paradise. There are a number of tracks, from easy loops to more challenging ascents.
From the summit, you can walk, jog, or even mountain bike the trails that wind through the Arthurs Seat State Park. It’s a place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the peninsula. No matter what you do, you are sure to be amazed by the stunning vista from this special place.