Top Things to do in Portsea
What to do and see in Portsea, Victoria: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Portsea, Australia including Point Nepean National Park, London Bridge, Fort Nepean, Portsea Back Beach, Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail, Fort Pearce, Portsea Pier.
Restaurants in Portsea
1. Point Nepean National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Point Nepean National Park is the most westerly point on the Mornington Peninsula and sits on one of the most treacherous coastlines in Victoria. Point Nepean played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defence of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape and learn about the history of the Quarantine Station, Fort Nepean and their surroundings. Explore military forts and tunnels, learn about the people who passed through the Quarantine Station — and see fascinating artefacts spanning back over 150 years. Or jump aboard the hop-on-hop-off Point Nepean shuttle service. Running between the Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean, it’s a great way to explore all the highlights of Point Nepean National Park.
Reviewed By Swelltraveller67 - Melbourne, Australia
I went back here 2 days in a row as I didn't get to see it all on the first day [in fact I still didn't see it all!]! Due to the fact that one day it rained and the other was so hot I didn't complete all the walks. Will be retuning in November. Day 1: Gunners Cottage - check this place out as it houses some great maps and information. It is also where you can catch the shuttle bus for a $12 return full day ticket into the national park. [I say this as to get to Fort Nepean it is a 2 hour walk]. Be careful for snakes in the area due to the weather. Quarantine Station & Point Nepean Information Centre [carpark there] - there is a lot to see here and make sure you view the cemetery marker and the check out the beach there too. Day 2: Went back to Gunner's Cottage and did the Observatory Point Walk which is only about 600M from there - with some spectacular scenery on the way, including a cemetery and the point at the end. There are many other walks to do and things I didn't get to see on this visit - such as: 1. The Harold Holt Memorial 2. Cheviot Hill 3. Fort Pearce 4. Fort Nepean 6. Pearce Barracks 7. Eagle's Nest Alot of these you can hike to and if you want to minimise the hiking catch the shuttle for part of it. Well worth a visit, but be prepared for all types of weather, have enough water, food, sunscreen, map, phone and hat.
2. London Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By DShalders - Glen Waverley, Australia
Located at Portsea back beach you can either walk from the last back beach car park, only a short stroll or drive up London Bridge Road to the sites actual car park. The huge rock pool and sheltered beach was great for our kids 8, 12, 14 but would suit younger as well. And of course the surfing and body boarding waves are only 50m down the beach. Great little spot.
3. Fort Nepean
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By gwendolphyn - Singapore, Singapore
Lovely views of this site of military history that overlooks the beautiful ocean. There is also a free shuttle bus that could take you all the way to Fort Nepean, at an additional cost (vehicles aren't allowed along the road to the Fort aside from the shuttle bus).
4. Portsea Back Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 65 reviews
Broad expanse of beach with good surfing waves, but dangerous rip tides (Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared swimming here in 1967).
Reviewed By DShalders - Glen Waverley, Australia
Well a beach is a beach but this one reminds me of 90 mile beach in Gippsland, with long sweeping beaches right around the coast. We were here in spring and it was very rough but the kids 14,12,8 still got in and body surfed. If the winds not up it’s very peaceful with plenty of foreshore walks through the dunes. For a more sheltered swimming hole for smaller kids I’d recommend around near London bridge with its rock pools.
5. Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Swelltraveller67 - Melbourne, Australia
I have been trialling walks around the Mornington Peninsula the last few days and have happened upon quite a few plaques with photographic links to art work from our history. All up there are 14 to view on both sides of the peninsula. Each plaque has some information about the artwork and is worth reading. It is in English. I haven't seen them all yet, but they are worth trying to find. You can download a map at the Mornington Peninsula website. The paintings are mostly by Portsea and Sorrento artists. Below are 2 that I have found, but I have more. I haven't put them all here as it would spoil your fun. Great challenge for your kids to find them all when visiting the area.
6. Fort Pearce
7. Portsea Pier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By DShalders - Glen Waverley, Australia
Staying down at Portsea for the week and took the young teenagers down the pier numerous times for a fish. Plenty of squid being caught and we caught a few Banjo Sharks. Beautiful spot with cafe Le Cuchin right there for a coffee.
