Nature can give us happiness and hope during these challenging times. To walk amongst simple, quiet beauty can be a constant; a balm from the noise and chaos currently in our world. The Mornington Peninsula offers so much wild outdoor beauty in winter, we would like to share some of the special places’ locals like to explore. Inspiration for future visits for when we can all roam again.
Warringine Park
One of the best-kept secrets on the Mornington Peninsula. Declared a conservation park in 1994, the park is divided into four sections: Coastal, Wetland, Creek and Woodland, and is located between Hastings and Bittern. Each section has its own special characteristics. Managed primarily for conservation purposes, the park provides a bird watcher’s paradise with over 110 bird species including the endangered Great Egret and curiously named Lewin’s Rail. It also provides a haven for other native fauna species including the threatened Swamp Skink and Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Warringine Park offers you a chance to walk through some of the unique vegetation and coastal features of Western Port; vegetation communities include open woodland, coastal heathland, paperbark scrub, saltmarsh and one of the southernmost stands of mangroves in the world. The beauty of the park can be quite subtle so take the time to pause and observe your surroundings – you won’t be disappointed. There are two walking tracks - Bittern coastal foreshore 3.7km and the creek section 1.7km. Unfortunately, your four-legged friends are not permitted.
A haven for waterbirds and walkers, Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, comprises almost 250 hectares of water surface area surrounded by 422 hectares of native vegetation. Devilbend is best explored on foot via the walking trails that include all‐ability access to the shoreline, viewing/fishing platforms and boardwalk. There are three main walks, but many variations.
The Western Shoreline Track (1.2km) descends from the Devilbend Picnic Area along the 2.5m wide compacted surface trail. It takes in expansive views across the reservoir as you make your way down to the fishing platforms and boardwalks. Daangean Point Track (1.5km return) runs through lowland forest from Daangean Point to the southern shoreline. The walk also serves up vast views across the reservoir, home to an abundance of waterbirds. For the more adventurous walker, the Devilbend Circuit Track (11.5km) circumnavigates Devilbend Reservoir. The trail meanders through lowland forest, and grassy woodland with multiple access points to the tranquil water body that is a haven for birdwatching. Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not permitted to join you on this exploration.
Ramble rockpools like a local at Koonya Beach in a landscape of stark contrast colours. The open, sandy beach is dominated by the rocks and reefs typical of this area of the Mornington Peninsula National Park with dramatic limestone bluffs and deep reefs directly off the beach. Facing south-west, the outer reefs encounter large waves which reform in the deeper channel before surging up to the beach face. The large rock pools offer wet keyholes into a marine wonderland, a glimpse into the microcosm of another world. With excellent access via two car parks at the end of Hughes Road, you can explore via the loop walking track, but ensure you time your visit to work with tides to give you the best access, and take care on the rocks.
_______________
Explore the packages on offer by our local business community to still experience the Mornington Peninsula from the comfort of your own home.
Looking for what’s on? Check out winter activities HERE