Cycling, Walking & Horse Riding

Point Nepean National Park

1. Shared trails - cyclists, pedestrians & horse riders

There are a number of shared trails across the peninsula, shared by horse riders, walkers and mountain bikes, please refer to individual brochures (available on the links below) to determine which trail is suitable for your use. Many are along the roadside verges in the Red Hill and Main Ridge areas. One of the best is the Red Hill to Merricks Rail Trail which starts behind the shops at Centre Point and finishes at the Merricks Station Ground Reserve.  Please note, some activities are restricted on certain trails and it is always best to check the downloadable brochure for full details.  

Bay Trail: Dromana to Sorrento

Easy walking and cycling
This trail follows the foreshore for 17km, winding through parklands and camping grounds. The longest continuous section (11kms) begins at Anthony’s nose in Dromana and travels to Rye. There are numerous places to stop for refreshments. Bay Trail Map(PDF, 3MB)

Melbourne Road Trail: Rye to Portsea
Mostly easy walking and cycling with some uphill sections.
This inland trail connects Rye to Sorrento and Portsea and beyond. Newer sections of path between Sorrento and Koonya General Store provide an excellent surface. Although hilly in parts, this trail is suitable for beginners. Melbourne Rd Trail Map(PDF, 537KB)

Peninsula Coastal Walk: Portsea, and Sorrento to Blairgowrie
Suitable for Walkers Only, unmade path.
This cliff top walk takes in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and the paths are maintained by Parks Victoria. . Peninsula Coastal Walk Map(PDF, 3MB)

Mornington to Mount Martha
Suitable for walkers with some unmade sections of path.
Walkers can follow the winding tracks along the cliff tops and stop at the lookout points for spectacular views of the bay. Enjoy the leash-free areas, a picnic at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve or go for a walk along the boardwalk. Mornington Mt Martha Map(PDF, 2MB)

Red Hill to Merricks: Rail Trail
Some uphill sections and rough surfaces for walkers and mountain bikes, suitable for beginner to intermediate standard horse riding.
This trail follows the alignment of the old railway line and passes through vineyards and grazing properties with spectacular views over Western Port. Horse float parking is available at either end of the trail. Red Hill Merricks Map(PDF, 3MB)

Western Port Bay Trail: Somerville to Balnarring
Easy walking and cycling on sealed paths.
This 26km trail follows Frankston Flinders Road, travels through townships, alongside railway lines, by the coast and through woodlands. Ideal for recreational cyclists and walkers. Western Port BT Map(PDF, 2MB)

The Briars Walking Trails
Situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, is a beautiful, rural property known as “The Briars,” a delightful old Homestead on 230 hectares, which is steeped in local history, flora and fauna. There are many walking tracks at The Briars including wetlands and woodland walks.

Check out the Briars Walking Trails page for full information.

Two Bays Trail: Dromana to Cape Schanck
Moderately difficult in sections, unmade paths.
This trail begins at the coast area of Dromana and travels up Arthurs Seat to Cape Schanck and beyond. It is quite challenging in sections. Two Bays Trail Map(PDF, 3MB)

Other Trails
There are a variety of other trails across the peninsula. Some of these are ‘secondary’ trails, which are often less formed. Visit our information on The Briars  and Warringine Park for more walking tracks.
Harrap Creek Trail Map(PDF, 2MB)
Other Trails Map(PDF, 874KB)

Further resources for Mornington Peninsula Trails: 

2. Roadside Equestrian and Mountain bike trails strategy

The rural areas of the Mornington Peninsula have an extensive network of natural surfaced, single track roadside trails which have been created by users over time. The trails provide over 100km of riding opportunities and are shared use; expect to encounter mountain bikers, horse riders, dog walkers, trail runners and walkers. The Shire's Roadside Trails Strategy identifies a range of improvements for the trail network including drainage works, new signs, new trails where there are gaps and other works to be implemented over the coming years.

You can help to minimise your impacts on the environment:

  • Most of the trails have an earth surface, so to minimise erosion and protect the environment please stay off them at the wettest times of year
  • Please always keep your dogs on leads
  • Please keep your gear and equipment clean -  to help stop the spread of weeds and plant pathogens
  • Horse riders, please do not tie up horses to trees or feed horses hay in car parks. New tie up rails will be installed as part of Trails Strategy implementation works.

Roadside Equestrian and Mountain Bike Trails strategy(PDF, 6MB)

3. BUG groups - Bicycle Users Group

Bike riding is fun, social and active. Bring down your bike and join our Bicycle Users Group.

Mornington BUG meets at David Collings Leisure Centre Dunns Road, Mornington at 9.45am each Wednesday.

Phone: 03 5975 0133

4. Reserves where equestrian activities take place

Merricks Station Recreation Reserve, Frankston Flinders Road, Merricks Woolleys Road Bushland Reserve, Woolleys Rd, Crib Point Main Ridge Equestrian Ground, Baldrys Rd, Main Ridge Moorooduc Saddle Club, Derril Road, Moorooduc Southern Peninsula Pony Club, Limestone Road, Boneo Emu Plains Reserve, Coolart Rd, Balnarring

Please note: casual equestrian access to these reserves is on application to the reserve committee.

5. Horse riding in Mornington Peninsula National Park

Horse riding is a popular activity in the rural areas of the Mornington Peninsula. As a way of catering for horse riding in the Mornington Peninsula National Park, a small area of the park has been set a side under the provisions of the National Parks Act. This area is also available to other park users and special regulations apply so all users can enjoy the area equally. These regulations also help to preserve the environmental and landscape values of the area.

Boag Rocks

Horse riding is permitted in the Mornington Peninsula National Park only between Boag Rocks and the beach access track at Paradise Drive, St. Andrews-Rye. 

Council Equestrian Trail Network

Horse access to the beach is ONLY provided from Truemans Road, near the National Park entrance station at Gunnamatta Beach. (Melway Map 252 D11).

All horse riders must follow these commonsense regulations, as penalties apply to those who do not adhere to the regulations.

Further information: Parks Victoria - Horse riding in Mornington Peninsula National Park