Landmarks

From iconic piers and historic lighthouses to heritage coastal structures, the Mornington Peninsula offers a diverse collection of maritime landmarks. Set against sheltered bays, rugged ocean cliffs and vibrant foreshore villages, these locations provide distinctive coastal backdrops rich in character, history and visual appeal.

If you are planning to film or photograph on public land within the Shire, a permit is required. 

Shire-Managed Locations: Primarily Port Phillip Bay and Western Port beaches. Explore more shire-managed locations here, and you can apply for a Shire Filming/Photography Permit via this link: Apply for a Shire Filming and Photography Permit.

Parks Victoria Locations: Primarily back beaches along Bass Strait / Ocean Side. Apply for a Parks Victoria Filming Permit via this link: Apply for a Parks Victoria Filming Permit.

We have included some of our popular locations below, however if you would view more, please visit: Cultural and Heritage Sites.

Flinders Pier

Flinders Pier 2 320x180


Description: A long, straight timber pier projecting out into open water, with evenly spaced pylons creating strong, repeating lines and a clear vanishing point. The deck is simple and uncluttered, widening slightly at the end, with no built structures—just timber, sea, and sky. Open edges on both sides give uninterrupted horizon views, making the space feel exposed and minimal. Light reflects strongly off the water, and conditions shift quickly with wind, tide, and sun angle.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Mornington Pier

320x180 Mornington Pier
Image: Parks Victoria

Description: A shorter, busier timber pier extending into calmer bay water, with a gentle curve and varied elements—railings, berthing structures, and boats often moored alongside. The deck is wider and more active than Flinders, with visual texture from fixtures and passing foot traffic. Still open to wide water views, but less exposed; the marina and shoreline add depth and context rather than a clean horizon.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Rye Pier

230x180 Rye Pier
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Description: A long timber pier extending straight into shallow bay water, with a consistent, relatively narrow deck and evenly spaced pylons creating strong linear depth. Sections of railings, fishing platforms, and occasional structures along the length add mild visual variation without cluttering the space.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Sorrento Pier

320x180 Sorrento Pier
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula


Description: A medium-length timber pier with a slight angular layout, featuring railings, mooring posts, and constant boat presence. The structure has more built detail than others, creating a visually busy frame with layered elements along the deck and edges.Surrounded by active harbour water, the views include boats, coastline, and nearby infrastructure rather than open horizon. It feels enclosed and active, with steady pedestrian and marine movement, offering texture and energy
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Rosebud Pier

320x180 Rosebud Pier
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Description: A long, straight timber pier extending into shallow, calm bay water, with a consistent deck and evenly spaced pylons giving simple, clean lines. The structure is fairly minimal, with occasional railings and fixtures but generally open and uncluttered. Views are wide but softened by nearby shoreline and moored boats, creating a more suburban, accessible feel.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Portsea Pier

320x180 Portsea Pier
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Description: A shorter timber pier with a slight curve and multiple branching sections, including low platforms and berthing areas. The structure feels layered, with railings, posts, and frequent boat traffic adding visual complexity and foreground elements. Set within a sheltered harbour, the views are tighter and more enclosed—boats, moorings, and shoreline infrastructure dominate rather than open horizon.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

The Baths Jetty - Sorrento

320x180-Sorrento-Front-Beach.png
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Description: A short, narrow timber jetty attached to the Baths complex, extending a modest distance into calm, sheltered water. The structure is simple but integrated with surrounding decking, railings, and nearby buildings, giving it a contained, architectural feel rather than a standalone pier.
Land Manager:The Baths, Sorrento
Contact: thebaths.com.au 

 

Hastings Pier

320x180 Hastings Pier
Image: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Description: A medium-length timber pier extending into working harbour water, with a straight layout and a slightly widened section near the end. The deck is functional and utilitarian, with railings, lighting poles, and occasional seating breaking up the line. Surroundings are industrial-marine rather than scenic—boats, jetties, and port structures sit within view, creating a layered but grounded backdrop.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

320x180 Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Image: Parks Victoria

Description: A compact limestone lighthouse set on an exposed coastal headland, with low surrounding buildings, walking paths, and dramatic cliff edges. The structure is visually distinct but not tall, sitting firmly within the landscape rather than dominating it. The setting is rugged and open, with expansive ocean views, rolling grass, and strong coastal winds shaping the atmosphere.
Land Manager: Parks Victoria
Contact: events@parks.vic.gov.au

Book here

McCrae Lighthouse

320x180 McCrae Lighthouse

Description: A 33.5 m riveted steel lighthouse on an open foreshore, positioned directly against Port Phillip Bay. The tall, narrow lattice structure rises prominently from a flat coastal reserve with uninterrupted sightlines, bordered by beach, walking track, and low-scale seaside development. Its industrial maritime form and isolation make it a strong visual landmark.
Land Manager: Mornington Peninsula Shire
Contact: event.permits@mornpen.vic.gov.au

View Location & Book

Mornington Tourist Railway

Mornington Tourist Railway 320x180

Description: The Mornington Tourist Railway offers a natural heritage film setting, where vintage trains and rustic station details create an authentic period feel. Set among bushland and open farmland, it delivers scenic, cinematic backdrops that change with the seasons, while its working railway enables controlled filming with real train movement.
Contact: 1300 767 274

View Website

Flinders Township

Flinders Township

Description: A charming coastal village featuring heritage streetscapes, boutique shops, mature trees and seaside character. Ideal for small-town settings, coastal lifestyle productions and period-inspired scenes.
Contact: event.permits@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Book a road or open space