A Day Trip to Arthurs Seat from Melbourne

Arthurs Seat is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most recognisable landmarks and offers stunning views over the bay, with plenty of activities to enjoy. I love hiking and enjoyed walking along the various hiking routes in the area and enjoying the beautiful gardens at the top. Arthurs Seat got its name in 1802 by Lieutenant John Murray, for its similarity with Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh. Located just over an hour from Melbourne, it makes for an excellent day trip! Be sure to check out other parts of Mornington Peninsula whilst here; from the beaches to the famous hot springs!

Getting to Arthurs Seat from Melbourne

The best way to get to Arthurs Seat is to drive, taking about 75 minutes from Melbourne. You can park at various points around Arthurs Seat State Park, including the base of the Eagle cable car.

If, like me, you don’t have access to a car, you can get to Arthurs Seat by public transport. This will involve a combination of train and bus, taking a fair amount of time given how infrequent the public transport is outside of the city centre. First, you must take a train on the Frankston line to Frankston Station. If you’re staying in Melbourne CBD, you’ll want to take start this train journey from Flinders Street Station. This will take about an hour.

Once at Frankston Station, take the bus route 788 towards Portsea and get off at Dromana beach. I walked from here, which was quite intense along the main road. But you could look into taxi options or get another local buss, route 887.

What to Do at Arthurs Seat

Arthurs Seat Eagle

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is a state-of-the-art gondola ride offering spectacular views over the Mornington Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. Reaching 314m above sea level, the best way to reach Arthurs Seat Summit is by the Gondola. I am absolutely terrified of heights so I’m proud to have braved this ride. It provided an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful views from a unique vantage point.

Arthurs Seat Eagle operates daily from 10am-5pm (although I believe this changes depending on season). It costs $22 AUD for an adult one-way ticket and $30 for a return. Discounts were available for kids and concession tickets.

Check out their official site for more information on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, their opening times and ticket prices,

Arthurs Seat State Park

The state park is accessible from the Summit Station, or by car, and is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and nature walks. There are two main trails here. Arthurs Seat Circuit Walk is a 1.8km loop that offers panoramic views, from various look out points, and stunning trails. I would say the trails weren’t the most accessible, with stairs featuring along many paths – these were sometimes cobbled and sometimes just staggered as shown in the image below.

The other one is Kings Falls Circuit Walk – the full hike takes you on a 7.5km trail to the Kings Waterfall. The route starts and ends from the Seawinds Gardens. I didn’t have time for the full hike but I enjoyed walking a few KMs of it to see the stunning nature.

I would recommend doing the circuit walk, if you’re pushed for time, as you’ll be able to enjoy all incredible views from the lookout points here. There are a number to choose from but I found the best to be; Chapmans Point, Northern Lookout, Bay Lookout and Ministers Lookout.

Seawinds Gardens

Seawinds Gardens is located within the State Park and features stunning gardens, picnic areas and the famous William Ricketts sculptures. I enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens. There were lots of groups having lunch around the various picnic areas which was nice to see.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Located nearby is the Enchanted Adventure Garden offering mazes, tube slides, and treetop walks. I decided to head back down the Gondola to spend the afternoon on Safety Beach, so gave this a miss. But it was advertised as being a fun-filled, day out for families and kids! For more information on the Enchanted Adventure, prices and opening times, check out their site.

Arthurs Seat FAQs

How Long Does it Take To Get to Arthurs Seat from Melbourne?

It takes about 75 minutes to drive to Arthurs Seat. Public transport will take approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on connections. It took me closer to 3 hours to get there due to having to wait an hour for the bus once I got to Frankston Station.

Is the Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the gondolas are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

What Dining Options are Available at Arthurs Seat?

There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. I enjoyed a sausage roll at the Eagle Café at the top station of the gondola with beautiful views.Alternatively, there are plenty of picnic areas within Arthurs Seat State Park too that you can enjoy!

Are There Toilet Facilities?

Like most public places in Victoria, there are great toilet facilities in Arthurs Seat Eagle base station and at the top Summit Station.

When is The Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the weather is pleasant, and the gardens are in full bloom. However, the destination is beautiful year-round. I went at the end of February and enjoyed beautiful, clear-blue skies – perfect for the views!

Can You Bring Pets?

Pets are not allowed on the Arthurs Seat Eagle or in Seawinds Gardens, but they are permitted in other areas of the state park if kept on a leash.

Arthurs Seat is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Melbourne, offering breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. You’ll find plenty to see and do, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. I would also recommend spending some time at one of the beautiful nearby beaches! Other great day trips to consider are Port Nepean Park, the Peninsula Hot Springs, the Great Ocean Road and Williamstown!