Things to Do

A personal guide will take you up into the fully operational Lighthouse into the Lamproom and explain the workings and History in approximately a 20 minute tour, this includes a viewing out on the balcony.

The new Radio Signal Tower Lookout is now open with spectacular views down the Beach to the Heads of Port Phillip Bay. The Museum has been extended with a second room with information via video of the Oldest and Highest Lighthouse in the World. The Current weather conditions are  displayed in the Museum.

There are very few Lighthouse left operating in Australia that still have all the workings still in place and with the original Lens still shining its full distance.

The  museum  is expanding all the time and is very informative with a listing of the many ship wrecks and stories from the descendants of the early lighthouse keeper families. For those who cannot climb the lighthouse steps into the Lamproom we have the photos for you to view in the Museum. 

Have your lunch on one of our picnic tables or in the old stables where there is a BBQ.

For more information info@moonlit-sanctuary.com www.moonlit-sanctuary.com

Koala petting and photography encounter allows visitors to get up close and cuddle Australia’s most
famous marsupial. Koala encounter is commissionable if included in group programs.

At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive in a remarkable way, with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Owls and
other night birds are active, tiny feathertail gliders and giant yellow-bellied gliders swoop around, and quolls,
pademelons and bettongs forage for food. Visitors are amazed that even animals such as wallabies are much
more active and responsive at night. Moonlit Sanctuary is fully accredited and received a 95% rating in the Tourism Victoria Excellence program audit.

“ We have hundreds of amazing memories from our month travelling in Australia, but your sanctuary ranks in our top five. We were in awe”
Ryan James,
professional travel writer and Frommers author.

The Stables or the several picnic tables provides seating for twenty persons. A great spot for group functions or a family day out.

The Booklet with this complete information  is obtained at the Kiosk in the CarPark

1.  Cape Schanck Lookout

After you have taken in the view, look closely at the rocks and soil.  You are standing above basalt rock several hundred metres thick.  The basalt poured out of the earth as molten lava about 60 million years ago, and flooded the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port region.  In some areas it filled only old creek valleys, but here at Cape Schanck it covered the whole area to a great depth.

Later on the sea invaded the land, and thick sediments of shells and sand were laid down on the ocean floor.  This was followed by the Ice Age, when the seas retreated and the exposed sediments were piled into dunes on top of the basalt.  For the past million years these sand dunes have been consolidating into dune limestone.

Can you see the limestone capping above the dark, steep-sided layer of basalt in Cape Schanck?

The limestone is prone to erosion, particularly where plant cover is damaged or destroyed. Trampling by sightseers over the years led to substantial erosion of the Cape.

During the 1980s major efforts were made to control the erosion. The timber steps and boardwalk were built, and indigenous plants established.  The boardwalk had to be restored recently after extensive damage from erosion.

Note the basalt remnant forming Pulpit Rock at the tip of the Cape.

The plaque by the seats recognises the work of the Cape Schanck Preservation Society and its founder, Mr T Trumble, whose efforts assisted in the dedication of this magnificent park.

2.  Salt pruning

The plants growing on the cliff below are constantly exposed to wind and salt spray.  They are

well-adapted to these conditions, but show definite signs of wear and tear.

Note their shape.  They grow into wedge-shaped bushes because the leaves and shoots on the windward side are continually pruned  by salt-laden winds.

Later you will see some of these plants growing under more sheltered conditions where  they form tall shrubs and trees.

3.  Settlement

The first settlers were attracted to the southern Mornington Peninsula by the open and well-watered land which was ideal for grazing.  No clearing was necessary because the country was lightly timbered and grassed.

These conditions existed near the coast at Cape Schanck, and water was available from the nearby creeks.  It is not surprising that this was one of the first areas to be settled, despite its distance from markets.  Charles Campbell of Sydney established two runs here in the late 1830s.  One of his runs, Barrabang, adjoins this track.

The run changed hands several times until it was taken over by Dr Godfrey Howitt.  He built a homestead on the property in the 1860s which he called Barragunda.  Some of the limestone for the homestead was taken from the depression near the fence on the next rise.

Dune limestone was used as a building material at several places on the Peninsula.  There are many limestone houses at Sorrento and Portsea, and the lighthouse at Cape Schanck was also built of the local stone.

Note the recent plantings of she-oak, banksia and tea-tree by the owner of Barrabang to form a windbreak along the boundary with the park.

4.  Basalt flows

Looking eastwards can you see where the waters of Bass Strait have eroded the cliffs and exposed horizontal beds of basalt rock?  Each bed was formed by a separate flow of basalt lava, perhaps thousands of years apart and varying in thickness.

After each flow the lava cooled and hardened.  The basalt surface then gradually weathered to form soil.  These old soil layers are easily eroded by storm waves, but where thick, hard flows of basalt occur at sea level the cliff is more resistant to erosion.  Rock platforms are exposed at low tide.

Coast to Coast Walking adventure: A two day walk staying at the lighthouse.

Day one:

Offering spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay’s beautiful blue water and sand bars with the tall buildings of Melbourne on the horizon this walk begins at the base of Arthurs Seat. Enjoy a coffee at Arthur’s Restaurant before heading off on the gently undulating track with areas of boardwalks, bridges and steps. As the walk progresses you will see, views across to Bass Strait, fascinating birds and varied vegetation. Lunch pack provided and return to car park arranged by guide after a relaxing glass of wine or beer. Accommodation can be arranged at the Cape Schanck Lightstation.

Level of Walk: Moderate 14 kms

Day Two:

Meeting at Cape Schanck car park, we then travel together to Baldry Crossing to commence the days walk. This walk follows Main Creek through Greens Bush down to the beach at Bush Rangers Bay and finish at Cape Schanck. Fauna frequently seen includes Eastern grey Kangaroos, Black Wallabies, Echidnas, Koalas, Blue tongue lizards, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras and Superb Fairy-wrens. Lunch pack provided.

Level of Walk: Moderate 14 kms.

Prices:

• 2 people $80 p.p per day
• 3 to 8 people $60 p.p per day
• Prices negotiated for groups in excess of 6 people.

 
SPECIAL FEATURES
 

• Australia’s first natural Hot mineral springs and spa centre.
• Over 30 different pools and bathing experiences.
• Beautiful natural setting.
• Day Spa centre.
• Cafés.
• Groups of up to 200 at a time.

ALL SEASONS

Perfect for all seasons and all weather conditions. An experience that is enjoyable and reliable every
day or night of the year.

Where does our water come from?

The hot mineral spring waters fl ow from an aquifer 637 metres below the surface. The 50°C water rises under its
own pressure through the bore to within 10 metres of the surface, from where it is pumped to the pools.
Hot pool temperatures vary from 37°C to 43°C

 Pebble Beach  is down  the Board walk 750 meters.

Eastern Lookout 170 meters.

Western Lookout 450meters

Loop Return 600 meters

Views include Pulpit Rock, Bushranger Bay, Elephant Rock and castle Rock

For the big adventure the Cave with Stalagmites is extrmely difficult and dangerous to climb 

The relaxed elegance of the Montalto Restaurant is set in a striking and harmonious landscape building featuring rammed earth walls, timber frames and rough-hewn floor boards to blur the edges of inside and out, bringing the beauty of the outside in. Floor to ceiling windows take advantage of the breathtaking rural outlook of vines, olive groves, sculpture leading down to picturesque lakes and wetlands, with pasture, and a hint of the ocean as the backdrop.

During the warmer months, there a few places better than a table on the extensive decking, a magical place to while away the afternoon. In the cooler months, the gentle rays of the winter sun warm the restaurant as they shine through the windows.

The Montalto Restaurant is imbued with a provincial spirit, from a personal greeting at the front door to the food on the plate in front of you. Led by Head Chef Barry Davis, the kitchen serves food inspired by regional France, but anchored in the fresh seasonal produce of the estate and the Mornington Peninsula.

This includes Montalto's own expansive herb and vegetable garden, fruit & nut orchard and berry garden to which chefs make daily visits, harvesting the best of the garden for use in the restaurant.

As part of the regional dining experience, the wine list is not limited to the estate wines, but also offers selections from highly regarded Mornington Peninsula, Australian and international wineries.

According to The Good Food Guide, "Everything good about eating and drinking on the Mornington Peninsula comes together here…Montalto understands the Peninsula's strengths and truly shines"

Opening hours

Lunch daily 12-3pm
Dinner Friday & Saturday 6.30-11 pm

Summer opening hours (from Boxing Day until Australia Day):

Lunch daily 12-3pm
Dinner Monday-Thursday 6.30-9pm
Dinner Friday & Saturday 6.30-11pm