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This abandoned coastal fort in Vic finally unlocked its underground tunnels

(Credit: Visit Vicoria)

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
Visitors can now explore historic underground tunnels on the Mornington Peninsula.

At the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula sits a fascinating part of Australia’s history. Fort Nepean cuts a dramatic figure on the coastline of Point Nepean National Park, built to defend Melbourne in the First and Second World Wars. It was here that the first shot of the First World War was taken for the British Empire, and Australia’s opening shot of the Second. And now, for the first time since the wars, visitors can also head underground and explore the historic Fort Nepean tunnels.

What’s inside the tunnels?

woman inside Fort Nepean Tunnels
Find old ammunition stores and bomb-proof chambers. (Credit: Lucas Dawson)

Heading underground, visitors will be able to follow a web of narrow corridors carved into limestone, spreading out underneath Fort Nepean. Highlights underground include old ammunition stores and bomb-proof chambers, remnants of its military past.

Above ground, beyond dramatic vistas of the surrounding coastline, visitors can spot historic gun emplacements.

When were the tunnels sealed?

two walkers inside Fort Nepean Tunnels
These tunnels were important military structures. (Credit: Lucas Dawson)

After the Second World War, in 1945, Fort Nepean was permanently sealed and closed to the public after the site’s coastal artillery was removed. The whole area remained closed to the public for another 40-plus years, being used as a restricted military training area.

Then, in 1988, it was opened back up as a public area, as part of Point Nepean National Park. But it’s only now that the labyrinth of underground tunnels has been part of that equation.

Why are they open now?

couple walking out of Fort Nepean Tunnels with copastal views below
Find stunning coastal views from lookout points around the fort. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Work to “remedy structural issues, and conserve and repair concrete structures across the site" has been done as part of the Victorian Government’s Heritage Icons Project. So, essentially, the tunnels are now structurally safe to walk through. The work was aimed at both preserving the history and character of the site while safeguarding its future.

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Getting to Fort Nepean

hikers walking to Fort Nepean tunnels mornington peninsula
Enjoy a short or long walk through Point Nepean National Park. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Getting to the Fort Nepean tunnels does require a walk, but it’s considered one of the most beautiful coastal trails in Victoria. And there are a couple of options.

For a shorter walk, follow the approximately 1.6-kilometre (one-way) Gunner’s Cottage route. Follow this sealed road from Gunners Car Park, passing the historic Point Nepean Cemetery along the way.

Those feeling more energetic can opt for the approximately 16-kilometre (return) pathway from Point Nepean Quarantine Station. From there, follow the signposted coastal and sealed road track through coastal scrub and rugged cliffside scenery. Look out over Phillip Bay, Bass Strait and The Rip, and even plan to stop at dedicated picnic areas along the way.

Don’t want to walk at all? Wait for the hop-on, hop-off shuttle running through the national park. It connects the park entrance with Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean. You can also opt for a combo of shuttle and hiking.

The details

visitors and parks guide looking out from fort nepean
Plan ahead to take the shuttle bus, or follow your own two feet. (Credit: Belinda Van Zanen)

Cost: Entry to Point Nepean National Park is free. Those opting for the shuttle will pay $12 adult, $8 child/concession holder or per person as part of a 15+ person group booking.
Shuttle details: For schedules, ticketing or group bookings, call 1300VENTURA or email bushire@venturabus.com.au
Location: Point Nepean National Park is about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road. These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver, which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum. Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)