Discover Arthurs Seat: summit views, gardens and trails

Arthurs Seat is a 304-metre-high granite hill. A hike up Arthurs Seat offers views of golden beaches, the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, and Melbourne across the bay. The views make the trail itself part of the experience: here, landscape and movement go hand in hand. There are different ways to plan your trip, from hiking and exploring the gardens to mountain bike tracks and adventure activities.

Summit views and Seawinds Gardens

Seawinds Gardens covers 34 hectares at the summit of Arthurs Seat, 305 metres above sea level. From the garden’s lookouts, views extend across Port Phillip and the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. This complements the views offered by a hike up Arthurs Seat: golden beaches and Melbourne across the bay are part of the panorama on the trail, while the garden lookouts take in Port Phillip and the two peninsulas.

The sculptures also contribute to the garden’s distinctive character. In the ornamental gardens at Seawinds, visitors can barbecue among the sculptures by William Ricketts. Alongside the views, a visit offers a specific opportunity to experience the gardens and their artworks together. Those who would rather focus their day on the landscape and a garden visit will find different impressions here than on the trails through the state park.

Hiking and mountain biking in the state park

Numerous hiking trails run through Arthurs Seat State Park. There are also more than 25 kilometres of mountain bike tracks, which connect to the wider network of management tracks. This offers two different ways to experience the park: you can explore on foot or include the designated mountain bike tracks in your plans. Information about the track network can change; check current park conditions before your visit.

Which option better suits your travel plans depends on whether you would like to focus on a scenic hike or mountain biking. Views of the beaches, peninsulas and Melbourne are described for the hike; the mountain bike tracks, with their stated length and connection to the management track network, provide a separate point of reference for planning. If your stay includes both, you can schedule the activities separately in your day plan.

More experiences and the drive to the summit

In the wider hinterland of Arthurs Seat, Enchanted Adventure offers tube slides, large puzzle challenges, a canopy walk, a Sky Scramble, themed gardens, topiary, giant sculptures and mazes. Tree surfing there is a high-ropes adventure among the native trees of the bush park, with zip lines, swinging rope bridges, suspended tunnels and a giant Tarzan swing. Activities may change; check with the operator for current information before your visit.

Another way to plan a visit to the summit is to take the Arthurs Seat Loop Scenic Drive. It follows winding Arthurs Seat Road to the summit of Arthurs Seat. If you plan to drive, it’s a good idea to check current road conditions in advance.

Planning accommodation in Arthurs Seat

These options offer different ways to spend your days. Compare hotels based on the kind of trip you’re planning, rather than expecting a single recommendation to suit every interest.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cape Otway, Stratford, Gladysdale, Hotham Heights, Menzies Creek, Grovedale, Carrum Downs, Wycheproof.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.