Arthurs Seat

Melbourne

Melbourne featuring general coastal views and forests
Melbourne which includes a city, skyline and a sunset
Melbourne which includes road cycling as well as an individual male
Melbourne featuring general coastal views and views
Melbourne showing signage, general coastal views and views

Go on a gondola ride to this hilltop park on the Mornington Peninsula to take in the coastal and city views and walk through the parklands.

Arthurs Seat has been an Aboriginal gathering site, was climbed by early explorers to get their bearings and today is a popular leisure parkland on top of the Mornington Peninsula’s tallest hill. Take a gondola ride, have drinks with a view, explore the walking tracks and enjoy the panoramic views.

Getting to Arthurs Seat is part of the attraction. As you drive along the twisting road, stop at the various lookout points for different views. Taking about 15 minutes each way, the Arthurs Seat Eagle is a fast and scenic option to get up the hill. This state-of-the art gondola provides bird’s-eye views of the Mornington Peninsula.

Once you have reached the top, take a seat in the large green chair known as Arthurs Seat for a great photo opportunity. During drinks or lunch at the café of the Arthurs Hotel, enjoy sprawling views across the bay with the Melbourne skyline in the distance.

Read the signs that explain the history of the hill. Standing 1,030 feet (314 metres) above sea level, Arthurs Seat has been used as a vantage point for millennia. The local Boonwurrung people called the hill Wongo and it is believed that ritual Aboriginal dance ceremonies, called “corroborees,” were held on its lower slopes. The current name originates in 1802. European explorers named it after the similar looking Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland.

If you are feeling energetic, tackle some of the walking or mountain biking trails in the Arthurs Seat State Park. The easy Arthurs Seat Circuit Walk takes in some of the main points around the summit and the Kings Falls Circuit Walk takes in waterfalls of the same name.

Explore the enchanting hilltop Seawinds Gardens, filled with exotic trees, native plants, birdsong and grazing kangaroos. As you wander, look for the sculptures of Aborigines by the Australian artist William Ricketts. Pause a while by the tranquil pond to spend a moment in quiet contemplation.

Arthurs Seat is about 2 hour’s drive from Melbourne. If you are driving, park for free in several lots around the park. The public park is open day and night and is free to enter. The gondola departs from Arthurs Seat Road and you can buy a return or one-way ticket.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Arthurs Seat

Arthurs Views

Arthurs Views

4.5 out of 5
10 Nestle Court, Arthurs Seat, VIC
The price is €215 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€215
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury B&B in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions The Enchanted Adventure Garden and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"Breathtaking view. Nice and comfortable room. Absolutely loved our stay."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Arthurs Views
Arthurs Holiday Villa

Arthurs Holiday Villa

3 out of 5
6 nestle court, Arthurs Seat, VIC
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Stan Williams Reserve and The Enchanted Adventure ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"Wonderful view from the balcony!!!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Arthurs Holiday Villa
Seahorse Motel

Seahorse Motel

3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is €78 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
€78
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Cowes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (925 reviews)
"Stayed for 2 nights. As soon as i walked in to reception, i was greeted with the best customer service and at check out. By far the best stay my partner and i both had,as its not often there is an electric blanket for those cold nights which was awesome. We Stayed in the studio room with a stovetop ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Seahorse Motel
RACV Cape Schanck Resort

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

5 out of 5
Trent Jones Drive, Cape Schanck, VIC
The price is €118 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€118
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (928 reviews)
Will be back again.. and again…
"Always a pleasure staying at RACV Cape Schank 🤘 Great base for a few days away from town and exploring the Mornington Peninsular!"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Peppers Moonah Links Resort

Peppers Moonah Links Resort

4 out of 5
55 Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal, VIC
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Peppers Moonah Links Resort
InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula by IHG

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula by IHG

5 out of 5
23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento, VIC
The price is €168 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€168
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (101 reviews)
"Room was nice and clean but the chromecast did not work in our room"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Arthurs Seat

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