Arthurs Seat

Melbourne

Melbourne featuring forest scenes and general coastal views
Melbourne featuring a sunset, skyline and a city
Melbourne featuring road cycling as well as an individual male
Melbourne which includes views and general coastal views
Melbourne featuring 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 meters) 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 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! (19 reviews)
Room with a view
"Breath taking views. Great arrangement and communication by host. Loved the apartment which was well stocked. Shame we were not there long enough to enjoy it."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Arthurs Holiday Villa
Arthurs Views
Arthurs Views
4.5 out of 5
10 Nestle Court, Arthurs Seat, VIC
The price is P13,713 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P13,713
P15,085 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (231 reviews)
"We had an amazing time. The location, apartment and facilities were great. That large window framing the bay views during the day and night are definitely amazing too. We will be back again, it was most enjoyable and relaxing."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Arthurs Views
Seahorse Motel
Seahorse Motel
3.5 out of 5
29-31 Chapel Street, Cowes, VIC
The price is P4,700 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P4,700
P5,170 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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! (909 reviews)
"Convenient location for our weekend in Cowes. Very large king sized bed, but firmer than we would have liked. Door to the bathroom did not shut - sliding door did not have a latch and kept falling half open. Good heating in the unit and also good water pressure in shower."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Seahorse Motel
North Pier Hotel
North Pier Hotel
3 out of 5
5 The Esplanade, Cowes, VIC
The price is P3,693 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P3,693
P4,062 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cowes. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I liked it."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

North Pier Hotel
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Great spot, lovely views, great food, great service."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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 P11,917 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
P11,917
P13,109 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
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! (97 reviews)
"The staff were lovely the room was very nice and cozy made for the perfect winter getaway with our little family"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 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