Cultural and Heritage Sites

Image: The Briars historic homestead, Mt Martha

Welcome to our local Culture and Heritage Sites page, where we highlight landmarks that define our community. From historic buildings and monuments to natural wonders, these sites offer a glimpse into the stories that have shaped our region. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, we invite you to explore these treasured places and connect with the rich cultural heritage right here in our own backyard.

List

Beleura House and Gardens

Beleura House and Garden is a place where history, art, music and landscape come together. Visit by appointment only.

Cape Schanck lighthouse - Parks Victoria

Rising from jagged cliffs, Cape Schanck Lighthouse has watched over the treacherous Southern Ocean since 1859, a steadfast guardian for passing ships.

Collin 1803 Settlement - Parks Victoria

Collins Settlement Historic Site in Sorrento, nestled in coastal scrub along the Port Phillip foreshore. It marks the site of Victoria’s first attempted permanent European settlement in 1803, led by Lieutenant David Collins.

Coolart Wetlands and Homestead

Coolart Wetlands & Homestead is a heritage estate located in the small hamlet of Somers. Check the Coolart website to see what's on.

Collection: Coolart consists of a unique range of historical buildings and environmental landscapes

Endeavour Fern Gully - National Trust

Endeavour Fern Gully is an ecological gem. It is part of a 27 hectare property, owned by the National Trust, of which 17.5 hectares of natural indigenous bushland, including an outstanding example of a lush fern gully.

Flinders Jetty

Flinders Pier was constructed in the 1860s, at a time when the Mornington Peninsula was beginning to establish itself as a hub for fishing, trade, and maritime activity.

Harry's House and restored church porch - Hastings

Harry's House and the renovated Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints sits in the historic precinct of Hastings near the Marina.

Hastings Fishing Shed and Pier

At its heart are two landmarks: the town’s historic pier, first built in 1864, and the nearby fish shed from the late 1800s

McCrae Homestead - National Trust

The McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria’s oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of early pioneering life using local materials and primitive construction techniques. It also contains a rare collection of 19th century family heirlooms and artworks from the McCrae and Burrell families.

Mornington's Royal Public Baths

The Mornington Baths site holds local historical, social, and archaeological significance. Established in the late 1870s, it showcases the area's development as a seaside resort.

Mornington Tourist Railway

The Mornington Tourist Railway is a heritage railway preserving Victoria’s railway heritage for past, present and future generations. Their offer train rides and have a collection of heritage trains.

Mt Martha Community House

Mount Martha House has a long and fascinating history. The building has been heritage listed and is considered architecturally and historically significant to the State of Victoria.

Mulberry Hill - National Trust

The McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria’s oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of early pioneering life using local materials and primitive construction techniques. It also contains a rare collection of 19th century family heirlooms and artworks from the McCrae and Burrell families.

Point Nepean National Park - Quarantine Station & Fort Nepean

Established in 1852, explore nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings. Learn about life at this once-remote location and the station's critical role in protecting Australia from introduced diseases.

Police Point Shire Park

This bushland reserve is situated between the Police Point complex of historic buildings and the neighbouring Point Nepean National Park. Bunurong people count the area as having significant cultural value and was used over successive generations for thousands of years.

Old Post Office Museum Mornington

This building on the Esplanade Mornington served as the Mornington Post Office for 100 years.

Old Schoolhouse Rye

Built in 1923 to replace the original 1875 structure, the Old Rye Schoolhouse was saved from demolition in 2000 through community action.

Rye's Limestone Kilns

Stories in stone - In the mid-1800s, settlers quarried the local limestone and built kilns to produce lime.

Sorrento Museum - Home of Nepean Historical Society

The Society established its Museum in the Mechanics’ Institute, Melbourne Road, Sorrento. The building which is classified by the National Trust was built of local limestone in 1876/90. A multi-purpose Heritage Gallery, including multimedia and lecture facilities, was added in 1994.

The Briars Historic Homestead - National Trust

A homestead and wildlife sanctuary on the Mornington Peninsula steeped in local history, flora and fauna. The Briars is one of the first houses built by Europeans on the Mornington Peninsula’s. It was settled in 1840 by Captain James Reid, a retired army officer. Read more

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