By Erica Louise
If you’ve yet to fly on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, what are you waiting for? This is your opportunity to enjoy the best views of Port Phillip Bay from a bird’s eye perspective.
Two years ago, the Mornington Peninsula’s newest tourist attraction opened its sliding doors to 34 rotating gondolas for the very first time. Eager locals and tourists flocked to the Arthurs Seat Eagle back in December 2016. They still do to this day and for a very good reason.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle is a gentle journey, taking up to 8 passengers at a time on a leisurely glide up to the Summit Station and down to the Base Station. A one-way journey on the Arthurs Seat Eagle in either direction takes approximately 14 minutes. Where you choose to board is up to you. Most visitors commence their Arthurs Seat Eagle ride at the Base Station in Dromana. Why? Because there’s more to do at the Summit.
The Eagle Café at the Arthurs Seat Eagle Summit is a good sized eatery, offering sweeping views from the highest vantage point on the Mornington Peninsula. Choose to dine inside or out, depending on the weather. Here you can purchase hot beverages, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, scones, pies and baked goods. The Eagle Café is also licensed, serving locally produced wine, beer and cider.
Once you’ve quelled your hunger, head outside for some fresh clean air. Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful State Park or the Seawinds Gardens and spot a number of William Ricketts’ enchanting wooden sculptures. Otherwise enjoy the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay at the Arthurs Seat Lookout. Look far into the distance and you might catch a glimmer of the sun reflecting off Melbourne’s Eureka Tower.
Afraid of high places? You might be pleasantly surprised by the Arthurs Seat Eagle. Views appear much higher when you’re off the gondola than when you’re seated inside. Passengers of all ages enjoy the gondola’s smooth, safe and comfortable ride.
Top tip: wear suitable clothing for the occasion. Each gondola has clip-on windows that are removed in spring. The wind can still be a little chilly so it’s worth taking a jacket on cooler days.
Board one of Arthurs Seat Eagle’s 34 gondolas and fly high over the state forest to the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. In the case of very extreme weather conditions rides will be cancelled, so it’s best to call ahead if the wind is picking up.