Two key regional tourism hotspots are in line for major upgrades in Victoria’s south.
Plans have been filed for a $25-million upgrade to Arthurs Seat Eagle, a gondola ride that takes visitors on a 20-minute scenic ride over the state park on the Mornington Peninsula.
A luge ride, with 360-degree viewing platforms, and a light and sound show are part of the plans by the attraction’s owners, rich-lister Peter Gunn and NAB director Simon McKeon.
The plans also include updating its tourism facilities, attractions and green space under a masterplan proposal now with the Victorian Planning Authority.
There would also be greater accessibility thanks to a new pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Road and the retention of sightlines over Port Phillip Bay.
Arthurs Seat Eagle chief executive Matthew Mulkearns said that the masterplan had included consultation with stakeholders and the community for 12 months.
“The feedback we sought from our community ... strongly indicated a greater desire for observation and viewing facilities to afford even greater aspects of our spectacular natural surrounds,” Mulkearns said.
“The community has also indicated a desire for cultural and exhibition spaces, family-friendly recreation, and the protection of our precinct’s abundant green space in collaboration with Parks Victoria.”
Arthurs Seat Eagle receives 260,000 visitors a year. The upgrades are estimated to return $45 million in economic activity back to the state, making it a project of significance under the Victorian Planning Provisions and qualified for State Project status.
This allows it to move through a streamlined approval process.
Upgrade works are expected to begin in late 2025.
Meanwhile, improvements are also on the way for Phillip Islands’ Penguin Parade with work under way on a new accessible boardwalk with penguin viewing stands.
So far, footings and steel framework have been installed thanks to a $5-million Regional Tourism Investment Fund investment.
That framework was lifted into position by helicopter to protect the habitat from heavy vehicles.
Other components were carried to the site by hand and then installed in stages to ensure the penguins and their habitat were not disturbed.
Wildlife officers are onsite during construction to monitor the penguins and ensure they are not impacted by the works.
The boardwalk will create a loop to create greater accessibility.
Visitors use the stands at night to watch little penguins return from the sea and move up the beach to their nesting sites.
The project also includes elevated boardwalks so that the penguins have unrestricted movement throughout their habitat.
Terroir Architects and Simpson Construction have partnered with Nature Parks for the Penguin Parade Boardwalks and Viewing Stands Redevelopment project. It is hoped it will be completed by December so it can be used during this summer’s peak tourist season.
The Penguin Parade receives more than 700,000 visitors a year.
