Plan your visit to Arthurs Seat Eagle

Arthurs Seat Eagle is a scenic gondola ride that carries you above Arthurs Seat State Park, revealing wide views across the Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, and the surrounding bushland. The ride is smooth and easy for all ages, but conditions such as weather, busy weekends, and the time of day can affect both views and queues. With a bit of planning, you can choose the best time to ride and enjoy the summit at a relaxed pace.

Navigating your way

Arthurs Seat Eagle operates from a single base station in Dromana. All visitors begin at the lower terminal, where ticketing, boarding, and accessibility facilities are located. Gondola cabins run continuously, taking you uphill to the summit station in about 15 minutes.

Flow

👉 Base station → Gondola ascent → Summit station → Viewing areas & café → Return ride (if booked)

At the summit

👉 Follow signed paths to lookout points, short walking trails, and dining areas. Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes at the top before descending.

Tools

👉 On-site signage is sufficient; no app or map is required for navigation.

Explore more with a guided or bundled experience

The gondola ride is simple, but guided Mornington Peninsula tours can help you make the most of your visit, especially if time is limited. Many tours pair Arthurs Seat Eagle with nearby wineries, hot springs, or coastal stops, so you can skip driving, parking, and peak-time crowds while visiting in the best conditions.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Snapshot visit

~1–1.5 hours

Base station → Gondola ascent → Summit lookout → Return ride

A relaxed gondola ride with coastal views, easy to fit into a wider Mornington Peninsula plan.

Leisure visit

~2–3 hours

Gondola ascent → Summit walkways → Café stop → Return ride

Time to enjoy summit lookouts, short walks, and a café stop without rushing.

Extended peninsula stop

~3–4 hours

Gondola ascent → Summit trails → Lunch or coffee → Descent → Nearby attractions

A slower-paced half-day experience paired with nearby beaches, wineries, or hot springs.

Handy tips

  • Book ahead: Walk-up tickets can sell out on weekends and holidays, especially between 11am and 2pm.
  • Pick calmer windows: Early mornings and late afternoons offer clearer views and shorter boarding waits.
  • Weather check: Strong winds or low cloud can reduce visibility or pause operations.
  • Return tickets save hassle: Round-trip rides avoid re-queuing at the summit.
  • Accessibility-friendly: Gondolas accommodate wheelchairs and prams with staff assistance.
  • Peak season crowds: School holidays and summer weekends are busiest.

Book Arthurs Seat Eagle Tickets

  • Choose the right ticket: Select a ticket based on how you plan to return. One-way tickets suit visitors arranging their own way down, while round-trip tickets are the most popular choice for a smooth, hassle-free return.
  • Book ahead for busy days: Pre-booking is recommended for weekends, public holidays, and school breaks, when wait times peak around midday. Flexible-date tickets are useful if your visit depends on clear weather.
  • Look at combo experiences: Combo tickets are ideal if you’re exploring the Mornington Peninsula, pairing the gondola ride with nearby attractions for better value and less planning.
  • Compare before you book: Use the comparison table to quickly find the ticket option that best matches your schedule, flexibility, and travel style.

Arthurs Seat Eagle ticket types explained

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range

One-way ticket

Single gondola ride (up or down)

Flexible return plans

AU$24.50

Mornington Spa Ticket

Gondola ride + hot springs experience

Relaxed day out & wellness

AU$180

Family pass

Return gondola rides for 2 adults + 2 children

Family outings

AU$92

Arthurs Seat Eagle timings & best time to visit

DayTimingsLast entryClosed on

Daily

10am - 5pm

30 mins before closing

Christmas Day

Peak season*

10am - 6pm

30 mins before closing

-

Best time to visit

Weekday vs weekend

Weekdays are quieter, especially before 11am and after 3:30pm. Weekends and public holidays see the highest crowds between 11am and 2pm, with longer boarding waits and busier summit areas.

Peak season vs low season

Summer (Dec–Feb) and school holidays are peak, offering clear views but heavier crowds. Autumn and spring balance mild weather with fewer visitors, while winter is calm but more weather-dependent.

Takeaway: Visit on a weekday morning for clearer views and minimal waiting.

Where is Arthurs Seat Eagle located?

Arthurs Seat Eagle is located in Dromana, on the Mornington Peninsula, overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

  • Address: 1085 Arthurs Seat Rd, Dromana VIC 3936 | Find on Maps
  • Closest landmark: Arthurs Seat State Park, adjacent

How to get there

Passengers boarding a coach bus with smiles, ready for a tour.
  • Train: Frankston Line to Frankston Station, then bus or taxi (~35 mins drive).
  • Bus: Route 887 stops near Arthurs Seat Road; approx. 10–15 min walk uphill to the base station.
Tourists enjoying transfer in car

Take M11 Peninsula Link, exit toward Dromana/Arthurs Seat, and follow signage. On-site parking is available at the base station; fills quickly on weekends.

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho it’s forCrowds & wait times

Base Station Entrance

Arthurs Seat Rd, Dromana

All visitors

Short waits on weekdays; 15–30 mins peak weekends

Summit Station Exit

Arthurs Seat summit

Return ticket holders

No queues; descent only

Facilities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: Available at both base and summit stations
  • Café: Light meals, drinks, and seating at the summit
  • 🅿️ Parking: Free parking at base station
  • 🪑 Seating areas: Benches and lookout seating at the summit
  • 🎟️ Ticket counter: On-site sales subject to availability

Accessibility

General facilities

Priority boarding available for visitors with disabilities. Staff assistance offered at the base station on request.

Physical disabilities

Wheelchair-accessible gondola cabins with level boarding. Paved paths and accessible restrooms at the summit.

Hearing impairments

Visual signage throughout terminals. Staff available for assistance.

Visual impairments

Staff support available; guide dogs permitted inside cabins.

Visiting with family

  • Baby-changing facilities at base and summit restrooms
  • Pram-friendly gondola cabins with staff assistance
  • Open summit spaces suitable for short walks with kids
  • Café offers kid-friendly snacks and seating
  • Easy 15-minute ride duration suits younger children

Rules and restrictions

  • Entry requires a valid ticket; boarding follows capacity limits.
  • Large items may be restricted inside gondola cabins.
  • Smoking and vaping are prohibited at all stations and cabins.
  • Pets are not permitted, except certified service animals.
  • Photography is allowed; drones are strictly prohibited.
  • Visitors must follow staff instructions during boarding and disembarkation.
  • Operations may pause due to high winds or severe weather.

Dress code

General

Arthurs Seat Eagle has no formal dress code. Comfortable clothing is recommended due to open lookout areas and changing weather conditions. Closed shoes are advised for walking paths at the summit.

Accessories

In cooler months, wind-resistant layers are useful as temperatures can feel lower at elevation. During summer, sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended due to limited shade.

Kids

There are no special dress requirements for children, but comfortable clothing and secure footwear are recommended to make walking around the summit areas easier and safer.

Where to shop

Summit Retail Store (Summit Station)

Souvenirs, postcards, apparel, and locally themed gifts.

Base Station Shop

Snacks, drinks, and small takeaway items before boarding.

Both stores focus on lightweight items suitable for carrying during the gondola ride.

Where to eat

Summit Café

Casual café serving light meals, coffee, and desserts with indoor and outdoor seating.

Base Station Kiosk

Quick snacks and drinks for takeaway before or after your ride.

Dromana is just a 5–10 minute drive away and has a good range of cafés and restaurants.

Where to stay

Dromana and Rosebud are convenient bases for visiting Arthurs Seat Eagle, with easy access, beaches, and dining, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

McCrae Lighthouse Suites (5-min drive)

Boutique coastal stay

Bayview Motel Rosebud (10-min drive)

Mid-range, practical option

RACV Cape Schanck Resort (25-min drive)

Luxury stay with ocean views

Local Airbnbs in Dromana

Great for families and groups

Frequently asked questions about visiting Arthurs Seat Eagle

Most visits take 1.5–3 hours, including the gondola ride and time at the summit.

More reads

Arthurs Seat Eagle Timings

About Arthurs Seat Eagle

Getting to Arthurs Seat Eagle