Lightwood Creek Camping Area, Cape Schanck VIC
Please Note: This is a primitive, hike-in only campground. It is not accessible by vehicle.
For dedicated hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness experience on the Mornington Peninsula, the Lightwood Creek Camping Area is a special destination. Tucked away in a secluded bushland gully within the Mornington Peninsula National Park, this is the only designated campground along the famous 26-kilometre Two Bays Walking Track. It is a place designed for adventurers, offering a peaceful and isolated spot to rest for the night mid-hike. The campground is a small, serene clearing surrounded by native scrub and towering gum trees, providing a genuine sense of immersion in the Australian bush, a world away from the bustling nearby coastal towns.
This is a back-to-basics experience for fully self-sufficient walkers. The campground provides only the most essential facilities: a non-flushing toilet and untreated rainwater. There are no shelters, picnic tables, or rubbish bins. Campers must carry in all their gear—tent, sleeping equipment, food, and cooking supplies—and, crucially, carry all their rubbish back out again. Campfires are strictly prohibited at all times to protect the sensitive environment; only fuel stoves are permitted for cooking. The campsites are simple, numbered clearings designed for tents.
The reward for this self-reliance is an incredibly peaceful and rewarding stay. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the bush and wake up to a chorus of native birdlife. The location makes it the perfect halfway point for those completing the Two Bays Walking Track over two days, breaking the journey between Dromana and Cape Schanck. Its isolation ensures a quiet night under a spectacular blanket of stars, far from any light pollution. Booking a site in advance through the Parks Victoria website is mandatory to secure your spot in this unique hiker’s retreat.
Site Information
- Location: In the Mornington Peninsula National Park, on the Two Bays Walking Track.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only (hike-in).
- Road Access: No vehicle access. This is a hike-in only campground.
- Site Surface: Dirt and leaf litter.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered tent sites only. Booking is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the Parks Victoria website.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A small number of designated tent sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilet. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: Untreated rainwater tank is available, but supply is not guaranteed. It’s essential to carry your own water or be prepared to treat it.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited at all times.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All hiking and camping gear, food, drinking water, fuel stove, rubbish bags, map, and compass/GPS.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in the National Park.
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: The campground is a feature of the long-distance Two Bays Walking Track.
Local Amenities (Nearest Towns by Car)
- Local Pubs:
- Rosebud Hotel (approx. 15 km from northern trailhead)
- Flinders Hotel (approx. 15 km from southern trailhead)
- Portsea Hotel (further afield)
- Places to Eat: Full range of supermarkets, cafes, and bakeries in Dromana and Rosebud.
- Local Attractions:
- The Two Bays Walking Track
- Cape Schanck Lighthouse and boardwalk
- Arthurs Seat Eagle
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- Nearest Caravan Parks (Vehicle Accessible):
- Numerous parks in Rosebud, Dromana, and Rye.
- Next Free Camps: No free camping on the Mornington Peninsula.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points available at various commercial caravan parks in Rosebud or Dromana.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Rosebud or Dromana.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Rosebud or Dromana.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite (non-flushing).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot, but coastal breezes can be present. High fire danger season. Essential to carry sufficient water for hiking. Temperatures average 14°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): The prime season for hiking. Days are mild and often sunny, with cool nights. Temperatures average 10°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool, wet, and can be very windy. Be prepared for muddy tracks and cold conditions. Temperatures range from 7°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season with abundant wildflowers. The weather can be very variable, from warm and sunny to cold and wet. Temperatures average 9°C to 19°C.