Arthurs Seat Eagle throughout the years: The evolution of an iconic tourist destination
The Arthurs Seat Eagle is on the precipice of an exciting new chapter, having submitted plans to expand our onsite offering for the enjoyment of new and existing visitors. In anticipation of this evolution, we are reflecting on the site’s history as a place of gathering and appreciating the uniquely spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay.
Originally referred to as ‘Wonga’ by the Boonwurrung people, the Arthurs Seat was an important place for gathering and sacred ceremonies, including births and initiations. The Arthurs Seat State Park recognises its position within an Aboriginal cultural landscape on the traditional lands of the Boonwurrung people and their ongoing roles in the stewardship of the country. As such, the State Park holds strong connections to land and water, ensuring this association is reflected and will always be acknowledged throughout Arthurs Seat Eagle’s operations.
During the early days of European exploration of Australia, while surveying Port Phillip Bay, acting Lieutenant John Murray noted the hill’s resemblance to a site in Edinburgh, Scotland, and applied the name that is widely used today. Navigator Captain Matthew Flinders was the first European to climb Arthurs Seat, acknowledging its elevation made it favourable for observation purposes, due to its stretching views across the Mornington Peninsula.
In the early twentieth century, Flinders Shire Council recognised the opportunity to invite tourism to the area, owing to the unique beauty of its natural attributes. The Garden of the Moon was opened in 1931, offering a host of attractions such as a dance hall, camera obscura, giant telescopes, a swimming pool, donkey rides, and a wishing well. They later opened a lookout tower in 1934, providing the public with its first access to the incredible views throughout the Mornington Peninsula.
Catering to the growing popularity of Arthurs Seat and the success of the lookout tower, a chairlift ascending the hill was opened in 1960. The chairlift provided visitors the opportunity to pass above the bushland of the State Park and reach the 314-metre summit, previously only accessible by car.
However, due to its outdated infrastructure, the original Arthurs Seat chairlift closed in 2006, which saw a decline in tourism to the hill’s summit. After being shut down for several years, the chairlift was removed and replaced by a modern Doppelmayr ride, an innovative tourism transport system now known as the Arthurs Seat Eagle.
Upon learning the Arthurs Seat Eagle was reopening to the public in December 2016, locals vocalised their excitement, hoping the revived cable car would bring joy to future generations and become one of the Peninsula’s greatest attractions once again.
Known for its panoramic bird’s eye view of Port Phillip Bay, the attraction’s name plays homage to the native Wedge-tailed Eagle that inhabits Arthurs Seat State Park, symbolising the “soaring flight” visitors would experience during the gondola ride.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle as it stands, offers all visitors the opportunity to experience panoramic views, with a combination of enclosed and open cabins catering to people of different mobility levels.
The current-day Eagle is one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions, welcoming visitors from around the globe. Operating with 34 gondolas, visitors are transported up to the summit surrounded by the breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay. At the peak, visitors can enjoy a taste of the Mornington Peninsula whilst taking in the scenery at The Eagle Cafe.
As Arthurs Seat Eagle expands into the future, we want to continue to provide the best experience for visitors while reinforcing the Mornington Peninsula as a key tourism destination in Victoria. The upgrade will enhance and expand on the aspects enjoyed by the community, providing more viewing opportunities, increased accessibility, and improved community engagement by including more open gathering spaces.
To learn more about the future of the Arthurs Seat Eagle and stay updated with upgrade news, visit the link here Upgrade Works — Arthurs Seat Eagle (aseagle.com.au)