RESIDENTS have raised concerns over congestion and safety issues at the Arthurs Seat Eagle over the Easter long weekend, reigniting debate over a proposed tourism expansion at the summit.
The scenic lookout saw high visitation numbers on 19 April with parking infrastructure “completely failing,” according to Save Our Seat community group spokesperson Kylie Greer. She said by 1pm, the car park at the bottom station was full, with more than 100 people queuing for the gondola. “The summit lookout was also at capacity, with cars idling and waiting for parking spots, leading to gridlock on Arthurs Seat Rd at the summit,” she said.
As a result, Greer said cars were parked illegally or dangerously on narrow verges, with residents blocked from driveways or trapped in traffic. She said the congestion had caused people to walk long distances to venues along unsafe roads, including large numbers of people walking up the scenic Arthurs Seat Rd – a narrow, winding route with blind corners, limited visibility and no shoulders or footpaths.
Adding to the traffic chaos was the Enchanted Adventure Garden hosting 3200 guests, with some reporting it took up to 45 minutes to find a park. “Their overflow car parks were full, and Seawinds (State Park) was also at capacity, pushing traffic and parking into surrounding residential roads including Purves Rd, Pindara Rd and Arthurs Seat Rd itself,” Greer said, noting that this occurred several times a year.
“The roads and infrastructure at Arthurs Seat were never designed to accommodate thousands of visitors, especially not when they come all at once.” She said this was deeply concerning to the community as any proposed development by Athurs Seat Eagle would only “exacerbate safety risks for both pedestrians and drivers and put further pressure on already inadequate roads and parking infrastructure”.
The $25m proposed redevelopment involves expanding the popular tourist attraction including adding a new observation tower, a pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Rd, a function centre, a luge ride attraction and an “experiential interpretive centre” – all of which would be delivered in three stages.
Residents are vehemently opposed to the plan as it would impact native habitats, disturb the tranquillity cherished by locals and visitors, and increase traffic congestion around Arthurs Seat and Dromana. “It will also compromise emergency access, particularly during bushfire season or medical events, impact local wildlife through increased road traffic, habitat disturbance, and pollution, and continue to erode quality of life for residents, who already sacrifice safety and amenity on high-traffic days,” Greer said.
“The area is already over-loved. While tourism is valuable, it needs to be managed with balance and foresight. What we are witnessing is a tipping point. The current load is unsustainable and dangerous. Any future development must be assessed against the reality of what’s already happening—not a vision of how it might work in theory.”
More than 12,500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans. Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said the car parks for the Arthurs Seat Eagle were not council’s responsibility, however its parking enforcement officers “can take action if there are issues in the surrounding streets”. “We don’t usually proactively patrol these areas and the traffic issues over Easter were not brought to our attention. Now that we are aware of these issues, we will ensure this area is included in our proactive patrolling program for the next long weekend,” he said.
Parks Victoria’s district manager Georgia Kerr said, “Over public holidays like Easter, iconic locations such as Arthurs Seat, Cape Schanck, Point Nepean, the Back and Bay Beaches can be very busy and that does put pressure on parking and other infrastructure. Drivers should always be conscious about driving safely and not blocking roads for emergency access”.
To view the petition, visit www.change.org/SaveOurSeat
First published in the Mornington News – 6 May 2025
