The state government has approved a major redevelopment of Arthurs Seat Eagle, finding the project acceptable on planning grounds – a decision that has sparked backlash from some on the Mornington Peninsula.
In a statement issued on February 19, Arthurs Seat Eagle (ASE) announced it had received approval from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) “for a landmark upgrade that will, once completed, establish the attraction as one of Australia’s premier year-round tourism destinations”.
The approved project includes a new observation tower, Victoria’s first mountaintop luge ride, a café expansion and a purpose-built indoor immersive experience centre.
The statement said the project “will significantly elevate the experiences provided to the Eagle’s visitors” and that each addition “will breathe new life into Arthurs Seat Eagle, encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, and support stronger year-round visitation beyond the summer season.” Construction is now expected to start early this year with a completion date of December 2028.
The observation tower, inspired by the original summit lookout, is designed to offer 360-degree views across Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the peninsula coastline. The luge ride will operate between the base station and summit station, described as an “exhilarating, family-friendly ride through the bushland”. The expanded café will “become a vibrant, welcoming hub with an enhanced menu, expanded seating, and a revitalised outdoor terrace”.
ASE CEO Matthew Mulkearns said the vision was to create a landmark experience. “We’re pleased to have received approval for the Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade and to move into the next chapter for this iconic Peninsula attraction. While we know the project has prompted strong views, it also reflects how much people care about this special place,” said Mulkearns.
“Our focus now is on delivering new experiences that enhance what’s already here, creating new reasons for families to visit, supporting local jobs and encouraging year-round tourism, all while respecting the unique character of Arthurs Seat.
“We’re excited about what this means for the future of the Eagle and for the broader Mornington Peninsula and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the local community and stakeholders to deliver an attraction everyone will feel proud of.”
In approving the expansion at 795 and 1085 Arthurs Seat Rd, the DTP, in a letter to the submitter dated 19 February, said the “application was assessed against all relevant planning controls, including matters relating to visual impact, noise, vegetation and wildlife, erosion and landslide risk, bushfire safety, traffic and parking, and heritage”.
“After considering the above matters and all matters raised in submissions, the proposal was found to be acceptable on its planning merits, subject to conditions,” it read. “Design changes and permit conditions address visual impact, including controls on materials, landscaping and glare. Noise will be managed through required acoustic measures, with daytime operation only for the luge.”
The DTP’s letter also noted landslide and erosion risks were assessed by a qualified geotechnical expert, and the “proposal was assessed to meet the guidelines subject to conditions, and alignment changes were made to avoid higher risk areas”. “Conditions secure further erosion and landslide risk management measures to further ensure risks are mitigated,” it said.
However, community group Save Our Seat has condemned the approval and vowed to continue opposing the luge development within Arthurs Seat State Park. Save Our Seat said it was “shocked and dismayed” by the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s decision to approve the “rollercoaster-style luge development in Arthurs Seat State Park”. Group spokesperson Kylie Greer said Kilkenny had “sold out” the environment and the interests of the local and Victorian community in favour of a totally inappropriate commercial development in a state park.
“Minister Kilkenny will go down in history as the person who signed off on the destruction of the natural heritage and beauty of one of Victoria’s most treasured places,” Greer said. “But it’s important to state this clearly: while planning approval may have been granted, this project does not have the social licence to proceed. This fight is not over.”
The Eagle’s project and finance director Sunayana Addanki said environmental considerations had shaped the design. “We’re custodians of a unique natural environment, and we take that responsibility seriously. This upgrade has been shaped by careful design, minimal-impact construction and long-term environmental care. Our commitment is clear: protect the land, enhance the landscape, and ensure the Eagle remains a sustainable experience for years to come.”
The project has been recognised by the government as a “project of importance” and comes as the region’s visitor economy continued to grow. Environment and Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the development would deliver long-term benefits.
“The Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade project will offer new ways for people to enjoy the outdoors, support local businesses and enhance one of our most popular regions. It’s a smart, balanced investment that delivers for visitors, for nature and for Victoria’s long-term visitor economy.
“The upgraded Eagle shows exactly how Victoria can create new tourism and recreation experiences while protecting the natural environment that defines our state. When done well, development and environmental care aren’t opposites, they strengthen each other.”
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the expansion would also strengthen the peninsula’s tourism appeal. “Victoria’s strength as a visitor destination lies in the breadth and quality of the experiences we offer. We know visitors to the Mornington Peninsula are looking for experiences that help them connect with nature and discover new perspectives on the places they visit,” he said. “By combining adventure, natural beauty, education and family-friendly attractions, the Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade project enhances one of the state’s most iconic locations.”
Save Our Seat, in vowing to oppose the development, said ASE “does not have the confidence or consent of a significant portion of the local and Victorian community and a wide range of environmental, heritage and wildlife groups”. The group said objections had been lodged by several community and environmental organisations and cited concerns including landslide and bushfire risk, vegetation loss, wildlife habitat fragmentation, traffic pressures and visual impacts.
“The Minister’s decision fails to reflect the depth and breadth of community concern about introducing a large-scale commercial luge into an environmentally sensitive state park setting,” Greer said. “Minister Kilkenny didn’t even give us the courtesy of holding an expert panel hearing as we requested so that the developer’s claims could be tested in public. “It’s a disgraceful decision that shows this state Labor government simply doesn’t give a damn about the environment.”
In response, ASE said community feedback “has been central to refining the upgrade”. “Feedback from the public, community groups and the community reference group led directly to key changes, including the shortened luge alignment, increased tree retention, adjustments to visual impacts and the decision to expand the existing café rather than build a new restaurant,” it said. “Engagement remains ongoing through newsletters, social channels, suggestion boxes and direct consultation, ensuring the project continues to reflect local expectations.”