The Pillars on the Mornington Peninsula are a Slice of Bliss in Victoria

Only a one-hour drive from Melbourne, Fran tells us how to find The Pillars and how to safely explore this can’t-believe-it-isn’t-Europe slice of paradise.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Bunurong people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Located on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Mount Martha Pillars is a favoured location amongst locals for its secluded views and bright turquoise water. This dreamy swim spot makes for the perfect summer outing when you want to feel like you’re in Europe without leaving Australia

Quick Facts The Pillars

Location: Mornington Peninsula
Duration: Ten-minute walk from The Esplanade (main road)
Nearest town: Mount Martha

About The Pillars

High above the greeny-blue waters of Bass Strait is a set of sandstone cliffs known as The Pillars. As these cliffs resemble the coastlines of Greece, Italy, and Croatia, The Pillars have earned many nicknames. The locals call them ‘mini-Europe’ and city slickers ‘Melbourne’s secret cliff beach’.

With the rocky edges of the cliffs and dazzlingly bright water below, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re at a beach in the Mediterranean rather than a short distance from Melbourne. 

While there’s no sandy beach here, there are plenty of rocky outcrops to explore. With sweeping ocean views, this spot is also popular for photography. It makes for a lovely lookout stop if you’re heading to Sorrento or road-tripping further along the Mornington Peninsula.

This swim spot attracts plenty of keen cliff-jumpers and photographers alike during the summer months, and it’s definitely not a secret location anymore. Most visitors typically spend 30 minutes (if they don’t swim) to several hours here. If you’re not spending the day swimming in the water below, you won’t need more than 30 minutes to explore the area from top to tail.

The Pillars History

The Bunurong people are the Traditional Owners of Mornington Peninsula and the land on which The Pillars sits on.

These sandstone cliffs were formed thousands of years ago. Due to the crumbly nature of sandstone, erosion is a significant issue.

This spot is a favourite amongst locals due to its secluded nature. Many bushes line the entranceway to The Pillars, giving it that hidden-away feeling.

How To Get to The Pillars

By Car

The Pillars in Mount Martha are on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. From Melbourne’s CBD, getting here is an easy one-hour drive along the M1. Keep in mind that parking can be limited during summer and on weekends, especially if there’s a heatwave and everyone has decided to head here instead of the beach in St Kilda. 

There’s one small car park near The Esplanade and Marguerita Ave that fits about six cars. More parking is available along residential streets nearby, but make sure to obey parking signs. Locals have expressed their anger towards those who park dangerously or illegally in the surrounding streets, and frankly, it’s fair enough. Get there early and you can use the car parks provided. 

Once you’ve parked, you’ll want to walk towards the corner of The Esplanade and Deakin Dr. This path is next to the main road, so always walk behind the barricades and beware of cars.

By Bus

For public transport commuters, it’s difficult but not impossible to get to The Pillars. The nearest bus stop is Esplanade/Hearn (Mount Martha) and the journey will take you about 2.5 hours from Melbourne’s CBD.

Finding the Trailhead

The trail to The Pillars isn’t signposted, but you’ll know you’re in the right place once you reach a sign that says ‘Danger: unstable cliffs’. The Google Maps pin location is fairly accurate and there’s reliable phone signal to navigate around here. Behind the sign, you’ll find a well-worn path that leads to The Pillars.

Where to Stay Near The Pillars

You can easily turn this day trip into an overnighter on the Mornington Peninsula. Mount Martha Bushland Hideaway and Big 4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park would both make for excellent places to bunker down. Whilst I haven’t stayed at either, I’ve driven past both — they’re only a stone’s throw away from The Pillars and very convenient.

Skill Level

Beginner

It’s around a ten-minute walk from the ‘dangerous cliffs’ sign until you reach a clearing at the top of the cliffs and are met with the breathtaking views out over the ocean. The track is clear and well worn, suitable for beginners. Despite this, wearing sturdy, enclosed shoes is highly recommended as it’s rocky terrain. 

The area is essentially one big cliff formation split into several parts so there’s plenty of different areas to explore. Due to the fragile nature of the cliffs, crumbling is quite common and the cliffs can definitely be dangerous. However, if you’re far back from the edge and stick to the established paths, you’ll be fine. 

For thrill-seekers hoping to cliff jump, keep in mind that you’ll have to climb back up the rock face to get out of the water, and the cliffs can have jagged edges. There are also no lifeguards, so only swim if you’re experienced and confident swimming in the ocean.

Always assess your own abilities and never endanger yourself or others. 

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

As this spot is fairly off-the-beaten-path, you won’t find any bathrooms, water refill facilities or rubbish bins at The Pillars. It should be fairly obvious by now but it’s definitely not a wheelchair accessible location.

Essential Gear for The Pillars

• Enclosed shoes
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat 
• Towel
• First aid kit
• Swimmers (if you’re keen for a dip!)
• Camera

Read more: Staff Favourites – Gear That’s Gone The Distance

What it’s Like to Visit The Pillars

Arriving at The Pillars on a hot Tuesday, I was somewhat surprised to find that the small car park closest to the entry was already full. I eventually managed to snag one of the six parking spaces on Marguerita Ave instead. I was the second car in this overflow spot, so keep in mind that it’ll be much busier on a weekend.

As I followed Google Maps, I discovered a smaller path about 500m before the actual spot. This one is equally beautiful, but don’t do what I did and start descending here. The rocks are super crumbly and while you’ll be able to go down easily, coming back up will be a challenge. But, it’s worth noting that from the top of this bonus little path, there’s a great view that’s different to the view from The Pillars – grab your camera!

Once I reached The Pillars, I had a bit of a wander around and took in the abundant natural beauty. I didn’t cliff jump or swim, but I saw plenty of others jumping multiple times off the cliffs and making their way back up. Always check the water depth before you consider jumping and be careful not to get scraped on your way up or down the rocky cliff edge.

Overall, my experience of The Pillars from above the water was a great one — it’s a beautiful spot that really does resemble Mediterranean landscapes.

Tips for Visiting The Pillars

• Remember that lots of the street parking is residential only – don’t be that person
• Avoid straying from the existing paths to ensure you don’t damage flora (or fall off a cliff!), and as always, take only photographs and leave only footprints
• Be mindful of noise as this is a residential area
• Don’t stop there! Mornington Peninsula has plenty of great places to surf, hikes, rock pools, and beaches to check out

FAQs The Pillars

How high are The Pillars in Mount Martha?

The height of the cliffs varies but they’re at least 10m high at the highest point. 

Are The Pillars dangerous?

Anytime you’re jumping off a cliff there’s an element of risk involved. Unfortunately, there have been many instances of people jumping off the cliffs into shallow water and sustaining injuries. If you want to jump, make sure you check the water depth first, have mates with you, and understand the risks. 

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Is the track to The Pillars in Mount Martha easy to find?

The track to The Pillars doesn’t have a dedicated sign (beyond one about dangerous cliffs) but is used so often that it’s almost impossible to miss. If you’re struggling, chuck it into Google Maps and you’ll be there in a jiffy. 

Is jumping off the cliffs the only way to swim at The Pillars?

Absolutely not! You can also carefully climb down the cliff and slip into the water for a safer experience. Just remember that swimming near cliffs can also be risky so you’ll still need to stay aware of water depth, rocks, and changing tides. 

Read more: Tips on Staying Safe On Coastal Rock Platforms