The council's paid parking proposal is being implemented on a 'trial' basis for nine months, effective the 1st December 2023. It is a system where you must pay online and appears to work off number plate recognition. Although supposedly effective now, there's a post at the entrance with conduit hanging out of the top, so the surveillance may not yet be in effect unless the council is also visiting with vehicle-mounted cameras.
The effect was for more people parking on the approach road near the camp ground with less in the carpark itself. I overheard a number of beachgoers discusing the issue.
Cost is over $6 an hour with a daily cap equivalent to three hours, unless you are lucky enough to live within the Mornington council area and can apply for a resident's permit linked to you rego number. Details are on the council website.
https://www.mpnews.com.au/2023/12/04/paid-parking-trial-starts/
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Community-Services/Roads-Footpaths-and-Parking/Visitor-Paid-Parking-Pilot
Replies
- RO
RoyDec 4, 2023Such a disappointment, It's less busy than other popular beaches nearby (Frankston, Seaford, Chelsea, Mornington) and I don't think I've ever been and had parking be an issue.
ReactReply - JO
Jonk6996Dec 4, 2023There implementing this to pay the salaries of the CEO and other chair warmers within council, Hopefully there wont be parking restrictions where i normally park in Sturio Parade @ Moondah Beach where there is beach access at the beach boxes, only a 15 min walk too the Northern end of the beach. Otherwise its Somers or further afield too Williamsons Beach Wonthaggi or Oaks East Cape Patterson.
ReactReply - STSteveOriginal PosterDec 4, 2023
News of the change made it to Melbourne radio, not specific to Sunnyside.
https://omny.fm/shows/drive-with-tom-elliott/why-a-day-at-the-beach-may-cost-you-19-50-this-sum
ReactReply - MEMemberDec 6, 2023
I couldn't help but think that this was implemented so the beach gets as little use as possible and then grounds for the "clothing optional" status to be revoked. Just my thought from looking in from the outside.
ReactReply - STSteveOriginal PosterDec 8, 2023
The net effect so far is that parking along the approach road is used before the carpark fills. The walk is not thst much further for the able bodied and Sunnyside North is restricted in that respect anyway with the rocky approach. The bigger concern to me is the risk of being sideswiped by passing vehicles as there's not always that much room alongside the road. I figured that a Friday afternoon visit would mean I didn't encounter any campers on the roadside path to the main Sunnyside beach, although they may have spied me as they waited to board the bus home.
ReactReply - STSteveOriginal PosterDec 18, 2023
Cameras have now been installed, so presumably the system is now fully operational.
ReactReply - GL
GlennDec 27, 2024Parking at The Oaks East is FREE.
.... so if you are looking for a less crowded alternative nude beach then take the drive down the coast and check out this great little beach between Cape Paterson and Inverlochhttps://www.truenudists.com/location/the-oaks-east-around-the-rocks/1/241018/last/
ReactReply - STSteveOriginal PosterMay 23, 2025
The paid parking was removed, using the carpark is now free again.
ReactReply