Things to do Mornington Peninsula
Whilst you many never want to leave your Mornington Peninsula accommodation, there are plenty of places to explore.
For more detailed information about any of these idyllic locations, please head over to Visit Victoria and Visit Mornington Peninsula.
Below are a few of our favourite things to see and do
Beaches
Bay Beaches
The Mornington Peninsula has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Walk beyond the sandbars into gently lapping waves along the bay beaches from Frankston to Portsea. Highlights for me include Mills beach, South beach, McCrae beach, Tideways and The Cutting.
Ocean Beaches
The rugged coastline of the back beaches are in stark contrast the the calm waters of the Bay. But the ocean beaches are stunningly beautiful too. The deep blue of Portsea Ocean beach, to the gorgeous bay at Koonya back beach. At high tide jumping off the Flinders Pier is fun for adventurous kids.
Surf Beaches
The surf breaks in and along Western Port Bay in Bass strait have some excellent surf breaks for beginners and more experience surfers too. Test your surf skills at Gunnamatta, Portsea, Sorrento and Rye back beaches, as well as St Andrews, the Pines, and Crunchies point.
Wineries
Montalto
Did you know Montalto was recently awarded the Star Cellar Door on the Mornington Peninsula by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine. Operating for over 18 years, the relaxed atmosphere on the deck ordering Pizza whilst overlooking the sculpture garden is just lovely. Or there is a dining room for a fine dining experience
Green Olive at Red Hill
At Green Olive at Red Hill Winery they grow olives, grapes, herbs and veggies, raise sheep and chooks and turn amazing produce from local farmers into a range of goodies you’ll love. Child friendly too.
Foxeys Hangout
‘There are far grander winery restaurants on the Peninsula and grander estates, too, but Foxeys Hangout isn’t about grandness and size. It’s like a groovy little Brunswick Street cafe has set down amid the stunning undulating hills of a Red Hill farm bringing the best of the city to the country’. Gourmet Traveller Review.
For the Kids
Immerse yourself in a wonderland of mazes, tube slides, a canopy walk through the Trees, and tree surfing. There’s over 50 aerial obstacles per tree surfing course and 5 zip-lines. There is also a separate Nippers course for kids under 135cm so no-one needs to miss out.
Moonlit Sanctuary is Melbourne’s award-winning wildlife park where you get an up-close and personal with Australia’s amazing animals. Explore bush-land while feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species.
The Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is home to Australia’s oldest hedge maze, a beautiful circular rose maze, and the year round flowering Lavender Labyrinth, all set among 25 acres of world acclaimed gardens
Green Spaces
Walk or cycle through this stunning coastal landscape that is Pt Nepean. Explore military forts and tunnels, learn about the people who passed through the Quarantine Station – and see fascinating artefacts spanning back over 150 years.
Perched atop dramatic sandstone cliffs, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse has ensured the safe passage of ships since 1859. Climb the sandstone steps to the lighthouse for spectacular views over the southern peninsula and Bass Strait.
Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat 314-metre summit gives spectacular views of the bay and Port Phillip Heads. On a clear day the view extends as far as the city skyline, the You Yangs and Mount Macedon, taking in the golden beaches, Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, and the twinkling glass towers of Melbourne.
Things to Do
Peninsula Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot springs are Victoria’s first natural hot springs and day spa centre, with lots of different pools to bathe in. The baths get hotter the higher you climb. Other pools include a cave pool, sauna, steam room, bath house & reflexology walk. Bookings essential.
The Mornington Peninsula has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Walk beyond the sandbars into gently lapping waves along the bay beaches from Frankston to Portsea. Highlights for me include Mills beach, South beach, McCrae beach, Tideways and The Cutting.
For horse lovers, there are a few different horse trail rides to choose from, including beach or bush trails. Two of the most popular include The St Andrews Beach Ride or the Truemans bush ride.
Walks
Balcombe Estuary
A wooden boardwalk and walking track meanders through bushland from the Esplanade to the Briars Historic homestead. its an easy rambling walk under a thick canopy of ti-tree that alternates between boardwalk and gravel path. There are many side paths that stop at viewing platforms, cross over bridges and pass underneath others. If it’s windy, it’s lovely and protected on the track.
This walk has two ways you can access Bushrangers Bay. Named after two escaped convicts, the bay comprises of a sandy beach surrounded by basalt cliffs. This serene location is contrasted by the dark and brooding headlands and wild waves that often crash onto jagged rocks guarding the entrance to the bay. A favourite walk of ours, with some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne.
Two Bays Walking Track
The Two Bays Walking Track is one of the longest continuous walking tracks on the Mornington Peninsula. It stretches 26km through a diverse range of Mornington Peninsula landscape. The whole walk can be completed in a day for walking enthusiasts, or split up into multiple smaller walks for those who want to enjoy it in smaller sections