Welcome to Mornington Peninsula! This beautiful coastal region is located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD.
Mornington Peninsula offers visitors an incredible array of experiences and attractions, from exploring national parks and wineries to relaxing on the beach and soaking in natural hot springs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 20 things to do in Mornington Peninsula, ensuring you make the most of your stay.
About Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a range of stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and charming villages. Surrounded by the Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay, the region offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic sites and national parks to indulging in local food and wine.
The Top 20 Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula
Here are our top 20 picks for things to do in Mornington Peninsula:
1.0 Visit the Beaches
Mornington Peninsula boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria, each with its own unique character and charm. From the rugged coastline of Gunnamatta to the tranquil waters of Safety Beach, plenty of stunning locations are waiting to be explored. For those looking for a quieter spot, Sorrento Back Beach is a secluded cove with incredible rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Portsea is a popular spot for families with calm waters and playground facilities, perfect for a relaxed day with the family. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy Rye Beach, which offers a range of activities such as jet-skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
The beaches of Mornington Peninsula also offer plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. At Point Leo Beach, visitors can often spot dolphins playing in the waves, whilst the rock pools at Mushroom Reef are home to a large range of fascinating marine life, including starfish and sea urchins. No matter what your preference is, Mornington Peninsula’s beaches are sure to provide you with a memorable adventure.
2.0 Explore the National Parks
The national parks in Mornington Peninsula offer visitors an incredible range of landscapes and wildlife. Mornington Peninsula National Park is home to rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and coastal woodlands, offering visitors the chance to explore the region’s stunning coastline and abundant wildlife. The park features a range of walking trails, including the popular Bushrangers Bay Trail, with breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot native birdlife such as kookaburras and parrots.
Point Nepean National Park, located at the tip of the peninsula, is a historic park that offers a range of experiences. Explore military forts and tunnels along the coastline where lucky visitors often have the chance of spotting dolphins and seals. The park is also home to Cheviot Beach, a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters and a pleasant atmosphere.
For those looking for a more immersive experience in nature, the Greens Bush section of the National Park is home to a range of walking trails that take visitors through beautiful bushland and wetlands. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including Grey kangaroos, Swamp wallabies, Koalas and 239 species of bird.
3.0 Visit the Wineries
With over 50 cellar doors, Mornington Peninsula is a wine lover’s paradise. From the impressive views of Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove to the award-winning wines of Paringa Estate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Many of the wineries in the region also offer food pairing experiences, where visitors can enjoy a range of delicious dishes alongside their wine tasting.
For a truly unique wine-tasting experience, head to Quealy Winemakers, where visitors can indulge in a private tasting of their signature wine, Turbulent Priests. This unique blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir is a must-try for any wine lover visiting the region.
After savouring the local wines, take time to bathe in the sun and enjoy the day walking around the heavenly vineyards. Red Hill Estate offers visitors the chance to enjoy their award-winning wines while taking in the stunning views of Western Port Bay. The winery also features beautiful gardens with sculptures and art installations, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.
4.0 Enjoy the Local Food Scene
Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its thriving food scene, offering a range of locally sourced produce, artisanal products and top-notch restaurants. For a taste of the region’s famous seafood, head to the iconic Portsea Hotel, where visitors can enjoy a meal with stunning ocean views. Stillwater at Crittenden is a must-visit for those looking for a fine dining experience, with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce from the region.
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, the Mornington Peninsula Brewery is a popular spot, offering a range of craft beers and delicious pub-style food. The Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie in Flinders is an essential location for those with a sweet tooth; offering a range of handmade chocolates and desserts.
In addition to its restaurants and cafes, the region also boasts a range of artisanal food producers. Head to the
Main Ridge Dairy to sample their range of award-winning cheeses or visit Red Hill to browse their extensive selection of local and international cheeses. The region is also home to a range of olive groves and orchards, where visitors can purchase fresh produce.
5.0 Visit the Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot Springs is the perfect attraction for relaxing and rejuvenating. With over 20 thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms, visitors can indulge in the ultimate spa experience. The hot springs are in an extraordinary natural setting, surrounded by the region’s rolling hills and greenery.
In addition to the hot springs themselves, visitors can also indulge in a range of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs. The hot springs offer a range of yoga and wellness classes to unwind and recharge.
For a truly unique experience, book a private bathing pavilion, where visitors can enjoy a hot spring pool to themselves with unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape.
6.0 Attend a Wellness or Yoga Retreat
Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination for wellness and yoga retreats, offering visitors the chance to unwind amidst the stunning natural scenery. Atlas Retreat is a highly recommended choice, offering luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views that are perfect for short-stay breaks.
Located in Shoreham, the retreat offers a range of amenities, including a dedicated multi-functional room for yoga, Pilates, and meditation. On top of that, it comes with an outdoor mineral swimming pool and a hot spa for you to relax and indulge in.
With a focus on sustainability and holistic living, Atlas Retreat is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
7.0 Visit the Strawberry Fields
The Mornington Peninsula is famous for its strawberry fields where visitors can pick fresh strawberries from the farm. Visit Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm for a fun day out with family and friends. In addition to picking your own strawberries, the farm also offers a range of strawberry-themed products, including strawberry jam, ice cream, and more.
For a truly unique experience, book a strawberry high tea at the farm’s cafe, where visitors can enjoy a range of sweet and savoury treats alongside fresh strawberries and cream.
8.0 Go Horse Riding
Experience the beauty of Mornington Peninsula on horseback with a guided horse-riding tour through the stunning coastal landscape. Gunnamatta Trail Rides offers a range of tours, from short trail rides for beginners to full-day beach rides for more experienced riders. The trail rides take visitors through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including coastal bushland, sandy beaches, and rolling hills.
For those looking for a more immersive horse-riding experience, Ace-Hi Ranch offers a range of camps and programs for all ages and skill levels. The ranch also features other activities, including archery, mini-golf, and animal encounters.
9.0 Explore the Coastal Walks
Mornington Peninsula offers a range of stunning coastal walks that allow visitors to take in the region’s spectacular scenery. The Two Bays Walking Track is a popular choice, offering visitors the chance to explore the region’s diverse landscapes, from coastal woodlands to stunning ocean views. The track is divided into multiple sections, allowing visitors to choose a walk that suits their skill level and preferences.
Another popular coastal walk is the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail, which takes visitors through the charming villages of Sorrento and Portsea, showcasing the work of local artists and the serene coastline.
Head to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and take the boardwalk to Bushrangers Bay for a more challenging walk.
10.0 Visit the Art Galleries
The region is home to a selection of art galleries showcasing the work of both local and international artists. The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is a must-visit, offering a range of exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. The gallery also features a stunning sculpture park with events and programs for visitors of all ages.
You can find a more intimate art experience at the Manyung Gallery in Mount Eliza or Sorrento. The gallery features the work of a range of established and emerging artists and offers a collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks.
11.0 Go Mountain Biking
For an adrenaline-filled adventure, head to Arthurs Seat State Park or Red Hill Trails for some high-octane mountain biking. The trails take visitors through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including native bushland and coastal forests.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle is a must-see attraction for any mountain biking enthusiast, offering stunning views of the region from the top of Arthurs Seat. Visitors can take the gondola to the top and then mountain bike down the hill, taking in the staggering views along the way.
12.0 Take a Fishing Charter
Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination for fishing. Visitors can choose from various fishing charters and tours that explore the local marine life and habitation. The region is home to Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and kelp forests.
The charter companies offer a range of experiences, from half-day fishing trips to multi-day tours. The fishing charters are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers and provide all the necessary equipment.
13.0 Explore the Local Markets
The Mornington Peninsula is home to a range of local markets, offering visitors the chance to browse through the region’s produce and culture on sale. The Red Hill Market, held on the first Saturday of every month, is a popular choice, offering a range of handmade products, fresh produce, and delicious food stalls.
The Emu Plains Market, held on the third Saturday of every month, offers, in the words of the market, “a monthly festival-like feast of art, food, design and culture,” as well as live music and food trucks.
Last, but not least, Point Nepean Market, held on the last Sunday of every month is located at the historic Quarantine Station and features a range of vintage clothing, antiques, and collectables.
14.0 Go for a Surf
Surfing is a large part of Shoreham culture, exemplified best by the many surf schools that preside in this corner of Australia. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take some lessons or a seasoned veteran in need of a board, there will be plenty of centres across Mornington Peninsula to help you out.
Surfing is a perfect family activity and what’s more, many surf schools can be found in Point Leo, a great spot for dolphin spotting.
15.0 Visit the Lavender Farms
Mornington Peninsula’s lavender farms offer visitors the chance to explore the fragrant and eloquent fields of lilac, carved like a tapestry from Shoreham’s landscape. The Lavender Farm at Woodleigh is a popular choice, featuring quaint gardens, a lavender maze and a range of lavender products, including essential oils, soaps, and candles.
The Lavender Harvest Festival, held in early January, is a must-visit for any lavender enthusiast. The festival features live music, food stalls, and the chance to pick your own lavender.
For another unique lavender experience, Red Hill Lavender Farm, has many lavender-themed activities, including a lavender high tea and a lavender distilling workshop.
16.0 Go Scuba Diving
Explore the underwater world of Mornington Peninsula with a scuba diving tour. The region is home to a range of dive sites, including the HMAS Canberra wreck, which was sunk in 2009 and has become an artificial reef and home to the many species of fish and other marine life that are native to the area.
From shallow dives for beginners to more challenging dives aimed at experienced divers, the schools provide all necessary equipment and offer both guided tours and independent dives.
17.0 Take a Sea Kayaking Tour
The coastal scenery of Mornington Peninsula can be best admired from the water with a sea kayaking tour. The tours take visitors through beautiful bays, secluded coves, and stunning rock formations, offering breath-taking views and a unique perspective on the landscape.
The sea kayaking tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels, with experienced guides providing equipment and safety instructions. Visitors can choose from a range of tours, including sunset paddles, wildlife spotting tours, and full-day adventures. Along the way, visitors can spot a range of marine life, including seals and visit the dolphin sanctuary.
18.0 Visit the Museums and Historical Sites
Mornington Peninsula is home to a range of museums and historical sites, showcasing the region’s rich history and culture. The Frankston Museum is a must-visit that tells the story of the region’s early settlers and indigenous history.
The region is also home to a range of historic buildings and landmarks, including the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and the Sorrento-Portsea Historic Walk. The historic walk takes visitors through the charming villages of Sorrento and Portsea, showcasing the region’s historic architecture and landmarks.
19.0 Attend a Festival or Event
Mornington Peninsula hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the region’s culture and community. The Peninsula Picnic is a popular event and is one of the best things to do in Mornington Peninsula, offering a range of local food and wine, live music, and entertainment.
The Red Hill Show is another must-visit event, showcasing the region’s agriculture and local produce. The show features a range of competitions, including livestock judging and baking. If you’re only staying in Mornington Peninsula for a short time, the food and craft stalls will allow you to try many things on this list in one afternoon.
20.0 Go Wildlife Spotting
Mornington Peninsula is home to a range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife. The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with a range of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies.
The Coolart Wetlands and Homestead is also a great spot for wildlife spotting, offering a range of walking trails and bird hides where visitors can spot pelicans, swans, spoonbills and much more.
Where to Stay in Mornington Peninsula
Atlas Retreat
When it comes to accommodation in Mornington Peninsula, there’s no shortage of options. However, if you’re looking for a truly luxurious and tranquil experience, Atlas Retreat is a perfect choice.
This stunning retreat offers guests the opportunity to experience luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views. With its focus on sustainability and holistic living, Atlas Retreat is the perfect place to unwind and recharge during your stay in Mornington Peninsula.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning landscapes, indulge in local food and wine, or simply relax and unwind, Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone to enjoy. With its range of unique experiences and attractions, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable holiday.