Are you looking for a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the best of Australia's natural beauty, culture, and cuisine? If yes, then you should head to the Mornington Peninsula, a stunning region just an hour's drive from Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula is a paradise for travellers who love to explore, relax, and indulge.
Whether you are into wine tasting, spa treatments, diving, hiking, or beach hopping, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. In this guide, we will show you the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and when to visit the Mornington Peninsula. Read on and discover why this region is Australia's ultimate coastal escape.
Top Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a treasure trove of attractions and activities for all kinds of travellers. No matter what your interests, preferences, or budget are, you will find something to enjoy and remember. Here are some of the top things to do in the Mornington Peninsula:
Sample Australia's finest pinot noir
The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia's premier wine regions, famous for its cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay. With over 50 wineries and cellar doors to choose from, you can spend a day or more sampling some of the finest wines in the country. You can also join a wine tour, where you can learn about the history and production of the wines, and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at a winery restaurant. Some of the most popular wineries in the region are Montalto, Port Phillip Estate, Paringa Estate, and Ten Minutes by Tractor.
Treat yourself to a spa day
If you are looking for some relaxation and rejuvenation, the Mornington Peninsula is the place to be. The region is home to the **Peninsula Hot Springs**, Australia's first natural hot springs and day spa. Here, you can soak in the mineral-rich waters, enjoy a range of spa treatments, and admire the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit one of the many other day spas and wellness retreats in the region, such as Endota Spa, Woodman Estate, and Lindenderry.
Discover the underwater world
The Mornington Peninsula is not only beautiful above the water, but also below it. The region boasts some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in Australia, where you can explore the colourful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life. One of the most popular sites is the Portsea Pier, where you can see seahorses, octopuses, stingrays, and even dolphins. Another site worth visiting is the Popes Eye Marine Park, an artificial reef that is home to a variety of fish, seals, and seabirds.
Visit Jackalope
If you are looking for a unique and luxurious experience, you should visit Jackalope, a boutique hotel, restaurant, and art gallery on a vineyard. Jackalope is a fusion of art, design, and hospitality, offering a contemporary and stylish accommodation, a fine dining restaurant, and a curated collection of artworks. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the vineyard and the bay, and sample the award-winning wines from the Willow Creek Vineyard.
Lace up your hiking shoes
The Mornington Peninsula is a hiker's paradise, with over 100 kilometres of walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and experience. You can explore the diverse and scenic landscapes of the region, from the rugged coastline and sandy beaches, to the lush forests and rolling hills. One of the most popular trails is the Coastal Walk, a 30-kilometre track that follows the edge of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the cliffs. Another trail worth trying is the Two Bays Walking Track, a 26-kilometre track that crosses the peninsula from north to south, passing through the Arthurs Seat State Park and the Greens Bush.
Taste farm-fresh local produce
The Mornington Peninsula is not only a wine lover's heaven, but also a foodie's delight. The region is renowned for its farm-fresh local produce, such as cheese, berries, olives, honey, and truffles. You can visit some of the organic farms and orchards in the region, such as Main Ridge Dairy, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, Green Olive at Red Hill, and Red Hill Truffles, and taste their delicious products. You can also join a farm tour, where you can learn about the farming practices and techniques, and enjoy a picnic or a cooking class.
Hit the beach
No trip to the Mornington Peninsula is complete without hitting the beach. The region has over 190 kilometres of coastline, with more than 50 beaches to choose from. Whether you are looking for a calm and family-friendly beach, or a surf and adventure beach, you will find it in the Mornington Peninsula. Some of the most popular beaches in the region are Mount Martha Beach, Sorrento Beach, Rye Beach, and Point Leo Beach. You can also admire the iconic and colourful beach huts that line the shore, or visit the historic Fort Nepean and Point Nepean National Park.
Where to Stay in Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts, to cozy cottages and bed and breakfasts. No matter what your budget, style, or location preference is, you will find a place to stay that suits your needs. Here are some of the best places to stay in the Mornington Peninsula:
Hotels
If you are looking for a comfortable and convenient stay, you can choose from one of the many hotels in the region. You can enjoy the amenities and services of the hotels, such as pools, spas, restaurants, bars, and gyms. Some of the best hotels in the region are Peppers Moonah Links Resort, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Brooklands of Mornington, and Flinders Hotel.
Resorts
If you are looking for a luxurious and indulgent stay, you can opt for one of the resorts in the region. You can enjoy the facilities and activities of the resorts, such as golf courses, tennis courts, horse riding, and fishing. Some of the best resorts in the region are Lindenderry at Red Hill, Woodman Estate, Mercure Portsea Golf Club and Resort, and Balnarring Beach Resort.
Cottages
If you are looking for a cozy and romantic stay, you can book one of the cottages in the region. You can enjoy the privacy and charm of the cottages, such as fireplaces, jacuzzis, gardens, and views. Some of the best cottages in the region are Big Blue Backyard, Polperro Villas, Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate, and Sea Salt Bnb.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you are looking for a friendly and personal stay, you can stay at one of the bed and breakfasts in the region. You can enjoy the hospitality and breakfast of the hosts, as well as the comfort and style of the rooms. Some of the best bed and breakfasts in the region are Harmony Bed and Breakfast, Sunny Side Up B&B, Georges Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat, and Plantation House at Whitecliffs.
How to Get to Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is easily accessible from Melbourne and other major cities in Australia, as well as from overseas. You can choose from various modes and methods of transportation, depending on your budget, time, and convenience. Here are some of the best ways to get to the Mornington Peninsula:
Car
The easiest and most flexible way to get to the Mornington Peninsula is by car. You can drive from Melbourne via the Monash Freeway and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, which takes about an hour. You can also drive from other cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane, which takes longer but offers more scenic routes. Driving also allows you to explore the region at your own pace, and visit the different attractions and towns along the way.
Train
The cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to the Mornington Peninsula is by train. You can take a train from Melbourne to Frankston, which takes about an hour. From Frankston, you can take a bus to various destinations in the region, such as Rosebud, Dromana, Sorrento, and Portsea. You can also take a train from other cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane, which takes longer but offers more comfort and convenience.
Bus
The most convenient and reliable way to get to the Mornington Peninsula is by bus. You can take a bus from Melbourne to various destinations in the region, such as Rosebud, Dromana,Sorrento, and Portsea, which takes about an hour and a half. You can also take a bus from other cities in Australia, such as Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, and Brisbane, which takes longer but offers more stops and connections.
Ferry
The most scenic and fun way to get to the Mornington Peninsula is by ferry. You can take a ferry from Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, which takes about 40 minutes. You can enjoy the views of the bay, the coastline, and the wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, and whales. You can also bring your car, bike, or pet on board, and explore the region at your leisure.
Plane
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the Mornington Peninsula from overseas is by plane. You can fly to Melbourne Airport, which is the main international and domestic airport in Victoria. From there, you can take a car, train, or bus to the Mornington Peninsula, which takes about an hour. You can also fly to Avalon Airport, which is a smaller airport that serves some domestic and international flights. From there, you can take a car, bus, or ferry to the Mornington Peninsula, which takes about an hour and a half.
When to Visit Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a year-round destination, with different attractions and experiences for different seasons and occasions. You can visit the region anytime of the year, and find something to suit your mood and preference. Here are some of the best times to visit the Mornington Peninsula:
Summer
Summer is the peak season in the Mornington Peninsula, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are crowded and lively. You can enjoy the water activities, such as swimming, surfing, sailing, and fishing, or relax on the sand and soak up the sun. You can also join the festive atmosphere, as the region hosts various events and festivals, such as the Portsea Polo, the Mornington Peninsula Food and Wine Festival, and the Sorrento Summer Carnival.
Winter
Winter is the off-season in the Mornington Peninsula, as the weather is cold and rainy, and the beaches are quiet and deserted. You can enjoy the indoor activities, such as wine tasting, spa treatments, and art galleries, or cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy the views. You can also experience the winter wonderland, as the region transforms into a snow-covered landscape, and offers activities such as snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ice skating.
Spring
Spring is the shoulder season in the Mornington Peninsula, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are moderate and manageable. You can enjoy the nature activities, such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching, or admire the flowers and gardens. You can also witness the spring awakening, as the region bursts into colour and life, and offers events such as the Daffodil Festival, the Tulip Festival, and the Spring Racing Carnival.
Autumn
Autumn is the other shoulder season in the Mornington Peninsula, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the crowds are low and relaxed. You can enjoy the food and wine activities, such as cheese making, berry picking, and truffle hunting, or savour the flavours and aromas. You can also marvel at the autumn splendour, as the region changes into a golden and red palette, and offers events such as the Red Hill Show, the Harvest Festival, and the Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir Celebration.
The Mornington Peninsula is a guide to Australia’s ultimate coastal escape, offering a variety of attractions, activities, experiences, and services for all kinds of travellers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, adventurous, romantic, or family-friendly getaway, you will find it in the Mornington Peninsula. You can explore the region’s natural beauty, culture, and cuisine, and enjoy the best of Australia’s coastal lifestyle.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Mornington Peninsula today, and discover why this region is Australia’s ultimate coastal escape.
