There are several attractions in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, such as wineries, beaches, hot springs, wildlife, and some might say the greatest coffee in the nation. The Peninsula’s 190 kilometres of coastline are home to some of the most breathtaking and picturesque scenery in the state. The peninsula is renowned for its fresh produce, serene waterways, and some of Australia’s top vineyards. In addition to seeing the region’s highlights, tourists can partake in culinary excursions at brewers, distilleries, restaurants, and vineyards.
The Mornington Peninsula is a great place for day vacations, weekends away and extended holidays focused on food, beach excursions, and tours of old seaside towns because of its small size and wide range of activities.
Top 25 Things to do on the Mornington Peninsula
As Peninsula locals, we feel extremely confident in bringing you this condensed list of the top activities on the Mornington Peninsula; we’ve sipped at the finest breweries, sample the best wineries, and taken photos of the most picturesque landscapes in search of the ideal activities in the region. What you see and do also depends on the season and time of year you are visiting this area.
The Mornington Peninsula and Point Nepean national parks, which are located immediately before you cross the harbour and enter the Bellarine Peninsula, are great places for nature enthusiasts to feel at home. If that’s your thing, the Mornington Peninsula offers an abundance of incredible activities that will give you the best of both worlds. There is plenty to do on the Mornington Peninsula for everyone, from taking in the breathtaking landscape to picking your own fruit.
Read on to find some of the greatest activities on the Mornington Peninsula for singles, couples, and families visiting the area.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
For those who adore animals, the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is the best animal encounter on the Mornington Peninsula and in the wider region. The park offers fantastic family activities on the Mornington Peninsula and is home to koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, dingos, and more. With over 60 different species to view, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is situated on 25 acres of woodland. Feed wallabies, pet a wombat or get up close and personal with a koala, or how about holding a python? The wildlife conservation park also provides a different kind of tour that takes place at night, when the animals come out to play. Make this one of the highlights of your Victoria vacation activities by packing a picnic or stopping by the café for a bite to eat.
Since its founding in 2001, Moonlit Animal Sanctuary has been a family-owned Australian wildlife conservation centre with beautiful gardens that highlight native Australian plants. The refuge aims to save such species by reintroducing them into the wild and practising responsible breeding.
These kinds of Mornington Peninsula activities truly make a day trip from the city worthwhile!
Visiting Mornington Peninsula – Wander around Mornington’s Main Street
Of course, on a list of all the activities in the Mornington Peninsula region, exploring Mornington, the town that inspired the peninsula’s name has to be included! One of the best things to do is to explore the main street, which features an abundance of takeout establishments, art galleries, plant stores, local produce stores, and cafés and restaurants. There’s never a dull moment wondering what to do in Mornington, since the main street is closed to cars on Wednesday mornings and is turned into a fresh produce market which has been running for over 40 years.
Once you’ve explored the main drag, we suggest stopping by the Mornington Peninsula Regional Contemporary Art Gallery at the intersection of Dunns Road and Tyabb Road.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Dromana Drive-In
While some are old enough to recall the good old days of drive-in theatres, others are unaware of them other than as a throwback pastime. Dromana is a three-screen attraction that has embraced the drive-in era. Open Thursday through Sunday, the Dromana drive-in shows movies at 7 and 9:15 p.m. One of the most enjoyable activities on the Mornington Peninsula is to watch a movie on a huge screen through a speaker in the window of a drive-in theatre. There is a 75-seat Shel’s 1950s restaurant on the property, decorated with movie memorabilia and Warner Bros. pops. Before the movie begins, get a shake, hamburger and some fries. Enjoy a night on the peninsula at the drive-in and take a trip back in time. During the summer, the location is also well-liked as the Dromana drive-in market. The Dromana drive-in market draws visitors from all around the peninsula who come to peruse its offerings. The Dromana Drive-in ought certainly be at the top of your list of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula if you enjoy engaging in nostalgic pastimes that have long since closed!
Visiting Mornington Peninsula – Epic Coastal Hikes
There are several multi-use walks on the Mornington Peninsula to occupy your feet while you’re visiting. The 30-kilometre Bay Trail, which runs from Safety Beach to Portsea along the Port Phillip shoreline, offers visitors a comprehensive overview of the Peninsula. A stroll through Point Nepean National Park will take you past the WWII homes and the old quarantine station, which is a sight of natural beauty at the end of the peninsula. The distance between the two sides of the peninsula is 26 kilometres (Dromana to Cape Schanck) and makes up the Two Bays Walking Trail.
Read our guide to the Top Walks on the Mornington Peninsula, and remember to carry water with you.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – The Briars Historic Homestead
The 230-hectare Briars historic farmhouse, sometimes referred to as “The Briars,” was first established in the 1840s by some of the earliest European immigrants in the Mornington Peninsula region. In 1976, the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the National Trust of Australia purchased the majority of the estate, and the homestead was given to the Shire. Additionally, there is an astronomy centre, a cafe, an outdoor education camp, and designated picnic areas on the premises. Situated between wetlands and a natural bush, The Briars is a historic homestead that is well worth a visit.
The Historic Homestead is a home museum where you can learn about the Mornington Peninsula way of life and historical figures, and The Eco Living Display House is an example of sustainable living. The hikes through the woods and wetland areas will offer you a taste of Mornington Peninsula life before people settled there, ranging from 600 m to 4 km.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Visit the Pillars at Mt Martha
One of the top attractions on the Mornington Peninsula and a local favourite, The Pillars are little piece of European-like heaven. Picture gorgeous sandstone bluffs with glistening water. Of course, there’s a catch: The Pillars are also referred to as Melbourne’s Hidden Beach since there isn’t any parking, no signpost, and no roadside view! The Pillars are a rocky jutting platform that is utilised to leap into the ocean below. The summer months are ideal for visiting because of the warmer water, clearer skies, and the opportunity to experience once of the Mornington Peninsula’s best beaches.
Without a doubt, there is a potential you might hurt yourself if you are a novice swimmer or if the surge is worse than anticipated on the day. Proceed with caution! You will need to park on the adjoining streets between Deakin Drive and Marguerita Avenue as there is no parking available on the main roadway.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
One of the most enjoyable and amazing Mornington Peninsula attractions for a romantic couple or those with kids is to lose themselves in hedge mazes and take leisurely walks through gorgeous lavender rose gardens at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens near Shoreham. Surprisingly, spanning 25 acres of always flowering lavender, this hedge labyrinth is Australia’s most renowned and oldest conventional hedge maze, made up of over 1000 Cypress trees. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the lovely lavender gardens, and don’t forget to get a lavender-infused snack at Ashcombe Cafe before you go!
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Sip Wine at Red Hill Estate
Skip the Hunter Valley and the Barossa Valley, and visit Red Hill Estate on the Mornington Peninsula. One of the most popular wineries in the region, the local produce is the star of this tapas-style cuisine and drink menu, which is served by the welcoming and friendly team. Peninsula vineyards take great pride in cultivating their own grapes, olives, vegetables, and delicious meals on-site for the enjoyment of their guests. Cooking courses are available in the restaurant’s upper area, which distinguishes it simply being a cellar door. We think this is one of the greatest things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Montalto Sculpture Trail
Located in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, the award-winning Montalto Winery is home to some really unusual and stunning artworks as well as beautiful gardens. This collection, which includes some carefully chosen sculptures to provide visitors with a thorough trip through time, now serves as a permanent collection which is free for everyone to access. The one-kilometre sclutpure trail runs houses a collection of more than thirty monuments, and passes through lush meadows, gravel walkways, and boardwalks. Give yourself up to an hour to take your time exploring the trail. Montalto’s grounds are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park
Pt. Leo Estate includes a 20-hectare vineyard, restaurants, a cellar door, and—possibly the project’s most impressive feature—a meandering sculpture garden. The Sculpture Park, which spans 135 hectares in total, is an outdoor gallery that is home to 60 large-scale installations and has ample space for more. The artwork in the collection comes from both Australian and foreign artists, and it is all from the owners’ personal collection. All these sculptures, which were previously lent out or stored, are now fully assembled in one location for the first time in the Sculpture Park. Walks lasting thirty to sixty minutes take you meandering around the exhibition and surrounding vineyards.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Stunning views from Olivers Hill Lookout
If you’re looking for views, look no farther. Olivers Hill Lookout provides breathtaking views over Melbourne CBD and Port Phillip Bay. Be awe of the breathtaking vistas when you descend into Frankston from the north along the Nepean Highway. Make time to stop by Frankston to take in the breathtaking dawns and sunsets, or to get a place at the ideal Bay site for the Melbourne New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Fly high in Arthurs Seat Eagle
Arthurs Seat State Park is home to The Eagle, one of the most notable features of the Mornington Peninsula. The Arthurs Seat Eagle, a 2 km loop system made up of 34 Swiss-made Gondolas that view the Arthurs Seat State Park, is located atop Arthurs Seat. Arthur’s Seat Chair Lift is a one-of-a-kind experience that is genuinely unique and is among the greatest activities on the Mornington Peninsula.
Taking the Eagle Cable car, you ascend gradually as you leave the top station and cross the mountain’s edge and on a clear day, it is possible to see views across Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay. Gondolas provide access to the Mornington Peninsula for everyone, with a 15-minute journey each way that was previously only achievable by helicopter, each gondola fitting 8 people, and are wheelchair and stroller welcome. A trip to Arthurs Seat is among the highest and memorable things you can do on the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula Family-friendly Attractions – Enchanted Adventure Garden
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is an award-winning natural attraction in Arthurs Seat, on the Mornington Peninsula. It offers an adventure playground for all ages, including a cable flying fox, tree surfing course, canopy walk, tube slides, and a hedged maze for kids. The garden has evolved from a maze to tree surfing and zip line, with three challenging mazes: traditional Japanese garden maze, turf, and kid’s maze. The canopy walk is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, making it an inclusive attraction. Food is available at the café or BBQ facilities. Nearby attractions include the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Explore Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary
Some of the Mornington Peninsula’s most varied and distinctive scenery can be seen along the Southern Coast of Flinders. On the Mornington Peninsula, there is an 80-hectare protected marine sanctuary called Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. Divers, snorkelers, and boaters love this place for its wealth of underwater life. The grassland that envelops Flinders and Mushroom Reef are protected areas within the Peninsula National Park.
The name of the marine sanctuary comes from the shallow reef substrate beneath, which has drawn scientists for more than a century because it looks like a mushroom. Birds, fish, crabs, and anemones can be seen living in the intertidal old basalt rock formations. However, be careful to come during low tide and use caution while near rocky coastlines, as the weather can change abruptly and you don’t want to be caught off guard. Check the tides and visit the appropriate Parks webpage for the latest recent information.
Mornington Peninsula Family-friendly Attractions – Drive down to Cape Schanck & Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Situated near the southernmost point of the Mornington Peninsula, the 21-metre limestone Cape Schanck Lighthouse’s light can be seen from up to 26 nautical miles offshore. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the lighthouse, the people who maintain it, and the difficulties they encounter. The area’s biodiversity, animals, and cultural legacy are all covered in detail in the tourist centre. Walking pathways and breathtaking coastline vistas can be found in the Mornington Peninsula National Park’s Cape Schanck Reserve, so it’s well worth a day-trip. Constructed in 1859, this lighthouse is among Victoria’s oldest and may be reached from the Cape Schanck parking lot during business hours. Pulpit Rock and Devils Desk, a large rock structure, are also open for exploration by guests.
Mornington Peninsula Things to Do – Walking trails on the Mornington Peninsula
There are several walking trails on the Mornington Peninsula to accommodate different interests and levels of fitness. These walks go through a variety of scenic settings, including vineyards, heathlands, woods, and coastal cliffs. The Red Hill Rail Trail, Bushrangers Bay Trail, Point Nepean National Park, Arthurs Seat State Park, Two Bays Walking Trail, and Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail are a few of the top paths on the peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula National Park’s Bushrangers Bay Track is a moderate-level walking trail. Arthurs Seat State Park has many walking trails that provide expansive views of Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne cityscape, and the You Yangs. There are many walking routes in Point Nepean National Park, including the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail provides breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.
Read our guide to the Top Walks on the Mornington Peninsula, and remember to carry water with you.
Mornington Peninsula Family-friendly Attractions – Relax and unwind at Peninsula Hot Springs
More than 20 communal bathing experiences, such as thermal mineral spring pools, Turkish steam rooms, cave pools, hilltop pools, and massage thermal mineral showers, are available at the Peninsula Hot Springs. The Peninsula Hot Springs is a Day Spa location that offers massages, restorative water workouts, and luxurious experiences for visitors. For those on a tight budget, the Bath House is a great choice while visiting Victoria. The geothermal pools draw water from 637 metres below the surface of the earth, and you’ll also find treatments including Spa Dreaming Centre, body clay packages, bath house packages, yoga sessions, hot and cold treatment, and facilitated mindful meditation. The Peninsula Hot Springs are serene and soothing, and ready for even more renewal whether you visit them early in your trip or later on. Make reservations ahead of time to secure your spot as well as save on entry.
Read our Complete Guide To Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs And Surrounding Area.
Mornington Peninsula Family-friendly Attractions – The Big Goose
On the Mornington Peninsula, The Big Goose is a family-friendly farm that provides a range of activities for visitors of all ages. The generally hungry farm animals, such as goats and alpacas, can be fed by visitors. Adorable newborn animals such as lambs, bunnies, and guinea pigs are available at The Big Red Shed, an animal nursery. Visitors are able to feed Fawn deer and kangaroos in a dedicated area. All day long, there are talks and animal displays available, including a reptile show, snakes, and lizards to hold. Sheepdogs herded up in camel and emu enclosures compete in the sheepdog trials. Pony rides and tractor rides are provided for a taste of rural life. In addition, the farm has a canteen, a BBQ area, and playgrounds.
Mornington Peninsula Things to Do – Snorkel the Octopus’s Garden Marine Trail
The Octopus Garden Marine Garden is a designated marine park that stretches the whole length of Rye Pier; an inventive effort backed by Parks Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, it’s a Victorian first.
Put on your snorkel and embark on a self-guided tour to see the local aquatic life—just remember not to touch anything! There is a lot of marine life, including puffer fish, sting rays, crabs, and occasionally little penguins. A minimum of 5–6 metres below the surface of the ocean lies a home to a variety of fish species, inquisitive nudibranchs, and Blue Ringed Octopus. You can follow the seven underwater signs on the left to exit via the pylons, and the seven on the right to return to the shore. As there is nowhere to rent snorkel gear at the pier, remember to bring your own. It’s best to be sure, but make sure you check the area currents and tides as well as many alerts of shark sightings or anything alike. Since blue ringed octopuses are among the most dangerous marine animals on the planet, you should avoid idly strolling around rock pools with bare feet as they enjoy the sandy bottom of piers along Pylons and curling up in shallow reefs along the coast of Australia.
Mornington Peninsula Things to Do – Culinary Delights at Hatted Restaurants
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be amazed at how many award-winning restaurants the Mornington Peninsula has within a half-hour’s drive of one another. Laura at Pt Leo Estate, serves contemporary Australian food within a sculpture park worth $50 million. Seasonal fruit that is obtained locally is celebrated at Paringa Estate. Gippsland provides the meat, Western Victoria provides the pork, and the nearby shore provides the fish. Ten Minutes By Tractor in Main Ridge offers a vegetarian cuisine in addition to its seasonal tasting menu. Jackalope’s one-hatted fine-dining establishment is called Doot Doot Doot. A five-course tasting menu is available, showcasing the abundance of vegetables from nearby producers on the peninsula. Rare Hare, the hotel’s more laid-back restaurant, also has a hatted wine and food store where you can buy some regional specialities to take home. Also remember to try Max’s at Red Hill Estate, where each meal is paired with a recommended wine from the critically acclaimed Red Hill Estate collection, and Stillwater at Crittenden, which is elegant and formal and ideal for weddings.
Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula – Go Strawberry Picking
Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm is a great place to go when you’re searching for something to do on the Mornington Peninsula and want a taste of summer. In addition to blueberries and raspberries, the farm lets you pick your own strawberries which is a lot of fun for people of all ages. Wandering around the strawberry fields, you’ll observe people of all ages filling buckets to take home. Everything berry-related, from preserves to ice creams, is sold at the on-site café. Another of the Mornington Peninsula’s strawberry picking can be enjoyed at Sunny Ridge Farm, which is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Purchase them already selected, or pick them yourself. Along with large, luscious blueberries and bitter yet delicious raspberries, you can sample their wonderful dessert selection, which has their own berries paired with amazing farm-made ice cream, in the on-site café. Try the chocolate fondue with berries, too!
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Swim with Dolphins in Sorrento
With Bottlenose Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals patrolling the northern edge of Port Phillip Bay on the Mornington Peninsula, you can explore the underwater world and learn about the diverse life that exists below sea level. A customised trip swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins is available from Moonraker, and incredible Dolphin and Seal experiences can be had in the seas around Sorrento in Port Phillip Bay with Polperro Dolphin Swims. While looking for the wildlife, the crew will inform you about the bay and its biodiversity. Visitors must wear wetsuits and flippers, and they must stay at least five metres away from all wildlife. Underwater, seals put up quite the show as they roll, flip, and dart around. There’s a possibility to spot a pod of dolphins riding the waves off the boat’s bow as they glide by and swim around. For those seeking a distinctive educational experience, this is one of the top things to do in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and comes highly recommended.
Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula – Visit the Best Beaches in Victoria
Famous for its sun, sand, and surf, the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is home to spectacular beaches including Safety Beach, Rosebud Beach, and Sorrento Front Beach. Known for their large waves and treacherous rips, Portsea, Diamond Bay Beach, and Gunnamatta are among of Victoria’s top beaches for surfers.
Situated in locations including as Dromana and Mount Martha, the well-known Melbourne Bathing Boxes are a quintessential representation of the Victorian era and the Peninsula. When these vibrant beach bungalows are up for sale, their prices often exceed $500,000. The bathing boxes are rarely for sale and are instead handed down through the generations.
Tucked down at the rear of Diamond Bay Road, Diamond Bay Beach is a hidden treasure on the Peninsula. In addition to having breathtakingly blue waters, it is home to a variety of marine species and seabirds who nest there. A walking trail that circles the Bay of Islands and St. Paul’s Ocean Beach makes it simple to go to these and other well-liked beaches.
An additional well-liked location for investigating rock pool formations is Sorrento Back Beach in Bass Strait. From the parking lot, climb the stairs to Coppins Lookout, where you can see the Sphinx rock formations, which resemble something you might see in Cairo, Egypt. There is also a sizable parking lot close by with restroom and shower facilities.
The Mornington Peninsula’s best place to go for a beach day is Safety Beach, which has a 3.5 km stretch of white sand beach and pristine seas.
Read our guide to the Top Beaches on the Mornington Peninsula.
Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula – Stroll along Millionaire’s walk
In addition to having an average home value of $2.8 million, Millionaires Walk holds significant historical value since it was the site of the first Australian land claim in 1802, when the Union Jack Flag was hoisted. The jetties are privately owned by some of the wealthiest people on this side of the Mornington Peninsula, hence the term “millionaire’s walk” seems fitting. This stunning 1.5km stroll along the cliff edge near Point Nepean Road offers unobstructed views of the ocean and is a part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail. Four out of the fourteen locations are marked with information and images of the artists’ paintings.
Mornington Peninsula Sightseeing – Point Nepean National Park
Nestled at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, Point Nepean National Park is a protected region that is home to natural wildlife of Victoria and the traditional land of the Bunurong People. It served as a pioneering military fort and quarantine facility, contributing to the formation of Victoria’s Defense Force. The 17th Prime Minister of Australia is thought to have drowned near Cheviot Beach, hence the park is also rich in Australian history. The Quarantine Station, where individuals arriving from Europe were placed under quarantine to stop illnesses from spreading to the broader public, is situated in the park close to the bay’s oceanic edge. The visitor centre is open to visitors and provides bicycle rentals, an audio guide, and a map. The park has a number of structures with equipment, photo, and journal displays, such as an ancient hospital, boiler house, and enormous disinfection oven.
Where is the Mornington Peninsula?
The Mornington Peninsula encompasses several suburbs, including Mornington, Sorrento, Rosebud, Dromana and Mount Martha, and extends from Frankston in the west to the eastern edge of Melbourne’s central business district.
With a population of roughly 230,000, the peninsula offers both residents and visitors a variety of lovely beaches to explore. The Mornington Peninsula offers tourists a plethora of sites to explore.
There are more activities available on the Mornington Peninsula in the summer, including fruit harvesting, carnivals, and New Year’s festival celebrations. Due to day-trippers and vacationers choosing the Mornington Peninsula as their top destination for a summer vacation in Victoria, the population surges throughout the summer as there are so many family-friendly attractions there.
The Mornington Peninsula is just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. From Melbourne, travel the M1 that connects to the Western Port Highway to visit communities along Westernport Bay, or continue the coastline via Frankston to settlements along the Port Phillip bay. Every fifteen to twenty minutes, a metropolitan train departs from Southern Cross Station and travels to Frankston. From there, it connects to Stony Point on Westernport Bay via Hastings. Each hamlet has its own local bus route; bus number 788 leaves every 45 minutes on weekdays and every one to two hours on weekends from Frankston station for villages along Port Phillip Bay to Portsea. In order to preserve the history of the peninsula, the Mornington Heritage and Tourist Railway operates steam trains between Moorooduc Station and Mornington Station.
We at Lively Properties hope that this article has encouraged you to travel to the Mornington Peninsula and stay in one of the stunning coastal towns. The Mornington Peninsula offers a plethora of activities suitable for families, singles, and couples.
Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula
For those looking for a break to the well-liked family beaches in the area, the Mornington Peninsula has a wealth of lodging alternatives. Families looking for a beachfront getaway frequently travel to the Mornington Peninsula because of its breathtaking natural beauty and charming coastal villages. There are many different types of lodging available to guests, ranging from luxury vacation houses to quaint cottages. Families can explore the many natural attractions, such national parks and animal reserves, that highlight the distinctive flora and fauna of the Mornington Peninsula, in addition to taking in the beautiful beaches.
The popular family beaches, rocky coastline, golf courses, and stunning natural beauty that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer make it the ideal place for an unforgettable vacation. Find your perfect stay on the Mornington Peninsula with Lively Properties – View All Accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula.
