During summer, more people head to the Mornington Peninsula from surrounding cities and suburbs in search of sunny beaches. On the Peninsula, though winter is a local affair, with a chillier mood and a quieter pace of life. Winter is a great time to stay and explore the Mornington Peninsula. We’ve put together a list the best wintertime activities, both indoors and outdoors as well as free options, for the Mornington Peninsula as the winter break draws near. Families, couples and singles exploring the area over the winter holiday period will all find something to do, that suits any appetite. During the cold weeks of winter, the Beer, Cider, and Spirits Trail is a terrific place to get warm and sample some of the best creations of the peninsula. To get toasty, visit the top cider makers, brewers, and distilleries in the area.
Find the perfect accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula, book a Lively stay, pack a snug jacket and prepare to discover the coast in the winter .
1. Visit the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery hosts a variety of colourful and captivating exhibitions that are free to view and are ideal for creative minds of all ages. The Collection+ series and the MPRG collection, which consists of over 1,900 artefacts ranging from paintings to prints, sketches to sculptures, are examples of current instalments. Not only is the Mornington Peninsula known for being a haven and inspiration for numerous well-known artists, but the gallery also possess significant historical artworks that depict the region’s cultural legacy. Escape the chilly winter day and get lost among some of the best art in Victoria.
2. Soak it up by the fire
There’s nowhere better than sitting in front of a cosy fireplace this winter to enjoy a meal and catch up with loved ones. A region well-known for its profusion of culinary hotspots, there are many that provide warm retreats from the winter chill to enjoy and experience the local flavours. Explore one of many artisanal breweries, have dinner at a restaurant, dine fireside at a cellar door and feel the warmth of a log fire welcoming you. The Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail boasts some amazing spots for warm fireside dining, such the family-run Hickinbotham of Dromana and the historic St Andrews Beach Brewery in Fingal. Jetty Road Brewery, located in the Dromana industrial zone, is another popular spot. When staying on the peninsula, why not book your own luxury stay with a crackling fireplace? With over 20 stunning properties, each with its own fireplace, you are certain to warm up with a luxurious stay with Lively.
2. Mornington Peninsula National Park
Surrounded by the mighty waves of Bass Strait, the Mornington Peninsula National Park boasts an abundance of lush vegetation and breathtaking landscapes. Enthusiastic winter explorers can explore in a variety of ways from here, including through the lush Greens Bush wilderness or along the wide sandy stretches of the area’s well-known seaside beaches. There are historical landmarks scattered all over, such as the charming and heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. For more great walks and hikes, check out our guide to the top walks on the Mornington Peninsula.
3. With a Whisky in Hand (or hot cider!)
During the colder months, warming yourself with a cocktail inspired by wintertime on the Mornington Peninsula is a must. Whisky lovers will find large, distinctive, and powerful varieties of single malt whisky at the Chief’s Son Distillery in Somerville. Experience a variety of tastes, including the beloved brandy of the winter, at Bass and Flinders! Don’t mind a mulled wine? JimmyRum Distillery in Dromana has a hot drink menu that includes mulled wine and other winter comforts. If you’re not into whisky, you can also have delectable mulled apple juice, spiced rum cider, or Cidre Noir from the quaint Hart’s Farm near Shoreham. You can enjoy a pleasant winter at Mock Red Hill with their fireplace and steaming mulled cider.
4. Head to the Beach in Winter (yes, truly!)
Is there anything better than a beach? Even though winter might not seem like the best season to visit, these scenes are nonetheless incredibly beautiful in the winter. The ways to unwind when visiting are numerous and include strolling, walking, taking in the tranquillity, and breathing in the pure coastal air. Don’t forget to pack your phone or camera, since the chilly weather by the water will surely make for some amazing photos. In winter, the beaches have a dark appearance and a colourful wash of smooth glass with dozens of intriguing shells. Get the youngsters to put on their gumboots and take a stroll around the pier or beach! Seek treasures and etch your names in the sand! The back beaches on the Peninsula, particularly those around Shoreham and Balnarring, are local favourites in the winter. Check out all the best Mornington Peninsula beaches—including dog-friendly ones—that you can visit with the family here!
5. Enjoy Winter Comfort Food
Many of the region’s breweries, cellar doors and restaurants serve mouth-watering comfort meals and other tasty dishes and snacks during the winter. Tacos from Banks Brewery in Seaford come in four distinct varieties, and beer pairs well with pizza or burgers from Smart Brothers Brewing in Somerville or Escape Brewing in Capel Sound. The ultimate winter warmers, nachos, ribs, and wings are available at Red Hill Brewery. The Flinders Hotel and Yabby Lake Vineyard are great places to take the family out for a winter meal; they feature open fires, local wine selections, and large play areas. Family-friendly Montalto Olive Grove and Vineyard is well-liked for its large piazza courtyard and excellent cuisine. Another great spot to eat with the family this winter is Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill, which features slow-cooked American southern-style menu items and a special kids area with games and activities to help youngsters socialise and play. St Andrews Beach Brewery is a great place to meet up on the weekend to enjoy tasty fare. The whole Mornington Peninsula area provides a range of winter dining alternatives, from modern Asian-Sri Lankan cuisine to American style barbecue, with warm spaces with open fires.
6. Have a Sweet Time at the Hot Chocolate Festival
Throughout August, the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Flinders holds the annual Hot Chocolate Festival, serving up 31 unique and unusual hot chocolate flavours as part of the event. A rotating weekly menu of many rich, alcoholic, imaginative, and interactive hot chocolate flavours, including dark, milk, white, ruby, or caramelised white couverture chocolate, artisan ingredients, and enormous homemade marshmallows, is offered during the festival. Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, Poached Pear & Hazelnut, Biscoff Hedgehog, Dulce de Leche Churros, an Iced Vovo with chocolate-covered donuts for a decadent dip, and a nostalgic Happy Vegemite with caramel koalas to melt are some of the adult-only creations featured last year. Those who are ardent fans of the winter warmer can sign up for the Hot Chocolate Festival Tasting Sessions ($24 per person) to try eight distinct tastes and learn how to make three “hot chocolate spoons” with 50 different components, allowing them to customise a hot chocolate at any time. Reservations are required; further details and reservations are available on the festival website.
7. Soak it up at the Peninsula Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot Springs is probably the most popular place to go during the winter, to no surprise. On a chilly day, it’s delightful to bathe in the healing warm water; this is a lovely spot to unwind and commune with nature. In your white robe, explore the surroundings while indulging in over 20 mineral baths, as well as a sauna, mineral showers, underground pool, and Turkish steam baths (Hamam). The Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, the area’s only naturally occurring day spa, is the perfect place to warm up if you’re on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Read our Complete Guide to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs.
