20 Best Things To Do In Mornington Peninsula
It’s tough to be bored on your weekend trip since there are so many things to do in Mornington Peninsula. It is ideal for people who love the outdoors, the sea, and wine and will find some activities on the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy.
They have some of the most unbelievably gorgeous beaches, vineyards, and parklands on this side of Victoria.
1. Things to do in Mornington peninsula
There are plenty of multi-day treks, magnificent natural beaches, and water-based activities for daring and free-spirited persons. And vineyards, boutique spa houses, and cideries to pick from for those seeking a little rest and leisure.
In actuality, some may say that driving along the ocean on a hot summer day is one of the nicest things to do in the Mornington Peninsula. You can even try playing some golf at the National Golf Club, St. Andrews Beach Golf Course, Moonah Links Golf Course, and Eagle Ridge Golf Course. They have some exceptional golf courses.
If you’re confused about what to do on the Mornington Peninsula, worry not; this guide has been hand-curated and tested by yours truly, and will only feature the finest of the best!
1.1 Swim with Wild Dolphins
If you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place to start. You can move into the western port bay area. Mount Martha is a great choice for swimming. It has several beaches and the water is crystal clear.
Swimming with pods of wild bottlenose dolphins is one of the most thrilling Mornington Peninsula activities which will end up leaving you breathless.
Many pods of bottlenose dolphins live in Port Phillip Bay, and they may be seen around the piers in the early mornings with curious bystanders.
They are frequently seen trailing the wake of the ferry as it departs from Sorrento.
Polperro excursions and Moonraker trips, both of which depart from Sorrento Pier near the ferry terminal, provide these personal encounters.
Both trips provide passengers with the opportunity to swim with dolphins, take photos, and even visit a local fur seal colony at Chinaman’s Hat in Rye.
Onboard, food, tea, and beverages are available, and both firms have received Ecotourism Australia’s accreditation in eco-certified advanced tourism.
You must make a reservation to guarantee your position since this is one of the most popular tourist sites on the Mornington Peninsula, and you do not want to miss out!
If there is a need to rearrange your swim due to bad weather projections, your captain of the day will notify you ahead of time… which may happen in Victoria!
1.2. Relax at Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Visiting Victoria’s unique geothermal hot springs is one of the top things to do in the Mornington Peninsula.
This is the ideal spot for a peaceful spa day in natural thermal springs, and it’s located in the heart of the peninsula, halfway between the front and back beaches.
There are some available spa and bathing choices at Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs. For instance, massage packages, Turkish baths, and hot and cold plunge pools.
Stay for dinner and champagne in the spa dreaming center dining room after your spa, or get a cup of coffee in the bathhouse cafe or coffee hut.
The greatest time to visit the hot springs is obviously during the winter months, from June to October.
1.3. Point Nepean National Park
This is a wonderful place to begin if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
One of the coolest sites to visit on the Mornington Peninsula is this old quarantine facility and military fortification, which has now been transformed into a national park.
This hidden gem of a park may be found at the end of the Peninsula, after the excessively affluent suburb of Portsea, near the end of Point Nepean Road.
It’s easy to get here; simply follow Point Nepean Road all the way west until you reach the Point Nepean National Park entrance gates.
Take a stroll around the ancient military forts and quarantine facilities where European settlers arrived by boat seeking to settle in Australia when it was still a new continent.
Within the park, there are several walking trails and treks to choose from, some of which come close to the water’s edge along the northern shore, while others journey inland through dense vegetation.
When trekking through, make sure you have all of the required items with you, such as a good pair of hiking boots, a sturdy hat, and lots of water.
Point Nepean National Park is also a fantastic spot to witness authentic Australian fauna.
Wallabies and kangaroos, as well as cockatoos and kookaburras, cockatoos and kookaburras, cockatoos and kookaburras, eastern brown snakes, and tiger snakes, are all frequent.
1.4. Mornington Peninsula attractions – Enchanted Adventure Garden
If you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great starting point. Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula is home to the Enchanted Adventure Garden.
From a maze to the addition of tree surfing and a zip line, this Mornington Peninsula attraction has grown over the years. Climbing, balance, and fear control are all important aspects of tree surfing.
Tree Surfing is a high-wire obstacle course for people who are unfamiliar with it. There are three separate mazes in the Enchanted Adventure Garden, each of which is difficult.
A traditional Japanese garden labyrinth, turf, and a children’s maze may all be found here. The entire family enjoyed the tube sliding.
Everyone will be amused by the children’s bushland scramble and the 3D frightening hedge mazes. Whereas many people believe this is simply one of the greatest things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for kids, visitors of all ages love the ropes course and other activities.
If your children enjoy mazes, there is also the adjacent Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens to visit. These are just a few more of the Mornington Peninsula’s greatest attractions.
1.5. Drive south down to Cape Schanck
If you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place to start.
Cape Schanck Reserve is easily accessible and easily one of the greatest spots to visit on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Mornington Peninsula national park is magnificent Cape Schanck is located at the most southern extremity of the peninsula.
A lighthouse, one million-year-old rock formations, and some of the purest air in the world can be found at the end of the Two Bays walking circuit, which is part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park.
This stretch of the Two Bays Track descends, passing through a section of the Bushrangers Bay walking track, a 2.6-kilometer trail that can be reached from the Cape Schanck parking park.
1.6. Art Galleries
If you’re searching for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place to start. The Mornington Peninsula is home to numerous artists due to its stunning scenery.
A self-guided Peninsula Studio Trail leads tourists around the peninsula, offering an overview of the region’s many mediums and styles.
There are several galleries in the region, ranging from the spectacular Gordon Studio in Red Hill, where you can witness glassblowers in operation, to the modern Portsea Art Gallery.
The Rotary Club of Sorrento hosts an important art event each January, bringing together artists from all around Victoria to showcase their work.
1.7. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
When we first arrived at the Mornington Peninsula, a friend recommended this restaurant to us, and we are so delighted she did since we have gone there three or four times; we’ve even taken Laura’s mother!
This is a wonderful place to begin if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
Moonlit Animal Sanctuary is a family-owned Australian Wildlife Conservation institution that also has lovely gardens showing native Australian flora. The sanctuary’s goal is to conserve those species by appropriate breeding and reintroduction into the wild.
The Moonlit Sanctuary is the perfect venue for travelers to get up and personalize with endangered Australian animals.
1.8. Go berry picking at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
If you’re searching for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place to start.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is a must-see for everyone who likes strawberries. Set among gorgeous woodlands and rolling hills is a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
The farm is open all year, but between November and April, when the strawberries are ready to harvest, you may pick your strawberries to take home.
Chocolate fondue, ice cream sundaes, strawberries and cream, raspberry lemonade, and strawberry milkshakes are among the exquisite berry-based treats available at the cafe.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm also grows raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, which are sold in the shop with other berry-inspired items such as jams, wines, and chocolate-coated freeze-dried Strawberries.
1.9. Diamond Bay Beach
This is a wonderful place to begin if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula. The gorgeous Diamond Bay beach is one of the nicest spots to visit on the Mornington Peninsula.
A little dirt vehicle park may be found towards the rear of Diamond Bay Road. The gravel path will bring you to a stairway that overlooks the beautiful crystal blue seas of this coastal beach jewel.
This sandstone-encircled bay is home to a variety of sea life, including breeding gulls and a variety of marine creatures.
The Bay of Islands and St. Paul’s ocean beach are both close by and easily accessible by a circular walking route that goes to viewing spots east of the beach.
1.10. Try the Tapas menu with Olive Green at Red Hill Winery
If you’re searching for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great place to start.
The Barossa Valley is in South Australia, the Hunter Valley is in New South Wales, and Red Hill is on the Mornington Peninsula.
Green Olive at Red Hill is one of our favorite vineyards here, and while it is technically not in Red Hill, its name may confuse visitors because it is located in Main Ridge.
Green Olive at Red Hill serves tapas-style wonderful food and wine, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Green Olive at Red Hill grows its grapes, olives, herbs, and vegetables on the premises for everyone’s enjoyment.
Green Olive at Red Hill is more than just a cellar door; it also offers culinary courses in the restaurant’s upper portion, which is one of the nicest things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.
1.11. Visit the Briars Historic Homestead
If you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, Briars Historic Homestead is a great starting point. The Briars, a 230-hectare property known for its 1840s mansion, bushland, and wetland walks, is a beautiful place to visit.
On the Mornington Peninsula, the homestead was one of the earliest buildings established by Europeans. Capt. James Reid, a former army commander, founded the town in 1840.
Alexander Balcombe and his wife Emma, as well as their infant daughter, moved here in 1846.
The Briars Homestead with the surrounding eight hectares of lawns, trees, gardens, and structures was presented to the Shire of Mornington and the National Trust of Australia in 1976 after Alexander’s family sold 220 hectares to the Shire of Mornington (Victoria).
The Briars has several walking routes, both within the Wildlife Sanctuary and outside the property, that allows visitors to witness wildlife such as wallabies and local birds.
1.12. Admire the View from Olivers Hill
If you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula, this is a great starting point. Olivers Hill Lookout is the place to go if you want to see some spectacular views.
The Mornington Peninsula’s wealthy and costly neighborhood is located on the Nepean Highway’s hills, overlooking the Frankston coastline.
However, for the best views, travel north from Mount Eliza towards Frankston — the Olivers Hill lookout site is on the left-hand side as you drive down, and the vista over the bay is truly breathtaking.
We prefer doing this journey early in the morning or during the golden hour at sunset, but on a bright sunny day, you can’t go wrong!
1.13. Hike along Millionaire’s walk
This is a fantastic site to visit if you’re glimpsing for things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
Apart from having an average property price of 2.8 million, Millionaires Walk is also historically significant since it was the first location in Australia where the Union Jack Flag was hoisted to claim territory in 1802.
Millionaire’s Walk is properly titled because the jetties are privately owned by some of the Mornington Peninsula’s wealthiest residents.
A spectacular cliff-top walk with 1.5km of ocean views as far as the eye can see, it is also part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail, with four of the fourteen sites located here with information and images of their works.
1.14. Visiting Morning Peninsula breweries & wineries
While some may believe that this is only a list of things to do in the Mornington Peninsula for individuals without children, you would be mistaken! For lunch or simply a drink, stop by one of the wonderful Mornington Peninsula Breweries.
Some of the breweries on the Mornington Peninsula will also feature amenities for children. The Jetty Road Brewery in Dromana, Red Hill Brewery, and St Andrews Brewery are also excellent choices.
These three establishments produce excellent craft beer and pair it with delectable cuisine. Any day trip to the Mornington Peninsula should include a stop here.
The Montalto Vineyard has a spacious grassy area where kids may play cricket and other provided sports while their parents relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
1.15. Back Beach Walks
This is a fantastic site to visit if you’re glimpsing for things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
From anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula, a trip to the back beach (ocean-facing beaches) is both exhilarating and relaxing.
The wide-open area of the rolling coastline provides for wonderful beach experiences even on the hottest and busiest days.
Swimming along this stretch of shoreline can be risky, thus anyone going into the water should do so on a patrolled section of the beach.
The presence of lifeguards and a swimming system between the red and yellow flags always indicate this.
1.16. Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry
This is an excellent site to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula. The greatest of Port Phillip Bay is seen on this famous 40-minute excursion.
The ferry service operates on the hour, every hour, every day of the year, connecting two of Victoria’s greatest coastal communities, Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The ferry, which can accommodate both automobiles and foot passengers, features big windows and decks that allow a close-up view of the shoreline.
From the deck, dolphins may often be seen enjoying a ride on the bow wave.
Spend a day at Queenscliff and then return to Sorrento, or take a one-way trip from Queenscliff and continue exploring Victoria via the famed Great Ocean Road.
1.17. Flock to the Rye foreshore
This is an incredible spot to visit if you’re scrutinizing things to do in Mornington Peninsula. There’s a reason why Melburnians from all across the state appear to converge in Rye during the summer months.
Rye foreshore is the Peninsula’s main local and tourist center. The main street is lined with delectable Italian restaurants, pizzerias, gelaterias, and cafés.
During the day, the Rye beachfront is thriving. The quieter front beach of Port Phillip Bay, visible from the main street, is where most adrenaline enthusiasts take their boats and jet skis out for a day on the sea.
The front beach extends the full length of the northern side and is an excellent place to pitch a tent or umbrella, pack a few drinks, and relax for the remainder of the day.
1.18. Visit a Mornington Peninsula
This is an excellent site to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula. The Emu Plains Market is one of the Peninsula’s most popular marketplaces.
The market takes place on the third Saturday of each month in Balnarring (October to April) Local gourmet meals, farmers’ market products, and live music are featured in the bush environment.
In the summer, the market has a few twilight days from 3 to 8 p.m. to take advantage of the warm nights. This Mornington Peninsula market is a must-see for adults and children alike, with wine tasting and petting zoos.
This has to be one of the finest things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for foodies since you can buy some of the best Mornington Peninsula vegetables to take home with you!
1.19. Visit Cape Schanck Reserve
The picturesque boardwalk that goes down to the beach and rock platform at Cape Schanck is one of the top things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
During their winter migration, humpback whales have been known to stay around in the cove, so keep a watch out!
At the end of the beach are a series of enormous boulders that you may climb over at low tide to explore the rock pools and see Pulpit Rock, a towering offshore rock structure.
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse, completed in 1859, is the most recognizable emblem of Cape Schanck. It was Victoria’s second lighthouse and Australia’s first lighthouse tower with stone stairs.
The lighthouse is still operational, ensuring the safety of maritime channels traveling through the Mornington Peninsula on their way to and from Melbourne.
Only guided tours are available to the lighthouse, museum, and limestone Keeper’s Cottage.
1.20. Mornington Peninsula National Park
This is an excellent site to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula National Park, located on the peninsula’s extreme western boundary, covers nearly all of the peninsula’s rugged, windswept ocean beaches.
Clifftop hiking trails provide access to many of the park’s coastal sections but be cautious to verify current conditions before heading out, as parts of the trails are frequently blocked due to erosion.
Rye Back Beach is a pristine, cliff-backed stretch of beach and surf that’s ideal for a promenade. Keep a watch out for the threatened hooded plover as you go along the headland to Lizard Head rock formation.
There are several picturesque hiking trails on Cape Schanck, including one to Pebble Beach, which offers views of the lighthouse, and another to Eastern Lookout.
2. Conclusion – Things to do in Mornington peninsula
With so many things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, hot springs, animals, vineyards, restaurants, incredible vibes, and Victoria’s best coffee. Not to mention that Mornington Peninsula is an award-winning destination, it has been awarded with Best Regional Destination in Victoria at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2020, along with many other awards.
The Mornington Peninsula, with its 190-kilometer-long shoreline that encircles the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, is home to some of the most gorgeous and amazing scenery in the state.
After years of living and working on the Mornington Peninsula, we know how fortunate we are to have some of the greatest beaches in the world so near to a densely populated area.
The Mornington Peninsula is a popular weekend trip and retreat location for Melbourne residents as well as visitors from across the world.
This gorgeous region of Victoria is known for its quiet bay waters for swimming, fantastic vineyards producing some of Australia’s best drops, amazing local vegetables, and a plethora of other attractions.
Also read: Best Restaurants Melbourne.