A guide to the Peninsula

Away for the weekend or away for a couple weeks. Whether you are needing to unwind, get back in touch with nature or looking for some night life. The Mornington Peninsula has something to offer every age group.

From Sorrento, to Mornington Main street, this is your guide to the Peninsula.

Outdoor Activities

If you are into the beach, The Peninsula has some of the best beaches in the world, as seen most recently in the film ‘Where The Wild Things Are’

 

Make sure to visit Mornington Peninsula National Park and Cape Schanck boardwalk. The Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful locations and national parks.

If you are interested in some history whilst on your walk, we highly recommend visiting Fort Nepean Discovery walk and Gunner’s Cottage Walk, which takes you to the Point Nepean Cemetery, with graves that date back to the 1850’s. These rugged locations were once the center of military activity and quarantine stations and forts. Still there today to be explored and remembered.

For a much lighter, fun filled day with the family. Head to the top Arthur’s Seat for lunch and a wonderful day set amongst beautiful manicured garden mazes, fun activities such as ziplining, tree top walking and giant puzzles. 

 

Another key feature at Arthurs seat is the fantastic chairlift that has been operating since the late 70’s (It has had a much needed upgrade since) that is set high amongst the treetops, providing you with the most spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the beach side suburbs below.

If you love the idea of manicured gardens, mazes and fun activities with the family, another great spot is Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens! Located between Red Hill Estate and Shoreman Beach. Great little stop off to stretch your legs. 

 

If you are headed for a much slower pace, The Peninsula has wonderful art galleries that you can wander around at your own pace, taking in every bit of exhibits.

Portsea Art Gallery 

Gordon Studio in Red Hill

Peninsula Studio Trail

McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery

Wellness / Pampering

The Mornington Peninsula is home to hundreds of Wineries but if the Peninsula is known for one thing, it would be the Peninsula Hot Springs!

  • Unwind and replenish in mineral-rich hot springs
  • Enjoy a nutritious picnic hamper in the lush grounds
  • Soak in the hilltop pool with panoramic Mornington Peninsula views

Sink into the hot springs and soothe your mind and body at one of Victoria’s most popular destinations on the Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy the range of relaxing geothermal bathing experiences before settling down among the idyllic grounds with a delicious picnic hamper.

Child Friendly

Sorrento Rock pools

Great Parks = Sorrento, Rye, Rosebud, Mornington, RACV Cape schanck park, Seawinds nature park

Cape Schanck Lighthouse
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse was built in 1859 as the second coastal lighthouse in the Australian state of Victoria. It is located on Cape Schanck, at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula.

The movies at Sorrento, Rosebud, and Mornington

Child friendly Restaurants:

Seastore Rye

Olive grove Main ridge

Restaurants

For Finer dining; 

Point Leo Estate in Merricks
Veraison Restaurant in Tootgarook
Paringa Estate in Red Hill

Mid Range Dining 

Foxeys Hangout in Red Hill 
Le Bouchon French Cuisine in Balnarring 
Del Posto 2409 in Rye

And for those cheap eats not solely on the Peninsula but yet so yummy!!

La Lupa Pizza and Pasta in Tyabb
Cosy & Tasty Dumpling in Frankston 

Two Bays Brewing Co in Dromana

Wineries

  1. Montalto 

Fine dining restaurant, wood-fire pizza and beautiful sculpture walk, there is plenty of reasons to stop in and visit perhaps the most unique and decadent vineyard.

     2. Point Leo Estate
The 135 hectare estate located near Merricks has had over $50 Million invested into the Estate by the Family who own the property. Enjoy beautiful views, amazing food and breathtaking accommodation. 

  1. Merricks General Store

This rustic store, which is easily one of the Mornington Peninsula’s highlights, is known for its selected range and locally sourced wines. The place of choice by locals and is simply a fantastic opportunity to enjoy and re connect. 

  1. Jackalope 

Jaw-dropping architecture, luxury lairs and fine dining at its best. Jackalope should be on your hit list of wineries when on the Peninsula. 

  1. Ten Minutes By Tractor 

Sample award winning wines, whilst overlooking the vines of the estate, chat with winemakers who are changing up their practices and moving towards a full organic cultivation. 

  1. Foxeys Hangout 

Set in the beautiful spot of Red Hill, Foxeys Hangout couldn’t get much better. The vibe is wonderful, relaxed and exactly what you have been looking for, enjoy your wine on the deck and enjoy the perfect views of the vineyard. 

      7.Paringa Estate
A slick Corbusian facade, and a plush interior, give an elegant, luxurious tone. The restaurant overlooks the undulating slopes of the vineyard, where the Toulouse geese roam. Larger windows in the dining room allow you to look down into the winery where we have just made our 35th vintage.

      8. Polperro
Our premium, single vineyard label makes wines from our vineyards in the Mornington Peninsula. Specialising in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

     9.Many Little
Many Little Bar & Dining in Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula is a modern Asian- Sri Lankan inspired elevated dining experience based on the authentic traditions of our Executive Chef Gayan Pieris’s homeland.

     10.Main Ridge Estate
Premium quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for our cellar door guests to enjoy along with warm hospitality and relaxed dining in a beautiful bush valley setting.

Distilleries, Breweries & Pubs

Portsea Pub
Established in 1876 and recently renovated, it is the perfect place to stay, drink or dine by the bay.

Sorrento Hotel
Overlooking the sparkling waters of PortPhilip Bay, Hotel Sorrento combines modern luxury with historic charm. With an award-winning restaurant, several bars and luxury accommodation, there is something for everyone. 

Continental
The Continental has been Sorrento’s most famous landmark since 1875 and this year sees its long-awaited return. Retaining its beloved heritage character, the icon has been reimagined as a lifestyle precinct that brings a piece of luxury to everyone.

 

Rye Pub
The Rye Hotel is a family owned business that has well trained and enthusiastic staff with old fashion friendly service values.

The Royal
The Royal Hotel has recently changed its menu offering! There is now one menu which is available throughout the entire venue, 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner.

Canadian Bay Hotel
A family run business for over a decade, nestled in the heart of Mt Eliza Village. We focus on delivering the best service and the freshest produce to our local community and visitors of the village. 

St. Andrews Brewery
St Andrews Beach Brewery calls a 92-acre property on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula home. After a significant facelift, we’ve converted what was once a world class horse training facility into a brewery, taproom and farm we are truly proud to call home.

Jetty Road
We are thrilled to welcome you to Jetty Road Dromana. We are open for lunch and dinner and are a family-friendly, dog-friendly venue catering to dietaries and food sensitivities.

Bass & Flinders
Bass and Flinders Distillery was founded in 2009 on the Mornington Peninsula with a passion for adventure and a desire to create a range of high quality, artisanal gins brandies and liqueurs, that truly reflect our home and heritage. 

Jimmy Rum
Visit us in Dromana, the gateway to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Our distillery and cocktail bar is a welcoming and relaxing space for locals and visitors alike. 

Day Trips

Though most of the activities are kids friendly, will they get the kids excited? Mostly likely not.

Let’s head down to Phillip Island for the day, what to do and see in Phillip Island?

Penguin Parade 

Wildlife Park 

A Maze N Things

Phillip Island Chocolate factory 

Koala Conservation Reserve

If you are heading to Phillip Island around a specific time of the year for a holiday, make sure to check dates as Phillip Island holds a few sporting events throughout the year, it can make finding a place to stay or things to do pretty hard due to the amount of people who come along.

Queenscliff Ferry

Checkout the other side of the bay just 45 mins via the ferry, Queenscliff is rich in history similar to Point nepean.

Golf Courses

Golf Courses
Public Courses

RACV Cape Schanck Golf Course- Cape Schanck VIC 

Portsea Golf Club – Portsea VIC

The Dunes Golf Links and Links Lodge – Rye VIC 

Peppers Moonah Links Resort – Fingal VIC 

Rosebud Country Club – Rosebud VIC 

Devilbend Golf Club – Moorooduc VIC

Mornington Golf CLub – Mornington VIC

Flinders Golf Club – Flinders VIC 

Cerbereus Golf Club – Hmas Cerberus VIC 

Safety Beach Golf Club -Safety Beach VIC 

St Andrews Beach Golf Club – Fingal VIC 

Grab a bite to eat at Truemans road Golf range

Mini golf at tunza fun in rosebud.

Beaches and Bush walks

Bushrangers Bay

Lizard head and 13th beach

Dog beaches are at Hughes road Blairgowrie and Flinders

Piers – Mornington, Rye, Dromana, Portsea & Flinders

Bike Tracks & Trails

Red Hill Mountain bike track

Dromana Mountain Bike track

Bay trail from Sorrento to Melbourne

There are so many wonderful things to see and do on the Peninsula, you will be surprised when exploring your own backyard sometimes.