15 Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula, Australia

As a quintessential escape from Melbourne, straddling a seriously stunning coastline, the Mornington Peninsula is dotted with quaint seaside towns, scenic national parks, and an alluring array of activities to fill your trip. If you’re searching for the best things to do in the Mornington Peninsula, look no further!

Whether you're chasing an Aussie summer’s day by the beach or you want to treat yourself to one of the many award-winning wineries, the Mornington Peninsula is jam-packed with plenty to discover with everything from cycling and surfing to hiking and golf.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• How to Get to the Mornington Peninsula

• Peninsula Hot Springs

• Olivers Hill Lookout

• Swim with Seals

• Mornington Peninsula National Park

• Mount Martha

• Enchanted Adventure Garden

• Arthurs Seat State Park

• Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

• Adventure Cruise

• Moonlit Animal Sanctuary

• Sorrento Back Beach

• Wineries

• Main Street

• Mornington Pier

• Grand Hotel

• Best Time to Visit the Mornington Peninsula

• How to Get to the Mornington Peninsula

• FAQs

Peninsula Hot Springs

In need of a bit of indulgence? Pamper yourself at the Peninsula Hot Springs, where there’s a variety of outdoor thermal pools, relaxing private baths, and day spa services. As a major destination and attraction of the Mornington Peninsula, this coastal utopia boasts over 50 pools with various temperatures.

The further you head into the complex, the hotter the pools become. The natural mineral waters are framed by native Aussie flora, offering an immersive experience in the idyllic surroundings. Within the Bath House, there are ample areas to bathe, from the cave pool to the Turkish hammam, there’s a reflexology walk and even an amphitheatre that features an ice cave, two saunas and a handful of geothermal reservoirs.

To top it off, a hilltop pool also harbours 360-degree views overlooking the nearby region. The Spa is speckled with massaging bamboo showers, a Moroccan hammam, an infrared sauna, and hanging tree pods, amongst many other thermal mineral pools.

Price: $45AUD per adult mid-week and $55AUD from Friday to Sunday.

Top Tip: Be sure to book at least 24hrs in advance, as charges will increase by 10% for an on-the-day purchase.

Olivers Hill Lookout

Head to the local favourite sunset spot and enjoy the view from Olivers Hill Lookout. Peer out at the crashing ocean, peruse the sparkling water at Port Phillip Bay and see if you can spot the Melbourne CBD in the distance. Nestled along Nepean Highway, this is an accessible spot to swing by for sunset. On your way from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula, be sure to stop by this lookout point.

Swim With Seals

Get up close and personal with Australian marine life in Port Phillip Bay! Enjoy two hours of swimming with fur seals on this top-rated tour. Embark on a scenic cruise from Sorrento Pier in the Mornington Peninsula and peruse the luxurious clifftop mansions on your way out to sea. Bask in the beauty of the playful Australian fur seals as you arrive at the Chinaman’s Hat. Take the plunge, snorkel on top of the water and get your camera ready to snap!

Mornington Peninsula National Park

The Mornington Peninsula National Park laps the paradisiacal ocean between Portsea and Flinders. This spot is where local surfers and nature enthusiasts flock to admire the region’s sheer beauty.

With a hefty fragment of native, untouched bushland, this national park is a literal haven for kangaroos, which can be found hopping through the coastal vegetation of Greens Bush.

The Mornington Peninsula National Park presents many opportunities for avid adventurers, with walking and hiking tracks along soaring clifftops with views from godsends.

Here’s a quick run-down of some of the best walking tracks within the national park.

The Coastal Walk

This one is for all you avid hikers out there. The Coastal Walk extends over 26km from Cape Schanck to the famous London Bridge. With sublime ocean vistas, jagged cliffs with concealed coves tucked down below, rock pools and lush coastal flora, the Coastal Walk is the epitome of a piece of paradise. Top tip: Always check the tides before setting off.

Greens Bush Walks

Sandwiched between Arthurs Seat and Cape Schanck, Greens Bush is the biggest piece of bushland on the Mornington Peninsula. With undulating fields of grass and a diverse array of vegetation, the area attracts plentiful wildlife. This is a beautiful place to walk and immerse yourself in the native Aussie bush.

Two Bays Walking Track

Running for 8.9km, the Two Bays Walking Track is a fantastic way to see Greens Bush and other features along the way. As it’s the longest continuous track on the Mornington Peninsula, there’s a diverse range of landscapes to enjoy.

From archetypal Australian eucalyptus trees to 200-year-old grass trees, the region is brimming with wildlife and a diversity of birds, picture-perfect fern gullies and vast, sweeping grasslands.

For more options, check out the Bushrangers Bay Track, the Baldrys Short Circuit, the Baldrys Long Circuit, the Farnsworth Track, the Long Point Circuit, the Coppins Track, or the Fingal Beach Lifesaving Track.

Mount Martha

Get a taste of local life in scenic Mount Martha. Stop by the designer stores, sip delicious coffee and the quaint cafes and relish in the flavours of seafood cuisine at the variety of restaurants. Swing past the unique stores on Lochiel Avenue and soak up the Aussie sun from Mount Martha Beach. If you’re looking for the best things to do on the Mornington Penisula, Mt Martha offers a truly local experience.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

The Enchanted Adventure Garden is one of the top things to do in the Mornington Peninsula with kids. Pack a picnic and get pumped as you head to Mornington’s fun-packed park. Get lost in the giant themed-mazes, admire the sculpture walks and hit the heights on a panoramic Canopy Walk. Get your heart rate up as you speed down the Rube Slides and scramble through the cargo nets. If you’re travelling to the Mornington Peninsula with children, this activity is a must-see!

Arthurs Seat State Park

The sweeping views overlooking Port Phillip Bay from Arthurs Seat will leave you speechless. The fully-accessible gondola at Arthurs Seat Eagle glides mid-air, embracing the historical nature of the area.

Once you’ve reached the top, I’d suggest wandering around the verdant gardens and wetlands. A cafe is perched on the summit's peak with some killer views! You’ll find spectacular vistas overlooking the bay down to Melbourne.

Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens

The Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens host the oldest hedge maze in all of Australia.

So what makes this worth your visit? Well, you’ll be astonished by the perfectly circular rose maze and epic Lavender Labyrinth (which flowers year-round, by the way!).

Top Tip: the view from the centre over the pristine lavender rows is inspiring, featuring over 3000 lavender plants and over 40 different types! And on top of that, there are more than 25 acres of idyllic gardens to be explored.

Where are all my flower freaks?! I don’t know about you, but this type of talk excites me all sweaty.

Adventure Cruise

Feel the breeze and admire the Mornington Peninsula’s captivating coastline on a top-rated adventure cruise. Cruise the calm waters of Ticonderoga Bay and head into the alluring Dolphin Sanctuary Zone. Keep your eyes peeled for friendly dolphins, cheeky seals and other seasonal wildlife! Enter Port Phillip Bay, see the Chinaman's Hat and discover the Popes Eye at the Marine National Park.

Moonlit Animal Sanctuary

Moonlit Animal Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation facility that showcases some of Australia’s most iconic flora and fauna. Pinned as a family-owned business since 2001, this gem is fringed with manicured gardens and flourishing local plants. Moonlit Animal Sanctuary boasts conservation through breeding endangered animals and safely reintroducing them into the wild.

If it’s your first time visiting Australia and you want to get up close and personal with wildlife, this sanctuary offers the ultimate escape. With endless experiences on offer, the Moonlit Animal Sanctuary is one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.

Sorrento Back Beach

The quaint seaside town of Sorrento is home to some the Victoria’s most beautiful beaches. Situated 1.5km towards the south, the Sorrento Back Beach is a go-to destination for surfers, swimmers, power-walkers, and adventurers alike.

In the northern end at low tide, you’ll find sizeable tidal rock pools spanning the coastline. It’s important to remember that the beach is patrolled during the summer, only on weekends and holidays. Please swim between the flags at all times, and remember that strong currents and swells could knock even a strong swimmer off their feet.

Multiple walking tracks are located nearby, all with outstanding views peering down on the ocean below.

If Sorrento Back Beach doesn’t satisfy your standards, I’m sure the following beaches won’t disappoint.

Check out Gunnamatta Beach, Rye Beach, Dromana Beach, Koonya Ocean Beach and Flinders Ocean Beach. Avid surfers should tackle the waves at Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye beaches.

Wineries

Side note: I’m not a wine fanatic, so I haven’t added wineries to this guide.

However, if you are a wine-lover, Mornington Peninsula boasts some of Victoria's most remarkable wineries! Check out the Red Hill Estate, the Port Phillip Estate, or, Ten Minutes by Tractor. My parents have confirmed that they are all off-chops, to say the least.

Main Street

Wander astray on Mornington’s Main Street and discover the depth of possibilities on offer! Boasting family-friendly attractions, ravishing restaurants, alluring art galleries and trendy cafes, this is the ultimate spot for a seaside-meets-city break. Pop by on a Wednesday to see the city’s iconic market transform the street into a fresh fruit and veggie oasis! Pick up some local goods and head out on a picnic near the beach.

If you’re looking for the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, Main Street offers a diverse range of opportunities.

Mornington Pier

Swing by the Mornington Pier and admire the surrounding scenery. This 46m-long pier was built back in 1858 and is one of the top spots to enjoy a sunset or sunrise. Keep your eyes peeled for the local fisherman catching their dinner, or better yet, try your luck too!

To arrive at Mornington Pier, simply follow Schnapper Point Drive past the Mornington Yacht Club to the end. Keep your eyes peeled for time-old gems like the wind-worn Post Office!

Grand Hotel

If it’s your first time visiting the Mornington Peninsula, add the Grand Hotel to your itinerary! Stop by for a drink at one of Melbourne’s oldest hotels and soak up the ambience. Originally named the Grand Coffee Palace back in 1889, the Grand Hotel still stands strong to this day. Recorded on Australia’s national trust as a site of significant historical importance, this is a must-see for any history fanatics out there.

Best Time to Visit the Mornington Peninsula

Situated in Victoria, Australia, the Mornington Peninsula boasts beautiful coast-hugging scenery, attractions and activities. The best time to visit highly depends on your personal preferences, budget and travel style. Here’s a basic breakdown of what to expect from each season.

Spring (September to November): Spring is one of the most popular times to visit the Mornington Peninsula. As the weather begins to heat up, this coastal region springs to life with vibrant blooms. It's the ideal time for nature walks, exploring the gardens and basking in outdoor activities. If you’re looking to enjoy the landscape without the crowds of the summer months, the spring season is your best bet.

Summer (December to February): As you’d expect, summer is the peak tourist season on the Mornington Peninsula. The weather is hot with long days and cool nights. This is the best time for beach activities, water sports and exploring the coastal region. As it’s the peak season, you can expect big crowds and higher prices on accommodation and car rentals.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Mornington Peninsula. Watch the landscape turns all shades of orange, yellow and brown as the foilage fringes the scene. Enjoy the pleasant weather and explore the popular tourist destinations without the summertime crowds. March to May is one of the best times to indulge in the region's vineyards and wineries too, as it’s the harvest season.

Winter (June to August): With affordable prices and next to no crowds, winter is the quietest season on the Mornington Peninsula. If you prefer a tranquil and more relaxed seaside experience, this could be the best fit for you. Keep in mind that the weather is significantly colder, with lots of rain and wild winds.

How to Get to the Mornington Peninsula

Getting to the Mornington Peninsula is fairly easy but not all that straightforward. Here is a handful of the most common ways to get to the Mornington Peninsula.

Car

If you’re planning a trip to Australia, renting a car is one of the top choices you can make. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Mornington Peninsula, From Melbourne, you can hop on the M1 freeway to Frankston and then on the Peninsula Link (M11) freeway. With the new freeway system linking to the Mornington Peninsula, you can get there in around an hour (with good traffic) from Melbourne.

Public Transport

Unlike European cities like Barcelona or Paris, the Mornington Peninsula is not that easy to navigate with public transport. From Melbourne, you can take a train to Frankston and then a bus that stops at various destinations on the peninsula. If you don’t plan on renting a car, make sure you plan ahead with transport timetables.

Ferry

If you're travelling to the Mornington Peninsula from the Queenscliff region or the Bellarine Peninsula, you can jump aboard the Sorrento-Queenscliff ferry. With services operating across Port Phillip Bay, the scenic journey offers a great chance to unwind.

FAQS

Why is Mornington so popular?

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s best wine regions, with over 60 wineries. Aside from the wineries, the region boasts excellent beaches and natural escapes.

What is the best time of year to visit Mornington Peninsula?

As one of Victoria’s prime summertime destinations, it can get hectic during school holidays. The best time to visit the Mornington Peninsula is from February to April.

Why visit Mornington Peninsula?

Bursting with seaside charm, charming towns and rich wine country, there is plenty to do in the Mornington Peninsula. Swim at the golden beaches, hike in the hilltops and sample some of the world’s finest wine.

How do you get around Mornington Peninsula?

Public transport in the Mornington Peninsula is limited to buses. You can get a bus from Frankston train station to places like Portsea, Flinders and Sorrento.

Before you set out on your next day trip, be sure to save these Top 15 Things To Do in the Mornington Peninsula, Australia for later!