Mornington Peninsula

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Indulge on the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne’s favourite holiday destinations and is just an hour’s drive from the city. Take one of our exquisite Mornington Peninsula tours and explore the galleries and cafes in charming seaside villages, indulge in the richness of local gourmet produce or escape to the hinterland for world-class wine at boutique wineries.

Victoria’s Coastal Wine Region

If you are a fan of a cold-climate pinot or an elegant sparkling white, a visit to one or more of the Mornington Peninsula’s vineyards not be missed. As is commonplace in this part of Victoria, the climate and topography of the peninsula combine to provide great wine-growing territory and the kinds of vintages which connoisseurs will love.

Explore the various wineries on the peninsula, sample their wares, and learn about the subtle nuances of different grape varieties. Centred around the Red Hill region, the Peninsula’s wineries are producing some fantastic drops each year, and many of the vineyards have incredible settings. Port Phillip Estate and Pt Leo Estate feature dramatic and inspiring designs with views down to the sea, in contrast to the quaint and rustic Polperro or Foxy’s Hangout wineries – all featuring magnificent wines to drink and places to visit on Mornington Peninsula.

Take it Easy at the Hot Springs

Arguably the biggest drawcard to the region, Peninsula Hot Springs is an incredible destination featuring a variety of intimate thermal mineral pools in an idyllic outdoor setting. Whether visiting in the morning or at night, the Springs are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation – private bathing experiences are on offer as well as an incredible range of treatments in the Spa Dreaming Centre. This is a unique place where to go.

Experience the Best of the Local Arts and Culture Scene

The Mornington Peninsula is the setting for an incredibly diverse and enlivening arts and culture scene. Galleries like those at Merricks General Wine Store, the Cook Street Collective, and the Marion Rosetzky provide art lovers with the kinds of options usually more associated with big city living than a relaxed rural setting. The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery also throws its hat into this cultural ring, hosting pieces from a diverse range of accomplished artists.

Enjoy Some of the Best Dining on offer Anywhere in Victoria

We’ve already looked at some of the fine wines produced in this region, and it goes without saying that these beverages should be accompanied by cuisine of a sumptuous quality. Whether you are in search for local favourites or something with a more international flavour, you are going to find it in the Mornington Peninsula.

Establishments such as Main Ridge Harvest, Rare Hare at Jackalope, and The Deck at Flinders Hotel should all be ranking highly on your list of possible dining options on the Mornington Peninsula.

Get Hold of Incredible Local Produce

Local farms, markets and artisan stores stock a broad range of different local produce, which you can sample. Destinations like Green Olive at Red Hill offer a full paddock-to-plate experience that is world-class. Tour the farm, olive grove and vineyard, pick vegetables from the kitchen garden, spend time in the kitchen with the chef, and dine on exquisite cuisine – just don’t forget to take home some of the handmade products on offer with you.

Merricks General Wine Store is one of the best known local emporiums of fine, Victorian produce – visit for a meal, try some wine, view beautiful art and procure some of the finest local ingredients – all under one roof. These are just a couple of the providores open in the region.

Dive into a Vibrant History

Many of the places to see in Mornington Peninsula allude to the region’s rich and vibrant history. One of the most striking landmarks is Fort Nepean, a 19th Century fort which served as a mainstay of the defence of Victoria throughout two world wars.

There is also a broad range of heritage homes to discover, as well as stories and landscapes which delve into the far deeper Indigenous history which long pre-dates European settlement of these shores.

Hike, Bike or Explore a Fascinating Landscape on Horseback

While things to see and places to visit are important to the experience of the Mornington Peninsula, sometimes it is the journey which is more important. Exploring the peninsula will put you in touch with a number of fascinating hiking and biking trails, giving you the opportunity to get to know the region at your own pace.

There are also a range of great horse riding options if you prefer your explorations to be equine-oriented. Many of these take riders along the captivating Mornington Peninsula coastline, and there are few better experiences to be had in the region than riding a horse along one of the region’s famous beaches – or perhaps enjoy a ride through a winery!

Take Advantage of Some of the Best Beaches and Swimming Spots Around

Of course, this being a peninsula, the beaches of Mornington will always be important places to see and to visit. Among these, Sorrento Back Beach is perhaps the most well known, while Rye Beach, and Safety Beach are also rated highly by locals and visitors alike.

Many of the best-loved beaches in the area are found within the bounds of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, which makes for a great day out – or even for a multi-day visit. The flora, fauna, and natural landscapes you will find here will make the Peninsula a difficult place to leave once the time comes to say goodbye – if that time ever comes at all, of course: you wouldn’t be the first person to visit Mornington Peninsula on holiday or for a sight-seeing trip, and to end up living here long-term.