Mornington Peninsula

Overview

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is your perfect weekend getaway—packed with beautiful beaches, natural hot springs, gourmet wineries, and incredible coastal walks. Whether you’re after laid-back days by the sea, luxurious relaxation in thermal pools, or exploring hidden trails, the Peninsula delivers unforgettable experiences with every visit.

Explore the Peninsula Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we make exploring the Mornington Peninsula effortless and fun – whether you love the freedom of a self-drive tour, the ease of a guided small group, or the luxury of a private guide.

• Self-Drive Tours – We’ll give you personalised notes and local tips to uncover hidden beaches and the best wineries at your own pace.
• Small Group Tours – Join fellow travellers for a stress-free journey, guided by experts who know every Peninsula secret.
• Private Guided Tours – Your own guide will create a personalised itinerary showcasing the Peninsula’s hidden gems, secluded beaches, and gourmet hotspots.

Seasonal Highlights on the Mornington Peninsula

Each season brings its own charm to the Mornington Peninsula:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Beach Vibes & Gourmet Trails

• Perfect for swimming, beach picnics, and visiting vibrant wineries.
• Long days ideal for outdoor dining and exploring seaside towns.
• Popular season—arrive early to beat the crowds!

Autumn (Mar–May): Golden Vineyards & Mild Days

• Stunning autumn colours in the vineyards.
• Ideal weather for exploring coastal trails and relaxing winery lunches.
• Quieter atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed getaway.

Winter (Jun–Aug): Cosy Hot Springs & Quiet Beaches

• Best time for soaking in geothermal hot springs.
• Enjoy dramatic coastal walks without crowds.
• Cosy winery visits and gourmet dining experiences.

Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming Wildflowers & Sunshine

• Great weather for hiking coastal trails and exploring national parks.
• Vineyards bursting back to life, perfect for tasting new releases.
• Quiet beaches and beautiful wildflowers in bloom.

Best Spots to Visit on the Mornington Peninsula

Iconic Attractions

• Peninsula Hot Springs: Relax in geothermal pools surrounded by beautiful bushland.
• Sorrento Back Beach & Rock Pools: Rugged coastal scenery, perfect for swimming and exploring.
• Point Nepean National Park: Historic forts, coastal trails, and stunning views.
• Arthurs Seat Eagle: Gondola ride offering panoramic vistas of Port Phillip Bay.
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse Walk: Dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and lighthouse history.
• Mornington Peninsula Brewery Trail: Fantastic craft breweries like Jetty Road, St Andrews Beach, and Red Hill Brewery.
• Millionaire’s Walk (Sorrento): Coastal path with gorgeous bay views and glimpses of luxury homes.
• Bushrangers Bay: A hidden beach with one of the Peninsula’s most scenic coastal walks.
• Dromana Drive-In: Classic drive-in cinema for a nostalgic evening.
• Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park: Up-close wildlife encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and more.

Photo Hotspots

• Peninsula Hot Springs Hilltop Pool: Stunning sunrise views.
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse: Dramatic cliffs and ocean scenes.
• Arthurs Seat Lookout: Sweeping vistas across Port Phillip Bay.
• Sorrento Back Beach: Wild surf, golden sand, and rock formations.
• Millionaire’s Walk: Crystal-clear waters and coastal elegance.

Hidden Gems

• Greens Bush Walking Trail: Quiet and peaceful bushwalk away from crowds.
• Bridgewater Bay Rock Pools: Lesser-known pools perfect for a secluded swim.
• Rye Ocean Beach: Beautiful wild beach with fewer visitors.
• Fingal Beach: A picturesque, quiet beach close to the hot springs.

Where to Stay on the Mornington Peninsula

Here are our favourite stays to suit every style and budget:

Mid-Range Comfort

• Oceanic Apartments (Sorrento): Modern apartments near beaches and cafés.
• Quarters at Flinders Hotel: Stylish boutique accommodation in charming Flinders village.
• The Royal Hotel (Mornington): Cosy stay right near beautiful Royal Beach.

Luxury Stays

• Jackalope Hotel: Ultra-stylish luxury hotel set among picturesque vineyards.
• Port Phillip Estate: Architectural gem with stunning vineyard views and luxury suites.
• Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill: Boutique luxury offering elegant rooms and gourmet dining experiences.

Combining the Mornington Peninsula with Other Destinations

Make the most of your getaway by easily combining the Peninsula with other Victorian gems. At The Road Trip Oz, we can craft seamless itineraries linking your Peninsula escape with Melbourne’s culture, the scenic Great Ocean Road, or the wineries and forests of the Yarra Valley.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Self-Drive Tours

Choosing the perfect car makes your road trip even easier:

• Compact & Standard Cars – Easy to drive, park, and ideal for short coastal hops.
• SUVs – Added comfort and luggage space, perfect for winery visits and scenic drives.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Eco-friendly driving, with convenient charging spots around the region.
• Vans – Ideal for families or groups needing extra room for gear and comfort.

Not sure which vehicle is best? Our team can help pick the perfect option.

Why Choose The Road Trip Oz?

At The Road Trip Oz, we’re dedicated to making your Peninsula experience unforgettable. We handle every detail, so you can simply relax, explore, and enjoy. With local insights, detailed itineraries, and personalised experiences, your Mornington Peninsula trip will be fun, easy, and stress-free.

Choose your style of travel:

• Private Guided Tours – Personalised adventures with your own expert guide.
• Self-Drive Freedom – Explore independently with confidence using our tailored notes.
• Small Group Experiences – Sociable, stress-free touring with knowledgeable guides.

Book Your Mornington Peninsula Road Trip

Ready to experience the Mornington Peninsula your way? Contact The Road Trip Oz today to start planning your personalised guided, self-drive, or small-group escape.

Secure your unforgettable Mornington Peninsula adventure now!