Mornington Peninsula

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Photograph of Flinders Pier and ocean on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia.
Shane Reilly, Pexels

Mornington Peninsula presents a diverse landscape encompassing stunning beaches, lush vineyards, and rugged national parks, offering a range of experiences from serene relaxation to active adventures.

The peninsula provides various opportunities to engage with others, particularly within its charming seaside villages, where local wineries, breweries, and restaurants offer convivial settings for visitors to connect.

Top 5 Things to do in Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula offers a diverse range of experiences, from relaxing in natural hot springs and exploring world-class wineries to enjoying coastal activities and delving into historical sites.

1. Peninsula Hot Springs

Visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs provides a serene escape, allowing immersion in geothermal mineral waters. With over 50 bathing experiences, including a cave pool and a hilltop pool with panoramic views, it offers a rejuvenating experience. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. Amenities like towels, robes, and lockers are available for hire.

Cost: Entry to the Bath House typically ranges from AUD 80 per person for general admission. Towel hire is approximately AUD 6, locker hire AUD 6-8, and robe hire AUD 15. Combined packages for these items may be available. Private tours from Melbourne, including shuttle and bath house entry, start from around AUD 165-180 per person.

Transport: The most convenient way to reach Peninsula Hot Springs is by car, with approximately a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Free parking is available on site. Alternatively, various tour operators offer return shuttle services from Melbourne city, often including skip-the-queue priority entrance. Public transport to the area can be lengthy, involving a train to Frankston and then a bus, followed by a taxi or a significant walk.

2. Winery Exploration

The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Exploring the region's wineries allows for tastings, cellar door experiences, and often, gourmet dining in picturesque settings. Many wineries also feature art installations or sculpture parks, enhancing the visit.

Cost: Tasting fees vary by winery, typically ranging from AUD 10-20 per person per tasting, often redeemable against a wine purchase. Private guided tours (for 1-7 people) can cost around AUD 400-600 per car, often excluding tasting fees and lunch, but providing flexibility. Some tours are all-inclusive, covering tastings and lunch. Self-driving allows for individual management of costs.

Transport: Self-driving offers the most flexibility to explore the wineries at one's own pace, with ample parking generally available. Guided wine tours are widely available, ranging from hop-on/hop-off bus services to private chauffeur-driven experiences, which provide transport from Melbourne or within the peninsula.

3. Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola

Soaring high on the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola provides breathtaking aerial views across Port Phillip Bay, towards Melbourne, and the surrounding coastline. The scenic 15-minute journey offers a leisurely way to appreciate the peninsula's expansive landscape from its highest point. Both enclosed and open cabins are available, catering to various preferences.

Cost: A return ticket costs approximately AUD 29.90 for adults and AUD 19.50 for children (4-16 years) when purchased online. One-way tickets are also available. Children under four travel free but require a ticket.

Transport: Arthurs Seat Eagle is located about an hour's drive from Melbourne. Free parking is available at both the base and summit stations. Public transport involves taking a train to Frankston Station, then the Route 788 Portsea Passenger Service bus to the Dromana Visitor Information Centre, followed by a 15-minute walk to the base station.

4. Point Nepean National Park

This national park at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and coastal views. Visitors can explore historic military fortifications, gun emplacements, and the former Quarantine Station. Walking and cycling trails wind through diverse landscapes, from undulating hills to stunning beaches, providing insight into Australia's maritime and military past.

Cost: Entry to Point Nepean National Park is free. An optional hop-on/hop-off shuttle bus operates within the park, costing approximately AUD 12 per adult and AUD 8 per child for a return ticket. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.

Transport: Driving is the most direct way to reach the park, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Melbourne, with parking available near the entrance and further inside. Public transport is possible but time-consuming, requiring a train to Frankston followed by the Route 788 bus to the park entrance. Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore within the park.

5. Coastal Walks and Beaches (Sorrento & Portsea)

The coastal areas of Sorrento and Portsea are ideal for leisurely strolls along pristine sandy beaches and rugged coastlines. Iconic colourful bathing boxes dot some beaches, while Millionaire's Walk offers glimpses of grand estates and panoramic bay views. Opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring rock pools are abundant, especially at Sorrento Front Beach (calm waters) and Sorrento Back Beach (ocean waves).

Cost: Access to beaches and coastal walks is free. Costs would only apply for activities such as renting kayaks or joining specific tours for dolphin/seal watching.

Transport: Sorrento and Portsea are accessible by car, with public parking available. The Route 788 bus from Frankston Station serves these towns. Many walks, such as Millionaire's Walk, are easily accessible on foot once in the area, connecting key coastal points.

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