Getting There and Away

Photograph of Flinders Pier and ocean on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia.
Shane Reilly, Pexels

The primary transport hub for reaching the Mornington Peninsula by public transport is Frankston Station, which connects to Melbourne's metropolitan train network. Ferry services operate from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, as well as from Stony Point to French and Phillip Islands.

By Car:

Driving from Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) to the Mornington Peninsula typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. The most direct route often involves the Peninsula Link (M11) after EastLink (M3) . For a more scenic journey, coastal roads can be taken . Indicative driving costs for fuel can range from $13 to $20 . Car rental prices generally start from approximately $27 to $54 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental company .

By Public Transport (Train and Bus):

Travellers can take a metropolitan train service from Melbourne's Southern Cross or Flinders Street Station to Frankston Station . From Frankston, local bus services connect to various towns across the Mornington Peninsula, including Portsea on the Port Phillip coastline and Flinders via Hastings on the Western Port side . A Myki card is required for train and bus travel . The combined journey time can be around 1 hour 35 minutes when combining train and taxi, or approximately 3 hours 57 minutes for some bus routes . Direct bus services from Melbourne are generally not recommended due to longer travel times . Public transport coverage, especially in the hinterland, is limited, with a significant portion of the peninsula not adequately serviced .

By Ferry:

Searoad Ferries provide a vehicle and passenger service between Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, with crossings taking about 40-45 minutes and departing hourly from 7 AM to 6 PM daily . Additionally, Western Port Ferries offer passenger-only services from Stony Point to French Island and Phillip Island .

By Taxi/Ride-Share:

Taxis and ride-share services are available for direct travel from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula, with an estimated cost ranging from $60 to $80 . Services within the Mornington Peninsula itself can be more limited .