Things to do on the Mornington Peninsula
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Run and Hike
If you are looking for things to do, the Mornington Peninsula is home to one state and three National Parks. The Arthurs Seat State Park, Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Nepean National Park and French Island National Park. However French Island is only accessible by a 30 minute passenger ferry ride from Stony Point.
We will be visiting these parks in our RUN THE PARKS Challenge
In addition to the trails within these big open parks, the Mornington Peninsula contains many coastal and hinterland walking tracks. Including the Red Hill Rail Trail between Merricks and Red Hill. In its time this was used to carry apples to Hastings and on to the markets in Melbourne. Whether you are after a short walk or something more challenging. A stroll close to village amenities or more remote. Bird filled wetlands, historic sites, beaches and piers or bush walks and hilltop views there is something for everyone.
Eat and Drink
AND if you`re looking for somewhere fab to replenish your energy levels you are in the right place. The Mornington Peninsula is sprinkled with awesome coffee and dining options. As well as numerous wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries to choose from.
So before heading home after hitting the trails check out our awesome things to do on the Mornington Peninsula which includes our favourite places to eat and drink.
STOP! Before you say you have to get back, that you don’t have time. Do you REALLY?
Taking time out for yourself is being productive AND healthy and is required for a balanced life. So do you REALLY?
“Be spontaneous, be creative, go out and have fun” Conor McGregor
If you have been convinced to spend a little extra time on the Mornington Peninsula here are our 10 awesome things to do and our favourite places to eat and drink on the Mornington Peninsula
They are in no particular order, but we do have an extra bonus for you at the end!!
1. Visit Arthurs Seat Summit at night
On a clear night take a drive up to the Summit of Arthurs Seat. Sit back, relax and look out at the flickering lights all around Port Phillip Bay.
Pack a picnic
And why not pack up a picnic to enjoy whilst you take in the view. There is nothing better than packing all your favourite goodies and lying back on a blanket relaxing as you pick your way through them. Top up your basket at the Peninsula Gourmet Emporium (240 Boundary Road Dromana) to try out some locally made and grown produce. Or pick up a hamper from the Merricks General Store (3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks) if you are out that way.
Pig and Whistle
If a picnic isn’t your thing head down to the Pig and Whistle Tavern (365 Purves Road, Main Ridge). An English style pub with a cosy atmosphere and hearty British and Australian classics. Check out the English style cottage beer garden, onsite winery and cellar door.
2. Ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle
Glide above the trees on The Eagle. Admire the spectacular views of the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula’s and Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne skyline on a clear day. Tickets can be purchased either online or from both the base and summit stations. Opening times vary over the year, so check prior to visiting. At the time of writing an adult return trip costs $24.
Take a small stroll from the summit to take in the Matthew Flinders Cairn and the Seawinds Gardens; a 34 hectare area that encompasses indigenous and exotic formal gardens and a collection of William Ricketts sculptures.
Little Rebel Coffee Roastery
For an awesome coffee pre trip check out Little Rebel Coffee Roastery (22 Collins Rd, Dromana). Our favourite coffee roasters and don’t let the industrial setting put you off the coffee is worth it. Unfortunately opening hours are limited and they are closed from 2pm and weekends and public holidays.
Tullys
For something out of these hours head a little further to Tully’s (630 Moorooduc Highway, Mornington). You can dine in or out or take away from their Italian style cafe Apple Expresso. Grab a fresh juice or smoothie from the food truck Tonics. And stock up on local produce including fruit and veg, bread, deli meats and spoil yourself with flowers.
3. Peninsula Hot Springs
Relax and rejuvenate at Victoria`s first natural hot springs set in a beautiful natural environment. The Bath House offers social bathing and experiences including a cave pool, reflexology walk, Turkish Hamam and hilltop pool with 360-degree views of the region. The Spa Dreaming Centre is an adults only area. It offers more tranquility and a choice of thermal mineral pools, indoor private bathing pavilions, outdoor private pools, as well as saunas and a Moroccan Hamam, with additional access to the Bath House. You can also book yourself in for awesome pampering treatments to revitalise body, mind and spirit. At the time of writing adult bathing starts at $25 for early bird entry.
The Hot Springs has an array of dining options from coffee hut, picnic areas, outdoor and indoor cafes. As well as an adults only fully licensed table service option where you can relax in your robe for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Portsea Hotel
Or why not pop to the Portsea Hotel (3746 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea) on your way home. It has awesome views out to the bay, beer garden and access down to the beach. The pub provides classics and seasonal dishes using local produce and offers daily specials so definitely check those out. Although their vegetarian and vegan offerings are limited. During the summer there is often live music and it can get quite busy at peak times.
4. Dromana 3 Drive In
Take in a film at the Drive In where you get more than just a movie. You get the whole nostalgic experience with its 4 screens including a Deckchair Cinema. Dine in or grab a take away from Shel`s Diner, or bring your own and settle in. Opening times vary throughout the year and adverse weather conditions may result in closer. At the time of writing an adult ticket to one move is $18.
5. Stand up Paddle Boarding - Mornington-Schnapper Point.
Have a go at Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the clear calm waters of Mornington Harbour with Mornington Boat Hire. Their staff will show you the basics to find your feet and get out on the water. They have a fleet of boards available to hire at $25 including paddle and life jacket.
Soul Food Vegan
If you want something a little different check out Soul Food Vegan (175 Main St, Mornington). Owned by local girl Emma after qualifying as a chef at 19 it was originally a stall at the Mornington Market. It offers creative and highly colourful 100% vegan meals and sweet treats together with the most fabulous customer service. And don’t let ‘vegan’ put you off, we took our sceptical definitely non vegan friends and they loved it. If you don’t like your coffee without real milk there are awesome fresh juices and smoothie options available. It is very small with a limited outdoor option, so you might need to wait for a seat. But there is a great bookshop down the road to wander around and pass the time before they call you to say your table’s ready.
Winey Cow
If your not game to give vegan a go (and you definitely should) check out The Winey Cow (39a Main Street, Mornington). Established by Mornington locals it offers great coffee and a modern food menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an array of local wines. You can choose to sit inside or under shade outside. Our favourite is on the verandah looking out to the street to indulge in a little people watching as we linger with a coffee.
6. Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Museum
Built in 1859 from local limestone with its unique lantern and its original mechanisms still in place. The working lighthouse provides spectacular views of the Southern Peninsula coast and Bass Strait from the balcony. The museum has a large range of artefacts, displays and information illustrating the maritime navigation history of the site and its role in safely guiding shipping into Port Phillip, right up to the present day. The museum is open for viewing free of charge. Lighthouse tours are conducted by the licensed commercial tour operator-contact The Lady of History for information about the tours.
The Blue Mini
For somewhere a little different try out The Blue Mini (2 Colchester Road Rosebud West). Open daily to mid-afternoon, and don’t let the unusual location put you off, it’s coffee is definitely worth it. A mismatch of tables and chairs amongst which you are likely to find a most unusual gift. There is a lovely outdoor seating area where they also grow ‘stuff’ used in their kitchen, together with other locally sourced ingredients. They have a great range of vegetarian and plant based options as well as the more traditional offerings.
7. Bayside Beaches
If it’s a nice day head to the beach for a cool down in the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay. Or chill for a bit on the clean white sands with a good book. And if you don’t have one and need some inspiration head over to our Books on the Run. And as most Port Phillip beaches face west stay around for a spectacular sunset. Try out Mothers or Mills Beaches in Mornington, Mt Martha Beach or Shelleys Beach between Sorrento and Portsea.
Picnic Basket
We usually pack a basket of goodies when we head to the beach. Along with a picnic blanket and cool bag with something cold and refreshing to drink. Just remember no glass items and take all your rubbish home.
Mr Curtis
If a picnic is not your thing and you are in Mt Martha then head over the Esplanade to Mr Curtis Wine Bar (4/42 Lochiel Avenue, Mount Martha). The door is actually located off Watson Road and leads to a staircase to an upper floor and balcony with an awesome view over Port Phillip Bay. Open till late it offers breakfast, brunch, tapas, dinner, coffee, wine and cocktails….. what more could you ask for?
And if you are in Mornington check our favourite places to eat and drink around Mornington. The Winey Cow, Soul Food Vegan, Store Fifteen, Boyz for Breakie. Included within this review.
8. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Cuddle up to koalas and feed kangaroos and wallabies. Home to over 60 Australian species the Sanctuary provides beautiful bushland where some are free to roam and give visitors a rare natural encounter and others housed in large natural enclosures. At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive in a remarkable way, with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Open 10am-5pm everyday except Christmas day and at the time of writing adult entry costs $24.
Baxter Tavern
If you are looking for a casual lunch or dinner head to the Baxter Tavern (117 Baxter-Tooradin Rd Baxter). It has a laid back feel and cosy fireplaces in winter. Offering an extensive menu with all the usual pub classics and a wood fire pizza oven, plus free soup and salad with all main meals. Check out the daily specials and regular offers.
9. Merricks House Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is found through the garden from Merricks General Wine Store. It showcases artists and sculptors from the region and across Australia. It is open everyday and is free of charge.
Merricks General Store
And whilst you’re there check out the Merricks General Store (3460 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks). The cellar door offers their own Elgee Park and Baillieu wines alongside others from neighbouring vineyards. And the produce store includes homewares and a selection fresh from their kitchen as well as items produced locally. You can also pick up a picnic hamper to enjoy as you travel. The store also offers awesome coffee, food from fresh local ingredients and a great selection of local wines served with a friendly smile and great customer service.
10. Pick up some fresh coffee
Unearthed (55 Main Street, Mornington) is a coffee lovers heaven but is also great for lovers of tea. It offers handmade chocolate, freshly roasted coffee and exotic tea leaves sourced locally and around the globe. Coffee and chocolate - what more could you ask for! With their expert knowledge and friendly service you will definitely find the beans that suit your taste. And they will also grind them to your specifications if required. The shop also has a range of tea and coffee related products and unusual gift ideas.
Store Fifteen
Whenever we make the pilgrimage to pick up a fresh supply of our coffee beans we hug them close to savour the aroma and head down the road to Store Fifteen (15 Main Street, Mornington). They have the most awesome coffee. And they have a range of non dairy mylk options including their homemade almond mylk. They provide boutique coffee, cold pressed juice and raw superfood, free from additives, preservatives and unnecessary fillers.
Boyz for Breakie
Or for something a little more substantial head further down main street to Boyz for Breakie (1a Main Street, Mornington). They have an ever changing seasonal menu and all day breakfast offerings. The coffee is awesome as is their customer service, it can get busy but nothing is too much trouble.
And as we are so generous, here’s an extra 3 things that you MUST MUST do ...
Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail
The Mornington Peninsula has become a mecca in the craft brewery and distilling scene with boutique operations dotted across the peninsula. You can create the ultimate road trip to meet the brewers and try something a little different. Try one or two or spend the day hopping to them all. But be a responsible drinker and also remember the designated driver. We haven`t yet made it to all the breweries, cideries and distilleries on offer but we are working on it. To help plan your trip get the Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail map here.
Enchanted Adventure Garden
Immerse yourself in a wonderland of mazes, artistic fun garden designs, tube slides and canopy walk through the trees. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the 10 different awesome activities. And don’t forget to visit the Amazing Lolly Shop before you leave. Great family fun.
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
The challenge of the Maze is to find the four mosaic flags in the two halves of the maze. The task takes you through hundreds of metres of winding paths in the South Maze through the Centre Garden and on to the North Maze. While not overly complicated it does take a little while to make your way through, some take longer than others! Each half of the maze has a totally different layout. So any tricks you worked out while making your way through the first part, mean absolutely nothing in the other! Another great family activity.
