Things to do in Mornington Peninsula

Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula

There are so many things to do Mornington Peninsula wide, perfect for locals, weekenders and visitors alike. Located south of Melbourne, the region is packed with activities and attractions, from award winning hot springs and cool climate wineries to dolphin encounters, historic walking trails and high adrenaline drives. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, an indulgent dining experience, a relaxing spa day, an animal encounter or an outdoor adventure, RedBalloon offers some of the best Mornington Peninsula things to do, ready to book or gift today.

The Best Mornington Peninsula Things to Do

If you’re searching for the top things to do in Mornington Peninsula, RedBalloon is the place to look. Locals will find weekend worthy experiences, while visitors can tick off their bucket list. To make choosing easy, we’ve curated some of the best Mornington Peninsula activities across wine, wellness, wildlife and adventure.

– Alba Thermal Springs & Spa Bathing and Brunch – For 2: Relax with more than 20 geothermal pools, sauna, steam and plunge pools, followed by a one course brunch and drink at Thyme. A wonderfully warming way to spend a morning on the Peninsula.

– Enchanted Adventure General Park Entry with Gin Tasting: Get lost in the landscaped gardens, mazes and giant Tube Slides at award winning Enchanted Adventure, then head to Bass & Flinders Distillery for a gin flight, a glass of Prosecco each and a cheese platter to share.

– Horseback Trail Ride & Wine Tasting, Mornington Peninsula: Explore the coastline on a guided horse trail ride suited to beginners and intermediate riders, then unwind at a local vineyard with a tasting of handcrafted cool climate wines and a cheese platter.

– Swim with Dolphins and Seals – 3 Hours: Meet the resident dolphins and seals of Port Phillip Bay in their natural habitat at Sorrento, consistently one of the most popular things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for animal lovers.

– Mornington Peninsula Discovery Tasting with Lunch – For 2: Discover a cool climate vineyard with a piazza cafe, orchards, olive grove and sculpture garden, with a wine tasting session followed by lunch and a glass of wine.

– Ferrari Drive in Mornington Peninsula – 30 Minutes: Test out a 500 horsepower Ferrari supercar on the winding roads of the Peninsula, a dream come true for car lovers and one of the more unusual things to do Mornington Peninsula has on offer.

– Overnight Mornington Peninsula Stay & Montalto Winery Lunch: Combine a winery lunch with an overnight stay for two in a Bass Room at the Quarters, Flinders Hotel, for the ultimate mini break.

Things to Do in Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula

Sorrento is one of the Peninsula’s most popular seaside towns and the hub for things to do in Sorrento Mornington Peninsula visitors search for again and again. Along with browsing the historic main street and swimming at the ocean beach, try:

– Seal and Sea Dragon Snorkel Experience: Cruise out from Sorrento with morning or afternoon tea, then snorkel with seals in the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay.

– Sorrento Dolphin Sanctuary Sea Kayak Tour – Full Day: Paddle across the bay for sweeping views, salt spray and the chance of a dolphin surfacing metres from your kayak.

– Sea Fishing in Port Phillip Heads from Sorrento – 5 Hours: Head out with an expert skipper for a five hour fishing trip, with equipment, tea and coffee provided.

Unusual Things to Do on the Mornington Peninsula

Looking for something a little different? These unusual things to do Mornington Peninsula go way beyond the obvious:

– Whisky Distillery Tour, Tasting and Cheese – For 2: Tour Chief’s Son Distillery with the Head Distiller, tasting four unique single malt whiskies paired with a cheeseboard, and take home a 100ml bottle.

– Scent Lab 90 Minute Candle Making Workshop: Learn to make your own candle in Dromana in a hands-on 90 minute workshop, perfect for a creative afternoon out.

– Point Nepean Quarantine Station Walking Tour – 90 Minutes: Join a costumed, immersive 90 minute guided walking tour uncovering the historic significance of Point Nepean’s Quarantine Station.

Family Friendly Things to Do Mornington Peninsula

The region’s beaches, the Arthurs Seat summit lookout and the Point Nepean National Park walking trails make a great addition to any family itinerary. For things to do with kids Mornington Peninsula families love, and school holiday activities Mornington Peninsula, consider:

– Moonlit Sanctuary General Daytime Admission: Get up close to more than 60 Aussie animals, enjoy keeper presentations and feed kangaroos in the bushland at Pearcedale.

– Family Farm Picnic with Grazing Food and Drinks – For 4: Head to a sustainability focused farm for a picnic near the olive grove, paddock or dam, with grazing food and drinks the whole family will enjoy.

– Cable Car Ride over the Mornington Peninsula – 25 Minutes: Board a state of the art gondola cabin for panoramic views across the State Park, an easy and fun activity for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula?

The best things to do span hot springs bathing, cool climate wine tasting, dolphin and seal encounters, cable car rides at Arthurs Seat, high ropes adventure and coastal walking trails. See our curated list of the best Mornington Peninsula things to do above for bookable experiences across each of these.

When is the best time to visit the Mornington Peninsula?

The Mornington Peninsula is a year round destination. Summer suits beach days, boat trips and dolphin swims, autumn and spring are ideal for wine tasting, and winter is best known for the hot springs, cosy accommodation packages and long lunches by the fire. Whatever the season, pairing a Hot Springs visit with an overnight Getaway is a great way to enjoy the region at your own pace.

What are the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Peninsula is famous for its ocean side back beaches, including Sorrento, Portsea, Rye and St Andrews Beach, as well as calmer bay beaches like Mornington and Mount Martha on Port Phillip Bay, home to the iconic bathing boxes. Rye in particular is popular for beach days close to the back beach surf.

What are the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula?

The region is one of Australia’s best known cool climate wine areas, with cellar doors scattered throughout Red Hill, Main Ridge and Merricks. The RedBalloon Wine Tastings and Tours range makes it easy to sample the best without planning the logistics yourself.

What are the best day trips on the Mornington Peninsula?

A day trip usually combines two or three activities, such as a cable car ride at Arthurs Seat, a winery lunch and an afternoon at the hot springs, or a dolphin swim followed by lunch in Sorrento.

What are the top attractions on the Mornington Peninsula?

Top Mornington Peninsula attractions include Peninsula Hot Springs, Arthurs Seat Eagle, Enchanted Adventure, the wineries of Red Hill and Main Ridge, Point Nepean National Park and the Sorrento and Portsea dolphin and seal colonies.

What are the best places to eat on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Peninsula’s dining scene spans casual farm lunches, winery restaurants and chef hatted fine dining. RedBalloon’s Wine and Dine range includes everything from long lunches to bottomless brunches across the region.

What are the best outdoor activities on the Mornington Peninsula?

Outdoor lovers can explore Bushwalking and Hiking Tours, self guided bike rides through Point Nepean National Park, horse riding along St Andrews Beach, Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling at Sorrento, and Golf at one of the Peninsula’s championship courses.

What are the best things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula?

Families are well catered for with animal encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary, adventure play at Enchanted Adventure, farm picnics, gentle cable car rides at Arthurs Seat and plenty of beach time, all included in the Mornington Peninsula range above.

What is there to do on the Mornington Peninsula in winter?

Winter is one of the best times to enjoy the Peninsula, especially the hot springs. On RedBalloon you’ll find a range of hot springs packages, from bathing and breakfast to getaway and pamper packages, all perfect for wrapping up warm and soaking up the mineral waters.

How far is Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne CBD?

The Mornington Peninsula is only around 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, making it an easy day trip or a short mini break. Drive down, enjoy some of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, then head back to the city the same day, or stay overnight to make the most of the region.

How do I get to Mornington Peninsula?

Driving is the easiest way to reach the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne, taking around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the train from Southern Cross Station to Frankston, then connect through to Stony Point on Western Port Bay, though this takes longer than driving.

With our range of experiences and things to do, you can tick off the best Mornington Peninsula attractions from your list. Don’t know which experience to pick? You can always choose a Gift Voucher and let the recipient decide later. A gift voucher can be used towards any Mornington Peninsula experience, including accommodation.

Looking to Explore More of Victoria?

Once you’ve ticked off the best Mornington Peninsula attractions, there’s plenty more to discover across the state. Venture up to Melbourne for fine dining, flying experiences and V8 driving, wander the vines of the Yarra Valley, soak up more hot springs in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, road trip along the Great Ocean Road, meet the wildlife on Phillip Island, or explore Geelong and the Bellarine. Discover the full range of Things to Do in Victoria at RedBalloon.