After living in Melbourne for three years, it was incredible that I had never visited the Mornington Peninsula. I felt it looked a lot like my native state of Tasmania, and I didn’t have any transportation, so I put it on the back burner. That was a huge error, and I quickly discovered that the Mornington Peninsula is not to be overlooked! When I was able to get a car a few weeks ago, the concept of a Victorian weekend road trip went from a three-year ideal to a reality. After spending so much time in the city, hospital, and suburbs this semester, I was ready for a peaceful weekend at the beach. After a long winter, the weather was beginning to warm up, and the Peninsula was the ideal destination.
This region is rather near to Melbourne, which was unexpected. The travel from Melbourne’s central business district to Mornington takes between 1:00 and 1:15 hours. The travel to Portsea or Fort Nepean is slightly around 2:00 hours if you go straight through. It’s the ideal weekend retreat because of this. Without driving for hours, you can observe something completely different about the city. Although visiting the Peninsula on a sunny summer day seems most natural, it is also a terrific way to get out of your winter trackies.
I would recommend spending at least one full day on the Mornington Peninsula, but if feasible, a full weekend so you can take advantage of everything the region has to offer. ‘Varied’ hardly scratches the surface of the activities available here. The Mornington Peninsula is guaranteed to meet your demands, whether you desire a weekend of hiking, surfing, and activity or a relaxing weekend of hot springs, lounging on the beach, and winery tours. This is not hyperbole.
There is something magical about a road trip, especially when it’s to a destination as beautiful and diverse as the Mornington Peninsula. Here’s an epic journey from Melbourne that takes in the best of the region’s attractions. This scenic road trip promises a mesmerising blend of art, history, natural beauty, and adventure.
Depending on where you plan to stay for the weekend, there are plenty of places to visit along Port Phillip Bay. Mornington is a great central spot to access everywhere quickly and easily, see the sights, and soak up the sun and surf.
We’ve included travel times with Mornington as your home base for the weekend, but everything on the peninsula is close, so these are a good guide, but take them with a grain of sand. (I mean salt!)
Travel times are assuming good traffic flow, however if you’re heading away for an actual long weekend where you may be joined by half of Melbourne, it’s definitely worth extending these travel times, sometimes up to double.
Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful area, and everyone knows it! Take your time, and enjoy the journey.
Day 1: From Melbourne’s Urban Landscape to Frankston’s Coastal Charm, Mount Eliza, and Mornington
Melbourne to Frankston: 53km – 45 minutes
Frankston is the ideal first stop on our journey. Known for its vibrant waterfront, the town offers a blend of urban life and coastal charm. At the Frankston Waterfront, you can enjoy breathtaking sea views, see local marine life and catch a glimpse of the sculptures adorning the beach. The picturesque Frankston Pier is perfect for a leisurely walk.
No visit to Frankston would be complete without a trip to the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery. It’s a unique outdoor gallery where you can discover impressive pieces of Australian sculpture amidst a natural bush setting, making it an art lover’s paradise.
Frankston to Mount Eliza: 8km – 12 minutes
Next, head to Mount Eliza, where the coastal serenity continues. The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is a must-visit here. With a diverse collection of art, the gallery gives you a profound understanding of Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
Mount Eliza to Mornington: 8km – 12 minutes
Then, it’s time to drive to the charming town of Mornington. Here, step back in time with a scenic ride on the historic Mornington Railway. Once you’ve taken in the sights, find a spot to relax in the lush green expanse of Mornington Park.
End your day by sampling the town’s culinary offerings, which range from fresh seafood to gourmet Australian cuisine.
Day 2: Uncover the Wonders of Mornington Peninsula National Park, Dromana, and the Famous Hot Springs
Mornington to Dromana: 19km – 20 minutes
This charming seaside town is known for its beautiful beach and vibrant shopping district. Here you can visit the Heronswood House and Gardens, a historic property that includes a house museum and an unusual garden filled with plants from all over the world. Start your morning with breakfast at one of Dromana’s amazing cafes, and you’ll have all the energy you need to explore the National Park.
Dromana to Flinders Blowhole: 24km – 22 minutes
The Mornington Peninsula National Park beckons on day two. An oasis of natural beauty, the park is home to rugged cliffs, wild ocean beaches, and peaceful bay shores. Start your experience at Flinders Blowhole with the awe-inspiring views from the lookout, then with a hike along one of the park’s numerous trails, offering stunning ocean views and glimpses of native wildlife.
Flinders Blowhole to Cape Schanck Lighthouse: 13km – 15 minutes
Visit the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse and learn about its fascinating maritime history. From here, take a walk East and check out the Burabong Creek Lookout, then head to Bushrangers Bay, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along the bay’s sandy beach. This day of nature immersion is essential for any outdoor enthusiast. Head back to the car and find a spot for lunch.
Cape Schank Lighthouse to Peninsula Hot Springs: 16km – 16 minutes
Now it’s time to take a load off, relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing. Head to Peninsula Hot Springs – located near Rye, this is an award-winning natural hot springs and day spa destination.
Clear the schedule for the rest of the day, lock yourself in for a soak, a relaxation massage, and one of the most relaxing afternoons of your life.
The Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria. It taps into natural thermal mineral waters that flow from an underground aquifer 637 meters below the surface. These waters are rich in minerals and offer a host of health benefits.
Remember to plan ahead and book in advance if you wish to visit the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs, as it is a popular destination that can get quite busy, especially during weekends and holidays – and save money by packaging a soak with a massage at the same time.
Head back to your accommodation, order some Uber Eats or take away and just relax.
Day 3: Panoramic Views at Arthurs Seat & a Scenic Trip to Point Nepean National Park
Mornington to Arthurs Seat: 23km – 22 minutes
Your journey continues to Arthurs Seat, known for its sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. A ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle is an absolute must here. As you soar over the state forest, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re up for an adventure, the Enchanted Adventure Garden awaits. It offers a thrilling mix of hedge mazes, tube slides, and a tree surfing course. For a more relaxing end to your day, explore the tranquil Seawinds Gardens and marvel at the panoramic views over the bay.
Arthurs Seat to Sorrento – 25km – 29 minutes (always choose the coastal road, this isn’t the time for skipping the scenery!)
This historical town is full of beautiful limestone buildings that house galleries, boutiques, and cafes. The Sorrento Back Beach is a popular spot for surfing, while the calm bay beach is perfect for swimming. You can also take a ferry from here to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.
There is a number of tours departing from Sorrento daily, including cruising and snorkelling with seals, or a more relaxed dolphin and seal-watching cruise. Heading out into Port Phillip Bay around Chinaman’s Hat, you’ll see fun marine life. There is a ferry departing multiple times a day to Queenscliff which connects you to the Western suburbs of Melbourne and Bellarine Peninsula.
Sorrento to Portsea: 3.5km – 4 minutes
This seaside town is known for its upscale homes and stunning beaches. The Portsea Pier is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving, and the historic Portsea Hotel is a great place to stop for a meal for lunch.
Portsea to Point Nepean National Park: 2.6km – 7 minutes
The old military forts offer an interesting insight into Victoria’s past, making it a must-visit for history buffs. A walk or cycle to the tip of the peninsula presents breathtaking views of the Rip and the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. For water lovers, the park also offers excellent scuba diving opportunities.
Day 4: Journey Back to Melbourne
Reflecting on the past few days of exploration and discovery, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Melbourne. The journey to the Mornington Peninsula offers a truly immersive experience, taking you through serene coastal towns, vibrant art scenes, stunning natural landscapes, and historic sites. It’s a journey that captures the essence of this magnificent region and a road trip you won’t forget anytime soon.
Staying a bit longer?
Why not do a full winery tour? The Mornington Peninsula is all about taking it easy, exploring the scenery, and enjoying good food and wine, so don’t rush. Feel free to wander, explore, and discover your own hidden gems along the way.
Red Hill is renowned for its excellent wineries and gourmet food offerings. The Red Hill Market, a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, is also worth a visit. It offers a vast array of high-quality local produce, crafts, and food stalls.
Stop for lunch, or pair your lunch with a winery tour and tasting – enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Mornington Peninsula.
Peter is a real adventurer who loves jetting off to new places. He's a big fan of exploring different countries and getting to know their cultures. He's also a huge food lover. Wherever he goes, he can't wait to try out the local grub and discover all sorts of tasty dishes.
Peter is a super friendly guy who can't resist a good chat. He loves meeting new people and always finds it cool to learn about their backgrounds and cultures. He's always ready for a chat, whether it's about their life stories or their local traditions.
Because he's travelled so much and tried so many kinds of food, Peter knows a lot about different places and their cuisines. His stories and insights, filled with his own unique experiences, are always interesting and fun to hear. This makes him a great person to hang out with, whether you're having a conversation about world cultures or just looking for some travel tips.
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