Welcome to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria It is located just an hour s drive from Melbourne and offers a variety of activities for visitors Whether you re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventurous hike the Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone In this article we will explore the best things to do in the Mornington Peninsula .
Welcome to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. It is located just an hour's drive from Melbourne and offers a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventurous hike, the Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best things to do in the Mornington Peninsula.
Table of Contents
Beaches
The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Victoria. From family-friendly beaches to secluded coves, there is a beach for everyone. Some of the best beaches to visit include:
1. Sorrento Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach is a popular surf spot with strong waves and beautiful scenery. It is located on the ocean side of the peninsula and offers a great place to catch a sunrise or sunset.
2. Portsea Beach
Portsea Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm waters and soft sand. It is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
3. Safety Beach
Safety Beach is a popular beach for families with young children. It has a playground, BBQ facilities, and calm waters.
Wineries
The Mornington Peninsula is also known for its wineries. It has some of the best wineries in Victoria and is home to over 50 vineyards. Some of the best wineries to visit include:
1. Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove
Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove is one of the most popular wineries in the Mornington Peninsula. It offers stunning views of the vineyards and olive groves and has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
2. Crittenden Estate
Crittenden Estate is another popular winery that offers a range of wines to taste. It also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and offers stunning views of the vineyards.
3. Paringa Estate
Paringa Estate is a boutique winery that produces some of the best wines in the region. It offers a range of wines to taste and has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Hiking
The Mornington Peninsula is home to some beautiful hiking trails. These trails offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Some of the best hiking trails to visit include:
1. Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. It is a moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
2. Two Bays Walking Track
The Two Bays Walking Track is a 26km hike that takes you through the beautiful countryside of the Mornington Peninsula. It is a challenging hike that takes about 7-8 hours to complete.
3. Point Nepean National Park
Point Nepean National Park is a beautiful park that offers a range of hiking trails. It is home to historic buildings and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Hot Springs
The Mornington Peninsula is also home to some of the best hot springs in Victoria. These hot springs offer a range of thermal pools and spa treatments. Some of the best hot springs to visit include:
1. Peninsula Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot Springs is a popular hot spring that offers a range of thermal pools and spa treatments. It is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the Mornington Peninsula.
2. Enchanted Adventure Garden Hot Springs
The Enchanted Adventure Garden Hot Springs is another popular hot spring that offers a range of thermal pools and spa treatments. It is located in a beautiful garden and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Golfing
The Mornington Peninsula is also known for its golf courses. It has some of the best golf courses in Victoria and is home to over 20 golf courses. Some of the best golf courses to visit include:
1. The National Golf Club
The National Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Victoria. It has three courses, each with its own unique challenges and stunning views.
2. Moonah Links Golf Course
Moonah Links Golf Course is another popular golf course that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It has two courses, the Open Course and the Legends Course, both of which are challenging and fun to play.
Wildlife Parks
The Mornington Peninsula is home to some amazing wildlife parks. These parks offer a range of animals and birds to see up close. Some of the best wildlife parks to visit include:
1. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a popular wildlife park that offers a range of Australian animals to see, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.
2. The Eagle Skylift Arthurs Seat
The Eagle Skylift Arthurs Seat is another popular wildlife park that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is home to a range of birds of prey and offers a range of educational programs and shows.
Markets
The Mornington Peninsula is also home to some amazing markets. These markets offer a range of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Some of the best markets to visit include:
1. Red Hill Community Market
The Red Hill Community Market is a popular market that offers a range of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It is held on the first Saturday of every month and is a great place to find unique gifts.
2. Main Ridge Farmers Market
The Main Ridge Farmers Market is another popular market that offers a range of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It is held on the second Saturday of every month and is a great place to find fresh produce and handmade goods.
Art Galleries
The Mornington Peninsula is also known for its art galleries. It has some of the best art galleries in Victoria and is home to a range of artists. Some of the best art galleries to visit include:
1. Manyung Gallery
The Manyung Gallery is a popular art gallery that features a range of contemporary art. It is located in Mount Eliza and is home to a range of local and international artists.
2. McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery
The McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery is another popular art gallery that features a range of contemporary art. It is located in Langwarrin and is home to a range of sculptures and paintings.
History
The Mornington Peninsula is also home to a rich history. It is home to a range of historic buildings and landmarks. Some of the best historic sites to visit include:
1. The Briars
The Briars is a historic site that offers a range of buildings and landmarks. It is home to the homestead of Alexander Balcombe and offers a range of educational programs and tours.
2. Fort Nepean
Fort Nepean is another popular historic site that offers a range of buildings and landmarks. It is located on the tip of the Mornington Peninsula and played an important role in Australia's history.
Events
The Mornington Peninsula is also home to a range of events throughout the year. These events offer a range of activities and entertainment for visitors. Some of the best events to attend include:
1. The Red Hill Show
The Red Hill Show is a popular event that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Mornington Peninsula. It is held in March and offers a range of activities and entertainment for visitors.
