There's no telling where you could find yourself on the Mornington Peninsula. Wandering through idyllic coastal and hinterland villages one minute, tasting fine cool-climate wines, eating fantastic food and gathering fresh produce at local farm gates the next. You can discover a new hobby or dive into a thrilling aquatic adventure. Uncover your creative side in galleries and parks, play at some of Australia's best golf courses, or slip into natural hot springs. There's so much to discover, so many surprises and so much to enjoy.

Explore the best of the Mornington Peninsula on our three-day-getaway road trip.

  • Your first stop on the Mornington Peninsula is the Arthurs Seat Eagle, where you'll get a bird's-eye view of the region and beyond. Board a state-of-the-art gondola and ascend over the forest, spotting city landmarks and local wildlife as you soar to the peninsula's highest point.

    If you enjoy living the high life, give tree surfing a shot at the Enchanted Adventure Garden. Traverse suspended rope bridges and wire balances, testing your nerve on the series of aerial obstacles within the beautiful woodland sculpture park.

    Having worked up a hearty appetite, cruise into Green Olive at Red Hill. Sit out on the deck and admire the views of the vineyard, kitchen garden and ducks on the dam and feast on all-day tapas prepared with the fruits of the farm.

    While you're enjoying the riches of the land, pop over to Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove for a spot of wine tasting. Take the time to stroll among the sculptures dotted around the peaceful gardens.

    Head to the rugged side of the peninsula, where Bass Strait and Westernport Bay meet at Flinders. The best thing about staying overnight at Quarters at Flinders Hotel is you don't need to travel for dinner. By all means wander through the tranquil township, stop in at Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie for a sweet treat and take in the crashing waves at the ocean beach, but then it's time to tuck into a meal to remember at the hotel's bar and bistro The Deck before collapsing into bed.

  • Get started with breakfast within the kitchen gardens at Georgie Bass Cafe and Cookery. You'll be spoiled for choice from the range of innovative and healthy options that reflect the garden's seasonal produce.

    Spend your morning out on the water on a kayaking or stand-up paddling adventure with Bayplay Adventure Tours. If you're lucky you'll spy dolphins frolicking further out in the waters.

    Relive the morning's adventures and sightings over a delicious lunch in the sunny atrium at Blue Mini eatery in Rosebud. Pick up a unique souvenir from the adjoining emporium.

    An afternoon of wine tasting seems to be a recurring theme, but you are in the Mornington Peninsula after all. Treat your tastebuds to a cheese platter and a wine tasting at the rightfully enduring Crittenden Estate or try hidden gem Mantons Creek Estate further inland.

    Dinner will be a meal to remember when you choose the Dine and Bathe package at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Natural thermal mineral waters flow into the pools and private baths at this coastal oasis, providing the idyllic setting for relaxation, rejuvenation and nourishment.

    Finish the evening in luxury at the refurbished The Continental in Sorrento, a famous landmark for the sought-after seaside town.

     

  • It's back into the hinterland to kick off your third day with a lazy brunch in the tin and timber shed at Merricks General Wine Store. Best of all, you can squeeze in a sneaky wine tasting after brekky as it doubles as the cellar door for Baillieu Wines and Elgee Park. Or try Mock Cider, a 5th generation apple orchard where you can pick up produce from the farm gate store, stop for lunch or book an apple orchard picnic.

    Take a stroll around the 25-acre Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens. Get lost in Australia's oldest traditional hedge maze: three-metre-high cypress hedges that have been sculpted into a shapely challenge to delight and inspire. Another option is the Red Hill Rail Trail, a 6.5km rail trail connecting Red Hill with Merricks.

    After all that fresh air you'll be ready for lunch Pt Leo Estate, a stroll in the sculpture garden and, homeward bound, an afternoon in the manicured gardens and historic homestead at Heronswood House and Garden. Home to The Diggers Club, Australia's largest gardening club and a certified organic garden, it's the perfect place to spend your last few hours on the Peninsula. You'll just have time for an early dinner and a cleansing craft beer at Tar Barrell Brewery and Distillery before you return to Melbourne, totally satisfied.