A coastal escape from Melbourne: How to experience the Mornington Peninsula

Let’s be honest—Melbourne nails it on a lot of fronts. Food? World-class. Culture? Off the charts. Coffee? Don’t even get us started. But beaches? Eh… not exactly its strong suit. Sure, St Kilda has its charm, but it’s no Bondi.

Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find some seriously beautiful coastline. Just over an hour’s drive from the city, the Mornington Peninsula serves up the kind of beachside escape Melbourne quietly wishes it had. Think ocean breezes, natural hot springs, wineries, and enough good food to keep you happily full for days.

If you’ve never been—or it’s been a while—here’s everything you need to know for an unforgettable Mornington getaway.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
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RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify

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Stay close to the sand or soak in the springs

The first decision? Where to stay. Mornington’s popularity means there’s no shortage of options, but if you ask us, the best accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula is found where your mornings start by the beach and your evenings end with a sunset soak in a hot spring.

Safety Beach and Dromana are top picks for that easy, breezy beachfront vibe. Prefer something a little quieter? Head down to Cape Schanck or St Andrews Beach. These tucked-away spots give you quick access to the Peninsula’s famous hot springs and wide-open stretches like Gunnamatta Beach.

If you’re going for total relaxation, book a holiday home with a view, pour a glass of local Pinot, and let the city fade behind you.

Start or end your trip in thermal heaven

Speaking of relaxing, no Mornington trip is complete without a long, indulgent soak in the hot springs. Locals have known it for years—this is one of the best ways to unwind, switch off, and get those zen levels up to 100.

Peninsula Hot Springs is the original, with a huge range of thermal pools, spa treatments, steam rooms, and private bath options. Alba Thermal Springs is the newer kid on the block, and it’s stunning—sleek design, fewer crowds, and some pretty luxe touches.

Tip: Start your trip with a soak to wash away city stress, then book back in at the end to leave feeling completely recharged. It’s a game-changer.

Get outside and walk it off

If you’re anything like me, after a day of eating, soaking, and wine tasting, you’ll feel the urge to stretch the legs and clear the head. Mornington’s packed with beautiful walking trails, dramatic coastlines, and postcard-perfect lookout spots.

One of the standouts is Point Nepean National Park, where rugged cliffs meet the sea and a bit of history sneaks in too—old forts, WWI tunnels, even a quarantine station. It’s wild, windswept and well worth it.

For something inland, Red Hill, Arthurs Seat, and the Kings Falls walk deliver rolling hills, forested paths, and some quiet time in nature. If you prefer something short and scenic, the Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk near Mount Martha is peaceful and easy.

Do a little beach-hopping

One of the best things about Mornington? The beaches are all just minutes apart. Whether you want calm, family-friendly bays or surf beaches with serious swell, it’s all here.

The stretch from Safety Beach to Sorrento is ideal for gentle swims, paddleboarding, and those lazy afternoon naps under a beach umbrella. For something a bit more rugged, check out Gunnamatta, Fingal, or St Andrews Beach—untamed, windswept, and raw.

Got a full day? Jump in the car and cruise along Point Nepean Road, pulling into any beach that catches your eye. You might just find your new favourite spot.

Eat, drink and repeat

You’d be hard-pressed to find a region outside Melbourne that punches so far above its weight in food and wine. Mornington Peninsula is a dream for foodies—whether you’re chasing fresh seafood, lazy winery lunches, or casual tapas with a view.

Melbourne’s food scene sets a high bar—just look at Gimlet, recently named one of the world’s top 100 restaurants. And while that kind of acclaim is hard to top, Mornington brings its own flavour to the table with a more relaxed, coastal twist.

For refined dining by the water, The Rocks in Mornington is a standout, serving up the day’s freshest catch with unbeatable marina views. Two Buoys is a go-to for share plates and local wine, while Deadwood Dromana and Pilgrim Dining offer up casual yet creative dishes with a cool, laid-back vibe.

Wine lovers, this is your playground. The region is packed with cellar doors and vineyard restaurants—Montalto, Paringa Estate, and Ten Minutes by Tractor are all worth a long, lazy lunch. And if you’re into craft brews or small-batch spirits, there are plenty of breweries and distilleries dotted across the region to keep things interesting.

Bring the kids—or just act like one

Whether you’re travelling with little ones or just feeling young at heart, there’s a stack of fun stuff to keep everyone entertained.

Take the cable car at Arthurs Seat for panoramic views of the entire peninsula. Cruise alongside dolphins and seals on a wildlife tour. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary or The Briars to meet kangaroos, koalas and wallabies. Or step back in time at Dromana Drive-In for a classic movie night under the stars.

And if you’re after pure fun? The Enchanted Adventure Garden is worth the stop—zip lines, mazes, tube slides and more.

Final thoughts

Mornington Peninsula isn’t just a pretty beach—it’s a proper experience. You can relax, recharge, explore, and indulge—all in one long weekend. Or better yet, stretch it out over 4–5 days and do it right.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been before, the Peninsula has a way of surprising you. There’s always a new trail to hike, a new dish to try, or a new little beach waiting at the end of a winding road.

Go for the hot springs. Stay for everything else.

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