The Allure of the Mornington Peninsula
Welcome to the Mornington Peninsula, where rolling vineyards, golden beaches, and charming villages create Victoria’s ultimate coastal escape. Just over an hour from Melbourne, this alluring region blends food, wine, and nature into a perfect getaway cocktail—shaken, not stirred.
From award-winning wineries and farm-to-table dining to soothing hot springs and rugged coastal walks, there’s something for every traveller. History buffs can wander through Point Nepean’s old military forts, while wine lovers can sip their way through the Peninsula’s cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Hikers will find paradise along the Cape Schanck Boardwalk, and art lovers can explore sculpture gardens at Point Leo Estate.
Whether you’re craving relaxation or adventure, indulgence or exploration, the Peninsula delivers it all—wrapped in sea breezes and vineyard views. So, pack your appetite, bring your togs and walking shoes, and get ready for 48 hours of pure pleasure in this coastal wonderland.
Day 1
Lunch
Start your adventure with a bird’s-eye view of the Peninsula aboard the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a scenic gondola ride soaring above the treetops. As you glide to the summit, take in sweeping vistas of Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne skyline, and the patchwork vineyards below—the ideal way to get your bearings and map out your next move.
Prefer to stay grounded? The Arthurs Seat Scenic Drive winds through lush bushland, dotted with lookouts that showcase the region’s beauty at every turn.
After working up an appetite, head to Foxeys Hangout, a laid-back winery and restaurant just minutes from Lancemore Lindenderry. Enjoy seasonal share plates, biodynamic wines, and stunning valley views. Foxeys is small, intimate, and unpretentious, making it the perfect spot to sip, snack, and settle into Peninsula life.
Afternoon
Check-in at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill and unwind in your vineyard-view haven. Every room boasts private courtyards or stunning garden and vineyard vistas, setting the tone for a serene escape.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, head to the Cellar Door for a wine-tasting experience. Lindenderry’s 5-star Halliday-rated wines include elegant Chardonnay and silky Pinot Noir, crafted on-site and at their sister vineyard in the Macedon Ranges.
Wander through 34 acres of manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, and flourishing vineyards. Relax in the sauna or guest lounges, challenge your travel companions to a game of tennis or billiards, or simply soak in the quiet beauty of Red Hill.
With its rustic chic interiors, sprawling grounds, and boutique luxury charm, Lancemore Lindenderry is more than a place to stay—it’s a destination in itself.
Evening
As night falls, settle in for a sophisticated dining experience at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill’s The Dining Room, one of the Mornington Peninsula’s finest two chef hatted restaurants. Recently welcoming Michelin-trained Executive Chef Nick McGonigal, The Dining Room has entered an exciting new chapter, elevating its reputation for exceptional, produce-driven dining.
Signature dishes include Abrolhos scallops with XO sauce, roast quail smoked tableside with rosemary, and Sher Wagyu Rostbiff with black garlic and beetroot, all thoughtfully paired with Lindenderry’s award-winning estate wines and a curated list of local and international selections.
Set against a backdrop of mature gardens, framed by vineyard views and warmed by a feature fireplace, The Dining Room offers the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or indulgent evening. Whether you're indulging in a decadent set menu or a leisurely à la carte experience offered on weekdays, guests are treated to a dining experience that celebrates the region’s finest flavours with impeccable service.
A refined yet relaxed night of fine food, fine wine, and fine company awaits.
Day 2
Morning
A visit to the Mornington Peninsula isn’t complete without a soak in its famous hot springs. The award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs is a thermal oasis where natural mineral waters bubble up from 637 metres below the earth’s surface, offering a luxurious retreat for mind and body.
Explore over 70 globally inspired bathing experiences at the Bath House, including a hilltop pool with panoramic views, a Japanese cave bath, and a Turkish hammam steam bath. For deeper relaxation, the Spa Dreaming Centre offers private pools, saunas, and indulgent spa treatments in a peaceful, adults-only sanctuary.
Feeling brave? Alternate between the hot springs and the icy depths of the ice cave for a Nordic-style thermal experience. Whether you’re here to soothe sore muscles, practice mindfulness, or float your worries away, the Peninsula Hot Springs is the ultimate way to start your day.
Lunch
After a morning of soaking, quench your thirst at St Andrews Beach Brewery, where craft beer meets coastal cool. Once a working horse stable, this unique brewery has transformed into a laid-back beer lover’s paradise, with seating inside converted horse stalls and a spacious beer garden overlooking the old racetrack.
Try a tasting paddle featuring beers named after famous racehorses, from the smooth and citrusy "Makybe Diva" Pale Ale to the malty, full-bodied "Gunsynd" Lager. Pair your brew with woodfired pizzas, burgers, and share plates crafted from local, farm-fresh ingredients.
With its rustic charm, relaxed vibes, and first-class brews, St Andrews Beach Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. It’s the perfect spot to refuel before your afternoon adventure.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon diving into the coastal charm and rich history of the Southern Peninsula, where spectacular ocean views, historic sites, and lavish clifftop mansions make for an unforgettable adventure.
Start at Point Nepean National Park, once a military stronghold and quarantine station. Jump on a bike or the park shuttle to explore its hidden tunnels, historic forts, and windswept cliffs, all while soaking in jaw-dropping views of Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay.
Next is Portsea, Melbourne’s seaside playground for the elite, where grand estates and private beaches dot the coastline. Take a stroll along Portsea Beach, a picture-perfect stretch of golden sand where the calm bay waters are ideal for a quick dip.
Follow the famed Millionaires Walk, a scenic clifftop track offering sneaky peeks into extravagant waterfront homes and stunning panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.
Continue on to Sorrento, a town bursting with history, boutique shopping, and seaside charm. Browse the quaint village stores, grab a coffee, or a gelato by the pier. If the sun is shining, Sorrento Beach is the perfect spot to unwind, with its turquoise waters and gentle waves, ideal for a leisurely swim or a peaceful beach stroll.
Evening
For your final night, dine by the sea at one of the Peninsula’s iconic eateries. Whether you want laid-back pub vibes or five-star indulgence, you’re spoiled for choice:
- Portsea Hotel – Established in 1876, this iconic Tudor-style pub offers breathtaking waterfront vistas and historic charm.
- Hotel Sorrento – offers a variety of dining experiences, including modern Australian fare in the Dining Room, Cantonese cuisine at Shihuishi, and panoramic sea views from the Rooftop bar.
- The Continental Sorrento – choose from three dining options - Audrey's for fine dining, The Atrium for elevated casual meals, and The Conti Bar for pub classics.
- The Pig & Whistle – Situated amidst rolling hills and lush vineyards, this family-friendly tavern serves up the best of British and Australian food, craft beers, live music and Brewery Tours:
- TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery – Situated at the original home of Mornington Peninsula Brewery, TAR BARREL produces award-winning craft beers and spirits, accompanied by their renowned woodfired pizzas
- Devilbend Farm Beer Co – Embracing a paddock-to-pint philosophy, this brewery offers farm-fresh beers crafted from homegrown hops and grains, complemented by a menu featuring beef raised on-site.
Each venue offers great food, stunning views, and a taste of the Peninsula’s vibrant dining scene—the perfect way to toast your unforgettable getaway.
Day 3
Morning
Rise early for a spectacular sunrise at Cape Schanck, where the ocean crashes against ancient basalt cliffs. Follow the Cape Schanck Boardwalk for up-close views of The Pulpit, a dramatic rock formation sculpted by centuries of wild waves. The Cape Schanck Lighthouse, standing like a steadfast sentinel, has been guiding sailors since 1859—and providing postcard-worthy views ever since.
Return to Lancemore for one last breakfast buffet feast before checking out.
Then, head to Flinders Beach and Pier, a peaceful escape with rugged coastal beauty. Watch local fishermen cast their lines, or spot stingrays gliding through the clear waters. Before heading home, stop at Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Flinders—because no trip is complete without a sweet send-off.
Lunch
For your final Peninsula feast, choose between coastal elegance at Point Leo Estate or a laid-back foodie adventure in Mornington Village.
At Point Leo Estate, art, wine, and fine dining unite in spectacular fashion. The world-class sculpture park, featuring works from local and international artists, provides a unique backdrop to your meal. Choose from Laura, a two-hatted fine dining experience, or the Estate Restaurant, where modern Australian cuisine meets breathtaking vineyard and ocean views. Pair your meal with a glass of their renowned Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, and soak in the serenity of this award-winning winery.
If you prefer a casual, bustling vibe, head to Mornington Village, where artisan bakeries, stylish cafés, and gourmet delis line the charming streets. Stroll through the shops, grab a coffee, and indulge in the Peninsula’s best local produce before bidding farewell to this coastal paradise.
A perfect end to 48 hours of indulgence.
The Mornington Peninsula hosts a variety of vibrant markets, each offering a unique experience:
- Food Yard at Mornington Station: Located at the old Mornington Railway Line's end, it combines street food, shopping, and live entertainment.
- Moorooduc Station Market: A haven for food enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of goods, with the opportunity to ride a historic train through Mount Eliza Regional Park.
- Mornington Racecourse Market: For over 27 years, this market has showcased fresh produce, unique jewellery, local wines, and blooming flowers.
- Mt Martha South Beach Market: Set against panoramic sea vistas, it invites visitors to meet local artisans and peruse handmade gifts.
- Point Nepean Portsea Market: Situated in a historically rich locale, this market is ideal for garden enthusiasts, craft lovers, and foodies.
- Soul Night Market Mornington: Held at Dromana Estate in Tuerong, it's a perfect place to shop, eat, drink, and relax with live music under the stars.
- The Factory Antique Market: Located in Dromana, this market offers unique finds and hidden gems, from collectibles to clothing.
- The Mount Martha Briars Market: Surrounded by wildlife and lush greenery, it features fresh produce, gifts, and homewares in a serene setting.
For more information on these markets, visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Markets List.
Seasonal farm gate experiences near Red Hill:
- Hawkes Farm: Offers freshly harvested produce year-round, along with selected products from other local producers.
- Torello Farm: Provides customers with a variety of fresh produce directly from their fields.
- Ripe 'n' Ready Cherry Farm: Specializes in cherries and offers a farm gate experience during the cherry season.
- Main Ridge Dairy: A farmhouse cheese factory and goat dairy offering a range of goat cheeses and farm produce.
- Red Hill Lavender Farm: Features a café and farm gate brimming with natural botanical products for the home, body, and kitchen.
Our Favourite Beaches
The Mornington Peninsula's vibrant, rainbow-colored bathing boxes have long been a symbol of summer, adorning the coastline from Mount Eliza to Portsea.
Mount Martha Beach South: This two-kilometre stretch boasts some of the peninsula's most picturesque bathing boxes, set against golden sands and calm, clear waters.
McCrae Beach: Known for its colourful beach boxes and white sands, McCrae Beach offers a serene setting with relatively deep waters close to shore, making it ideal for a quick dip.
Flinders Beach: Facing Western Port Bay, Flinders Beach provides a tranquil atmosphere with rock pools and coastal trails, perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Sorrento Beach: Combining historic charm with natural beauty, Sorrento Beach features clear waters and nearby amenities, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Rosebud Beach: This family-friendly beach is renowned for its gentle waters and vibrant bathing boxes, offering ample space for picnics and beach activities.
Extend your Trip
Wineries: In addition to Point Leo Estate and Foxeys Hangout, we also recommend Ocean Eight, Avani, Eldridge Estate, Quealy Wines.
For family-friendly fun, check out Enchanted Adventure, which has 25 acres of adventure activities including mazes, tube slides, tree surfing, playgrounds, sculptures, and gardens.
Experience Lindenderry's splendour with our exclusive Packages.