Road trips & itineraries
Mornington Peninsula Getaway
Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Red Hill
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.
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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 cruise over the state 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.
![Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondolas 'soaring']( "Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondolas 'soaring'")
Leisure activitiesArthurs Seat EagleSoar the heights of the Mornington Peninsula with scenic views across Port Phillip Bay towards Melbourne, around the coast and beyond.Gliding quietly through...![Family at the Enchanted Lake boardwalk]( "Family at the Enchanted Lake boardwalk")
Leisure activitiesThe Enchanted Adventure GardenThe Enchanted Adventure Garden is an award-winning natural fun park, just one hour from Melbourne at Arthurs Seat. Featuring four hedge mazes, five giant...![Visitors enjoying tapas and wine in outdoor seating overlooking dam]( "Visitors enjoying tapas and wine in outdoor seating overlooking dam")
RestaurantsGreen Olive at Red HillDeliberate over the all-day tapas and wine menu, visit the farm shop and join a Mornington Peninsula cooking class at this haven for food lovers.![Montalto Piazza]( "Montalto Piazza")
WineriesMontaltoMontalto is a place where you can celebrate life and enjoy a moment out of the ordinary. Montalto is a family-owned and run estate where produce is grown,...![Flinders Hotel]( "Flinders Hotel")
HotelsFlinders HotelBeautiful four and a half star boutique accommodation inspired by the coast awaits your arrival at Quarters, part of the Flinders Hotel.Offering 40 guest... -
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.
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.
![Georgie Bass Cafe]( "Georgie Bass Cafe")
CafesGeorgie Bass Café and CookeryGeorgie Bass Café and Cookery is set amongst kitchen gardens featuring lush boxes of herbs and vegetables, plenty of outdoor dining spaces, gardens, and...![Hilltop pool]( "Hilltop pool")
Spa & wellbeingPeninsula Hot SpringsPamper yourself at Victoria's first natural thermal mineral springs and day spa, located just over an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula.![]()
WineriesCrittenden EstateCOVID update: As of October 30th 2020 the Crittenden Wine Centre will reopen for tastings to the public. Whilst not essential they recommend you book via...![Scuba Dive with Seadragons]( "Scuba Dive with Seadragons")
Tour operatorBayplay Adventure ToursPlay on Port Phillip Bay: set sail, kayak, snorkel or scuba dive with sea dragons and dolphins. Or stay on land and cycle Port Nepean National Park.![blue mini eatery emporium events - all day brunch calamari]( "blue mini eatery emporium events - all day brunch calamari")
CafesBlue Mini: Eatery, Emporium, EventsYou will fall in love the moment you step into Blue Mini, an ex-Bowling Alley that has been converted into a quirky hub of eclectic style and atmosphere.The... -
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.
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.
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.
![The front entrance at Merricks General Wine Store]( "The front entrance at Merricks General Wine Store")
CafesMerricks General Wine StoreEnjoy time-honoured hospitality and a classic country menu featuring seasonal produce and a great regional wine list including local beers and ciders.![Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens]( "Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens")
Parks & gardensAshcombe Maze and Lavender GardensGet lost in Australia's oldest hedge maze, the world's oldest circular rose maze, the Lavender Labyrinth or seek gnomes in the 25 acres of gardens.![Historic Heronswood House and Gardens]( "Historic Heronswood House and Gardens")
Parks & gardensHeronswood House and GardenHeronswood is a breathtaking historic property situated on two hectares of formal gardens in Dromana. It is the home of the Digger's Club - Australia's...![]()
BreweriesTAR BARREL Brewery & DistilleryTar Barrel is a well-known corner in Red Hill and named by road builders storing tar barrels during road building on the Mornington Peninsula. TAR BARREL...
Destinations
Destinations
Arthurs Seat
Follow history and ascend the summit of the highest viewpoint on the peninsula for breathtaking views, muddling mazes and stunning ornamental gardens.
Destinations
Flinders and Cape Schanck
Breathe the world's cleanest air in Cape Schanck and hide away for a retreat around tranquil Flinders with its designer homes and gourmet eateries.
Destinations
Red Hill and Main Ridge
You'll be amazed at the compact size of the peninsula's micro region, with its accessible vineyards, restaurants, artisan producers and orchards.
Destinations
Rosebud
Soak up the long summer days down at the bay beach, take in panoramic coastal views at Arthurs Seat, and dose up on tasty treats at a local market.
Destinations
Dromana and Rye
Rediscover the long sun-kissed days of summer holidays at Dromana and Rye before seeking more adult pastimes at bars, cafes and golf courses.
Destinations
Mornington
Get arty in Mornington, a cosmopolitan seaside village with sidewalk cafes, colourful bathing boxes, boutiques and a renowned regional gallery.
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Food & wine
Mornington Peninsula wine region
Sample your way around Peninsula's boutique cellar doors for the region's renowned pinot noir, plus chardonnay, shiraz, pinot gris and pinot grigio.
Things to do
8 things to do with a view
Cliff-top gondolas and coastal trails, bay-view cellar doors and thermal springs: find the 8 best things to do with a view on the Mornington Peninsula.
Things to do
Nature and wildlife
Whether you seek out unforgettable wildlife or it finds you, connecting with nature comes without much effort on the Mornington Peninsula.
Food and wine
Restaurants
Enjoy unforgettable meals accompanied by signature wines on the peninsula and see what the star chefs create from the fresh regional produce.