Things to Do on the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is within the lands of the Bunurong (Boonwurrung) people of the Kulin Nation. The Bunurong People are the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters across greater Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, and the Bass Coast. Go Coastal acknowledges and pays respect and gratitude to the traditional owners and custodians past, present, and emerging of this beautiful country.

Balcombe Creek Boardwalk in Mt Martha

Home to flora and fauna of various species, the Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk leads you through the nature and tranquil surrounds of the Mt Martha bushland This 5km trek takes approximately 1.5 hours (more if the little ones are along) and features a barbecue and picnic area for the whole family to enjoy. Minor diversions along the way make for ideal viewing points of the creek, and the perfect backdrop to capture all those family memories. Check out Balcombe Creek Estuary when you stay near Mount Martha.

Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market

Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market is on the fourth Sunday of the month, no matter the weather, from 9am – 1pm and only $2 entry. Gourmet pies, peninsula spuds, freshly baked bread, local cheeses, all the seasonal fruit and veg you could ask for and a whole stack of other speciality goodies are available at this community run, not for profit market with a friendly, small town atmosphere. For a full list of their stallholders follow this link.

Indoor Market at Dromana

Discover the unexpected, antique, handmade and unique when you visit the Dromana Indoor Market to browse for vintage items, Australiana, tools, glassware, fashion and plenty more from countries around the globe. With ever-changing stalls, this market sees unusual and beautiful items every day, from upcycled furniture and local produce to jewellery, collectables and more. Brought to you by a group of stallholders with a passion for the eclectic, the Factory Antique Market has something to suit any taste.

Rye Foreshore Rotary Market

Rye Foreshore Rotary Market is on the first Saturday of the month, from 7am-noon, all year round. The Rye Market is what the market stall world call a ‘make, bake and grow’ market which means about 70% of the stalls sell homemade or home grown goods. A genuinely community oriented market, all income from the stalls goes straight into community service projects. A feel good atmosphere is always found at the Rye market, with the added bonus of being held right next to the sparkling waters of the bay – a great spot to spend a few hours wandering amidst the eclectic stalls and then grabbing a bite to eat along the Rye main street just across the road.

Dromana Community Market

Dromana Community Market in on every fourth Saturday of the month, 8.30am-1.30pm. A fantastic family-friendly experience for holidayers with fresh and seasonal produce, local gourmet food producers, and locally made products and crafts available, everyone is sure to find a few goodies to take home.

Red Hill Community Craft Market

Red Hill Community Craft Market is held every first Saturday of the month, from 8am – 1pm. With over 250 stall holders you can expect to find antiques, modern contemporary, and hand made treasures. There are also tasty treats to snack on as you peruse this veritable wonderland of eclectic wares. Please note, dogs aren’t allowed. Entry Cost: Free Entry, $5 Parking

Berry Picking

Pick punnets of fresh berries to your heart’s content! Summertime strawberries at Sunny Ridge in Main Ridge, and juicy cherries at Ripe n Ready in Red Hill, will have your taste buds popping with glee. Both farms have a pick-your-own option as well as offering great retail stores with an ever changing assortment of local goodies and produce, a cafe at Sunny Ridge, and farm gate at Ripe n Ready. Cherry season usually runs from around November to February, and Strawberries are from November to April. Check the websites around these times for more specific dates and opening hours.

Hillock Downs Farm Gate in Rye

Hillock Downs is a farm gate, produce store and butcher shop all wrapped into one beautiful property in Rye. For over 100 years Hillock Downs has sat atop the rolling hills of prime farmland on the Mornington Peninsula. Their dedication to sustainable and traditional farming produces delicious grass fed beef, preservative free products, and locally grown veggies. Eddie and Sally love and respect their animals and work tirelessly to promote ethically farmed beef.

Boneo Community Market

Held on the 3rd Saturday of the Month from 8am-12:30pm, all year. Offering unique crafts and gifts, Devonshire teas, fresh produce, plants and an animal farm for the kiddies.

Hawk’s Farm in Boneo

Hawk’s Farm opens its farm gate 7 days a week, serving up fresh produce grown on their 140 acre family farm, as well as gourmet take-home-meals like lasagna and pies sourced from across the Mornington Peninsula. Fresh bread, fresh coffee, and tasty treats all week, and gluten free hot chippies made from their own delicious spuds every weekend from 10am-3pm. With a picnic patch and sandpit for the kids, Hawk’s Farm makes grocery shopping a delight. An absolute must have is a punnet of their full-flavoured strawberries! You can also find a great last minute gift like local honey, olive oil, cheese, and lip smacking Red Hill Truffle products. Check out their socials here for upcoming Fun Days with tractor tours, live music, and beer and wine afternoons.

Hot Springs & Day Spas

At Peninsula Hot Springs there are an array of luxurious treatments to totally bliss out to. The natural geothermal springs, full of revitalising natural elements, will nourish your body and ease your mind. Alba Thermal Springs is set on 15-acres overflowing with luxury experiences, including indoor, outdoor and open-air treatments, bathing and wellness rituals. Designed by Hayball, an architecture house recognised for progressive urban designs, the feel of Alba works with the Peninsula’s natural beauty, offering a real “where has this been all my life” experience. Red Hill Organic Spa is a boutique day spa that has been in operation since 2006 and has evolved over the last few years to function as a mobile service. Using only organic products, Red Hill Spa offers facials, massages, body treatments and hair treatments for pure and natural relaxation.

Store 360 in Rye

Venture into the cute and quaint backstreets of Rye to explore the hidden gem that is Store 360. With shelves lined with locally made ceramics, jams & relishes, books, artisan soaps and wildflowers, this is a great way to pick up that gift or souvenir while supporting local business. The front cabinet is stocked daily with freshly baked bread, pies, pastries, croissants and New-York style cookies. The back fridge is bursting with gourmet food to take home, from specialty meats to pre-prepared meals. Enjoy artisanal products and fresh food in every direction at Store 360.

Unique Venue Hire, All Smiles Sorrento

If you’re planning an event it is well worth checking out All Smiles in Sorrento – a beautiful, contemporary venue perched within the dunes of the Back Beach with ocean views near impossible to beat.

RACV One Spa & Hammam

The curved halls of the RACV resort lead to the entrance of a world where troubles melt away and serenity takes shape. Cleansing treatments and therapies, body wraps, beauty treatments, massages – you name it, they got it. The star of the show is the Hammam, a contemporary take on the traditional Turkish bath house. The walls glisten with teal tiling and the wide window looking onto the hills makes you feel you’ve entered a secret haven in the wilderness. The salted relaxation pool, the thermal stone steam room, and the vitality pool will soak away any tension and have you feeling deeply rejuvenated.

Stonier Wines in Merricks

For lovers of wine red or white, Stonier Wines in Merricks have premium drops for all. Stonier specialises in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and offers cellar door tastings and picnics on the lawn, plus vineyard explorations. Come for the wine and stay for the atmosphere as you pick up expert info on regional wine. Stonier is not a dining location, but Stonier can be a unique winery experience as you explore the abundance of good food and wine in the hinterland region. Open 11am – 5pm Everyday (Closed Good Friday, Dec 25th, Dec 26th, Dec 27th and Jan 1st, ANZAC Day April 25th)

Wine Tasting at Nazaaray Winery

At Nazaaray Winery you can expect small, handmade batches of wine produced using traditional Burgundian techniques. Each bottle is patiently created from long, slow ripening seasons – meaning exceptionally high quality fruit. Nazaaray Winery is all about a genuine love for wine and quality over quantity. Specialising in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. With a Wine Tasting you can sample all 5 and find a favourite, or two. Enjoy a drop and a food platter either on the decks outside with panoramic views of the beautiful countryside, or inside the homestead, perfect for cosier seasons.

Floristry Class at Villa Floretti in Boneo

Try your hand at flower arranging at Villa Floretti who host workshops and events throughout the year on their farm in Boneo. Floretti is a Protea and native flower farm that runs an interesting assortment of workshops that change throughout the year. A crowd pleaser is definitely the Ceramics + Flowers, a 2 hour workshop in flower picking, floral arrangement, bubbles & a snack, and vase making! Which ever workshop you choose you’ll be going home with a stunning, native floral arrangement picked and put together by you! It really doesn’t get more bespoke than this. If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, Villa Floretti have got you covered with the option to curate your own experience for special events and groups.

Cooking Classes at Green Olive Farm

Learn to make sausages and fresh pasta at Green Olive or simply wine, dine and shop local produce. A family-operated farm and business, Green Olive grows olives, grapes, veggies and herbs. They create bath and body products, wines, cordials, condiments, olive oils and more fresh produce. Offering experiences like tapas & wine and cooking classes, the O’Donoghue family provides fresh eats and drinks amongst beautiful landscapes. Stop in for brunch or a private picnic and enjoy some local specialt

Gin Masterclass at Bass & Flinders Distillery

Take a Gin Masterclass at Bass & Flinders Distillery where a range of high quality, artisanal gins, brandies and liqueurs are created, all with a loving nod to the local area and heritage. Bass and Flinders Distillery pioneered the gin masterclass in Australia and continue to provide unique and evolving classes. As you sip on Bass and Flinders’ gin, graze a cheese platter and learn the fascinating history of the spirit, you’ll blend your own flavour of botanicals and aromas into a 500ml bottle of gin to take home. Your creation will be kept on file so you can order a bottle of your custom gin from the distillery whenever you please!

Red Hill Lavender Farm, Distillery & Bakery

Intoxicate the senses with seas of lavender and the smell of freshly baked pastries billowing in the breeze at Red Hill Farm. As well as the lavender infused apothecary selling estate made household and self-care products, there are some seriously delicious culinary goodies to be found, all entirely made with local garden and organic ingredients. At Johnny Ripe Bakery, perched at the top of the lavender fields, you’ll find artisan bread, pies, pastry items and cakes to enjoy in the garden or to take home with you. On 27 acres of hand-cultivated fields, and a using traditional distillery process, Red Hill Lavender Farm produces the highest standard of oil. Truly a beautiful spot to spend the day as native birds delight in a chorus and oceans of soft purple flowers bring your mind to ease.

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary in Flinders

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and Westhead Lookout The Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation are the custodians of the lands and waterways of the peninsula and Mushroom Reef has traditionally been an important meeting place and area for fishing and harvesting shellfish. An important marine environment, the reef is made up of countless micro-habitats home to all sorts of extraordinary species including threatened bird species and Victoria’s beloved Weedy Seadragons. Visit 2 hours either side of low tide to explore as much of the reef as possible and take your snorkelling gear to peer into mysterious worlds when you Go Coastal. Please bring a camera and take lots of pictures as removing anything from the reef is prohibited to ensure the fragile ecosystem is maintained.

Two Bays Walking Track, Dromana to Cape Schanck

Two Bays Walking Track is the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington peninsula, traversing a diverse landscape over 26km trailing from Dromana to Cape Schanck.

Bushrangers Bay

Bushrangers Bay is steeped in ancient beauty and an absolute must see during your stay. Deep rock pools warmed by the sun invite travellers to slip into calm, salty waters. Beyond, awe inspiring swells crash against the large outcrop known as Elephant Rock. Rising from the deep blue waters of Bass Strait, the basalt itself is a surreal sight – etched with geometric formations reflected in crystal clear rock pools, as prairie flowers and saltbush soften the plateaus above. Truly an unforgettable destination. To get to Bushrangers Bay park at the Bushrangers Bay Car Park on Boneo Road and take a section of the Two Bays Walking track 2.6 km (approx 30 minute walk) through Banksia forest while enjoying the symphony of native birds and families of curious kangaroos along the way.

Bay Beach, Tyrone Foreshore

Swim in the cool, calm waters of the Tyrone Foreshore which stretches between Blairgowrie and Rye Front Beaches. Perfect for all ages as the sand bank remains shallow for about 200 metres out into the bay.

Ocean Beach, St. Andrews Beach

If you like long walks on the beach, St. Andrews Beach is your destination. From St. Andrews Beach carpark you can access the beach and walk 40 minutes in either direction before being cut off by coves and jutting cliffs. Please always check the tides before venturing out along the ocean beaches as many sections of beach become too narrow to pass during mid-high tide.

Ocean Beach, Rye

16th Beach in Rye is a fantastic place to experience the wild wonders and rugged beauty of the Bass Strait coastline. At the corner of Tasman Dr and Browns Rd you’ll find the carpark and access to walking tracks which lead you to the beach or along the dune walking tracks above the sandstone cliffs. Best to go at low tide so you can explore the rock shelf on the beach and walk the full length of the sandy shore.

Ocean Beach, Blairgowrie

A local favourite is the Rock Pool in Bridgewater Bay on the Back Beach in Blairgowrie. Best to go at low tide which you can check with the link below. Take the St. Johns Wood walking track which ends in a fork, turn left and take the stairs down to the beach or continue along the walking track which will take you passed Pirate Bay Caves, Prickly Rocks, and Pearse’s Beach – approximately a 20 minute walk from Bridgewater Bay car park to Pearse’s Beach.

Look Out Spot, Sorrento

A nice leisurely stroll takes you to Coppins Point Lookout that opens onto a spectacular vista of Sorrento Back Beach with rock pools, sandstone cliffs and wild Southern ocean.

The Sorrento Pier

From the pier you can spy a pod of dolphins who regularly accompany the ferry on her journey across the bay. The Sorrento Pier is also a popular spot to enjoy a spot of fishing – catch some King George Whiting to bring home for tucker! Or have a BBQ picnic on the grassy knoll of the foreshore.

Portsea’s Natural Beauties

Stunning sandstone rock formations, majestic cliff faces, rock pools full of miniature worlds of wonder, sand dunes home to protected species of fauna and flora, and walking trails forking and extending for kilometres. Be sure to explore London Bridge Lookout and Sierra Nevada Rocks on the ocean side beach, or Back Beach as the locals call it. Many of the tracks in the Point Nepean National Park are Hand Cyclable and wheelchair accessible. Parks Victoria have created an accessibility map so that this beautiful area can be enjoyed by all. From the pier you can spy a pod of dolphins who regularly accompany the ferry on her journey across the bay. The Sorrento Pier is also a popular spot to enjoy a spot of fishing – catch some King George Whiting to bring home for tucker! Or have a BBQ picnic on the grassy knoll of the foreshore.

Historic Significance

Pack some sandwiches and take a day trip to check out all the historic outposts and buildings within the National Park. A few must see locations include Fort Nepean, Fort Pearce and Eagle’s Nest Walk, Gunner’s Cottage, and The Butler’s Track Rifle Range where soldiers trained during WWII. Many of the tracks in the National Park are Hand Cyclable and wheelchair accessible. Parks Victoria have created an accessibility map so that this beautiful area can be enjoyed by all.

Peninsula Garden Bushland Reserve

Peninsula Garden Bushland Reserve is a meandering natural habitat brimming with native flora and fauna, which can be easily accessed via Jetty Road. The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation organises walks through the reserve where you’ll be sure to spot one of Australia’s most beloved cuddly tree-huggers and meet some fellow nature enthusiasts along the way.

Beleura House & Garden in Mornington

Built in 1863 and now a heritage building, Beleura House & Garden is open to the public for full enjoyment of its spectacular architecture and landscaping, original furnishings from the previous owner, theatre entrepreneur Sir George Tallis, as well as offering rich historical stories, art collections and intimate concerts from classical music to jazz. To see what this season has on offer or to book a tour at Beleura House visit their site via this link.

Sustainable Gardens & Plants in Shoreham

Visit the elegant grounds and display gardens of Drought Tolerant Plants in Shoreham perched atop windswept hills with spectacular views of the bay. These beautiful – and of course hardy – display gardens are arranged to inspire even the most seasoned gardener. Even if you’re not designing a garden yourself, the property is well worth the visit simply to enjoy the beautiful array of plants and to maybe pick up a little something for yourself from their nursery.

Panorama Garden Estate in Boneo

A veritable paradise for nature lovers, with over 20, 000 plants across 18 gardens replete with lakes, streams and waterfalls, and views galore stretching from Bass Strait to Port Philip Bay. The wildlife sanctuary of Panorama Estate is home to many furry friends including rare albino kangaroos, emus and miniature goats. For day tours or to buy someone special a gift voucher for an unforgettable experience head to their website here.

Heronswood

Heronswood is a property of historical significance built in 1864, boasting immaculately kept, sprawling gardens. Their shop is home to Diggers signature heirloom seeds and plants, and their cafe provides tasty lunches within the house lounges, on the surrounding verandah or al fresco. Sip tea at noon in the shade of the statuesque Moreton Bay Fig, and treat your family and loved ones to any of the organic heirlooms or stunning ornamentals from their nursery – the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Balcombe Creek Boardwalk in Mt Martha

National Parks and Walking Trails

Visit Mornington Peninsula National Park with it’s magnificent coastal scenery, historical destinations, meandering coastal walking tracks and many coves and sandy beaches. Visit Parks Victoria for a complete overview.

Locked in Escape Rooms Mornington

Up for a challenge? Get your problem-solving on at Locked In Escape Rooms, Mornington. Choose from a selection of ever-changing room themes; currently Wizard’s Lair, Stranded on Mars, Killer’s Shack, and Mad Scientist. Bring along your friends and your sharpest wits to see if you can solve clues and find hidden objects to escape in 60 minutes!

Meet Aussie Animals at Funky Farm in Hastings

You’ll never see a funkier farm than this family-run boutique wildlife sanctuary. Funky Farm provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with many of Australia’s beloved animals. With an inclusive ethos, welcoming all families and those with special needs too; their mission statement, ‘No challenge is too great,’ reflects their passion for enabling everybody to learn more about nature. Book ahead to join a small group for a 1.5-hour interactive tour during which you can cuddle a dingo, meet a crocodile, say g’day to Wombats Boo and Wade, and much more! Check out all the funky wildlife who call this lovely spot in Hastings home, by booking a time for a fun and educational experience via the Funky Farm website.

Rye Community Playground

Built by local volunteers and donations, the Rye foreshore playground has pops of bright colours and lots of play equipment, including a fireman pole, swings, wobble bridge, slides and more. With public toilets, water taps, picnic areas and sheltered BBQ facilities nearby, the Rye Community Playground is a nice spot by the seaside to take the kids when the weather is a little too chilly for swimming. Plenty of paid parking is available and the site is right across the road from Rye main street with cafes, ice-creameries, supermarket and lots of little shops to delight in.

Hedge Maze and Lavender Labyrinth at Ashcombe in Shoreham

Bring the kids to the fantasy land that is the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens and discover Australia’s oldest (but immaculately manicured) hedge maze, a circular rose maze and the lavender labyrinth. With 25 acres to explore, the gardens have so many treats for the eye – plus a cafe with unique menu options, including the beloved lavender scones! There’s also a great gnome hunt activity for the little ones, with gnomes hidden about the garden that kids can tick off on a checklist once found. Explore a lush hedge labyrinth, be intoxicated by fields of lavender and spoil yourself or someone special in the gift store where you will find every luxury lavender product imaginable.

Rain, Hayne & Shine Farmyard in Balnarring

The whole family can enjoy Rain Hayne & Shine’s hands-on farm and petting zoo experience. You can walk through the paddocks to pat alpacas, emus, calves, pigs and more. You can even reach over fences to say hello to ponies, donkeys, dingoes, and a mule – feed is available too! Beyond animal interactions, you can enthral your kids with a pony ride ($5), horse ride ($10) or a free tractor-drawn hay bail ride. The farmyard also offers bookings for playgroup sessions and birthdays.

Rosebud Foreshore Playground

Got little ones with a whole lot of holiday energy to burn? Bring all that summer excitement to Rosebud Foreshore Playground, a multi-level children’s paradise on the sandy shores of one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful family beaches! Infused with nature and a whole lot of opportunities for fun, this play-haven is perfect for both small and big kids, with swings, slides, a flying fox, rope-climbing, tunnels and loads more for every little explorer. If you’re going coastal with the kids, it’s an absolute must-see!

Seawinds Gardens at Arthurs Seat

Spectacular all year round, Seawinds Gardens never disappoints. Autumnal colours burst into the scene; winter is a wonderland with bare birches and willows cloaked in mist against a pine tree backdrop; springtime heralds new shoots and budding flowers; and of course crisp summer skies render the many shaded spots very inviting. Seawinds is the perfect destination for a BBQ picnic in summer as the climate remains relatively cool at 300m above sea level. With electric BBQ facilities, tables, playspace, toilets, and wheelchair accessibility, the entire family can easily spend a long relaxing day up on the hill. We recommend setting out on a sculpture hunt to find William Ricketts pieces hidden amidst the gardens full of indigenous and exotic plants. Getting there is super convenient, located right next to the carpark off Seawinds Entry Road. The gardens are also a great starting point for the many trail walks in Arthurs Seat National Park.

Cable Ride at Arthurs Seat

Rise above it all and take in those views with Arthurs Seat Eagle aerial gondola system. A 15 minute trip takes you up from the Base Station in Dromana to the summit of Arthurs Seat. Enjoy the sparkling waters of the bay and Arthurs Seat State Park from on high. Take your mountain bikes up on the Eagle and ride them through the trees, book a picnic package for the family, or just buy a ticket and enjoy the views over Port Phillip Bay. Return passes are available for a little bit extra and can be used any time same day, so you have plenty of time to explore the many walking trails and Seawinds Gardens before venturing back down. Just for 1 or a party of 8, a nice thing about each gondola is that they’re booked for only the members of your group. So you can enjoy a romantic ride just for two, or a comfortable trip just with the fam’. You can even download a happy snap from your cable ride by entering the code on your receipt onto their ‘sharepix’ site. Enjoy the views with ease and comfort. The Eagle is all inclusive, wheelchair and pram accessible, as well as toddler friendly. And a combination of enclosed and open cabins provide an all-weather experience for passengers.

Boneo Discovery Park

Set on 27 acres of wetland, Boneo Discovery Park will take you on a magical journey of discovery with their ANIMALIA sand sculpting exhibition, and entertain you with their mini golf course, mini train ride, pedal boats on King Lake, bungee trampoline, and more! The games garden with larger than life games make Boneo Park a perfect place to host an unforgettable birthday party. The wooden maze and small hedge maze at Boneo Discovery Park are great for the little ones to get lost in…. but not too lost! Keep an easy eye on your kids from the sidelines as they navigate the smaller mazes, and watch joy and surprise rush over their faces with each twist and turn.

Equestrian Competitions at Boneo Park

Boneo Park is home to one of Australia’s leading equestrian facilities that opens its gates free of charge for spectators to enjoy the majesty of dressage, Wessel drilling, and jumping at local, national and international levels. https://boneopark.com.au

Pero Alpaca Farm

Meet some of the most adorable creatures on the planet at Pero Alpacas Open Farm Days. During April and May you can even say hello to the newborns! Be sure to check out their gift store full of exquisite Alpaca Wool hand spun and hand knitted products. http://www.peroalpacas.com.au

Sorrento Park and Playground

Just up the hill from Sorrento beach is a timber-framed, community-built playground. Its very easy to find, right next to the carpark and on the cusp of Sorrento Park, a botanic garden with spectacular views from its elevated position above the bay. Plenty of picnic tables and a rotunda, sweeping lawn areas shaded by large trees, BBQ facilities, water tap and public toilets make this a great spot to take the family for the day. https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Activities/Parks-Reserves/Parks-Recreation/Sorrento-Park

Baluk Arts in Mornington

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, Baluk Arts is the place to visit: from paintings to carvings, tea towels to sculptures, jewellery, handmade cards, and so much more. The Mornington shopfront, opened over summer, acts as a kind of studio-cum-gallery-giftstore, showcasing a selection of authentic, hand-made creations. Baluk Arts is an urban Aboriginal community arts centre supporting local artists from the Boonwurrung area, and working with emerging and established artists from all over Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and identity is expressed in a contemporary context through traditional and innovative art practices to create powerful cultural objects available for purchase at their Mornington shopfront and through their exhibition program. Check out their website for open days and workshops.

Living Culture

Have a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience by going on a guided walk and meditation with local Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man, Lionel Lauch, and the team at Living Culture. Over various tracks and areas of cultural importance throughout the beautiful bush lands and coastal settings of the peninsula, your guide will point out plants used as medicine and bushtucker, as well as places of indigenous cultural significance. The walk finishes with a profoundly moving and deeply relaxing Yidaki (didgeridoo) meditation that will leave you feeling more grounded in yourself and in the land you’ve come to experience, respect, and enjoy. Living Culture also have different projects and workshops to get involved with, check out their website for more info and to book your guided walk. Visit website

Gordon Studio Glassblowers

The Gordon family are three generations of glassblowers, visit their studio in Red Hill where you can see Rish, Alasdair, Calum, Hamish, Kevin, Grant and Eileen’s expert works on display. From the mezzanine you can also watch artists hot at work transforming molten glass into myriad forms before they go into the gallery and shop. Make a memory you won’t forget and a souvenir to take home at a glass blowing workshop! The one-day beginner’s workshop uses ancient Venetian techniques to teach you how to make two paperweights and a tumbler glass. Check out their website via the link for further details or to book a class today.

Antipodes Bookshop and Gallery, Sorrento

Antipodes is a cultural hub offering not only books but also local art and gifts and book discussion nights with contemporary authors! Find the perfect little gift with a selection of local hand-made candles, soaps and glasswares, gorgeous gift cards, get your hands on a new release or classic literature, or simply enjoy the art on the walls and the curated cosiness. Situated on the top of the hill on Sorrento’s main street, visit them in store or via the link.

Live Music

Classical & Jazz at Beleura, Mornington Beleura House & Garden presents concerts by nationally acclaimed performers and pianists in a beautiful, historic building and garden. Offering light opera, classical concerts and jazz. https://www.beleura.org.au Haba, Rye Formerly Baha, Haba is a beach club with a tongue-in-cheek name that’s a wink to locals and long-time visitors. Pop in for music and food – currently, a selection of vendors on offer until the kitchen is totally up and running. Settle into the beachy laneway, beer garden, or vibe-y indoors, and check out their Insta via this link. Sound Bar, Capel Sound Sound Bar boasts a warm interior with a stage tucked in the back corner and a front section under-cover with gas heaters a-plenty for those colder nights. Local acts year-round, see who’s coming up via the link. Moonah Arts Collective, Rye Moonah Arts Collective is committed to promoting and supporting the music scene. A recording studio that has opened its gates to the community and puts on garage style gigs with local and Melbourne talent at the helm – the atmosphere is definitely one for the love of music. Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming gigs. Penny Ave Distillery, Rye There is a little pocket of culture rising out of an industrial estate in Rye where you’ll find Penny Ave, a vodka distillery with live music and DJs, just around the corner from Moonah Arts collective. And if you time it right treat yourself to some ripper tacos from the food truck that sets up shop out the front on rotating nights of the week. For further info follow them here. Zigi’s Bar, Flinders Enjoy tapas and cocktails while listening to a Sunday serenade each week at Zigi’s. Flinders is a great area for rainy-day drive scenery too! Jimmy Rum Distillery, Dromana Chill out to Sunday Sessions live music at Jimmy Rum. For tastings, tours, events and workshops, follow this link to their website. NinchFest One of the biggest crowd pullers and host to an impressive lineup is of course the annual NinchFest at St. Andrews Beach, usually running during January. https://www.facebook.com/ninchfest/ Mornington Winter Music Festival Hosted over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Mornington, the Winter Festival presents line-ups of jazz, blues and much more. https://morningtonmusicfestival.com.au

Pottery Studio, Mt Eliza

Find your groove sculpting clay beneath the towering gums during one of the many classes available for all ages and abilities at this tranquil cottage studio.

Kaz Morton Ceramics in Mount Eliza

Find the next original piece for your home at Kaz’ studio with porcelain and resin creations made for everyday use and enjoyment. See some of her beautiful creations via the Insta link or check out the website for upcoming workshops and collections.

Montalto Sculpture Trail in Red Hill

Enjoy the sensation of discovering secrets as you explore the open spaces and wetlands of Montalto estate and come across the many sculptures positioned throughout this beautiful natural gallery. After working up an appetite on your wanders, book a table at their restaurant offering seasonal, estate-grown heirloom produce, or perhaps grab a bite at their courtyard Piazza and Picnic. Follow the link for more info.

Cook St Collective in Flinders

A locally loved artist-run collaboration with a varied array of styles from across the 15 resident artists as well as pieces from emerging and non represented artists on display in the Blackroom Art Space in flinders. See whose work is currently on display via their website or just pop into their store during opening hours Friday-Monday at 41 Cook Street, Flinders.

Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park

Stroll through the outdoor sculpture gallery enjoying art from international and Australian artists. Open daily from 11am to 5pm, Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park offers tickets for 30-minute or 60-minute walks through the landscaped gardens. The sculptures range in styles, representing culture and artistic expression from all walks of life. https://www.ptleoestate.com.au/tag/sculpture-park/

Aspects Gallery in Blairgowrie

Specialising in coastal art, the gift store at Aspects Gallery is a great place to find a special memento of your holiday.

Made by Bowie in Mornington

A light and plant-filled workshop space has just opened up alongside the retail space with handmade and functional wares with a mid-century feel from mugs to vases and pot planters. Head into their bold yet calm shop front at 25 Diane St, Mornington, or check out Made By Bowie online to inquire about their upcoming workshops, or pick up a new piece.

Sorrento Galleries

From contemporary art to one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewellery, Sorrento has something to suit everybody’s tastes.Manyung Contemporary Art Gallery (Sorrento, Flinders, Mt Eliza, and Mornington locations) https://www.manyunggallery.com.au Gallery Vespa Showcasing local artists. https://www.facebook.com/GalleryVespa333 Nura Gallery Exploration of Australian cultural identity. https://nuragallery.com.au/about Jeffery Malesa Gallery A beloved local jeweller specialising in personally designed jewellery. Upstairs 101 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

Aegean Design Studio in Portsea

After enjoying the sights and maybe another coffee on the foreshore, be sure to check out Aegean Designs on the main strip of shops in Portsea – where seascapes are captured on canvas with a mixture of paint and an unceasing love for the ocean. To view their current exhibition follow this link.

The Valley Country Club in Safety Beach

With online bookable public access greens, mini-golf, tennis courts and a restaurant, The Valley Country Club provides a bit of fun for the whole family in Safety Beach.

Flinders Golf Club

Not a member, not a problem! Flinders Golf Club is open to visitors 7 days a week. You can find their green availability times and pricing via this link. The pro-shop also hires out all the equipment you might need including golf clubs, buggies, and electric carts. All you need to do is book a time via their website, don smart casual attire, and bring your golf green etiquette.

Bay Views Golf Course in Rosebud

Perfect for social groups and public players, this 18 hole public golf course in Rosebud provides convenient access and a welcoming atmosphere for holiday goers. Bay Views Golf Course offers equipment hire and online bookable tee times for either an 18 or 9 hole round of golf. Follow this link to access their bookings page and fee listing. Located within Rosebud Park Recreation Reserve and encompassing a section of the Two Bays Walking Track, the green is surrounded by beautifully maintained bushland and views of the bay.

RACV Resort Golf Course in Cape Schanck

Enjoy a round of golf on this 18 hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior, sate your appetite on some of the finest food on the peninsula at one of the several restaurants and bars within the resort, and then why not top it all off by easing your muscles with a hammam bathing experience and spa treatment.

Portsea Golf Club

2022 votes are in: Australian Golf Digest rates the Portsea course 49th in Australia! Rolling fairways and challenging bunkers invite true golf enthusiasts to test their skills on this public access green. With online bookable tee times, course tours, views of Port Phillip Bay, and a club house offering event/corporate venue hire with superb modern cuisine and exceptional service, Portsea Golf Club is sure to be a hit.

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

This one is certainly for the love of golf! Designed by renowned architect, Tom Doak, St Andrews Beach Golf Course is an 18 hole course with an outstanding reputation. No pretence, no fuss – voted one of the best greens in Australia, but without any of the hoops of private membership clubs. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to simply enjoy the essence of the game and be in the moment. Be sure to check out their midweek promotions before you book online here. Go Coastal Holidays also offers accommodation situated right on the cusp of the rolling terrain, literally step out onto the back deck of our St Andrews Beach Appartments and take in the manicured greens and native surrounds of the course.

The Dunes in Rye

The Dunes Golf Links was designed by Tony Cashmore and ranked #23 of Australia’s best courses! The Dunes have thought of everything! Bring your A-game by warming up with a Pilates for Golfers class before hitting the green. Run regularly, every class is tailored specifically to address muscles used for golfing, which can not only help prevent injury or strain but also improves imbalances. Running events, challenges and competitions all year round, there’s usually something on to get involved with down at the links. Peninsula Hot springs is only 3km down the road and with the Dune’s Hot Springs Partner package, everyone will be happy. Super convenient with online bookable tee times and pricing here, options for lessons with pro, Gavin Coyle, the choice of a driving range, a 9 hole Cups Course, as well as an 18 hole championship course, The Dunes Golf Links has got you covered.

Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

Bay Play in Portsea Immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea! Be awed by myriad curiosities of an underwater world by taking a scuba diving tour with BayPlay Adventure Tours. The Scuba Doctors in Rye If you’re feeling adventurous give the Scuba Doctors a call to organise a dive trip accompanied by a professional and local expert. They also have heaps of equipment hire, so you can get kitted out with all the necessary gear and snorkel around the rock pools unaccompanied. Safety Tip We recommend caution when snorkelling at the back beach. Please always stick to rock pools as the beach is not patrolled and often hazardous due to strong rips and large waves. Whereas the Bay is a serene delight for even the most amateur snorkelers.

Paragliding at Portsea

Watch paragliders take off from the Portsea Launch and soar through the air above the stunning ocean beach coastline. Or book a tandem flight and experience the exhilaration of flying for yourself! Contact Melbourne Paragliding to have a chat with the friendly staff about their tandem flights and license courses.

Enchanted Adventure Garden in Arthurs Seat

Test your coordination and daring with a Tree Surfing lesson at Enchanted Adventure Garden. With levels for all ages, you can harness up yourself or watch on as your little one climbs, jumps and swings while safely connected to a continuous belay system. The Nippers course is open to four and five years old, with a one-on-one assisting adult guiding them through the course. The park also boasts several mazes, tube slides, formal gardens, a cafe and lots of space to run and play.

The Ranch in Cape Schanck

Experience the joy and exhilaration of The Ranch in Cape Schanck with horse and pony rides, mountain boarding, adventure parks and camps. For kids aged 18 months to nine years, The Ranch offers pony rides and an animal nursery experience. From seven years and up, the family can enjoy horse riding lessons from fundamentals up to an introductory level ride on the ocean-view trail. There is plenty on offer for the entire family to enjoy, check out their list of activities via the link.