Local Escapes

Your Guide To The Mornington Peninsula In 2025

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A small cove beach with blue waters and blue sky.

A true treasure of Victoria’s coastline, the Mornington Peninsula (Boon Wurrung) has some of the most pristine beaches and bushlands in Victoria. The sheer popularity of the affectionately dubbed ‘Ninch’ has grown exponentially with the area basically becoming an extension of metropolitan Melbourne. 

Melbourne's semi-metropolitan coast is a big drawcard during the warmer months, home to scenic coastal hikes, premier wineries and cellar doors that provide a magical backdrop for weekends. To make sure you make the most of your trip we've listed a couple of spots worthy of your time, from coffee stops, shops to browse, where to swim, head out for dinner or a wine and where to crash out for a night or two.

Here's everywhere to eat, drink, see, do and stay on the Mornington Peninsula in 2025:

Where To Stay

Hotel Sorrento

5/15 Hotham Road, Sorrento


Image: Hotel Sorrento | Supplied

With stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and a luxury poolside terrace, there's never a bad time to book in a stay at one of 's stunning rooms or studios. Starting at , guests will be treated to a night's stay in either the Heritage Room or the modern On The Hill Studio along with a bottle of Montalto Pinot Noir or Paringa Estate Chardonnay—and a set of robes to slip into—on arrival. The package also includes dinner for two at either The Dining Room for a classic affair, or the modern Cantonese-inspired restaurant Shihuishi. Learn more and book your stay . 

Cape Schanck House 

Cape Schanck


Image: Cape Schanck House | Supplied

If you’re all about design then  is the one for you. The award-winning stay took out best house at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects awards. Located in the quiet region of  on the Mornington Peninsula, this stay is only minutes away from pristine ocean beaches, wineries, and the famed lighthouse walk. Inside the white and black colour scheme let the surrounding tree life shine, the living room is centred around a waterdrop sculpture that extends from the room to the floor, and a curved leather lounge looks onto a wide fireplace. Its minimalist style provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway, time to enjoy the simpler things. 

Tulum 

Balnarring

best accomodation mornington peninsula
Image: Tulum | Supplied

You’ve surely come across the incredibly aesthetic  in your searches for a getaway. The pristinely curated stay has been architecturally designed and is the very definition of beach-chic. Located in Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula,  provides a romantic getaway like few others; nestled conveniently in one of Victoria’s best wine regions you’re only a short drive to award-winning wineries and cellar doors. The black-painted exterior opens up into a light-filled white-washed oasis, where each feature has been cleverly considered; crafting a perfect contrast of balanced shades and colours to keep you at ease. 

The Keith Motel

1929 Point Nepean Road, Tootgarook


Image: The Keith Motel | Supplied

If you’re chasing something that feels quaint yet updated then the new kid on the block is definitely the spot for you—The Keith Motel. A place where saltwater chic meets that retro motel feel, boasting a cosy yet luxurious escape destination.

With 16 spacious rooms, this joint welcomes all, whether it's a romantic getaway or a chaotic family escape, you’ll feel ready to relax at Expect soft white bed linen and more than enough plush bed pillows to match. Plus, they provide a games room, BBQ’s and a communal cabana, lined with rustic wooden tables and striped umbrellas, ticking off that vacation feel.

Breakfast And Lunch 

Commonfolk Coffee 

Mornington & Frankston 

best cafe mornington peninsula
Image: Commonfolk Coffee | Supplied

The premium caffeine operators of the entire peninsula, you’ll find Commonfolk coffee in almost every grinder on the Ninch. Alongside their wholesaling, they’ve also got two spanking cafe spaces in Mornington and Frankston, park up for a couple of mugs of freshly brewed batch brew, top-notch single-origin espresso, and just about every milk option you can think of.

The Mornington venue is a converted warehouse with plenty of vibe; the food is always on point from 18-hour slow-cooked pork Cubano to strawberry french toast. They also roast next door so there’s plenty of coffee stock to stash at home. 

Miller's Bread Kitchen

Mornington & Frankston 


Image: Miller's Bread Kitchen | Supplied

The peninsula is famous for plentiful wineries but when it's earlier in the day the options can be more limited. The  has come in to fill the gap, their range of freshly-baked bread, pastries, cakes, pies and sausage rolls has garnered them plenty of notoriety well past the coast. Helmed by a tight-knit family unit, the bakery and cafe destination swung open their door at their converted mechanic's garage space back in 2019.

Led by Rebecca Graley, Vanessa Miller and head baker Tyler Miller who formerly trained at Brunswick Street favourite, , the plethora of baked goods is staggering from their incredibly visually aesthetic potato and rosemary topped Foccacia, to their sourdough made from freshly-milled flour from and the outstanding croissants, cinnamon scrolls and cakes that line the cabinets. There's now a second location in Mornington, , which is headed up by veteran chef, Tom Ward who has put his expertise to work, crafting a range of knock-out pies from an Osso Buco number to a slow-cooked Morrocan lamb—. 

Hobson

1489 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud


Image: Hobson Rosebud | Supplied

Along a quiet stretch of Nepean Road on the Mornington Peninsula, you'll discover the rather distinctive art deco facade of the freshly minted, . The roadside cafe is a stone's throw from the foreshore and is a beacon for quality coffee and good times.
 
Not new to the industry, Hobson is the latest project from and the ; the team behind venues such as Hotel Collingwood, Bentwood, Clubhouse and who have also taken over the reins of Sorrento destination,  to critical acclaim. Outside wooden picnic tables line perfect for an early summer morning coffee whilst the inside is a large light-filled space with plenty of nooks and crannies to sink into after a hearty beach session, with a menu of brunch favourites and Inglewood espresso it's a hard spot to beat. 

Zarb & Ru 

1037 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud

best cafe mornington peninsula
Image: Zarb & Ru | Supplied

A true hidden gem tucked away in the main strip of Rosebud’s shops, is a hole-in-the-wall cafe with plenty of soul. Here you’ll find good coffee, baked goods and a staple selection of house-made toasties, grilled to perfection in the jaffle irons behind the bar; the menu ranges from your standard ham, swiss cheese and pickle to your prosciutto with poached pear and gorgonzola, there's plenty to like here. With a big focus on keeping it local, there’s also an array of artisan ceramics, artwork, and designs on offer. 

Wombat Cafe

230 Boundary Road, Dromana

best cafe mornington peninsula
Image: Wombat Cafe | Supplied

is a plant-powered fuelling station, home to one of the best smoothies in the state; the ‘High Roller’, a creamy blend of banana, peanut butter, vanilla and almond milk with a peanut crumble and is easily consumed momentarily. The cafe sprawls from the sun-soaked outdoor area with cushions and benches to the inside with plenty of vegan pantry staples to stock up on. There are also substantial menu options like the berry and banana pancakes with coconut ice cream and compote and a tofu scramble burrito with chipotle mayo. The coffee pouring here is roasted around the corner by , who have their caffeine HQ in the Dromana industrial estate. 

Red Gum BBQ

87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill

best restaurant mornington peninsula
Image: Red Gum BBQ | Supplied

It may be difficult to spot if you don’t what you’re looking for, but if you get close enough the smokey aromas of are sure to lead you right to the door. This clandestine BBQ operation is set back behind a bush-heavy petrol station, if you follow the driveway up you'll be met with the converted shed which features its very own smoke grill. On the menu, you’ve got a hearty selection of BBQ options from pulled pork to beef brisket—all sourced locally from Victorian farmers.

Nothing quite hits the spot that with slow-cooked barbecue than sides and Red Gum don't hold back with a classic lineup of mac n cheese, broccoli salad, cornbread, coleslaw and more. In traditional bbq fashion, the drink of choice here is beer, and they’ve got a rotating selection of craft ales on tap, including local favourites, . 

St Andrews Brewery 

160 Sandy Road, Fingal

best brewery mornington peninsula
Image: St Andrews Brewery | Supplied

The peninsula is home to some seriously good beer, whilst you’re spoilt for choice for breweries all over the coast, St Andrews’s impressive stomping grounds in Fingal is a special experience. Set on a 92-hectare stretch of land, the light-filled outdoor area is set back from the main streets of the peninsula; the former horse racing track still retains some of its yesteryear charm with renovated stables that open up to the beer garden.

Now most importantly, what’s pouring here? You'll find a range of the famed St Andrews beers including their Australian Larger, Race Day Pilsner, and IPA. Can't decide? Get a tasting paddle whipped up and sample your way through the entire catalogue. Food-wise you've got your staple beer accompanying dishes from buffalo wings to pizza, burgers and more; more than enough to counteract a couple pints. 

Where To Swim 

Mount Martha 


Image: Mount Martha | Supplied

A pinnacle of the peninsula’s beach offering, has a stunning beach right in the heart of town; a long stretch of sand extends from the cliff point right down towards Mornington. Being a bay beach you needn’t worry about rips or waves, just gentle blue water that shimmers in the sun; there’s also plenty of beautiful nooks around the cliff edge of Mount Martha that are perfect for snorkelling and fishing. 

Sorrento Back Beach

With a little more thrust than the bay, this ocean-side beach can look completely different depending on the swells and tides. Still absolutely stunning, is a playground for activities from clean beach break waves out the back; to rockpools on low tide and a long stretch of sand that is sheltered from the winds from the surrounding cliffs. 

Bushranger’s Bay 

A hike is always better when there’s something waiting on the other side, and this coastal treasure is one hell of a reward after the 35-40 minute gentle trek through the bush. Located down in Cape Schank,  is a true sight to behold, but only experienced swimmers should delve deep as the currents can be quite strong here. However, if you prefer to take it easy on low tide you can access the swimmable rock pools an absolute natural marvel of the state. Also, keep an eye out for the local Kangaroo community on your walk, they love to hop in and out of the shrub. 

Where To Wine And Dine 

T'Gallant Winery

1385 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge

A busy Tuscan-style dining room, a Mornington Peninsula winery.
Image: T'Gallant Winery | Supplied

For decades busloads of eager weekend punters have unloaded onto the grounds of . A pinnacle of the Mornington Peninsula's rich wine community, the vineyard, cellar door and trattoria in Main Ridge has just seen a mighty makeover—a 12-month hibernation that saw a completely new renovation of the space and the offering. Working alongside design firm Bergman & Co, the entire grounds ooze a rustic Tuscan countryside feel while still retaining its coastal Victorian origin. 

A collection of dark warm timber furnishings, rattan-style pendant lighting and artwork craft a warm and ambient environment and the renowned Pinot grigio and noir are omnipresent both indoors and out. The staple wood-fire oven has remained a fixture, churning out rectangular slabs of salumi-laden and buffalo mozzarella-topped pizzas, as well as smaller Sputino (snack-style) plates of cold cuts and burrata. 

Shi Hui Shi 

5-15 Hotham Road, Sorrento

Andreas Papadakis y
Image: Shi Hui Shi | Supplied

Located in the basement of the 150-year-old Hotel Sorrento,  is a surprising yet magnificent addition to the coastal pub. Descend the stairs away from the clamour of the upstairs dining room and front bar into the limestone clandestine restaurant with an 80s-esque aesthetic of orange and dark-wooden wall features—a reference to the original Chinese diner that inhabited the space. 

Specialising in Cantonese dining, head chef Junlin Yi (Red Spice Road) has crafted a tidy menu that showcases favourites but with a distinct spin, from chicken and truffle dumplings, green beans topped with house-made XO sauce, to a staple yet unforgettable roast duck with hoi sin, pancakes and cucumber. 

Jackalope

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North

Yum Cha with a dumpling at a popular Mornington Peninsula restaurant
Image: Jackalope Hotel | Supplied

Those who have stayed at before will know all about their popcorn and ice cream room service, but this summer they’re bringing to life an even more ambitious cinema situation. Plonk yourself under the hypnotic 10,000-globe chandelier in Doot Doot Doot where guests will have the opportunity to feast on a pre-movie menu, boasting seasonal flavours layered with local produce. From here, guests will retreat to their private hotel rooms, where they can enjoy the film from their private terrace (for those with a Vineyard Facing) or settle in on the iconic Jackalope pool deck.

Guests will be invited to enjoy the film via Bluetooth headphones, with all the cinema favourites on offer; unlimited popcorn, ice cream and a tailored cinema menu full of nostalgic-inspired treats and plenty of wine from the on-property vineyard.

And if you don’t fancy spending the evening, you can now take advantage of a day-pass as well for the pool deck and other facilities for only $249.99. Bargain!

For bookings and everything else you need to know, .

Pizza Luna x Quealy Winemakers

62 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring


Image: Pizza Luna | Supplied

Can’t get enough pizza and wine? Us either. Down on the ‘Ninch, tucked away in Balnarring is Quealy Winemakers who are running a summer residency with .

The family-run vineyard will host Simon Cassar’s ‘less-is-more’ slices every weekend, offering a menu of four 12-inch pizzas that showcase his philosophy. From the classic ‘Marg’ to the savoury ‘Salami’ and the vibrant ‘Vego,’ each pizza is crafted with the highest quality ingredients to complement Quealy’s latest vintages, including their skin contact Ribolla Gialla and Splendido sparkling wine.

Portsea Hotel

3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea


Image: Portsea Hotel | Supplied

From 3-19 January, the iconic Mornington Peninsula pub will be hosting a refined Japanese dining pop-up, promising immaculate sushi and nigiri, sake-infused cocktails, and sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay. Priced at $150pp, the set-menu-only experience invites guests to indulge in six courses by Chef-in-Residence Yukio Ozeki, showcasing the highest quality sustainably sourced seafood and Wagyu. To make a booking, head . 

Tedesca Osteria 

175 Mornington-Flinders Road, Red Hill

best restaurants mornington peninsula
Image: Tedesca Osteria | Supplied

One with a couple of awards under its hat, is the quaint yet chic Osteria in Red Hill. Focused on showcasing the rich produce grown on the Mornington Peninsula, Tedesca is the brainchild of chef-owner Brigitte Hafner, who’s developed a set menu dining experience that's based around seasonal ingredients and cooked with an Italian-centric approach with their now signature wood-fired oven and grill.

Your typical long lunch at Tedesca will feature hand-rolled pasta, a seafood dish, a main meat course, and finally a dessert; being a seasonal menu, the dishes vary. The entire space is an aesthetic marvel, the converted 1940s house feels like an incredibly well-curated home with rustic farm-style charm, including the freestanding fireplace and secluded dining areas that look out onto the wide property. 

Alatonero

671 Point Nepean Road, McCrae

best restaurants mornington peninsula
Image: Alatonero | Supplied

Situated just across from the stunning McCrae beach, this little suburb's terrazzo-style Greek restaurant is not one to miss. , which means ‘saltwater’ in Greek, is an open-spaced Santorini-inspired diner, its colourful and vibrant atmosphere is bolstered by its feature tiles, olive trees, tea lights, and white-washed walls and deck.

When lit up it's a beacon for good times and authentic greek cuisine after a hard day at the beach or in the bush. Here the food is meant for sharing, the menu features a range of ‘mezze’ smaller plates such as the saganaki with fig and lemon, fried calamari with harissa aioli and more. On the mains front, you've got your more staple Greek flavours with the Moussaka, baby barramundi with citrus and ouzo beurre blanc, and of course, your Souvlaki, which comes in lamb, chicken as well as a vegetarian option with zucchini fritters. 

Martha’s Table

5 Waterfront Place, Safety Beach

best restaurants mornington peninsula
Image: Martha's Table | Supplied 

Down in the marina end of Safety Beach in Martha Cove, the newly minted is one of the more recent openings for the peninsula. The Mediterranean-inspired diner is a sleek operation, covering all bases with a restaurant, aperitivo bar, wine cellar and its very own providore, eloquently dubbed ‘The Grocer’, stocking a range of delicacies and local produce. Kitchen-wise it doesn’t get much better, helmed by Adam Beckett previously of Paringa Estate, Quay, and Vue De Monde, you can expect a menu of modern takes on European flavours, all from the wood-fired grill.

The refined menu features simple yet fully-rounded dishes like ricotta gnocchi, with fresh chard, or flounder cooked whole across the wood fire and served with Grenoble sauce. The drinks menu from Arthurs Bar is equally impressive with several drops from local wineries and imported bottles from select regions. 

Loosies Diner 

97 Beleura Hill Road, Mornington

best restaurants mornington peninsula
Image: Loosies Diner | Supplied

When you walk through a door and you’re greeted with a wall heavy with picture frames of Keith Richards, Dolly Parton, and Elvis’s mug shot you know you’re in for a good time. is exactly that, a good time; the laid-back American 70s-style diner is full with perspex glass booth seating, retro light fittings, and Pabst Blue-Ribbon beer on tap to boot. The allure of Loosies retro appeal is hard to convey, it’s a necessary in-person experience; sitting down to a slew of burgers, loaded fries, and sides, and topping things off in-true diner fashion with a whipped cream adorned apple pie or a couple of picklebacks.  

Kerri Greens Winery

38 Paringa Road, Red Hill South

best winery mornington peninsula
Image: Kerri Greens Winery | Supplied

Sure we could throw out the peninsula big three; Jackalope, Montalto, and Point Leo but you’re no doubt already across them, one you’ve probably not encountered is the gem that is . Definitely a slower pace, Kerri Greens is a winery, cellar door and all-time space for sampling some of the best wine on the peninsula. 

Set on a magnificent sprawling property in Red Hill South, Kerri Greens offers a range of quality drops of chardonnay and pinot noir, highlighting that rich Mornington Peninsula soil and climate that has become the bedrock of some of Victoria’s top wines. The added plus of Kerri Greens is its doggo-friendly and BYO picnic policy, pack a spread at home and set up on the lawns of the winery that overlook the expansive vineyards. 

Jimmy Rum Distillery 

6 Brasser Avenue, Dromana

Being Victoria’s first rum distillery is a huge title to hold, but the guys at do a damn good job at it. Not just a place to eat and drink, but an awakening experience to the pleasures of enjoying rum. Although the menu is truly phenomenal—I’m talking, perfectly cooked Argentinian style hammer steak, atop a cauliflower puree, with charred broccolini and chimichurri, a crispy Japanese style pork belly, or pieces of perfectly spiced roasted cauliflower with a rose water yoghurt—and we can say from first hand experience all these things go down a treat when paired with a rum cocktail. Jimmy Rum Distillery has a lot of experiences on offer, but the tasting bench really hit the spot for us. Trust me when I say I went into this distillery with low expectations of my palette for rum, but left absolutely itching for more—and yes you’ll be tasting things neat! 

What To Do 

Arthurs Seat Eagle 

1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Arthurs Seat

things to do mornington peninsula
Image: Arthurs Seat Eagle | Supplied

No doubt you’ve probably heard about it or seen the while climbing the winding road up to Arthurs seat in the car, but actually taking flight on the ski-mountain style lift is an absolute must-do experience. Giving you an absolutely spanking 360º view as you near the top watch the native bushland lead down the cliffs and to the water. ​

Learn To Surf With Salty Surf School 

Beach Road, Shoreham

things to do mornington peninsula
Image: Salty Surf School | Supplied

It’s not a true trip to the coast without at least pushing outside of your comfort zone into the whitewash. If inexperience and hesitance to fall repeatably have kept you from pursuing your surfing dreams, then boy do we have the thing for you. is a bonafide learn-to-surf experience, typically set in the more beginner-friendly waters of Western Port Bay, Fraser and his team of surf trainers will show you the ropes from paddling and pop-ups to navigating the seas.

Shop At Dromana Habitat 

40 Collins Road, Dromana


Image: Dromana Habitat | Supplied

Transforming the industrial estate of Dromana into a cultural precinct,  is a collective featuring some of the Peninsula's top makers, crafters and artisans. Tucked away just off Nepean Road, the creative new community features a slew of different shops from custom surfboards and apparel at , hand-crafted jeans from , small-batch gin, rum and cheese, and even the famed gluten-free brewery . There's plenty more to discover, check it all .

Bayplay Sea Kayak Through Dolphin Sanctuary 

3755 Point Nepean Road, Portsea

There is no better way to experience the crystal blue coastline of the Peninsula, than being up close and personal with it, gliding along blissfully in a sea kayak. —yes a fitting name for what they have on offer, will take you on a salty adventure through the Dolphin sanctuary, you’ll paddle around the picturesque Point Nepean National Park, learn about the history of Port Phillip Bay and all the beautiful marine life that call the area home. With a bit of luck you’ll be splashing across the water alongside some playful pods of Dolphins. We’ve got some first hand experience of this tour and it was the perfect way to start our Saturday Morning, with some adventure and a whole lot of beautiful scenery.

Red Hill Candle Co. Make Your Own Candle

1/4 Thomson Terrace, Dromana

Nestled on the back streets of Dromana, there’s a hidden gem that smells even better than it looks - I know what you’re thinking, when you picture a beach holiday on the Ninch, a candle shop is not at the top of the list for must-do activities. But Red Hill Candles are doing things a little differently, giving you the space to not only sniff but make your very own custom blended soy candles. Whether you take part in the scent lab workshop or the scent library, you can expect a ridiculous amount of fragrances all lined up for you to try and pair with others before deciding on your perfect match. We went with a blend of tobacco, fig and woodsmoke for ours, and topped it off with a personalised label, giving it that extra special touch.

Dromana Drive-In 

133 Nepean Highway, Dromana

seriously serves classic movie charm, with a quirky American diner to match, and they’ve been showcasing flicks on their four screens for locals and visitors alike, since 1962. Not only do they keep up with the hottest new Hollywood blockbusters, but you can expect some cult classics to bless your screens as well. The drive-in experience was the perfect way to end a day of adventuring, drinking and eating, watching a flick amongst the stars—yes you can see the stars again when you get out of the city!

Alba Thermal Spa 

282 Browns Road, Fingal

Putting into words really is a hard task…but we’ll try our best. Prepare for your breath to literally be taken away as you enter the cool and curved concrete entrance-way. The design has been curated to evoke feelings of calmness, and it really pulls through on this front, you’ll be kitted with fluffy white slippers and a plush robe to match. A spiralling grey toned staircase will wind endlessly above a circular pool, before you ascend the outside stairs into paradise.

There are 31 thermal pools spread across the perfectly manicured landscape that surprisingly blends with the native elements with ease.  Alba offers it all, from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools, to pools that are infused with herbal botanicals, each with a different architectural design that has you feeling like you’ve entered a new world as you try them all— fully immersing yourself in the healing powers of the hot springs. To take your day of relaxation and wellness to the next level, sweat it out in the sauna as you gaze into the native shrubbery that surrounds the building, and finish it off with a steam room session. Of course the spa area is crafted to feel luxurious, with various , to add that extra glow to your mind and body. 

Looking for a pet-friendly stay? Check some of Victoria's best here

Editor's note: OB真人视讯 editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. OB真人视讯 has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.    

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