Destination focus: Mornington Peninsula
It’s just an hour from Melbourne but the Mornington Peninsula feels like a world away. Here’s everything you should see and do in the Mornington Peninsula.
Do
The Mornington Peninsula proudly claims to be Australia’s number one golfing destination, so be sure to bring your clubs. There are 20 courses across 15 clubs, a number of which are in the country’s top 10. The huge Moonah Links complex has two world-class courses and The Dunes offers an exclusive private club-style experience that’s open to the public. Many of the courses hug the rugged coastline, making for jaw-dropping views from every hole.
Explore
The Mornington Peninsula owns more than 10 per cent of Victoria’s total coastline, so it makes sense that there’s plenty to do on (and under) the water. Snorkel along the Octopus’ Garden trail, a signposted 200-metre dive site along the Rye Pier. Experiences divers can try one of the 60 shipwrecks that lie submerged in the water or explore the Pope’s Eye, an artificial reef built in the 1880s. Then there’s standup paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, fishing and sailing. And did we mention you can swim with dolphins?
Relax
Holidays are about down time, so where better to relax than at Victoria’s first natural hot springs centre? At Peninsula Hot Springs natural thermal mineral water is pumped from deep underground into communal pools or private baths. There are more than 20 wellness experiences on offer including a traditional hammam, reflexology walk, cave pool and a hilltop pool with 360-degree views over the surrounding bushland.
Eat & drink
There are more than 50 wineries scattered throughout the Mornington Peninsula, producing incredible pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, pinot gris and pinot grigio. Then there’s the fresh caught seafood, artisanal cheese, crusty bread and heavenly honey, all to be bought directly from the producers. If you want to get a snapshot of the best the region has to offer, the local tourism board has a number of trail maps themed around wine, cider, food, farms and more that you can download.
Stay
If you plan to play a lot of golf, then check in to one of the stylish resorts attached to the best clubs like Peppers Moonah Links, Mercure Portsea or RACV Cape Shanck. There are some great caravan parks and campsites around the region, some of which let you pitch a tent almost on the beach. There’s even a plush glamping experience that will set up a vintage caravan or luxury tent for you to camp with class.
What’s your favourite thing to do in the Mornington Peninsula? Share your travel advice in the comments below.