Mornington: Day Trips and Tours from Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula day trips from Melbourne will see you discover a relaxed lifestyle, beach vibes, and some of the best wines in Australia. This is European coastal living!

Just an hour away from Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is in the state of Victoria and offers an escape from the big-city hustle and bustle found in the coastal capital of Australia.

Take the time to indulge in the local art scene, rejuvenate your mind at the hot springs, and go hiking to witness local wildlife and scenic landscapes in all their glory. Mornington Peninsula is  one of southeastern Australian most beautiful spots, and is well worth a visit.

Where are the best places to visit in Mornington Peninsula?

Portsea

Indulge in luxury at Portsea, where you will find some of the most expensive real estate in the whole of Australia. Marvel at cliff-top mansions, see the famous Portsea Hotel - which has been standing strong since 1927 - and, if there’s time, partake in a spot of golf while enjoying impressive views towards Port Phillip beaches.

Sorrento

Sorrento enjoys its own slice of history as the state of Victoria’s first mainland European settlement. Today, it’s one of the most fashionable towns in Victoria. Sullivan's Bay makes for a particularly scenic area at dawn, while many of the limestone buildings in the town are protected by the National Trust. A day trip to Mornington Peninsula wouldn’t complete without stopping by at one of Sorrento’s idyllic beaches.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Wild and windswept ocean beaches line Mornington Peninsula National park, which is located on the far western rim of the peninsula. Set off on a hiking trail and discover the park’s scenic coastal areas along the cliff tops. During your day trip from Melbourne, jump on a horse and go horseback riding along the beach or try a spot of surfing.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Mornington Peninsula Day Trips From Melbourne cover a range of activities, but sometimes it’s good to indulge in the relaxed life. Soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs, where hot mineral water pours from deep underground into many pools that are set within a picturesque forest of tea trees. There are plenty of treatments on offer, including a Turkish steam bath, reflexology walks, cave pools, and a hilltop pool that features panoramic views.

Point Nepean National Park

Combine history and nature in your day trip from Melbourne and discover the beauty of Point Nepean National park. Once the centre of military activity, today the rugged landscape mixes with soft-sandy beaches and historical sites. There are several historical walking tours to explore, including the Gunner’s Cottage Walk, and Nepean Discovery Walk.

Quarantine Station

Part of Nepean National Park, Quarantine Station houses almost 50 heritage buildings and is a former station where people were quarantined. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination where they can admire the station and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding areas.

Port Phillip

The entrance to Australia’s busiest port, Port Phillip is also one of the most popular tourist destinations Down Under. With plenty of coastal parks and pristine beaches, visitors can enjoy hikes and chill-out sessions on the beach. There are also plenty of boat tours that take you round the coast of this little slice of paradise.

Red Hill Community Market

Try something different with one of your Mornington Peninsula day trips from Melbourne at one of Victoria’s first craft markets. First started in 1975, it’s held on the first Saturday of each month, and houses more than 300 creative stall holders. Each  one grows, bakes and makes an eclectic mix of items and food.

Wineries

Mornington Peninsula is well known for its wine making, which is why any day trip from Melbourne should include at least one wine tour. There are plenty of boutique wineries dotted all over the region. You can enjoy sampling some of the finest wine in Australia with a tour guide and transport, meaning that you don’t have to worry about driving back to Melbourne.

Flinders

Flinders is one of Mornington’s most charming villages, thanks to its historic streetscape that features boutique shops, local eateries, galleries, antique outlets, and even golf courses. First settled in 1854, the village also has options for plenty of coastal walks where you can enjoy the stunning Mornington Peninsula coastline.

How to get to Mornington Peninsula? How long does it take?

Mornington Peninsula is about 75km from Melbourne, which equates to about an hour’s drive. There is also a train service available with the Metropolitan running every 15-25 minutes. Jump on at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and head to Frankston. There are also bus services from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula.

How much do Mornington Peninsula day trips from Melbourne cost?

Mornington Peninsula day trips from Melbourne range in price. Expect to pay between AU$135 and AU$215 (US$94 and US$ 146) for most group day trips.

Private day trips are more expensive and cost anywhere between AU$300 and AU$800 (about US$200 and US$550).

The majority of day trips include wine-tasting tours and visits to Mornington Peninsula’s sweeping coastlines.

When is the best time to visit Mornington Peninsula?

February through April is an ideal time to go on Mornington Peninsula day trips from Melbourne if you’re after the best climate. It’s still warm, meaning visitors can enjoy plenty of water activities. However, the schools are back in action, so it will be much quieter than if you visit during the holiday season.

Travel tips

• There is plenty to do in Mornington Peninsula, which makes it an ideal day trip no matter your taste. Wine lovers should go on a wine-tasting tour and discover all of the boutique wineries in the region to sample some of the finest wines around.
• Beach bums will instantly fall in love with Mornington Peninsula’s laid-back beaches that are designed for some serious chill-out sessions. The year-round warm weather also means you will likely be able to go for a swim at any time.
• Shopping is also high on the agenda for those who visit Mornington Peninsula. The local towns and villages have plenty of boutique shops where you can find a gem or two. There are also loads of local restaurants to try. And of course, there are plenty of hikes to enjoy amongst the natural beauty of Mornington Peninsula.