There is no better place in Victoria than the Mornington Peninsula. An hour from Melbourne, this location gives you a hint of coastal beauty, hot springs, adventure activities, and beautiful seaside villages. Whether you are looking for relaxation, natural beauty, or gourmet experiences, this list of the best Mornington Peninsula day trips in 2025 will help you create a dream getaway.
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1. Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs
A day trip to Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs is a must. Enjoy the natural geothermal waters surrounded by lush greenery. The mineral-rich pool is good for relaxation and health. Come early to take in the peaceful atmosphere before the masses. Hot springs include private baths, spa treatments, and a reflexology walk to make the visit even more restorative.
2. Explore Sorrento and Portsea
Infamous for their heritage buildings, boutique shops, and scenery, visit the charming towns of Sorrento and Portsea. Visit the London Bridge lookout and enjoy fresh seafood at Sorrento Pier. You can also travel Millionaire’s Walk, a scenic trail along the clifftop with plenty of ocean views and a glance at some of the Peninsula’s most lucrative homes.
3. Hike at Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is ideal if you love hiking. The hiking trails take one to a historic lighthouse and prime cliff areas. As the cooler weather invites hikers to hit the trails, this is the perfect Mornington Peninsula day trip winter option. Particularly good for photographers, especially at sunset, with the ocean breeze and the crashing waves of the sea.
4. Visit Point Nepean National Park
The history of this park is unbelievable, and the coastal walks are incredible. Visit submerged old military forts and tunnels, enjoy stunning ocean views, and walk a long trek that rewards you with a stunning view of the moon. History lovers and nature enthusiasts alike will want to do the Fort Nepean walk. It makes you feel like you can even take a bike ride in the park or participate in a guided tour to learn about the Peninsula’s predecessor in the defence history of Australia.
5. Go Strawberry Picking at Sunny Ridge Farm
Families should visit Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm in Main Ridge. You can choose and pick your fresh strawberries and get delicious berry treats at the farm’s café. It is lots of fun and delicious! The Mornington Peninsula day trip feature wouldn’t be complete without the strawberry hot spot. The fields are full of ripe strawberries in the summer months.
6. Enjoy the Beaches
The Mornington Peninsula day trip is incomplete without seeing the beaches. No matter whether you prefer the cool waters of Mount Martha or the surf of Gunnamatta Beach, you’re always covered. In winter, the beaches are calm; they are the ideal place to take a relaxing walk. The back beaches have dramatic scenery and waves, while the beaches between Safety Beach and Rye Beach are good for families.
7. Discover Arthurs Seat Eagle
Ride a gondola at Arthurs Seat Eagle to get stunning views of the Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay. Walk the beautiful walking trails and picnic areas at the summit. You can also have a coffee in the café and admire the view before heading back down.
8. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Rye
For a bit of an adventurous Mornington Peninsula day trip, try stand-up paddleboarding in Rye. The calm waters make it a great place for a beginner. Along the foreshore, there are rental shops. If you are adventurous, you can even try kayaking or even go on a guided snorkeling tour to see close marine life.
9. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary
Moonlit Sanctuary gets you up close to native Australian wildlife. That conservation park holds koalas and kangaroos and other native animals. A great experience for families and wildlife lovers. You can even take part in a wildlife encounter and have ready wallabies up for you to feed with your own hands.
10. Explore Flinders
Flinders is a picturesque seaside village with a relaxed vibe and is a perfect stop to enjoy while on your Mornington Peninsula day trip. Take a walk on the pier, eat a cosy meal at a lovely café, and visit the local galleries. Blowhole Lookout has stunning coastal views close by. Rock pooling and discovering marine life is also excellent at Flinders Ocean Beach at low tide.
11. Indulge in a Spa Day
As a piece of relaxation, you can book a spa treatment at one of the Peninsula’s luxury wellness retreats. Finish it off with a visit to the hot springs for rejuvenation. Many of the spas even use natural ingredients from the region to provide their customers with massages, facials, and even body scrubs.
12. Discover the Enchanted Adventure Garden
Perfect for families, this adventure park features hedge mazes, tube slides, treetop walks, and zip-lining. A fun-filled day for kids and adults alike. The giant maze is a highlight, offering a fun challenge for visitors of all ages.
13. Take a Dolphin and Seal Swim Tour
Join a boat tour from Sorrento and swim with wild dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you with nature. Even if you don’t want to swim, you can still enjoy watching these incredible marine animals from the boat. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can still watch these fascinating marine animals from the boat.
14. Discover Bushrangers Bay
Bushrangers Bay is one of the Peninsula’s secrets. The rock pools are very impressive to explore, and the water here is absolutely crystal clear. It is a great place to escape the crowd and enjoy nature to the fullest.
15. Enjoy a Picnic at Seawinds Gardens
Seawinds Gardens in Arthurs Seat is a beautiful spot for a picnic. The gardens look across Port Phillip Bay, and the indigenous plants and sculptures in the gardens are a great contrast to the neighboring inner city. Walk in the gardens and calm down. On your Mornington Peninsula day trip it is the perfect place to unwind.
FAQs
1. Do you need a car in Mornington Peninsula?
The best way to explore the Mornington Peninsula day trips would be to have a car. It is also a very spread out place and the public transport options available are limited. If you do not want to drive, you can take guided tours or get rides with ride-sharing services.
2. What is the best time to visit Mornington Peninsula?
The Peninsula is beautiful year-round. Beach activities are excellent in summer, while hiking and especially hot springs are perfect in winter! A relaxed Mornington Peninsula day trip is best from spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
3. Why do people travel to the Mornington Peninsula?
Its stunning beaches, scenic hikes, gourmet food, and hot springs draw people alike. A Mornington Peninsula day trip promises adventure or relaxation for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Peninsula is the place to get away from city life with its natural beauty, various activities to engage in, and relaxation. If you’re planning a Mornington Peninsula day trip, then winter or summer will not disappoint you; whatever you get here will give you memories to tell for your lifetime.