Just a one hour drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has long been known as Melbourne's weekend playground. For international guests, the Peninsula is a perfect addition to a Melbourne visit, offering some of Australia's best food and wine, golf, adventure, beach and leisure activities.
With a moderate, coastal climate, the Peninsula offers year-round opportunities to explore the region's wineries or tee off on its world-class golf courses. Over 50 cellar doors and restaurants dot the rolling hills around Jackalope's own 11-hectare vineyard, while 20 outstanding golf courses, of which three are rated in Australia's top 10, have cemented the Peninsula's position as Australia's number one golf destination.
Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the Peninsula's unique array of dramatic surf and sheltered bay beaches, natural hot springs, and national parks contribute to the perfect mix of coastal and country reverie.
Walks & Rides
Point Nepean National Park
Scenic Ride / Scenic Walk
Point Nepean really is one of Victoria's beautiful natural landscapes. The park is located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, with outstanding coastal scenery and panoramic views of Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay. Explore the military forts and tunnels, discover the historic Quarantine Station, or simply enjoy the coastal surrounds.
Merricks Trail
Scenic Walk
The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill is 12km return. There are no trains running now, but you can walk this pretty trail for yourself. There are lovely views over Western Port and great coffee/wine/sustenance at either end. The starting point is at Merricks to the north side of the Station Ground Recreation Reserve. The trail climbs steadily for two kilometres providing good views over Western Port to Philip Island the Nobbies and you can turn around at any point.
Bushranger’s Bay Walking Track
Scenic Walk
A 5.4km return coastal and bush track where wallabies are a common sight and the sea glimpses are breathtaking. Bushranger's Bay was the setting for the movie, Where the Wild Things Are, as it is a desolate and beautiful cove that was selected for its wild beauty.
Art & Culture
Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park
Cafe / Cellar Door / Dinner / Gallery / Lunch / Scenic Walk / Winery
Just minutes from Jackalope, Pt. Leo Estate's Sculpture Park has been purpose built to house an ever-evolving array of Australian and international pieces. Alive with colour and a mix of mediums from wood to metal to ceramic tile 40 spectacular large-scale sculptural pieces are set against the backdrop of the ocean, vines, cattle and flowering native Australian gardens, Pt. Leo Estate's restaurants and cellar door are perched on the highest peak of the property. Every table has a 180-degree view over Western Port Bay, Philip island, the vines and the Sculpture Park. Go to website
McClelland Sculpture Gallery
Gallery
An outdoor sculpture as well as a gallery McClelland's has been offering a unique experience since 1970, with 100 permanent outdoor sculptures in the ti-tree forests and an outdoor café also available. You can join one of the free guided tours, twice daily on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Cellar Doors / Restaurants
Pt. Leo Estate
Cafe / Cellar Door / Dinner / Gallery / Lunch / Scenic Walk / Winery
Every detail of this ambitious winery, restaurant and sculpture park is designed to highlight and enhance the unique beauty of the 134-hectare site and its stunning views of Western Port Bay and a distant Phillip Island.
The estate is home to 100 head of Black Angus cattle, a fertile veggie garden, chickens and bees, 50 acres of vines and, with the establishment of the Sculpture Park, over 40 spectacular large-scale sculptural pieces.
Under the guidance of Culinary director, Phil Wood, the restaurant, described as a "modern Australian bistro", echoes the philosophy of bistronomy found in modern Parisian bistros but with an emphasis on Mornington Peninsula produce in the main dining room. "It's a simple, flavour-forward offering that mostly comes off the char-grill or from a wood-fired oven."
Polperro
Cellar Door / Dinner / Lunch / Winery
Set on a stunning 25 acre working property, Polperro delivers a complete vineyard, food and wine experience, offering a bistro and cellar door on site.
An inspired regional menu is complemented by highly acclaimed estate wines, creating a synergy between the vineyard and kitchen. The bistro, designed by Hecker Guthrie, is strikingly modern - earthy, warm and inviting, the space integrates the outdoors seamlessly with its floor-to-ceiling windows and large open-air timber deck. No matter the season, guests can enjoy the ambience of the venue and relax overlooking the vines and valley.
For a full list of Mornington Peninsula cellar doors click here.
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Cellar Door / Dinner / Lunch / Winery
Ten Minutes by Tractor's restaurant aims to effortlessly bring together all the elements necessary for a memorable lunch or dinner: contemporary cuisine from our talented chef, attentive and knowledgeable service, a wine list that's been judged Australia's best, and a relaxed ambience with magnificent views over vineyards and countryside. Chef Adam Sanderson's innovative menu is driven by fresh regional produce and his classic French training is overlaid with the new approach and techniques of restaurants such as The Fat Duck and Noma. The wine list focuses on a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from around the world and includes a select number of key producers, including some of Burgundy's best, allowing you to compare the wine styles from different winemakers, regions and vintages.
Montalto
Cellar Door / Dinner / Lunch / Winery
Montalto produces finely crafted Mornington Peninsula wine with real character from 6 vineyard sites across the Peninsula. The range of vineyard sites provides great natural diversity of fruit and wine style that is important in making interesting and complex wines.
The chef's hat rated Montalto Restaurant is imbued with a provincial spirit. Food is inspired by regional France but anchored in the fresh seasonal produce of the estate and region. Floor to ceiling windows take advantage of the breathtaking and rambling rural outlook of vines, olive groves, sculpture, lakes and wetlands, with pasture, and a hint of the ocean as the backdrop.
The adjoining piazza offers simple, tasty food with wine enjoyed in a garden or courtyard table setting. Selected sites within the property are available for elegant, fully catered outdoor picnic dining, ideal for a romantic lunch or unique experience.
Port Phillip Estate
Cellar Door / Dinner / Lunch / Winery
Gourmet Traveller described the Dining Room at Port Phillip Estate as 'one of Australia's top one hundred dining experiences, the very picture of a chic modernist chateau.' The menu expresses a strong sense of the European influences that lie at the core of Port Phillip Estate.
We love the expansive outdoor timber deck taking advantage of the sweeping vineyard and coastal views to Westernport Bay and Bass Strait.
Water & Wellness
Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club
Lunch / Scenic Ride
Enjoy a day out sailing on board the historic Couta boat, Ripple, for an adventure like no other. Take in the breathtaking views of the cliff tops of Sorrento and Portsea, exploring Port Phillip's vast coastline, world-class swimming beaches and coastal parks. With up to six guests, take a picnic and stop an anchorage point off Point Nepean National Park. On board, sit back and soak in the atmosphere or get your hands salty and take charge. Either way your experienced skipper will make sure it is a spectacular experience.
Peninsula Hot Springs
Cafe / Pool / Sauna / Spa
Set on 42 acres, the Peninsula Hot Spring and Spa offers bathing house and a range of other services that aim to provide a relaxing and rejuvenation global experience for the guests. From Turkish steam baths, reflexology walks, underground sauna, cave pool and spa treatments, the options are endless. The Spa offers additional private pools and focuses on tranquil spaces for the individual. Live music sets the scene of Thursday nights to carry through the baths. There are also a number of dining menus and packages available seven days.
Children's Activities
Green Olive
Activity
Green Olive at Red Hill, winery and olive grove, encourages kids to enjoy and learn from the surroundings of a real working farm on the Mornington Peninsula. Their Farm activities give children the opportunity to meet farm animals, learn about where food comes from, try their hand at creating food, all while spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine.
Salty Surf School Point Leo
Activity
A fun, relaxed and supportive environment where you learn the art of surfing including technical skills, awareness of the ocean and how to stay safe at the beach. Whether it's your first time or you are refining your skills, Salty Surf School can look after you. Small intimate classes allow more one-on-one time with qualified experienced instructors, providing you with relevant feedback and attention to detail.
Moonraker Dolphin Swims
Activity
Enjoy the very best of Victoria's aquatic wildlife. Offering a range of swimming and sightseeing options, from 3-hour Seal and Dolphin Swims to 90-minute wildlife sightseeing adventure cruises, as well as luxury private tours incorporating breakfast, lunch, cocktail and seafood indulgent packages for groups off all kinds. Tours are offered onboard luxury newly purpose-built vessels, with onboard cafe facilities, sun decks and inside lounge areas. Moonraker Dolphin Swims has been operating since 1990, providing unforgettable and spectacular experiences and one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula!
The Enchanted Adventure Garden
Activity / Cafe / Scenic Walk
Featuring three hedge mazes, 5 giant tube slides, 20 themed gardens, an outdoor sculpture park and an indoor 3D maze, this impressive adventure park has something for everyone. Right from the moment you enter, you will be transported into a world of enchantment and fun on a grand scale. The stunning gardens feature excellent examples of relief topiary and contemporary garden design. The Enchanted Adventure Garden is also the home of Australia's famous Tube Slide Rides with their giant twisting slopes, adventurers sit on inflatable tubes and slide down the slope like an artificial ski run. For a thrilling tree top adventure you should also try Tree Surfing.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Activity / Cafe / Scenic Walk
Moonlit Sanctuary is Melbourne's award-winning wildlife park. Get an up-close look at Australia's amazing animals, they have more than 70 Australian species waiting to meet you. Explore the bush-land while feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species.
Ashcombe Maze And Lavender Gardens
Activity / Cafe / Scenic Walk
Home to Australia's oldest and most famous hedge maze, a beautiful circular rose maze, and the year round flowering Lavender Labyrinth, all set among 25 acres of world acclaimed gardens. The traditional hedge Maze is planted with more than 1000 cypress trees and thousands of metres of pathways. Now more than three metres high and two metres thick, the Maze keeper clips the hedges three times a year to keep it sculpted into a curvaceous challenge that will delight and inspire.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
Activity / Cafe / Scenic Walk
Set amongst scenic bushland and rolling hills on Victoria's Hinterland property in Main Ridge, you are invited to explore the harvest fields and pick your own strawberries or simply enjoy a delicious dessert in the café. Picking is fun for all ages and a perfect family activity or a nice activity to do in-between visiting the local wineries.
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Scenic Ride
Gliding quietly through the sky in a gondola at Arthurs Seat Eagle, you could be forgiven for thinking you've been transported a million miles away, rather than one hour's drive from Melbourne. With uninterrupted views, framed by swaying Manna Gums, grazing kangaroos and the trace of distant coastlines, you are immersed in a truly majestic Australian landscape.