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The perfect Mornington Peninsula day trip involves scenic bay views, fine local produce, a winery or two, a dramatic coastal walk and strolling through seaside villages. Only an hours drive from Melbourne, this Morning Peninsula Day Trip itinerary has a variety of experiences to enjoy.
Start with paramount views across the bay
There are so many things to do on a day trip to Mornington Peninsula, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why I have put together this 1 day Mornington Peninsula itinerary for you. It is one of Victoria’s premier regions and the perfect day trip from Melbourne.
I’m sure you going to love the region. In fact this day trip to the Mornington Peninsula could easily turn into a weekend getaway.
All the following stops are relatively close as you move in a circuit to get the most out of your day.
Want to stay a little longer?
Budget friendly accommodation that rates highly
Admiral Motor Inn – Rosebud – King deluxe room from $146
Sorrento Beach Motel – Sorrento- Deluxe Queen – from $157
Portsea Hotel – Portsea – Deluxe Suite – from $220
Arthur’s Seat
Heading down the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, take the exit for Arthurs Seat.
The Arthur’s Seat Lookout is the perfect first stop. You will enjoy sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay and the Peninsula, taking in pristine golden beaches.
The Arthurs Seat Circuit Walking Trail is a great way to stretch the legs and take in the coastal scenery from different vantage points.
A distance of 1.8 km, you will pass the Matthew Flinders Monument, William Rickett’s sculptures, Seawind Garden and Indigenous Gardens. This walk is considered moderate and is expected to take around 45 minutes. It starts and ends from Seawinds Entry Road, Arthurs Seat.
This location is also home to Arthur’s Seat Eagle where visitors can take a return trip gondola down the mountain.
For more information, prices and reviews – head to Trip Advisor.
The Arthur’s Seat hotel is also here and is worth a stop for lunch or a quick drink. Large open windows give all patrons a superb view of the entire area. There is an indoor and outdoor dining area.
Indulge your taste buds throughout the hinterland
Heading along Arthurs Seat Road, your next destination is only a 10 minute drive away. We are headed for the highly popular produce and winery region of Red Hill and Main Ridge.
Here, you’ll get inspired by a large range of local farm fresh producers. Red Hill and Main Ridge has an abundant amount of local farms and discovering many of them on your drive is half the fun. Lindenderry Red Hill in our next stop.
Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
Set on 34 acres, the stunning location of Lindenderry Red Hill has a distinct luxury feel. The drive in takes you past the vineyard to the European style accommodation, restaurant and cellar door.
If you are tempted to make your Mornington Peninsula day trip into a weekend getaway, there is no more stylish place than Lindenderry.
After you have visited the cellar door, head out around the grounds for a stroll around the property. Alternately, you can purchase a picnic for two or more and find a quiet place to enjoy an indulgent fare of shared platters, salads and sweets. You will be provided a blanket and picnic basket.
The winery is known for its cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but offers other wines from its Grampians and Macedon Ranges suppliers. Cellar door is open 11.30 to 5 pm weekends only.
Green Olive at Red Hill
It’s time to turn back the same way you came ,along Arthur Seat Road for 1.8 km before turning onto the Mornington – Flinders Road. You next stop is 2 km away from here.
Take a drive through the Green Olive Estate and down to the dam. This is a really pretty location with tables set among the gardens of flowers and seasonal vegetables.
The ‘farm” is about more than just Olives. It is also a winery. They grow grapes, olives, herbs and fresh veggies which end up from paddock to your plate. They also raise sheep and chickens here, so it is quite a diverse business and well worth a stop.
You can order all day tapas and wine from 9 am to 4 pm, or simply check out their range of olive products on sale. Visitors can wander down to the dam and there is a kids playground here too.
Olive Grove caters to many dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy and gluten free.
T’Gallant Cellar Door
Just a couple of minutes further down the same road is our next stop on the left, T’Gallant Winery.
Home to Australian Pinot Gris and Grigio, T’Gallant has established itself with plenty of personality.
Stay for a wood fired pizza in either an indoor or outdoor location and take in the relaxing views across the vineyard.
The cellar door offers wine tastings from 10 am to 4 pm.
Fancy a “wine in a can”. You can purchase the lightly spritzed Pink Moscato or Prosecco.
T’Gallant has a wide range of wines to sample. Loving the sweeter stuff, I tried both the pink and white Moscato and opted on taking a bottle of white with me.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
Once you leave T’Gallant, turn left and continue on Mornington – Flinders Road for 250 metres. Turn right on Shands Road and your next stop is here.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm is the largest producer of strawberries in Australia.
Visitors are welcome to head out into the fields and pick their own (November to May).
I highly recommend you sample the strawberry wine, particularly if you enjoy a little bit of sweetness and lots of bubbles.
There is a wide range of jams, preserves, sauces and more to purchase. The freeze dried strawberries either as is or dipped in chocolate are to die for. You can also stay for a light meal and finish with some creamy homemade ice cream too.
Explore the coastal scenery and seaside beaches
Cape Schanck
It is time to stretch the legs again with a visit to Cape Schanck, a 15 minute drive from Sunny Ridge.
Turn back onto Mornington – Flinders Road and continue for 4.5 km then turn right onto Meakins Road for another 6 km. Turn right onto Boneo for 4.1 km and you have arrived.
A warm day and coastal breeze make this location ideal for a walk along the boardwalk. But even in cooler and windier weather, it can be it quite dramatic.
Start by following the walking track which leads to the start of the wooden boardwalk. You’ll descend down the stairs and along a series of scenic platforms till you finally end up at the base. Explore the rocky coastline from here before making your way back up the same way you came.
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse sits atop of the cliffs in a very commanding position. It’s presence looking out toward the ocean is a standout. Be sure to head in before the 5 pm closure and check out the grounds. You can also take a tour if you wish.
Seaside towns
The seaside towns such as Portsea, Sorrento, Rosebud, Rye and Dromana come to life throughout the summer months with tourism in full swing.
For those who make the visit during Autumn and Spring, the weather can be equally as beautiful and less busy, making this time of year absolutely perfect.
Be sure to drive along Point Nepean Road as it takes you through many of these towns, with shops to one side and beaches on the other. Pull over when something takes your eye, such as a walk out to one of the long jetty’s.
The majority of these beaches are perfect for swimming as waters are relatively shallow. Or just enjoy a long walk across the soft golden sand or seaside footpaths.
Mornington Peninsula Day Trip
The Mornington Peninsula is a true haven for sun lovers, art lovers, hikers and those who appreciate fine wine and food.
The diversity is truly outstanding, with so much possibility for such a small region.
Whether it’s just one perfect day, a weekend or even longer, you are sure to fall in love after a Mornington Peninsula day trip.
Click here for a range of activities on the Mornington Peninsula
You may also like to read:
One day trip ideas from Melbourne
Victoria travel ideas – try something different
