Mornington Peninsula 3 Day Itinerary
Grab the keys and set out on a self-drive tour to see every bit of the Mornington Peninsula, postage stamp-sized but chock full of breathtaking coastal scenery, charming villages, wineries and championship golf courses.
Hire a car in Melbourne with Hertz and follow a suggested itinerary to ensure you don't waste a moment of your daytrip, or take your time on an extended tour of the Around the Bay Touring Route, crossing Port Phillip by ferry to explore the Bellarine Peninsula on the other side.
You're only an hour from Melbourne yet you'll feel a world away on the Mornington Peninsula.
The following content has been provided by Visit Victoria.
Image credit: Arthurs Seat Cable Car | Visit Victoria.
Day 1:
Your first stop on the Mornington Peninsula is the Arthurs Seat Eagle, where you'll get a bird's eye view of the region and beyond. Board a state of the art gondola and cruise over the state forest, spotting city landmarks and local wildlife as you soar to the peninsula's highest point.
If you enjoy living the high life, give tree surfing a shot at the Enchanted Adventure Garden. Traverse suspended rope bridges and wire balances, testing your nerve on the series of aerial obstacles within the beautiful woodland sculpture park.
Having worked up a hearty appetite, cruise into Green Olive at Red Hill. Green Olive at Red Hill. Sit out on the deck and admire the views of the vineyard, kitchen garden and ducks on the dam and feast on all day tapas prepared with the fruits of the farm.
While you're enjoying the riches of the land, pop over to Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.for a spot of wine tasting. Take the time to stroll among the sculptures dotted around the peaceful gardens.
Head to the rugged side of the peninsula, where Bass Strait and Westernport Bay meet at Flinders. The best thing about staying overnight at Quarters at Flinders Hotel. is you don't need to travel for dinner. By all means wander through the tranquil township, stop in at Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. for a sweet treat and take in the crashing waves at the ocean beach, but then it's time to tuck into a meal to remember at the hotel's bar and bistro The Deck before collapsing into bed.
Image credit: Peninsula Hot Springs | Visit Victoria.
Day 2:
Get started with breakfast within the kitchen gardens at Georgie Bass Cafe and Cookery.You'll be spoiled for choice from the range of innovative and healthy options that reflect the garden's seasonal produce.
Spend your morning out on the water on a kayaking or standup paddling adventure with Bayplay Adventure Tours. If you're lucky you'll spy dolphins frolicking further out in the waters.
Relive the morning's adventures and sightings over a delicious lunch in the sunny atrium at Blue Mini eatery in Rosebud. Pick up a unique souvenir from the adjoining emporium.
An afternoon of wine tasting seems to be a recurring theme, but you are in the Mornington Peninsula after all. Treat your tastebuds to a cheese platter and a winetasting at the rightfully enduring Crittenden Estate .
Dinner will be a meal to remember when you choose the Dine and Bathe package at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Natural thermal mineral waters flow into the pools and private baths at this coastal oasis, providing the idyllic setting for relaxation, rejuvenation and nourishment.
Image credit: Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens | Visit Victoria.
Day 3:
It's back into the hinterland to kick off your third day with a lazy brunch in the tin and timber shed at Merricks General Wine Store. Best of all, you can squeeze in a sneaky wine tasting after brekky as it doubles as the cellar door for Baillieu Wines and Elgee Park.
Take a stroll around the 25 acre Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens. Get lost in Australia's oldest traditional hedge maze: three metre high cypress hedges that have been sculpted into a shapely challenge to delight and inspire.
After all that fresh air you'll be ready for lunch Pt Leo Estate, a stroll in the sculpturegarden and, homeward bound, an afternoon in the manicured gardens and historic homestead at Heronswood House and Garden. Home to The Diggers Club, Australia's largest gardening club and a certified organic garden, it's the perfect place to spend your last few hours on the Peninsula. You'll just have time for an early dinner and a cleansing craft beer at Mornington Peninsula Brewery. before you return to Melbourne, totally satisfied.
Image credit: Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove| Visit Victoria.
