Mornington isn’t just a coastal escape — it’s one of Victoria’s most vibrant small towns, blending art, food, and community spirit in equal measure. If you’re planning a weekend here, you’ll find that the charm goes far beyond the beaches. From bustling markets and boutique galleries to relaxed local events, Mornington offers plenty of cultural experiences that let you slow down, connect, and truly enjoy the local lifestyle.
Mornington Main Street Market – Wednesdays, 9am–3pm
To experience Mornington’s local life at its best, start with the Mornington Main Street Market. Held every Wednesday, this long-standing community market has been running since 1983 and remains one of the region’s most beloved weekly traditions. With its “homemade, homegrown, and home-baked” philosophy, it’s the perfect place to explore the town’s creative and culinary heartbeat.
You’ll find everything from craft, plants, and produce to gourmet treats, kids’ toys, and fashion — all set against the backdrop of charming Main Street, where boutique shops meet the sea. Many stallholders have been attending for over 15 years, and they’re always happy to share their stories. After exploring, grab a coffee at Commonfolk Coffee Roasters (16 Progress St, Mornington) or lunch at one of Main Street’s local eateries. Rain, hail, or shine, this market is a must-visit part of any Mornington weekend.
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery – The Peninsula’s Artistic Heart
Art lovers will find their cultural centrepiece at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington). Established in 1971, it’s the region’s premier public gallery showcasing Australian art, from heritage collections to modern works and touring national exhibitions.
The gallery regularly hosts artist talks, workshops, and family-friendly programs, making it ideal for all ages. Surrounded by the serene Civic Reserve, it’s perfect for a quiet stroll before or after your visit. Grab a light meal or coffee at Elements Eatery (350 Dunns Rd) nearby and make a leisurely morning of it.
Discover Local Creativity on Main Street
Mornington’s Main Street is a hub for creativity, lined with galleries and studios that showcase the Peninsula’s artistic soul. Each space offers a unique perspective on the region’s beauty — from landscape photography to community art.
Galleries in Mornington:
- Mark Gray Gallery Mornington (65 Main Street): Showcasing the acclaimed Australian landscape photographer’s work, this gallery captures breathtaking images of the coast, bush, and outback.
- Oak Hill Gallery (100 Mornington–Tyabb Rd): Located in the historic Dunns Homestead, this non-profit gallery provides affordable art spaces, classes, and exhibitions for local artists through the Oakhill Community Arts initiative.
- Tom Putt Gallery (Main Street, Mornington): Specialises in fine-art landscape photography prints by Tom Putt, a well-known Australian photographer.
- Mornington Community Art Space (Mornington Library, Vancouver St): Found in the library’s foyer, this is a vibrant public display area dedicated to showcasing community artwork.
As you explore, you’ll also find The Nook Gallery & Studios — another creative space along Main Street that features ceramics, jewellery, and coastal-inspired art by local makers.
End your afternoon at Gods Kitchen (53 Barkly St) — a 1920s church turned restaurant and live music venue that’s often buzzing with acoustic performances and local gigs. It’s the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and atmosphere.
Markets Beyond Main Street – Local Gems Worth Visiting
If you’re in Mornington on the second Sunday of the month, don’t miss the Mornington Racecourse Market (320 Racecourse Rd). With over 300 stalls, it’s a showcase of creativity and community — from handmade crafts to local produce, fashion, and homewares. There’s live music, food trucks, and a friendly festival feel that’s distinctly Mornington.
Prefer something a little more boutique? Drive 20 minutes to Emu Plains Market (Balnarring Racecourse), where the focus is on sustainability and artisanal goods. It’s an ideal weekend add-on for visitors wanting a broader Mornington Peninsula market experience.
If you’re more interested in gourmet produce and specialty foods than market browsing, Mornington has some standout stores worth visiting:
- Tully’s Corner Produce Store – A local institution offering farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, local wine, and gourmet pantry items.
- Henrys Mercato – Known for its premium produce, deli section, and excellent range of grocery staples, Henrys is perfect for picking up everything from artisan bread to seasonal fruit.
- D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana – A must-visit for lovers of Italian food. The delicatessen and specialty grocer carries imported Italian products, fresh handmade pasta, cheeses, and gourmet pantry staples.
- Gradi Mercato – A chic grocer focusing on artisan and gourmet groceries, ideal for picking up unique ingredients or foodie gifts.
- Natural Balance Wholefoods – Specializing in organic, gluten-free, and sustainable grocery options, this store reflects Mornington’s growing wellness culture.
- Thrive Bulk Wholefoods – A go-to for bulk wholefoods, eco-friendly household products, and health-conscious shoppers.
Together, these markets and stores capture Mornington’s love for good food, quality craftsmanship, and sustainable living — perfect for visitors wanting to taste the local lifestyle beyond the beaches.
Major Annual Festivals and Events
Mornington’s cultural calendar is packed with events that celebrate art, food, music, and community all year round. Here are some highlights worth planning your trip around:
- Main Street Mornington Festival (October): A free, family-friendly festival featuring food, wine, art, and live music across several stages — a true celebration of local life.
- Mornington Winter Music Festival (June, King’s Birthday Weekend): Fills the town with jazz, blues, and soul across bars, restaurants, and the main street.
- Peninsula VineHop Festival (November): A hop-on, hop-off event connecting wineries, breweries, and distilleries across the region with live music and food trucks.
- Mornington Running Festival (May): Scenic coastal races for all fitness levels, from family fun runs to half marathons.
- Mornington Art Show (January): Hosted by the Rotary Club, it’s one of Victoria’s top regional art events showcasing established and emerging artists.
Seasonal and Community Gatherings
Mornington thrives on local connection — and it shows in its smaller, recurring events:
- Mornington Christmas Carols (December, Schnapper Point): A family-friendly celebration featuring local music, food stalls, and kids’ entertainment.
- Mornington Racecourse Events: Including the Mornington Summer Series (December), the Sportsbet Mornington Cup (April), and New Year’s Day racing.
- Soul Night Market (Winter, Peninsula Community Theatre): A lively indoor night market with gourmet food, local drinks, and live performances.
- Community & Library Talks: The local library and community houses often host author talks, workshops, and well-being sessions such as Candour Connects.
- The Briars (Mount Martha): Just 10 minutes from Mornington, this nature reserve regularly hosts events like The Enchanted Market and family favourites such as PAW Patrol Live.
Worthy Mentions
- Mornington Botanical Rose Gardens (Dunns Rd): Over 4,000 rose bushes in full bloom from October to April — perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
- Mornington Library & Cultural Centre (Vancouver St): A hub for book lovers and creative workshops.
- Benton’s Square Community Centre (Benton’s Rd): Regular art shows, craft fairs, and community meet-ups.
- Mornington Park Foreshore: A lively spot for weekend pop-up events, live music, and seaside picnics.
Planning Your Stay
You can genuinely spend a weekend here moving between gallery contemplation, market browsing, café society, and coastal walks without ever feeling you’ve manufactured an experience. Mornington’s culture is real, accessible, and woven into the rhythm of a working town that happens to sit on one of Victoria’s most beautiful bays.
If you’re still planning your weekend itinerary, we’ve got some of the best places to stay in Mornington — each handpicked for comfort, location, and charm. Booking our curated accommodations is simple, and every accommodation we recommend has been personally vetted by our team to ensure your stay matches the relaxed luxury the region is known for.
