Nestled just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula captures the essence of coastal sophistication — where world-class vineyards, wellness sanctuaries, and sweeping ocean views come together in perfect balance. It’s a region that invites travellers to slow down, savour the details, and discover experiences that feel both indulgent and refreshingly grounded in nature.
Whether your idea of luxury is a private wine tasting, a scenic helicopter flight, or a rejuvenating soak beneath the stars, the Peninsula offers it all. This curated bucket list brings together the most exceptional experiences — handpicked for discerning travellers who want to explore the region in style.
1. Indulge in Mornington Peninsula’s Wine & Dine Scene
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its cool-climate wines and farm-to-table dining. Begin at Tully’s Corner Produce Store in Mornington — a gourmet food hub offering fresh local produce, deli treats, and curated wine selections. For an elegant Italian experience, Assaggini Wine Bar & Restaurant on Main Street Mornington serves refined dishes inspired by regional ingredients.
Beyond the town center, the Red Hill wine region beckons as a premier destination for wine connoisseurs. Indulge at Montalto, where sweeping vineyard views complement a chef’s-hatted restaurant. Polperro Winery, Main Ridge Estate, Ocean Eight, Ten Minutes by Tractor, and Green Olive at Red Hill showcase exceptional wines alongside memorable dining experiences. Pt. Leo Estate on Flinders Rd pairs world-class art and sculpture with outstanding fine dining.
2. Pamper Yourself at Iconic Wellness Destinations
Luxury wellness on the Peninsula is as much about nature as it is about indulgence. The Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal is the region’s signature retreat, offering geothermal pools, private cabanas, and wellness rituals surrounded by native bushland. In the heart of Mornington, Endota Spa provides tailored treatments using Australian botanicals, while Ocean Beach Yoga in Sorrento combines gentle movement with sea air and ocean views.
For those seeking something new, the Alba Thermal Springs & Spa in Fingal offers an elevated take on hydrotherapy with modern architecture and immersive wellness experiences. Whether you prefer sunrise yoga or a twilight soak, the Peninsula’s spa culture is designed for deep relaxation.
3. Take to the Skies or the Sea
For travellers who crave adventure with a touch of luxury, the Peninsula delivers unforgettable perspectives. Experience breathtaking aerial views with Peninsula Helicopters in Tyabb, or enjoy a Scenic Helicopter Flight over Boneo — both offering private charters and tailored flight experiences. Elite Day Tours can combine your aerial adventure with exclusive vineyard tastings or coastal landings for a truly bespoke itinerary.
On the water, charter a luxury yacht from Sorrento or Martha Cove Marina and discover secluded bays and dolphin encounters. For something more relaxed, join a coastal cruise around Port Phillip Bay or an eco-sailing tour in Rye. Whichever way you explore, the Peninsula’s landscapes are best appreciated from above or at sea.
4. Explore Coastal Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
The Peninsula’s coastline blends untamed beauty with serene escapes. Start your journey at Arthurs Seat Eagle in Arthurs Seat for sweeping panoramic views over the Bay. Then head to Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, where clifftop trails and dramatic scenery showcase the region’s wild southern edge.
For surf lovers, Flinders Ocean Beach and Gunnamatta Beach deliver some of Victoria’s best waves. Nature enthusiasts will also love the Bushrangers Bay walking track and the coastal trails of Mornington Peninsula National Park. From scenic lookouts to secluded beaches, the Peninsula’s outdoors offers equal parts serenity and spectacle.
5. Immerse in Art, Culture & Heritage
Mornington Peninsula’s cultural offerings blend historic charm with creative flair. In Mornington, Beleura House & Garden is a must-see — a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate showcasing period architecture, music heritage, and lush gardens. Step back in time aboard the Mornington Tourist Railway, where restored vintage trains journey between Moorooduc and Mornington.
Art enthusiasts will find much to admire at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, home to significant Australian contemporary and landscape art collections. Venture further to discover boutique galleries scattered throughout Flinders and Red Hill, including the Michael Leeworthy Gallery, Mark Gray Gallery, and Tom Putt Gallery. For a sophisticated gallery experience across multiple locations, Manyung Gallery operates stunning spaces in Mornington, Mount Eliza, and Sorrento. Together, all these art galleries highlight the Peninsula’s creative identity — a balance of history, artistry, and coastal beauty.
6. Family Fun with a Touch of Luxury
Families visiting the Peninsula will find an impressive range of premium attractions. At Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale, visitors can hand-feed wallabies and meet native wildlife in a well-kept conservation park. In Moorooduc, The Big Goose offers a fun day out with animal encounters, tractor rides, and adventure playgrounds.
Continue the family adventure at Dinosaur World in Somerville, where life-size animatronic dinosaurs bring imagination to life. For active families, Enchanted Adventure in Arthurs Seat features hedge mazes, zip lines, and treetop challenges. Each location delivers family fun while maintaining the Peninsula’s polished, nature-connected atmosphere.
7. Stay, Sip, and Soak in the Nightlife
Evenings on the Peninsula blend relaxation with understated sophistication. Unwind beneath the stars with night bathing at the Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal, where softly lit pools create a tranquil ambience. Then enjoy a relaxed drink at one of the boutique wine bars along Main Street.
For fine dining after dark, Rare Hare at Jackalope in Merricks North and Port Phillip Estate offer memorable settings for a sunset meal. Whether it’s soaking, sipping, or stargazing, nights on the Peninsula unfold at an unhurried pace — perfectly suited to the luxury traveller’s rhythm.
8. Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses
The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s premier golfing destinations, home to championship courses set against coastal and vineyard backdrops. Start at Moonah Links in Fingal, where two world-class courses — the Open and Legends — challenge players of all levels. Nearby, The National Golf Club at Cape Schanck offers three stunning courses ranked among Australia’s best, combining cliffside views with impeccable greens.
For a relaxed yet scenic round, Portsea Golf Club and Flinders Golf Club deliver beautiful coastal fairways overlooking Bass Strait. Many of these clubs also feature premium dining, accommodation, and spa facilities, making them perfect for travellers seeking recreation with refinement.
Conclusion
From vineyard feasts and spa sanctuaries to coastal adventures and championship golf, the Mornington Peninsula delivers luxury that feels both effortless and deeply local. Each experience connects you to the region’s natural beauty, fine craftsmanship, and easy sophistication.
Explore more handpicked recommendations on Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula and start planning your perfect Peninsula escape — one indulgent experience at a time.
