A playground unlike no other, Mornington Peninsula draws out not only the crowds of Melbourne, but international visitors too. This ultimate weekend guide to Mornington Peninsula is a starting point to help guide you through the area. 
Known for incredible wine, unparalleled views of the ocean, and top food, Mornington Peninsula is the perfect weekend escape. Whether you want to hideout in the lush forests of Red Hill, or head out to the sandy front beaches, there’s truly something for everyone. And in between? Image vistas from modern wineries and endless choices for delicious food. I like to think of it as the best of wine region meets outdoor pleasure, all in one charming area.
The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Mornington Peninsula
Where to Stay in Mornington Peninsula
- Lindenderry at Red Hill: Newly renovate, this cozy hotel is the one for those looking for a traditional stay. Their vineyards back up to the property and being hidden down a long road gives it a feel of secluded privacy. The rooms are spacious, set with fireplaces and views into the gardens.
Where to Eat and Wine Taste in Mornington Peninsula
- Rare Hare Wine & Food Store: Jackalope’s design is no secret to those who love a good sense of space, but their restaurant is on another level. Hands down the best lunch, each plate was carefully curated for seasonal ingredients and your tastebuds in mind.
- Alatonero: If you’re a Greek fan, look no further for incredible, fresh food. Their patio is also killer in the summer.
- Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove: A take on Italian style wine, this stunning vineyard + restaurant overlooks a valley. Be sure to stroll through the gardens with a glass of wine in hand.
- The Epicurean Red Hill: One of my favorite meals, the pizza and pasta were out of this world in a stunning space.
- Port Phillip Estate: Whether you come for their tasting menu or pop in for an epic wine tasting, this is a must see.
- Polperro Winery: I truly adored the setting of this vineyard and restaurant. Their patio has a huge gum tree overhanging it, making it feel worlds away from the rest of the world.
- Laneway Espresso: Head here for a caffeine stop.
- Captains of Rye: Another solid spot for coffee in the area.
- Mr. Morce: A decent spot for lunch or a quick bite on the go.
What to do in Mornington Peninsula
- Peninsula Hot Springs: One of the best experiences to do in the area is a half day at the hot springs. This intricate collection of different temperature pools combined with a dreamy setting, makes it the ideal place to relax at.
- Explore the Pillars: One of the first stops in the area, these hidden beaches and turquoise waters are the perfect spot to sunbathe in.
- Spot the bathing boxes at McCrae.
- Walk the path at Millionaire’s Walk where you can see the beautiful houses and ocean views.
- Explore Diamond Bay and stay for a day at the beach.
- Shop your way through Sorrento at stores like Seed or Country Road.
- Wine taste!
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
