How to Spend 3 Days on the Mornington Peninsula

Whether you’re after a relaxing break from the city or looking for more active adventures, the Mornington Peninsula is an ideal destination. An hour’s drive from Melbourne, the peninsula offers wildlife-watching opportunities, culinary delights, and more. Three days is a perfect amount of time for exploring the area—here’s how.

Day 1: Take a culinary and wine tour

One of Australia’s premier wine-growing regions, the Mornington Peninsula is also renowned for its farm-to-table dining. Spend your first day on a culinary-themed tour: learn how wine is made locally, visit a chocolate factory or dairy and olive farms, and sample fresh cheese and strawberries. Some vineyards provide overnight accommodations, so you can skip the designated driver.

Day 2: Head for the water

The Mornington Peninsula is surrounded by ocean, so head out on a sightseeing cruise, for a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and other marine life. In winter, you might see whales as they migrate through the area. For something more active, kayak to a dolphin sanctuary, or join a snorkeling tour to look out for colonies of weedy sea dragons. 

Day 3: Hike or bike

Hiking and biking are popular activities on the peninsula. At Point Nepean, Cape Schanck, or Mornington Peninsula National Park, trek through bush and along coastal trails—stopping to cool off at a beach en route. Trails are well-marked and maintained, but check ahead of time that they aren’t closed due to landslides, as is sometimes the case. Biking is a good way to cover more ground and see the same beautiful views. Go on your own, or as part of a guided tour that includes transport to the start and end points.