Spring on the Mornington Peninsula has finally arrived, and the smell of blossom is in the air. The sun is a little warmer and its time to get outside to blow away those winter cobwebs. If you are planning to reconnect with family and friends by planning an escape to the Mornington Peninsula we’ve put together a list of our recommendations.
1. Have a picnic in the park
There are many locations to choose from on the Mornington Peninsula for a leisurely picnic lunch but you can’t go past SeaWinds Gardens at Arthurs Seat State Park for a location that has spectacular views, lovely walking trails and a little bit of culture.
Seawinds Gardens is a 34-hectare area at the Summit of Arthurs Seat, 305 metres above sea level. the gardens offer spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula from the Bay and Northern Lookouts.
A network of walking tracks guides visitors through a diverse range of exotic and indigenous gardens. The presence of several William Ricketts sculptures brings a little culture to your walk.
What better way to spend a glorious spring day than lazing in the park and grazing on a gourmet selection of cheese, crackers and cured meats. Layout a rug and spend a blissful afternoon relaxing. If the grass is not your go then there are picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Unfortunately, as with most state parks, it is not pet-friendly.
Where: Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
Cost: FREE
Stay: Cloud Nine in Arthurs Seat
- A beautiful two-bedroom cottage perfect to escape this Spring on Mornington Peninsula. It is just around the corner from SeaWinds Gardens. With a log fire, it is a cosy winter retreat close nestled in the hinterland and close to all the wineries. During summer there is a large deck with views out to the ocean. Watch the container ships make their way across Port Phillip Bay. It’s just around the corner from the Red Hill Community Market. Great fun for all the family on the first Saturday of the month in the summer, spring and autumn.
- It’s PET-FRIENDLY too with a fully fenced garden.
2. Get out on the water
Sea Kayaking is the ultimate way to explore the amazingly pristine coastline of the Mornington Peninsula. The fun, healthy, eco-friendly and quiet vessels give you the ultimate opportunity to encounter dolphins, seals & penguins up close as you paddle around the picturesque Point Nepean National Park.
We highly recommend taking a tour with Bayplay.
Their professional guides provide information on marine life and points of interest along the way.
You’ll traverse the coastline of Point Nepean National Park, and make your way into the Dolphin Sanctuary. After making your way closer to the Heads, you’ll turn around and head towards Sorrento, past the hilltop mansions and private piers, before returning to Portsea.
Where: 3755 Point Nepean Road,Portsea, VIC, 3944, Australia
Cost: from $99.00
Stay: The Portsea Hideaway
- A lovely 4 bedroomed house with a heated swimming pool is perfect for families and groups getting away. The enclosed courtyard will keep you cosy this Spring on Mornington Peninsula.
3. Explore the wineries
Spring on the Mornington Peninsula is a place where you can eat, drink, forage, shop, learn, and tour. Wine Food Farmgate reveals the Mornington Peninsula’s most delicious secrets.
Where: check out all the information on the WineFoodFarmgate page of the Mornington Peninsula Tourism page
Cost: FREE (unless you want to eat and drink wine LOL)
Stay: Edelweiss at Cape Schanck
This four bedroomed property will put you in the perfect position to access all the wineries and gourmet food producers. It’s perfect in winter with log fire and far from the madding crowds in summer. Win, win.
4. Head to the beach
The water might be a little too fresh to dive into, but that doesn’t mean a day at the beach should be ruled out. There are lots you can still do until you’re ready to don your swimmers. Laze on the sand for one, or perhaps take some time out to read a book and people watch.
The ocean beaches have wonderful walking tracks taking you through native bush with photo opportunities along the way.
Where: Our favourite walking beaches are:
for many different walks check out the walks from the Mornington Peninsula Tourism website which breaks the walks into times for you.
Cost: FREE
Stay: Buckleys Escape – Sorrento
The lovely cottage is close to Coppins Track and Diamond Bay and will allow you to walk out the door and onto the walking tracks of the National Park that lead directly into Sorrento.