Summertime on the Mornington Peninsula is vibrant, exciting and full of adventures. And as we move closer to the beginning of 2023, the memorable ways to spend the season throughout the region are as inviting as ever.
Read on to discover 23 things to do on the Mornington Peninsula from now into the New Year!
For First-Time Visitors
1. Explore more of beautiful marine wildlife with bucket-list-worthy dolphin swim experiences. Eco-tours are on offer from WaterMaarq, Moonraker Dolphin Swims and Polperro Dolphin Swims, all departing from Sorrento.
2. Visit and experience a growing list of Mornington Peninsula icons. You might sail in the sky on the Arthurs Seat Eagle. Or maybe you’ll uncover dazzling seaside glamour at the newly renovated InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. The choices are endless!
3. Uncover the region’s best sights, flavours and hidden gems with local expert tour operators. Check out here for the on trend tours to book this summer!
4. Embark on a treasure hunt at one of the many Mornington Peninsula markets. The Red Hill Community Market and Mount Martha South Beach Market are top local picks!
5. Kick back and relax to the tunes of local musicians at numerous locations across the region. A guide to upcoming live music showcases can be found here.
Best For Families
6. Spend the day meeting the wonderful Australian animals who call Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park in Pearcedale home. The Night Tours on offer here are a top recommendation!
7. Get the adrenaline pumping around the roller skating rink at Sk8house in Carrum Downs! Alongside their school holiday sessions and classes, Summer Nights experiences are running on select evenings during December and January.
7. Bring in the New Year with double the celebration at the Dromana 3 Drive-In! The team here are excited to be celebrating 60 years of operation, and have a very special night planned on the 31st! Full details via the link here.
8. Follow an adventure on two wheels with the team from Red Hill Trail Co! Their e-bike tours wind through the stunning Red Hill landscape and surrounding areas, making for an ideal way to soak up the great outdoors on those sun-shining days.
9. Get up close to the friendly farm animals at Rain Hayne and Shine Farmyard in Balnarring. Pony rides, educational tours and more are on offer!
Pet Friendly
10. Making its anticipated return for a limited summer season, Tucks in Red Hill South will be welcoming visitors back. This is one Mornington Peninsula wine adventure you don’t want to miss!
11. Graze away the afternoon with a grazing board and wine paddle at Green Olive at Red Hill in Main Ridge. Their alfresco dining setting, neighboured by the lush vineyard and olive grove, is spacious, comfortable and pooch friendly!
12. Along with your four-legged friend, find a table in the outdoor rum garden at JimmyRum Distillery in Dromana. Sample one (or more) of the distinctive rums distilled on-site, before tucking into a delicious food menu - ideal for sharing!
13. Move your experience above water aboard a smooth-sailing voyage with Searoad Ferries Sorrento. Dogs are welcome to join in the expedition, and will be sure to enjoy the fresh coastal breezes and panoramic bay views.
14. Going golfing? Don't forget to bring your plus one! The Cups 9-Hole Golf Course at The Dunes in Rye is dog friendly, meaning no one misses out on the fun this season!
Perfect For A Romantic Escape
15. Enjoy a glass of your favourite cool climate wine at one of the countless Mornington Peninsula wineries on the Wine Food Farmgate Trail. Why not make a day of it and extend the visit out to a winery lunch?!
16. Wind down and reset as you bathe in the geothermal waters of Alba Thermal Springs & Spa and Peninsula Hot Springs, or enjoy a indulgent spa treatment. For a comprehensive guide to the region's hot springs and spa retreats, click here.
17. Book in for an unparalleled dining experience at a Mornington Peninsula hatted restaurant. We recently celebrated all those businesses who received an esteemed hat at the 2023 Age Good Food Guide Awards! Read the full news story here.
18. Put your own culinary skills to the test with a specialty cooking class at Georgie Bass Cafe and Cookery in Flinders. These hands-on experiences represent the perfect way to uncover a slice of the Mornington Peninsula’s foodie scene.
FREE Things To Do
19. Enjoy the refreshing waters of a Port Phillip beach with the whole family in tow. Alternatively, head on over to an ocean beach to find some of the best surf breaks.
21. Wander through and explore one of the region’s beautiful National Parks. While the Point Nepean National Park is known for its scenic and historic sights, Cape Schanck (as part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park) is where the iconic Lighthouse can be discovered.
22. Meander the streets and discover the charm of Mornington Peninsula villages. Flinders, Mornington and Frankston are top places to visit for shopping. Portsea, Sorrento, Rye and Blairgowrie are picturesque seaside spectacles.
23. Pop on your walking shoes and make the journey through and around top coastal and hinterland landscapes. Mornington Peninsula walks represent an unbeatable way to witness some of the best vistas throughout the region.
Looking for even more things to do on the Mornington Peninsula this summer? We love to hear it!
Some helpful tools for your next visit to the Mornington Peninsula: