Winter is here in all its dramatic natural beauty. The season offers a wonderland of experiences on the Mornington Peninsula – cosy escapes to reconnect. Hot Springs and hot chocolates. Warm, open fireplaces perfect for slowing down and sipping cool climate wines.
Winter produce made for hearty homemade meals. Time to rug up and plan a road trip to explore winter on the Peninsula.
Sip a little
With more than 50 Mornington Peninsula wineries featuring cellar doors, what better season to sip a little, learn a lot and discover some treasures for your own cellar. Why not sample a superb Shiraz or Pinot Noir while we stay indoors to keep warm? The Mornington Peninsula is famous for consistently delivering quality Pinot Noir as these vines prefer the region's cool maritime climate to ripen slowly, so they develop a soft rounded fruitiness. The six dominant flavours Pinot Noirs are cranberries, cherries, raspberries, plums, cloves and mushrooms, making it versatile for pairing with winter dishes. Some dishes you might enjoy with a glass or two include duck, mushrooms, or salmon.
Warming Fires
No better place to enjoy a meal, reconnect with friends and loved ones this winter than in front of an inviting fireplace. A region known for its abundance of foodie destinations, there are plenty that offers spaces for a cosy retreat from winter weather to savour and sample the flavours in the region. Discover one of our craft breweries, rendezvous at a restaurant or a play at a luxury escape with the welcoming flicker of a log fire to warm you.
Foraging for fungi
Passionate about mushrooms? These unassuming fungi are packed with antioxidants and a significant source of protein, fibre, vitamins B and C, and they taste delicious! This winter, we encourage you to join the experienced mushroom hunters and forage, cook or eat the dishes designed by our culinary experts. Don your gumboots and enjoy a guided ramble. Spoil yourself with a grazing lunch featuring our fungi friends matched with local wines. You'll be surprised at the flavours on offer with magnificent mushrooms on the menu.
Recharge at the hot springs
Get lost in nature this winter and escape to the warmth of the natural hot springs. Perfect for those looking to slow down, the restorative hot springs experience rewards no matter the weather. Relax, recharge and spend a day immersed in the natural beauty of a geothermal bathe. Submerging in their 39-degree mineral-rich waters will be a winter wonder like no other.
Winter Walks
In winter, the days are shorter and can be a bit chilly, but it's a great opportunity to keep fit on a brisk walk. With the number of local, national parks and reserves on the Mornington Peninsula, there are plenty of options to rug up for a short walk or longer if you have the urge. Easy coastal walks include beaches, piers, arts trails, historic sites and villages for a coffee stop. Go inland for shady bush walks, bird-filled wetlands, pretty creeks and ocean views from hilltops. Or step up to the iconic 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk which combines four shorter coastal and hinterland walks.
Take the day, or take a few, and discover the winter wonders of the Mornington Peninsula. Winter offers great events, experiences, and accommodation packages available during June, July and August. Start planning your next escape. We can't wait to see you.