It is time to capture the last few weeks of summer fun and a relaxing day trip to the Mornington Peninsula should top the list. Here we have captured one our favourite road trips where you can wander along the Western Port coastline meandering and visiting some of our most acclaimed attractions set in amongst the awe-inspiring rugged coastline taking tranquil villages along the Flinders Hinterland scenic drive. Included is just a hint of what the Region has on offer.
It is time to capture the last few weeks of summer fun and a relaxing day trip to the Mornington Peninsula should top the list. Here we have captured one our favourite road trips where you can wander along the Western Port coastline meandering and visiting some of our most acclaimed attractions set in amongst the awe-inspiring rugged coastline taking tranquil villages along the Flinders Hinterland scenic drive. Included is just a hint of what the Region has on offer.
The Region is also celebrating reopening and the great scenic drive by giving away $47,000 in prizes including a Mazda 3 Pure Auto Pure.
The Flinders Hinterland scenic drive is an easy 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD via EastLink then Peninsula Link where you take the turnoff that leads you down the winding roads to Balnarring. Depending on how much time you have, we recommend arriving and starting your journey in the morning, giving you plenty of time to discover the suggestions of this itinerary at a leisurely pace.
The village of Balnarring has number cafes that are great for a coffee stop to refuel although if you drive just down the road to Merricks and stop at the Merricks General Wine Store, you will discover one of the Region's most photographed and picturesque buildings. The store was built in 1922 and has a coffee window open from 7am, an art space, bistro, and the cellar door for Bailleau and Elgee Park Estates.
Their neighbours, just a short drive down the road is the highly acclaimed Pt Leo Estate and Sculpture Park. Set on 134 glorious acres laced with the Estate vines with stunning views over Westernport and Phillip Island, is home to Australia’s biggest outdoor gallery showcasing more than 50 Australian and international sculptures.
The family-owned Estate caters for everyone boasting three dining options from two Chef’s hat ‘Laura’ to one chef hat Pt Leo Restaurant and for those that prefer lighter meals and snacks the Wine Terrace.
Open from 11am daily where we recommend that you arrive before lunch, giving yourself time to soak in the views and the Sculpture Park before sampling some of their Estate wines and seasonal menus on offer.
Heading further south from Pt Leo is the tranquil village of Flinders. Cook Street is lined with art galleries and speciality stores including EVERYWHEN Artspace, specialising in a wide range of contemporary Australian Aboriginal art.
Take the opportunity to see talented Chocolatiers at work or sample some of the Region’s finest ice-cream at Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Discover thousands of handcrafted chocolates from signature truffles to traditional favourites. Plan ahead and take in one of their tastings and workshops.
If art and chocolate are not appealing, then perhaps the historic Flinders Hotel and Zigis Bar is just the place for you. Sample their carefully curated drinks list showcasing some of the Region's most outstanding tipples.
An essential visit on any trip to the Mornington Peninsula allocates time to relax and rejuvenate at the Peninsula Hot Springs. We know that this is slightly off the Flinders Hinterland scenic drive path, but the diversion to allow yourself to experience some of the 50 bathing experiences on-site will be well worth the trip. Peninsula Hot Springs is now open 24 hours to include Moonlit Bathing, so there is certainly no need to rush the enjoyment of a relaxing experience in the natural hot springs of this coastal oasis.
The Region has many accommodation options in an easy drive of all the stops included in this itinerary for those wanting to extend their visit. From holiday homes, vineyard villas and boutique villas. One of the Region’s favourite places to stay is Lancemore Lindenderry of Red Hill; set amongst 34 stunning acres of gardens and vines the 40-room boutique hotel is a quintessential Mornington Peninsula experience. The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant, cellar door and relaxing communal lounges.
We have only mentioned a few places you could visit on this road trip. The Mornington Peninsula is home to 50 cellar doors, hundreds of kilometres of walking trails and other artisan locations that you could take in as part of your journey.
Looking for more ways to explore? Find all the information you need here:
Looking for more Mornington Peninsula flavours? Discover food sensations like a local: