Autumn is a favourite time of the year amongst locals on the Mornington Peninsula. Colourful, eventful and brimming with things to do, it's a time that ignites wanderlust and inspiration.
Exploring the region's wineries during their vintage season has quickly become one of the most admired experiences. Mornington Peninsula events and markets keep a festive spirit rippling through the villages. And even with the cooler temperatures, outdoor activities remain as tempting as ever. Are you a first-time explorer in the region? Or maybe someone who has returned time after time? However your journey, we welcome you to the autumn with us here on the Mornington Peninsula. Here are 23 things we love to do in our most favoured season:
Seasonal Highlights
If you've never visited the region during autumn, you're in for a treat. These seasonal highlights are well worth weaving into the itinerary or adding to the calendar. And who knows? By the end of May, you might decide, like the locals, that this is your favourite season.
- Visit one of the 50-plus Mornington Peninsula cellar doors! Did you know it's vintage season across the region? This means winemakers are harvesting grapes to produce exceptional cool-climate wines. Top tip from us: vineyard leaves turn a delightful orange during these next months, so make sure to have your camera ready when stopping by.
- Reawaken your senses with Peninsula Hot Springs at their first-of-its-kind wellness event - Awaken. World-renowned wellness professionals, live music and workshops are just the beginning of the excitement. For more information, click here.
- Crunch into something fresh, healthy and flavoursome from one of the region’s numerous farmgates. Benton Rise Farm in Tuerong has all of your favourite seasonal fruits and vegetables within the 1910 Red Rattler train carriage.
- Take in all the action at the 2024 Mornington Cup Day. Bars, food trucks, kids activities and plenty more will be on offer on this second last Saturday of April. Click here to explore.
- Plan a stopover at Staples Apples in Main Ridge to pick up quality apples from the farmgate stand. Did you know many apple varieties start to ripen throughout the autumn months? Mock Red Hill or Hart’s Farm in Shoreham are superb for a cider tasting!
The Best Of The Great Outdoors
One of the most striking changes in autumn is the intense transformation of colour across the region. Trees that once had verdant green leaves now make way for vibrant oranges and yellows. But there are other reasons we head outdoors during the new season. This time of the year is ideally suited to improving your green thumb skills. And, of course, for partaking in magical dolphin swim adventures.
- Spend the day at Cruden Farm in Langwarrin for a close-up kaleidoscope of yellow, orange and golden foliage. Steeped in history, Cruden Farm was once the home of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
- Hop on two wheels with the Red Hill Trail Co team to continue soaking up alluring autumn colours across the region. For the foodie adventurer, check out the cycle, wine and dine experiences Cycling Vine Tours offers.
- Get involved in a gardening workshop at Heronswood House and Garden in Dromana. Learn how to best grow perennial vegetables or improve soil quality for your plants.
- Explore the underwater world and meet the local Burrunan dolphin species on a bucket-list-worthy touring experience. Polperro Dolphin Swims, Moonraker Dolphin Swims and WaterMaarq are each home to expert operators and passionate advocates for the region’s marine wildlife.
All-In Group Experiences
Whether with friends or family, it's always exciting to discover the region as part of a group. Besides, the more, the merrier! For autumn, we recommend markets, villages and more for some of the most memorable ways to explore.
Mornington Peninsula Tours:
- MP Experience tours have excellent flavours front and centre. Ready to hop on board for an unrivalled day of discovery and tasting? Don't miss their private full-day wine tours during autumn!
- The team at Escape Discovery Adventures love the Mornington Peninsula. As locals, they tailor tours, which are ideal for small groups and private experiences. Their tours lead guests to top food and drink destinations from the coast to the hinterland. Those that are well known, and those that are hidden gems too!
Long Lunches:
- The restaurant at Dromana Estate in Tuerong is calling your name for a long and relaxed weekday or weekend lunch. With a menu influenced by the seasons, expect to indulge in flavours like cheese boards, tapas and hearty main dishes.
- If you’ve been to Merricks General Wine Store in autumn, you'll know how photogenic their facade is! But beyond the beauty of the burnt red leaves, there lies a whole foodie adventure to enjoy inside. Lunch here is wholesome and simply delicious. They also offer breakfast, lunch and dinner sittings!
- Book your ticket to an exciting new performance or theatre show at the Frankston Arts Centre. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow for 2023 is an event to keep an eye out for! See all the current or upcoming shows at Frankston Arts Centre via the link here.
With A Special Someone
Autumn on the Mornington Peninsula sets the perfect scene for a couples getaway or day trip with your better half. Here are some of our favourite things to do.
- Give time to uninterrupted relaxation with Hammam bathing or a spa treatment at One Spa at RACV Cape Schanck Resort. An experience here can also make for a perfect gift for your significant other. For a birthday, or just because.
- Meander the streets, browse the shops and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many Mornington Peninsula villages. With a colourful vineyard backdrop that illuminates in autumn, Red Hill and Main Ridge represent must-visit destinations for the season.
- Get up close to captivating creativity at one of & Gallery Australia’s upcoming exhibitions. Positioned along the main street of Sorrento, you'll be in the prime location to explore more of Melbourne's favourite coastal playgrounds.
- Catch the evening horizon glow aboard a Sunset Cruise experience (October to end of March) with Victorian Yacht Charters. And let's say autumn sunsets are nothing short of breathtaking.
- Stay the night on the Mornington Peninsula in style. The Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate in Dromana are recently renovated and make the perfect base for your home away from home. For more accommodation options, click here.
FREE Things To Do
Free things to do on the Mornington Peninsula are top-notch year-round. For autumn, let’s keep with the temptation to stay alfresco and in the great outdoors.
- Follow the Two Bays Walking Track for your next best on-foot adventure. There's epic sightseeing, scenic photo snapping and more to look forward to as part of the journey. For a complete guide to Mornington Peninsula walks, click here.
- Make your way to the nature and wildlife wonderland of The Briars in Mount Martha. There are nature walks to enjoy, gardens to discover and native animals to spot as part of your visit.
- Immerse within the spectacular green and coastal-inspired landscape of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. For something exceptional, visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve for an interflow of history and inspiring scenery.
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For more things to do this autumn, continue exploring below!
Need some help planning your day trip or getaway with us here?