Mornington Peninsula – Coastal Playground on Melbourne’s Doorstep

Just ~1 hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a celebrated Victorian getaway blending serene beaches, lush hinterland, world-class wineries, and rejuvenating hot springs — all framed by dramatic coastal scenery.

From family-friendly seaside towns like Mornington and Sorrento to quiet surf beaches, golf courses, and relaxed markets, the peninsula offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend escape, there’s a wealth of experiences — from adventurous hikes and wildlife encounters to leisurely wine tastings and coastal walks.

When to Visit

The Mornington Peninsula is a year-round destination.

Winter brings peaceful landscapes, cosy cellar doors, and spa escapes.
(Always check seasonal conditions for outdoor activities and swim at patrolled beaches for safety.)

Summer welcomes beach days and coastal swims.

Autumn and Spring are ideal for wine tasting, hikes, and scenic drives.

Getting Here

The Mornington Peninsula is easily accessible and makes for a perfect day trip or short escape from Melbourne, with a range of transport options depending on how you choose to explore.

With Local Way Tours
We make getting here effortless. Our Mornington Peninsula tours operate with:

• Daily departures from Melbourne, including convenient central city pickup
• Pickup and drop-off locations across the Mornington Peninsula, making it easy for guests already staying in the region to join our experiences

Travelling with us means you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the experience — without worrying about driving, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Self-Drive
Driving from Melbourne takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic. The peninsula is well signposted and offers some of Victoria’s most scenic coastal drives, particularly around Cape Schanck and the southern coastline.

Public Transport
Public transport to the Mornington Peninsula is limited and fragmented, with trains and buses servicing only certain towns and requiring multiple connections. Many of the region’s highlights — including wineries, lookouts, coastal walks, and the Peninsula Hot Springs — are not easily accessible without a car.
For this reason, guided tours or private transport are the most convenient and time-efficient way to experience the peninsula in a single day.

Local Culture & Notes

The Mornington Peninsula is located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong (Boon Wurrung) people of the Kulin Nation. This coastal landscape has long held cultural, spiritual, and practical significance, with the shoreline, wetlands, and hinterland supporting generations of connection to Country.

Today, the peninsula blends this deep cultural heritage with a strong sense of local identity and craftsmanship. Family-run wineries, olive groves, farms, and artisan producers shape the region’s relaxed yet refined character, while coastal towns like Sorrento, Flinders, and Mornington reflect a laid-back seaside lifestyle.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Respect natural environments, particularly coastal cliffs and wildlife areas
• Follow signage and stay on designated walking tracks
• Support local producers, cellar doors, and small businesses that define the region’s character

The Mornington Peninsula is best experienced at a slower pace — taking time to soak in the views, enjoy local flavours, and appreciate the balance between nature, culture, and contemporary coastal living.