A true treasure of Victoria’s coastline, the Mornington Peninsula (Boon Wurrung) has some of the most pristine beaches and bushlands in Victoria. The sheer popularity of the affectionately dubbed ‘Ninch’ has grown exponentially with the area basically becoming an extension of metropolitan Melbourne.
Melbourne's semi-metropolitan coast is a big drawcard during the warmer months, home to scenic coastal hikes, premier wineries and cellar doors that provide a magical backdrop for weekends. To make sure you make the most of your trip we've listed a couple of spots worthy of your time, from coffee stops, shops to browse, where to swim, head out for dinner or a wine and where to crash out for a night or two.
Here's everywhere to eat, drink, see, do and stay on the Mornington Peninsula in 2024:
Where To Stay
Hotel Sorrento
SORRENTO
There's never a bad time to book in a stay at one of Hotel Sorrento's stunning rooms or studios, though the cooler months are proving to provide a luxurious sojourn to Victoria's Mornington Peninsula—with a very modest price tag. Starting at $309, guests will be treated to a night's stay in either the Heritage Room or the modern On The Hill Studio along with a bottle of Montalto Pinot Noir or Paringa Estate Chardonnay—and a set of robes to slip into—on arrival. The package also includes dinner for two at either The Dining Room for a classic affair, or the modern Cantonese-inspired restaurant Shihuishi.
Book your Winter Escape between now until the end of August, Sunday through Thursdays, here.
Cape Schanck House
CAPE SCHANCK
If you’re all about design then Cape Schanck House is the one for you. The award-winning stay took out best house at the Royal Australian Institute of Architects awards. Located in the quiet region of Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula, this stay is only minutes away from pristine ocean beaches, wineries, and the famed lighthouse walk. Inside the white and black colour scheme let the surrounding tree life shine, the living room is centred around a waterdrop sculpture that extends from the room to the floor, and a curved leather lounge looks onto a wide fireplace. Its minimalist style provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet getaway, time to enjoy the simpler things.
Tulum
BALNARRING
You’ve surely come across the incredibly aesthetic Tulum in your searches for a getaway. The pristinely curated stay has been architecturally designed and is the very definition of beach-chic. Located in Ballnarring on the Mornington Peninsula, Tulum provides a romantic getaway like few others; nestled conveniently in one of Victoria’s best wine regions you’re only a short drive to award-winning wineries and cellar doors. The black-painted exterior opens up into a light-filled white-washed oasis, where each feature has been cleverly considered; crafting a perfect contrast of balanced shades and colours to keep you at ease.
Breakfast And Lunch
Commonfolk Coffee
MORNINGTON & FRANKSTON
The premium caffeine operators of the entire peninsula, you’ll find Commonfolk coffee in almost every grinder on the Ninch. Alongside their wholesaling, they’ve also got two spanking cafe spaces in Mornington and Frankston, park up for a couple of mugs of freshly brewed batch brew, top-notch single-origin espresso, and just about every milk option you can think of.
The Mornington venue is a converted warehouse with plenty of vibe; the food is always on point from 18-hour slow-cooked pork Cubano to strawberry french toast. They also roast next door so there’s plenty of coffee stock to stash at home.
Miller's Bread Kitchen
MORNINGTON & FRANKSTON
The peninsula is famous for plentiful wineries but when it's earlier in the day the options can be more limited. The Miller's Bread Kitchen has come in to fill the gap, their range of freshly-baked bread, pastries, cakes, pies and sausage rolls has garnered them plenty of notoriety well past the coast. Helmed by a tight-knit family unit, the bakery and cafe destination swung open their door at their converted mechanic's garage space back in 2019.
Led by Rebecca Graley, Vanessa Miller and head baker Tyler Miller who formerly trained at Brunswick Street favourite, Babka, the plethora of baked goods is staggering from their incredibly visually aesthetic potato and rosemary topped Foccacia, to their sourdough made from freshly-milled flour from Tuerong Farm and the outstanding croissants, cinnamon scrolls and cakes that line the cabinets. There's now a second location in Mornington, Miller's Bread Cantina, which is headed up by veteran chef, Tom Ward who has put his expertise to work, crafting a range of knock-out pies from an Osso Buco number to a slow-cooked Morrocan lamb—see them in action over here.
Hobsons
ROSEBUD
Zarb & Ru
ROSEBUD
A true hidden gem tucked away in the main strip of Rosebud’s shops, Zarb & Ru is a hole-in-the-wall cafe with plenty of soul. Here you’ll find good coffee, baked goods and a staple selection of house-made toasties, grilled to perfection in the jaffle irons behind the bar; the menu ranges from your standard ham, swiss cheese and pickle to your prosciutto with poached pear and gorgonzola, there's plenty to like here. With a big focus on keeping it local, there’s also an array of artisan ceramics, artwork, and designs on offer.
Wombat Cafe
DROMANA
Wombat is a plant-powered fuelling station, home to one of the best smoothies in the state; the ‘High Roller’, a creamy blend of banana, peanut butter, vanilla and almond milk with a peanut crumble and is easily consumed momentarily. The cafe sprawls from the sun-soaked outdoor area with cushions and benches to the inside with plenty of vegan pantry staples to stock up on. There are also substantial menu options like the berry and banana pancakes with coconut ice cream and compote and a tofu scramble burrito with chipotle mayo. The coffee pouring here is roasted around the corner by Little Rebel, who have their caffeine HQ in the Dromana industrial estate.
Johnny Ripe
MAIN RIDGE
If you thought leaving Melbourne meant saying goodbye to top-tier pastry you are completely mistaken. A cult-icon, Johnny Ripe is a haven for baked goods and they’ve carved out a very dedicated community who remain loyal to their sugary hand-held apple pies, cronuts, hefty croissants, and sausage rolls. Set in the idyllic Main Ridge the entire rustic farm-style cafe has space to dine inside or throw down a picnic rug on the sprawling lawn.
Red Gum BBQ
RED HILL
It may be difficult to spot if you don’t what you’re looking for, but if you get close enough the smokey aromas of Red Gum are sure to lead you right to the door. This clandestine BBQ operation is set back behind a bush-heavy petrol station, if you follow the driveway up you'll be met with the converted shed which features its very own smoke grill. On the menu, you’ve got a hearty selection of BBQ options from pulled pork to beef brisket—all sourced locally from Victorian farmers.
Nothing quite hits the spot that with slow-cooked barbecue than sides and Red Gum don't hold back with a classic lineup of mac n cheese, broccoli salad, cornbread, coleslaw and more. In traditional bbq fashion, the drink of choice here is beer, and they’ve got a rotating selection of craft ales on tap, including local favourites, Two Bays.
St Andrews Brewery
FINGAL
The peninsula is home to some seriously good beer, whilst you’re spoilt for choice for breweries all over the coast, St Andrews’s impressive stomping grounds in Fingal is a special experience. Set on a 92-hectare stretch of land, the light-filled outdoor area is set back from the main streets of the peninsula; the former horse racing horse track still retains some of its yesteryear charm with renovated stables that open up to the beer garden.
Now most importantly, what’s pouring here? You'll find a range of the famed St Andrews beers including their Australian Larger, Race Day Pilsner, and IPA. Can't decide? Get a tasting paddle whipped up and sample your way through the entire catalogue. Food-wise you've got your staple beer accompanying dishes from buffalo wings to pizza, burgers and more; more than enough to counteract a couple pints.
Where To Swim
Mount Martha
A pinnacle of the peninsula’s beach offering, Mount Martha has a stunning beach right in the heart of town; a long stretch of sand extends from the cliff point right down towards Mornington. Being a bay beach you needn’t worry about rips or waves, just gentle blue water that shimmers in the sun; there’s also plenty of beautiful nooks around the cliff edge of Mount Martha that are perfect for snorkelling and fishing.
Sorrento Back Beach
With a little more thrust than the bay, this ocean-side beach can look completely different depending on the swells and tides. Still absolutely stunning, Sorrento’s back beach is a playground for activities from clean beach break waves out the back; to rockpools on low tide and a long stretch of sand that is sheltered from the winds from the surrounding cliffs.
Bushranger’s Bay
A hike is always better when there’s something waiting on the other side, and this coastal treasure is one hell of a reward after the 35-40 minute gentle trek through the bush. Located down in Cape Schank, Bushrangers is a true sight to behold, but only experienced swimmers should delve deep as the currents can be quite strong here. However, if you prefer to take it easy on low tide you can access the swimmable rock pools an absolute natural marvel of the state. Also, keep an eye out for the local Kangaroo community on your walk, they love to hop in and out of the shrub.
Where To Wine And Dine
T'Gallant Winery
MAIN RIDGE
For decades busloads of eager weekend punters have unloaded onto the grounds of T'Gallant Winery. A pinnacle of the Mornington Peninsula's rich wine community, the vineyard, cellar door and trattoria in Main Ridge has just seen a mighty makeover—a 12-month hibernation that saw a completely new renovation of the space and the offering. Working alongside design firm Bergman & Co, the entire grounds ooze a rustic Tuscan countryside feel while still retaining its coastal Victorian origin.
A collection of dark warm timber furnishings, rattan-style pendant lighting and artwork craft a warm and ambient environment and the renowned Pinot grigio and noir are omnipresent both indoors and out. The staple wood-fire oven has remained a fixture, churning out rectangular slabs of salumi-laden and buffalo mozzarella-topped pizzas, as well as smaller Sputino (snack-style) plates of cold cuts and burrata.
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Shi Hui Shi
SORRENTO
Located in the basement of the 150-year-old Hotel Sorrento, Shi Hui Shi is a surprising yet magnificent addition to the coastal pub. Descend the stairs away from the clamour of the upstairs dining room and front bar into the limestone clandestine restaurant with an 80s-esque aesthetic of orange and dark-wooden wall features—a reference to the original Chinese diner that inhabited the space.
Specialising in Cantonese dining, head chef Junlin Yi (Red Spice Road) has crafted a tidy menu that showcases favourites but with a distinct spin, from chicken and truffle dumplings, green beans topped with house-made XO sauce, to a staple yet unforgettable roast duck with hoi sin, pancakes and cucumber. 
Jackalope
MERRICK'S NORTH
One of Victoria’s most iconic stays, Jackalope is hosting a mouthwatering slew of events heading into spring, featuring some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants.
We can’t think of anything better …. Well, actually, we can. The hotel, which is celebrating its seventh birthday is hosting a series of these events, Total Alchemy, with tickets still on sale for a Tipo00 collab on Saturday, 21 September, and following that Rare Hare wines x Nomad (yes, that Nomad).
What’s better than instead of arm-wrestling or lining up for a Tipo00 booking, breezing out of your stunning, well-appointed spa room at the hotel and down into the Doot Doot Doot kitchen for a sought-after pasta?
We’ll wait while you figure that out, but not in line for pasta. It’s worth noting previous collabs included with Navi, Lee Ho Fook and Entrecote to put it on your radar for the next revolution around the sun.
For bookings and everything else you need to know, head over here.
Donna Maria
FLINDERS
The corner-resting Flinders diner is headed up by the same culinary team from the acclaimed Bistro Elba in Sorrento and Patsy's in Melbourne and is centred around Italian cuisine and good wine. The intimate venue charms immediately with an eclectic mixture of wine bottles and mismatched framed artworks lining the walls. Local produce is front and centre here, head chef Dan Lidgard uses both a kitchen garden as well as a slew of local producers from the area— including freshly-harvested mussels, from Harry at Flinder's Mussels, which when in season are plucked from the open-ocean farm just over a kilometre away from the restaurant.
The menu ebbs and flows between smaller more Primi Piatti from the house-made garlic and rosemary focaccia with a perfectly dense bounce and moves into an incredibly decorative Vitello Tonnato. Larger dishes include the hand-cut Taglioni with a pepita pesto, roasted pumpkin and fried sage or the staple slow-cooked lamb shoulder ragu which is spun between Parpadelle. Wines are matched with unpretentious precision, be it a Sangiovese from the Chianti region or a neighbouring pinot noir from the nearby Quely vineyard.
Tedesca Osteria
RED HILL
One with a couple of awards under its hat, Tedesca is the quaint yet chic Osteria in Red Hill. Focused on showcasing the rich produce grown on the Mornington Peninsula, Tedesca is the brainchild of chef-owner Brigitte Hafner, who’s developed a set menu dining experience that's based around seasonal ingredients and cooked with an Italian-centric approach with their now signature wood-fired oven and grill.
Your typical long lunch at Tedesca will feature hand-rolled pasta, a seafood dish, a main meat course, and finally a dessert; being a seasonal menu, the dishes vary. The entire space is an aesthetic marvel, the converted 1940s house feels like an incredibly well-curated home with rustic farm-style charm, including the freestanding fireplace and secluded dining areas that look out onto the wide property.
Alatonero
MCCRAE
Situated just across from the stunning McCrae beach, this little suburb's terrazzo-style Greek restaurant is not one to miss. Alatonero, which means ‘saltwater’ in Greek, is an open-spaced Santorini-inspired diner, its colourful and vibrant atmosphere is bolstered by its feature tiles, olive trees, tea lights, and white-washed walls and deck.
When lit up it's a beacon for good times and authentic greek cuisine after a hard day at the beach or in the bush. Here the food is meant for sharing, the menu features a range of ‘mezze’ smaller plates such as the saganaki with fig and lemon, fried calamari with harissa aioli and more. On the mains front, you've got your more staple Greek flavours with the Moussaka, baby barramundi with citrus and ouzo beurre blanc, and of course, your Souvlaki, which comes in lamb, chicken as well as a vegetarian option with zucchini fritters.
Martha’s Table
SAFETY BEACH
Down in the marina end of Safety Beach in Martha Cove, the newly minted Martha’s Table is one of the more recent openings for the peninsula. The Mediterranean-inspired diner is a sleek operation, covering all bases with a restaurant, aperitivo bar, wine cellar and its very own providore, eloquently dubbed ‘The Grocer’, stocking a range of delicacies and local produce. Kitchen-wise it doesn’t get much better, helmed by Adam Beckett previously of Paringa Estate, Quay, and Vue De Monde, you can expect a menu of modern takes on European flavours, all from the wood-fired grill.
The refined menu features simple yet fully-rounded dishes like ricotta gnocchi, with fresh chard, or flounder cooked whole across the wood fire and served with Grenoble sauce. The drinks menu from Arthurs Bar is equally impressive with several drops from local wineries and imported bottles from select regions.
Loosies Diner
MORNINGTON
When you walk through a door and you’re greeted with a wall heavy with picture frames of Keith Richards, Dolly Parton, and Elvis’s mug shot you know you’re in for a good time. Loosies is exactly that, a good time; the laid-back American 70s-style diner is full with perspex glass booth seating, retro light fittings, and Pabst Blue-Ribbon beer on tap to boot. The allure of Loosies retro appeal is hard to convey, it’s a necessary in-person experience; sitting down to a slew of burgers, loaded fries, and sides, and topping things off in-true diner fashion with a whipped cream adorned apple pie or a couple of picklebacks.
Kerri Greens Winery
RED HILL SOUTH
Sure we could throw out the peninsula big three; Jackalope, Montalto, and Point Leo but you’re no doubt already across them, one you’ve probably not encountered is the gem that is Kerri Greens Winery. Definitely a slower pace, Kerri Greens is a winery, cellar door and all-time space for sampling some of the best wine on the peninsula.
Set on a magnificent sprawling property in Red Hill South, Kerri Greens offers a range of quality drops of chardonnay and pinot noir, highlighting that rich Mornington Peninsula soil and climate that has become the bedrock of some of Victoria’s top wines. The added plus of Kerri Greens is its doggo-friendly and BYO picnic policy, pack a spread at home and set up on the lawns of the winery that overlook the expansive vineyards.
What To Do
Arthurs Seat Eagle
ARTHURS SEAT
No doubt you’ve probably heard about it or seen the Arthurs Seat Eagle while climbing the winding road up to Arthurs seat in the car, but actually taking flight on the ski-mountain style lift is an absolute must-do experience. Giving you an absolutely spanking 360º view as you near the top watch the native bushland lead down the cliffs and to the water.
Learn To Surf With Salty Surf School
SHOREHAM
It’s not a true trip to the coast without at least pushing outside of your comfort zone into the whitewash. If inexperience and hesitance to fall repeatably have kept you from pursuing your surfing dreams, then boy do we have the thing for you. Salty Surf School is a bonafide learn-to-surf experience, typically set in the more beginner-friendly waters of Western Port Bay, Fraser and his team of surf trainers will show you the ropes from paddling and pop-ups to navigating the seas.
Shop At Dromana Habitat
DROMANA
Transforming the industrial estate of Dromana into a cultural precinct, The Habitat is a collective featuring some of the Peninsula's top makers, crafters and artisans. Tucked away just off Nepean Road, the creative new community features a slew of different shops from custom surfboards and apparel at Bass, hand-crafted jeans from Everwear Denim, small-batch gin, rum and cheese, and even the famed gluten-free brewery Two Bays. There's plenty more to discover, check it all out here.
Looking for a pet-friendly stay? Check some of Victoria's best here.
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