7 Fun Things to Do When You Visit the Mornington Peninsula
Located just south of Melbourne you’ll find the Mornington Peninsula. Flanked by Port Philip Bay on one side and the ocean on the other, this quaint beach town is a summer haven.
If you’re visiting the area in the near future, you might be wondering what there is to do. From a visit to the Mornington Peninsula breweries to the local hot springs, there’s always something fun and relaxing to schedule for the day!
Mornington – An Escape From The Rat Race
Source: australiantraveller.com
There’s no denying it: Mornington is a charming little seaside village with a wide variety of fun things that attract locals and tourists. The area is labelled by many visitors as being one of the most stunning weekend getaways. Let’s see why!
Point Nepean National Park
Source: theintrepidguide.com
The Point Nepean National Park allows you to visit nature and study some history at the same time. This rugged area was once the hub of military activity when it functioned as a fort and quarantine station.
Today it serves as a picturesque hiking trail where visitors can either walk or rent bikes. Since the park is quite extensive, there’s also a nifty shuttle service that gets you around.
Riding Along the Beach on Horseback
If you’re a nature and an animal lover, then another fun activity that combines both of these involves a horseback ride along the beach. Not only is this activity extremely relaxing, but it’s also a great photo opportunity!
The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy this activity. Tours on offer are for experienced and inexperienced riders, because lessons are available. The popular Gunnamatta Trail Rides make it possible to enjoy this adventure all year round.
Beach and Bath Package at The Hot Springs
Source: visitmelbourne.com
St. Andrew’s Beach and Bush Ride also offers a beach ride on horseback but includes an exhilarating soak in the Peninsula Hot Springs.
It’s the perfect way to soothe aching muscles after a morning of horseback riding. Private rides, kids’ rides, and lessons are available if you need them!
The Peninsula Hot Springs sports hot mineral water that oozes up from underground into a variety of smaller pools. Treatments on offer at the centre include reflexology walks, hilltop pools with picturesque views and cave pools. It’s recommended that you make bookings to avoid disappointment!
Enchanted Adventure Garden
If you’re looking for something fun to do that involves the whole family, look no further than the Enchanted Adventure Garden. With a host of different activities, it’s a great place for kids to stay entertained for the whole day.
Some of the fun activities on offer here include:
- Ziplining across the tops of the park tree-tops
- Tube slide rides for all ages
- Hedge mazes for kids to play around in
- Giant puzzles will keep kids busy for hours
- Themed gardens decorated with a host of different sculptures provide adults with an interesting tour
- Climbing course through the ancient eucalyptus forest
- Gondola rides are a mere 5-minute drive away
Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry
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The local ferry runs every hour on the hour and links two of the area’s popular seaside towns – Sorrento and Queenscliff. It’s a great way to explore the coastline without having to walk the beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few dolphins from the deck.
Many visitors arrive by car at one end of the Peninsula and then enjoy a walking tour to the next destination. When they’re done with that it’s very easy to take the ferry back in time for lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Red Hill Community Market
If you enjoy browsing through outdoor markets, you have to make a stop at the Red Hill Community Market. Over 300 creative stalls offer homegrown, baked and built goodies on sales.
It’s the ideal place for collectors of eclectic little trinkets and homemade items to add to their collections.
The market boasts a country-style atmosphere with fun and local cuisine. Previous visitors recommend attending the market with an empty stomach!
Watching the Dolphins
Source: visitvictoria.com
If you love dolphins, then stopping by for a boat tour is a definite must! Port Phillip Bay is home to a wide variety of marine life which include about 80 bottlenose dolphins.
Tours are offered for swimmers to enjoy some time in the water with these magnificent creatures.
Non-swimmers can enjoy the view from the deck of the boat. It’s a wonderful sight to see and makes for amazing photo opportunities. Kids will love watching and spotting dolphins from the deck of the tour boat.
Last Words on Mornington
Whether you’re visiting the Mornington Peninsula for business or pleasure, it’ll be well worth your while to stop and take in a few sites and enjoy some of the adventures on offer.
Aside from the picturesque scenery, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some local cuisines and even a few glasses of gluten-free beer at a local brewery! Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a weekend of fun and sun in the Mornington Peninsula.
