Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula feels like a world away. Nestled between Port Phillip Bay and the wild waters of Bass Strait, it’s a stunning blend of rugged coastline, rolling hinterlands, historic villages, thermal hot springs, and award-winning wineries.

Often referred to as a playground for naturalists, golfers, and gastronomes, this region offers a year-round escape that effortlessly balances luxury and nature. Whether you're soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, teeing off at world-class golf courses, sipping Pinot Noir under century-old gum trees, or hiking dramatic coastal trails—there's something for everyone on the Peninsula.

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⛳ World-Class Golf Courses

The Mornington Peninsula is a bucket-list destination for golf lovers, home to some of the finest public-access courses in the Southern Hemisphere.

🏌️‍♂️ St Andrews Beach Golf Course

• Consistently ranked among Australia's top public courses.
• Designed by golf legend Tom Doak, it offers a links-style layout that challenges even seasoned players with its fast greens and wind-swept fairways.
• Surrounded by dunes and native vegetation, the setting is wild, raw, and beautifully Australian.

🏌️‍♀️ The Dunes Golf Links

• One of the pioneers of championship golf on the Peninsula.
• With a challenging 27-hole layout (18 championship and 9 holes for casual play), it’s a course that rewards creativity and precision.
• Panoramic views, strategic bunkering, and firm fast greens make it a must-play.

🏌️ Moonah Links

• Home to two magnificent courses: The Open Course (designed for national championships) and the more forgiving Legends Course.
• The Open Course hosted the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open, and both layouts offer the full “Pro Tour” experience.

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🌟 Top Things to Do on the Mornington Peninsula

The perfect location to golf, relax, explore, and indulge—these are the essentials away from the fairways:

🏞 Arthurs Seat

• Take the scenic Eagle Gondola Ride to the summit for sweeping views of the Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, and on clear days, even Melbourne’s skyline.
• Bushwalking trails, picnic spots, and native wildlife make this a great half-day trip.

🏛 Point Nepean National Park

• A fascinating blend of military history, Indigenous culture, and coastal wilderness.
• Explore WWII forts and tunnels, bike or walk the scenic trails, and visit the Quarantine Station.
• At the very tip of the Peninsula, you’ll find The Rip, a dramatic and treacherous stretch of water known for its powerful currents.

♨️ Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

• The Peninsula’s newest wellness destination, combining geothermal bathing with contemporary spa experiences.
• Soak in over 30 curated bathing experiences set among beautifully landscaped gardens.
• A peaceful, luxurious alternative to the more well-known Peninsula Hot Springs (which is also worth a visit if you prefer something more family-friendly).

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🍇 Wine, Food & Local Flavours

The Peninsula is a paradise for wine lovers and foodies, especially those who value small-batch production and seasonal ingredients.

🍷 Avani Winery

• A second-generation, family-owned gem crafting biodynamic, minimal-intervention wines.
• Known for cool-climate Shiraz and experimental skin-contact whites.
• Tastings often hosted by the winemakers themselves, making this a truly personal experience.

🍺 St Andrews Beach Brewery

• Set in a converted horse training facility, complete with old stables turned into private drinking booths.
• Craft beers brewed on-site, wood-fired pizzas, and a relaxed outdoor vibe.
• Great for a laid-back afternoon after a round of golf.

🧺 Merricks General Wine Store

• A Peninsula institution since 1924.
• Combines rustic charm with gourmet excellence—part wine cellar, part deli, part art gallery.
• Try the charcuterie platter with a glass of Baillieu wine and soak up the countryside views.

🐟 Audrey’s at Sorrento

• A fine dining seafood restaurant by renowned chef Scott Pickett.
• Fresh, coastal, elegant—think local crayfish, sashimi-style scallops, and heirloom vegetables.
• The upstairs dining room offers stunning views over the Sorrento foreshore.

🧀 Plonk & Stink (Flinders)

• A quirky name for a serious cheese and wine experience.
• Curated artisanal cheeses from around the world, paired with boutique local wines.
• A must-visit for cheese lovers.

🖼 Point Leo Estate

• Where sculpture meets shiraz.
• This ultra-premium winery features an outdoor sculpture park with large-scale installations, an acclaimed restaurant, and striking architecture.
• The estate's wines are sophisticated, and the cellar door tasting experience is beautifully curated.

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🎒 What to Pack for the Mornington Peninsula

The weather here can change in a heartbeat, especially with the Bass Strait’s moody temperament just around the corner. Here’s what to bring:

• Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer.
• Rain jacket: For those spontaneous coastal downpours.
• Sturdy shoes: Great for bushwalking or winery wandering.
• Swimwear: For hot springs or one of the many beaches.
• Smart-casual outfit: Some venues (like Audrey’s or Point Leo Estate) lean toward the stylish side.
• Golf attire: Pack for all four seasons.

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🧳 Final Word

The Mornington Peninsula isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to immerse yourself.

Whether you’re unwinding in a thermal spring, teeing off at dawn, or sipping wine as the sun sets over the vines, this coastal escape has a way of reminding you to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and truly savour the moment.

So plan your packing, ladies leave room for plenty of shopping, and get ready to fall in love with one of Australia’s most enchanting regions.