10 ways to enjoy the Mornington Peninsula this long weekend

With its misty mornings and mild nights, autumn is an enchanting time to visit the Mornington Peninsula. If you’re immersing yourself in the healing waters at Peninsula Hot Springs this long weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities to explore while you’re in the area.

Meanwhile, we’ll be running our wellness program featuring Mat Yoga, Hot Springs Yoga, our Fire & Ice Workshop and our Body Clay Ritual, plus a special Thursday evening performance in the Amphitheatre from Melbourne-based ambient-dance musician Pjenné, as part of our Atmospheric Antipodes series. You can also enjoy the sultry sounds of Latin Jazz guitarist Chris Gogerly in the Bath House cafe from 2 - 5pm on Sunday, March 9.

wander the point nepean market

Venture down to the southernmost tip of the Peninsula for enticing food options, locally made wares, plants and more at this once-in-a-while market. While you’re there, you could explore Quarantine Station and walk out to Fort Nepean, taking in stunning views of both the wild ocean and the pristine bay along the way.

Sunday, March 9, 9am - 2pm. Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Rd, Portsea

experience ‘peninsula piers and pinots’ at flinders

Sample some of the Mornington Peninsula’s best maritime cool climate pinots in the beautiful surrounds of Flinders foreshore at this ticketed event. The 50 winemakers on show include Kerri Greens, Montalto, Moorooduc Estate, Nazaaray, Ocean Eight, Quealy, Red Hill Estate and many more.

Sunday, March 9, 12pm - 3pm, Flinders Foreshore Reserve, end of Bass St, Flinders

indulge in burgers or mussels with fries at hawkes farm

A stone’s throw from Peninsula Hot Springs is our local farmgate, Hawkes Farm, which has evolved over the years to offer a variety of culinary delights – including their famous thrice-cooked fries. You can book in for grass fed burgers or Flinders mussels with fries on Friday night, or enjoy other delicious options over the weekend such as pastries, Vulcano gelato and baked potatoes.

Friday, March 7, 6pm - 7.30pm, 661 Boneo Road, Boneo

summer sip and sketch at point leo estate

When Point Leo Estate opened in 2017, it caused a sensation. The property is home to not only a restaurant and winery, but also a sculpture park featuring esteemed artists and bay views. This weekend you can choose from charcoal, oil pastels or watercolour, select your preferred wine and sit down at your easel for a 90-minute sketch session.

Saturday, March 8 at 11am and Sunday, March 9 at 12.30pm. 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks

tour the cape schanck lighthouse

The lighthouse at Cape Schanck, which has been operating since 1859, will be open this weekend for tours. Buy a ticket and climb the lighthouse tower to experience the inside of a working lighthouse, learn about its history and enjoy views over Bass Strait.

Monday, March 10, hourly between 11am and 4pm. Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve, 420 Cape Schanck Lighthouse Road, Cape Schanck

embrace twilight on montalto’s piazza

After proving popular over the summer, Montalto Vineyard is bringing their Twilight night back for one night only this long weekend. There will be an Oyster Happy Hour from 5pm - 6pm ($3 per oyster, complemented by Montalto’s award-winning sparkling), and guests are welcome to luxuriate on the Piazza lawn or find a table and tuck into some delicious yet casual fare including pizza, small share plates and larger meals (walk-ins only).

Saturday, March 8, 11am - 7.30pm (last drinks 8pm). Montalto Vineyard, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South.

eat at nora’s pizza house

Nora’s opened late 2024 and has become a local favourite for its laidback yet fun atmosphere and delicious pizzas, pastas and cocktails. It’s also opposite the foreshore for a pre- or post-dinner dip in the bay.

Nora’s Pizza House, open Thursday to Monday, 4.30pm - 9.30/10.30pm, 2113 Point Nepean Road, Rye.

have a picnic at green olive winery

Green Olive is a great winery to visit – especially if you have kids in tow, who might appreciate the trampoline. You can pre-order picnics for two adults, a family or four, or a group and enjoy delicious local produce in the serene grounds of the winery.

Green Olive Winery, 1180 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge

explore boneo discovery park

This family-friendly park is situated on 27 acres of wetlands five minutes away from Peninsula Hot Springs, and includes a ropes course, zip line, rock wall, maze, sand sculptures, mini golf and nature activities. Between a visit to the Peninsula Hot Springs and a wander around this discovery park, you and the family will be deeply immersed in Fingal’s natural environment.

Boneo Discovery Park, 695 Limestone Road, Fingal

soak up the sun at hotel sorrento’s new rooftop

Hotel Sorrento has one of the best bay views of any pub in Victoria, and the 1800s establishment has recently added a rooftop with plenty of seating, as well as a balcony from which you can watch the ships cross the horizon.

Hotel Sorrento, 5 Hotham Road, Sorrento