Living it up on the Mornington Peninsula.

Things to do on your stay at Wallowie

For our guests convenience I have put together a little bit of a local area guide to provide you with a little bit of inspiration if you are looking to get out and about in the local region. If you have enough time, give yourselves as many days as possible here, there is always more to do and see. The Peninsula, has a special, old world charm about it. Everywhere whispers of treasured memories and moments – the winding roads fringed by lush trees, the back beaches filled with unexpected natural surprises, the protected bays brimming with transparent aqua water that manages to be as inviting on a hot day as a fireplace and a mug of steamy hot chocolate is on a stormy one.

It’s romantic (who ever needs an excuse to spoil their special one), it’s relaxing (Peninsula time is very different to city time) and if you leave the winery tour out of the itinerary and slot in a trip to the famous Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs instead, it could be rejuvenating as well!

What you also might not know is you can also squeeze in a little adventure time here as well. Summer or Winter, anytime is a perfect time to visit the Peninsula. 

For a complete guide to the region please visit:

www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org  OR  www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Mornington-Peninsula 

Here is some of my local information to assist with planning an outing.

1. BEACH BOXES

See the iconic beach boxes which line the Peninsula’s coast line (all 1,300 of them). Great opportunities for some fantastic photos. 

2. WINERIES

Hit the wineries. Create your very own Mornington Peninsula winery tour , all you need is a designated driver

3. BREWERIES

Not a vino fan? No worries – roll up to a brewery instead! St Andrews Beach Brewery, Red Hill Brewery, Mornington Peninsula Brewery or Mock Red Hill Cidery should get you started.

4. BLAIRGOWRIE JUMPING ROCK

Take a dive into nature’s most perfectly formed plunge pool from the Blairgowrie Jumping Rock at Bridgewater Bay.

5. FISH & CHIPS

Grab some fish and chips from Shark Shack at Rye  or Fish Fetish at Sorrento Beach and have yourself a salty afternoon picnic in front of the beach. FYI – seagull mafia game is very strong here. Be warned that the seagulls are ready at any point to attack ifyou show any point of weakness, so my recommendation would be don’t even think about taunting them with scraps until you’re full.

6. PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS

Treat yourself at the Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia’s first geothermal springs. Be sure to book and I recommend to go early to avoid the crowds. If bathing isn’t your scene there are plenty of other spas to choose from!

7. ARTHURS SEAT

Head inland to Arthurs Seat via a winding mountain road for some epic views. Don’t forget to pull in at the iconic Arthurs Hotel for a quick lunch pit stop. Ride the brand new Arthurs Seat Chairlift (Opening Soon)

8. TAKE A DRIVE

Just drive. That’s right, you heard me. Stop when you’re hungry. If you can’t fight the OCD and need a little more structure, you can always plan out your route in google maps. The drive to Flinders is always a great journey. (Plenty of special rugged coastline Beach Stops along the way)

9. FORT NEPEAN

 For Nepean is an amazing place to explore and get a feel for some of the Peninsula’s rich history.

10. SORRENTO BACK BEACH

The Sorrento back beach is stunning. Explore the rock and rock pools.

11. CAPE SCHANCK

Cape Schanck is quite a sight, particularly at sunset or sunrise.  Get down to Shelly Beach and have a wander. You’ll see the ocean at its most powerful, plus you will get to feast your eyes on some of the most stunning rockpools around. 

12. THE COASTLINE

The Peninsula’s coastline is covered in incredible rock formations, which to me look like sprawling prehistoric graveyards. Dragon Head Rock at Rye Back Beach is just one of these, and a very memorable photo opportunity for any budding photographers out there!

13. LONDON BRIDGE

London Bridge, Mornington Peninsula (Not to be confused with the London Bridge on the Great Ocean Road). If you can’t get down the Great Ocean Road then you must see at least one of Victoria’s London Bridges!

14. GET LOST IN A MAZE

Go to a maze – there is a few to chose from – and get in touch with your inner child. I got lost in one of these as a little boy and can still recall the exhilarating rush I felt the moment I was re-united with my family. Ah, memories!

15. SWIM WITH SEALS & DOLPHINS

In the summer months (October – April) swim with fur seal and dolphins in the Peninsula’s perfect waters.

16. WALKING TRACKS

Head out for a walk. For an easy stroll watching the city’s rich kids play, the Millionaire's Walk is perfect. Cape Schanck to Bushranger’s Bay is a quick and peaceful bush walk (approximately five kilometres return). If you’re a wildlife freak, trek through Arthurs Seat Park for an encounter with a kangaroo!

17. DIY FOODIE TOUR

The Peninsula is renowned for local grown produce and some of the best chefs in Australia have gravitated to the area to take advantage of it. Local favourites include Johnny Ripe and Transition Farm.

18. MARKETS

If you’re in town the first weekend of the month, go to the monthly Red Hill Community Market which is considered the “great dame” of Victoria’s craft markets.  (Please note the market doesn’t run June, July or August).  Many other markets are running on various weekends. For a complete list click here.

19. DINING

Eat eat eat.........stop at a local farmgate, or dine at a fine restaurant in the Red Hill. Pubs to Fish and Chips on the Beach. The options are endless. One of my favourites is the Johnny Ripe Bakery or the Epicurean in Red Hill. Be sure to book the more popular eateries, especially on weekends and holiday periods.

20. GOLF, GOLF GOLF

The Peninsula is a world class golfing destination, you are spoilt for choice, from the Top 10 Moonah Links (2 Courses) and St Andrews Beach to the private courses (if you are lucky enough to gain access) such as the National Golf Club. Your options are endless.