The Mornington Peninsula

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  • Peninsula Hot Springs

    THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

    Art Series | Hey Daytripper

    The Southside sister of Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula is an hour’s drive from the heart of Melbourne CBD, along the beautiful coastline. Home to galleries, spas and cafes, beaches, local wineries and breweries, it caters to curious city folk or those wanting to get away for a cheeky interstate stopover.

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By CELIA DOYLE
11th November 2014

GET YOUR EXPLORER SOCKS ON

Once you've nabbed a beachside park in Quarantine Station, The Peninsula Explorer; a hop-on hop-off tour service is an easy way for visitors to explore the Mornington Peninsula in 18 stops. The double decker open top buses provide you with magnificent views of the peninsula and enable you to tailor your experience in a flexible and convenient manner. Its tour guides bring the stories of the region to life. Click here for ticket options and packages.

ALL THINGS ARTSY

The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its arts and crafts. From local markets to the Aboriginal community arts centre in Mornington, the Baluk Arts Contemporary Gallery Manyung and McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park or sculptures peppered through vineyards. One exhibition not to be missed is the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, as it is hosting the Archibald Prize 2014. Close to our heart, as our very own Adam Cullen won the Archibald in 2000.

To go a bit further down the coast, boutique recycler Felix proudly supports over 100 local artists and craftspeople. Bring home your piece of the peninsula.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE LOCAL WILDLIFE

To get up close and personal with Bottlenose Dolphins and cheeky Australian Fur Seals, try Moonraker Dolphin Swims, which are available from Sorrento Pier. For those who don't have sea legs and would prefer to be on land, try the Gunnamatta Trail Rides. Amazing opportunities to trail ride on horseback through beautiful coastal bush lands and Peninsula's stunning St Andrews Beach.

WINE AND DINE

For the foodies and wine lovers, try Red Hill Epicurean for lunch, which showcases the finest local produce and wine of the Mornington Peninsula. You can dabble in cheese and wine tasting and take home the local favourites. Or try Main St Mornington, which is quickly becoming renowned for their cafe culture. For your essential coffee hit, try Coffee Traders & Cafe, traditional Italian fare and the perfect pizza, D.O.C and fresh local produce with a twist at The Winey Cow.

Tucked away in Red Hill, a short twenty minutes drive from Mornington are some of Mornington Peninsula's most famed wineries. Two favourites not to be missed are T’Gallant Winery, renowned for its 'Pinot G' range and wood fired pizzas and Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, exhibiting permanent sculptures amongst the grounds.

YOU ME AND RELAX

Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Natural thermal mineral waters flow into the pools and private baths at this coastal oasis, providing the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Two bathing facilities; the Bath House ideal for a group of your friends or family or the Spa Dreaming Centre, the ideal tranquil space for over 16's.

Finish your day or weekend off at a secluded location, Mills Beach in Mornington. Take in the sights, nibble on some fish and chips and watch the sunset go down against a beach box.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Hire one of our Smart Cars at The Olsen, The Blackman or The Cullen; it's easy to zip out of town for the day. Contact Guest Experience Desk to enquire about the hire.

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