Just an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne lies a coastal gem that boasts natural marvels, cultural treasures, and culinary delights. The Mornington Peninsula is a crowd-favourite among daytrippers, not only because of its proximity to Australia’s second most populous city but also due to the diverse experiences it offers.

If you want to escape the busy city life for a day, we’ve got you covered with a curated Mornington Peninsula day trip itinerary. Pack your essentials and get ready for a day filled with adventure as you hit the road to the Mornington Peninsula.

1. Catch the Sunrise at Mornington Pier

What better way to kickstart your Mornington Peninsula day trip than by watching the sunrise with a coffee in hand? Mornington Pier offers an idyllic setting for early risers or travellers who want to get their morning fuel before venturing out. Take a stroll on the pier, watch the first light of the day as it reflects off the calm waters of the bay, and soak up the morning tranquillity as the day begins to unfold.

Here, you can also grab a quick bite or a coffee to go from the nearby cafés. A warm pastry paired with a perfectly brewed coffee will surely keep you energised for the rest of your adventure.

Address: Schnapper Point Dr, Mornington VIC 3931, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“Lovely place for a coffee and morning stroll.” — Dr Shiv

“This is a great place for a morning walk, enjoy some drinks and fishing. In the morning you might get to see the dolphins!” — Michelle W.

“Great place to go for a lazy drive and a walk to see the majestic mornington harbour. Enjoy a coffee at the cafe or lunch at The Rocks. You just have to go.” — Claude P.

2. Reconnect with Nature at the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve

Just a 21-minute drive from Mornington Pier is where sprawling wetlands and native flora await. Contrary to its name, Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is a haven that offers visitors a chance to escape the buzz and frenzy of the city and other crowded tourist attractions. Featuring the largest inland body of water on the Peninsula, the reserve is home to plenty of wildlife, including the majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle and the near-threatened Blue-billed Duck. Take a leisurely morning stroll along its many trails and listen to the calming sounds of nature. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s the 11.5-kilometre Devilbend Circuit Track, where you can spot various wild animals along the way.

Visiting in the early morning allows you to experience Devilbend Natural Features Reserve as its most peaceful with fewer visitors around. Spread out a picnic rug and lie down on your back as you gaze up at the wide-open sky. Or, if you’re looking for something fun to do, try paddling by canoe or kayak in the water zones to see the wildlife from a whole new perspective. Lastly, don’t forget your camera, as the reserve’s natural beauty is definitely worth a couple of shots.

Address: 159 Graydens Rd, Moorooduc VIC 3933, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“Absolutely perfect park with a lot of facilities. Recommended for a day escape from the city. Here you can find a good walk tracks, BBQ, public toilets as well(always clean).” — Vladimir V.

“What a great place to visit for a picnic and an amazing walk, there's plenty of wildlife too, highly recommended.” — Richard A.

“Beautiful, hidden gem on the MornPen. Also great for kayaking.” — Tako

3. Create Insta-Worthy Memories at Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes

Up next is the iconic Bathing Boxes of Mornington Peninsula, which is just a short 14-minute drive from Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. It may not be as popular as the iconic Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, but the Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes are still undoubtedly among the most charming and photogenic. These rainbow-coloured huts that line the coastline are now a part of the Peninsula’s identity and Victoria’s cultural heritage, offering a playful contrast to the golden sands and deep blue waters of Port Phillip Bay. The beach is not as crowded as some of the more popular beach boxes, so you’ll have plenty of space (and time!) to explore and snap that perfect Instagram shot with the huts as the backdrop.

Address: Esplanade, Mount Martha VIC 3934, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“If you want to see colourful bathing boxes, this is a good place, and it is not as crowded as Brighton Beach. You can also do a leisure stroll along the beach.” — AL

“Great beach - not terribly crowded, even on a weekend. Bathing boxes are super cute.” — Sarah W.

“Has lots bathing boxes like Brighton beach. This is less crowded and much cleaner due to less tourists flocking this beach. Definitely worth a visit if you like a less crowded beach and check out the colourful bathing boxes there.” — Nakul P.

4. Take a Dip at the Safety Beach

Cool off with a quick 10-minute drive from the Bathing Boxes to Safety Beach. This beach takes the top spot in our list of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula—and for all the right reasons. With its shallow and calm waters, Safety Beach truly delivers on its name as it provides a safe and enjoyable beach experience for all ages. Here, kids can safely splash and play around, beginner swimmers can practise their skills on the gentle waves, and parents can simply soak up the sun and unwind.

The beach also offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Bring your own kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay, hop aboard a yacht, or ride a jet ski to cruise along the waves. And if you didn’t bring an extra pair of clothes with you and prefer to keep yourself dry, you can simply take a leisurely stroll along the golden sands or play a round of soccer, cricket, frisbee, or volleyball with your company or other beachgoers.

Address: Safety Beach VIC 3936, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“A beach to be enjoyed in every season for its winds, sunshine, chill, trees by the sea, sand, walking paths, sunsets, night walks, morning runs, cycling, and the refreshing experience of swimming in its calm, icy waters early in the morning, among many other things.” — Nurcihan K.

“It is a beautiful place to spend a warm afternoon with your family and friends. Water is not very deep, highly recommended for kids bathing under the sun into the sea.” — Faiza I.

“Perfect place for kids to enjoy shallow and calm waters. The sand is soft and the water is calm for a nice walk with your family along the shoreline.” — Anshul B.

5. Ascend to the Peninsula’s Highest Viewpoint at the Arthur's Seat State Park

Just a 12-minute drive from Safety Beach, you’ll reach the iconic park that is always a must-visit when you’re visiting the Peninsula. Standing at 314 metres above sea level, Arthur's Seat State Park offers panoramic views that can stretch across the Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, and on clear days, all the way to Melbourne’s city skyline, the You Yangs, and Mount Macedon. Climb aboard the iconic Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola and rise above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of Mornington Peninsula.

If you want to skip the gondola ride, don’t worry; there are still plenty of fun things to do in this Mornington gem. Arthur's Seat State Park has a range of walking trails that lead you through the native bushland and picnic areas where you can simply lay out your mat and rest. You can also hike along the Kings Falls Circuit Park and keep your eye on the exotic plants and native animals that call the place home. The famed Seawinds Garden has flora and fauna that change colours every season, so you’ll always have a unique view and experience no matter when you visit.

Address: Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“If you have travelled up to the summit either by car or gondola, then you are treated to a wonderful coastal view as well as an extensive picnic area.” — Flying K.

“Lovely area, nice walks, casual not challenging. Many wheelchair accessible. Beautiful view of the bay and Melbourne.” — Martin R.

“Picturesque, must visit , also don’t forget to take the circuit walk while you’re there!” — Dr. Siddharth K.

6. Savour a Gourmet Lunch at The Kitchen

Already feeling the hunger pangs? Don’t worry, just 22 minutes from Arthur’s Seat State Park lies The Kitchen, a cosy, crowd-favourite bistro of locals and tourists alike. The Kitchen prides itself on being a “place that feels like home,” and that’s exactly how you would feel the moment you step inside their humble bistro. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Kitchen is ready to welcome you any time of the day with a menu that caters to every craving. For guests with dietary restrictions, they also have vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, so everyone can fully savour a hearty lunch after a whole morning of exploring.

The Kitchen’s lunch menu boasts a variety of options for every palate, from hearty meats to lighter brunch selections, pasta, and seafood. Their Chef’s Faves selection features mouthwatering beef short rib, Middle Easter lamb, chicken tagine, and vegan moussaka, which are perfect for filling a hungry stomach. If you want something light, bolognese, super green fettuccine and garden salad are wise choices. No matter your pick, The Kitchen is the perfect spot to recharge and savour the flavours of the region before heading out on the next leg of your Mornington Peninsula day trip.

Address: 1917 Point Nepean Rd, Tootgarook VIC 3941, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“The restaurant is really beautiful, the food was great, and the service was outstanding! Our waiter was incredibly attentive and made the experience perfect.” — Preston M.

“We’ve been here a few times now after discovering it. The restaurant is great with a good selection of food & wine. Friendly staff and good atmosphere. At lunch today there were plenty of families enjoying themselves with board games.” — Jason W.

“Really great atmosphere that is relaxed and casual, menu is great with options for those with food allergies and good value kids dishes. Service from staff was fantastic, friendly and accommodating despite being a very busy time, highly recommend” — Mukesh

7. Try Your Luck with Fishing at Rye Pier

Time to get back on the road again for the next stop, but this time, it will only be a quick 5-minute drive to your next destination. Rye Pier is a classic fishing spot on the Mornington Peninsula and is where both seasoned anglers and beginners alike come to cast their lines and enjoy the peaceful waters of Port Phillip Bay. Stretching out into the clear waters, the pier is home to plenty of marine species that you can reel in, such as squid, snapper, whiting, salmon, flathead, mullet, leather jacket, gummy sharks, trevally, and more.

Even if you don’t catch anything, the views alone at Rye Pier are worth the visit. And if you want to see what lies beneath its calm waters, you can bring your snorkelling gear and take a dive underwater. Here, you’ll see stingrays, seahorses, spider crabs, and octopus, with a lot more nocturnal species waking up from their slumber at night. Whether it’s fishing, snorkelling, or just taking a stroll, Rye Pier makes for a worthy stop for day trips on the Mornington Peninsula.

Address: Bay Trail, Rye VIC 3941, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“Great view and atmosphere. Great spot for squid fishing.” — Nguyen X.L.

“An oldie but a goodie. Some sections of the pier have been updated. This is a fantastic to do if on the Mornington peninsula. Fishing this is a hot spot for tommy rough and calamari.” — Maree B.

“Upgraded pier in Rye, Victoria. Nice to have some fish and chips and go for a walk along the pier after. Always a number of fishermen catching squid and fish at the end of the pier.” — Xavier M.

8. Soak in the Sunset at the Whitecliffs Lookout

Catch the golden hour with a short 3-minute drive from Rye Pier to White Cliffs Lookout. Mornington Peninsula doesn’t run out of vantage points that offer a good sunset view, but this place stands out for its serene charm and panoramic vistas. Perched high above the coast, Whitecliffs Lookout may need quite a bit of steps to get into, but the view at the top offers a sunset view that is very well worth the short climb.

With fewer crowds, this lookout is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of adventuring. Bring your camera to capture the golden-painted skies blending into the blue waters below the horizon, and simply sit back and soak in the moment as the day comes to a peaceful close.

Address: Point Nepean Rd, Rye VIC 3941, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“It is one of the best spots for sunset in Rye. I have been here a couple of times, and I would love to go again.” — Herwanderwings

“This is a spectacular lookout in Rye area!!! Highly recommended.” — Eric T.

“Very clean water with nice view to the sunset!” — Abdulaziz K.

9. Finish Off with a Fine Dinner at Audrey's

Just a 10-minute drive from White Cliffs Lookout, a world-class restaurant invites you to indulge in a fine dining experience unlike any other. If you fancy something fancy to wrap up your Mornington Peninsula day trip, head to Sorrento for a sophisticated dinner at Audrey’s. This restaurant has bagged multiple awards over the years—and for all the good reasons. Audrey’s promises an authentic seafood dining experience to its guests, with a curated menu that takes full advantage of the Peninsula’s fresh local catch. With an interior that speaks elegance and a seaside view that amplifies the coastal charm, Audrey’s offers a romantic and intimate dining experience.

Their set menus feature appetisers that will tantalise your taste buds from the very first bite. The mains continue the culinary journey, with choices like Hiramasa kingfish, Murray cod, ama ebi prawns, lobster bisque, and more. If you’re not up for a heavy meal and prefer light snacks, Audrey’s bar has a selection of snacks, premium caviar, and desserts that are best paired with a glass of exquisite wine. Whether it’s a hearty meal or a light snack, Audrey's promises a dining experience that's elegant, indulgent, and distinctly Mornington Peninsula.

Address: 1 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“Audrey’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience with the perfect blend of elegance and warmth. From the moment we arrived, everything felt thoughtfully curated to make our evening special.” — Cacharel C.

“Venue is gorgeous and service was so so so good.  Food was delicious and wine and cocktail list that spans anything you would need.  Decor and ambience is spot on.  Such a lovely evening.” — Lisa P.

“The venue is stunning and the food was incredible - really memorable food.  Service was fantastic too.” — Stacey

10. Take an Afternoon Ferry Cruise to Queenscliff as You Journey Back Home

If you don’t feel like returning behind the wheel yet to drive back to Melbourne, why not take a little bit of a detour and hop on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff? Just a short 3-minute drive from Audrey’s, you’ll reach the Sorrento Ferry Terminal which invites you to another leg of an adventure. The scenic cruise from Searoad Ferries is not just simply a mode of transportation but a destination in itself. With the sky beginning to cast its twilight hues, the afternoon ferry ride from Sorrento serves as a refreshing break from the drive. And with Searoad Ferries, you wouldn’t have to worry about leaving your car behind—the ferry’s car deck ensures your vehicle is safe and secure as you enjoy the cruise.

On board, there are several amenities designed to make your cruise experience as relaxing and enjoyable as it should. A café also welcomes you to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee if caffeine is what you need. With plenty of viewing lounges and open-air decks, Searoad Ferries ensures that you have the perfect spot to unwind and take in the coastal sights.

If you’re on a one-way cruise, you can drive back to Melbourne once you dock at Queenscliff. You’ll be refreshed and ready for the final leg of your trip back home.

Address: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

What People Have to Say:

“I highly recommend this to anyone who would like to travel across the bay or just for a joy ride!! Also there are sometimes dolphins and about 20 minutes into the ferry look towards the city and you will see over 50 seals on a wooden structure!” — Home T.

“The overall experience was fantastic. Easy access and smooth operations made for a memorable day.” — Bella B.

“The trip itself was great. The staff here are absolutely fantastic.” — Aces F.

Set Sail to Your Next Stop

How to Get to Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne

Though the Peninsula feels like a world away from the bustling cityscapes of Melbourne, it is only an easy hour’s drive away. To reach the Peninsula, you can travel by car, via public transport, or by ferry. Consider potential traffic delays, especially when you’re travelling during peak hours, holidays, or weekends when the roads can get quite busy.

• By private vehicle: If you’re heading to the bayside towns (Mt Eliza, Mornington, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, Portsea), follow the coastline via Frankston. If your destination is in the villages alongside Westernport Bay (Tyabb, Hastings, Flinders), take the M1 linked with the Western Port Highway.
• By metropolitan train: Hop aboard the train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Frankston, then connect through Hastings to Stony Point on Western Port Bay.
• By bus: Take bus number 788 which frequently departs Frankston station to Portsea. For more information about bus schedules, visit Public Transport Victoria.
• By ferry: If you want a more convenient and relaxing option, take the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. Searoad Ferries depart daily from Sorrento Pier and Queenscliff Harbour every hour from 7AM to 6PM. Cars, bicycles, towed caravans and trailers, and motorcycles are all welcome on board.

Make the Most Out of Your Day Trip with Searoad Ferries

The Mornington Peninsula offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. From the peaceful sunrise at Mornington Pier to the stunning sunset at Whitecliffs Lookout, every stop in between and along the way is filled with memorable experiences. Make the most out of your Mornington Peninsula day trip with Searoad Ferries and enjoy a seamless, scenic journey across the bay. Whether you’re starting your adventure or wrapping up your day, the ferry offers a relaxing alternative to driving, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning coastal views. With the convenience of bringing your car onboard, you’ll have the freedom to explore both sides of the bay without worrying about time constraints. So, hop on a ferry, sit back, and let the waves carry you as you take in the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.

Cruise to the Best of Mornington Peninsula