Just jump away from bustling Melbourne, and one will find loads of amazing spots on the Mornington Peninsula. These are our absolute faves, which you must check out too to take a coastal getaway to the Mornington Peninsula.
We have personally visited these spots and made memories around them. Let us take a look at the 10 hot Mornington Peninsula places to visit, even if you are visiting for the first time. Let’s go!
1. Mount Martha Beach Boxes
You have probably heard of the famously colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes. Well, they are scattered all along the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Some of our favourites though are found along idyllic Mount Martha Beach, a pristine beach with vivid turquoise water.
These things sell for over $400,000 each and owners do them up to show them off in their own unique way. You’ll find rustic to vibrant and all things in between, some even have awesome artwork on them!
2. Fort Nepean
Fort Nepean is located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula and gives stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the wild ocean. You can either walk 2.5km from the car park to the historic fort or jump aboard a shuttle bus.
We opted for the walk and it was a fairly easy walk even with Ollie in his pram. You’ll find loads of old forts and gun areas that you can explore throughout Point Nepean National Park, but be careful walking off track as the signs point out “unexploded land mines”!
Fun fact, even though miles from the battlefronts of WWI and WWII, this fort apparently fired off the first shots of BOTH wars! The eager military was unable to identify ships both times and after giving warnings, sent warning shots.
3. London Bridge
Located near the end of the Mornington Peninsula near Sorrento on the ocean side, you will find London Bridge. A unique rock formation not to be confused with the similarly named actual bridge in London.
Definitely try to tie in your visit with low tide to get down on the beach and explore the rocky outcrop!
4. Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is like an apocalyptic world and one of the best Mornington Peninsula exposure sites. Facing out over the wild Bass Strait and open ocean you will be faced with insane views. There are actually quite a few amazing spots here, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular spots on the Mornington Peninsula.
As soon as you get out of the car, a super short stroll will have you at the picturesque Cape Schanck lighthouse. Continue around the trail and there is a lengthy boardwalk and lots of stairs down to the beach. However, they look like an awesome spot to cool off on a warm day.
Continuing around the pebbly beach you will come to the iconic Pulpit Rock. We spent ages just sitting there watching the waves wash over the rocky outcrop and recede back to the sea.
5. The Pillars
Over recent years the Pillars have gained significance on social media and are responsible for a huge tourist attraction Victoria in the area. They are definitely one of the most breathtaking spots on the Mornington Peninsula, but also just an awesome place to spend the day.
Located just off the main road, you have to walk down through the scrubby bushland, and down to the limestone cliffs. Then it gets a little bit tricky, you have to find a suitable path down! Once you make it down though you are rewarded with an amazing limestone platform leading to the crystal-clear sparkling water.
On warm days there could easily be 100 people here hanging out and soaking up the sun. It’s the Mornington Peninsula’s answer to the coastlines of Portugal.
6. Shelly Beach
There’s a reason the mega-rich settle in Portsea. The beaches are pristine with clear water straight from a postcard. Shelly Beach is no exception and a great spot to spend the afternoon.
You’ll spot a few ‘luxury’ versions of the classic beach huts, with their own private jetties. However nobody is usually at them and you can pose for a few photos, or maybe spend the afternoon there!
7. Peninsula Hot Springs
The Mornington Peninsula tour is incomplete if you don’t come here. The Peninsula Hot Springs is the only paid item we have on our most useful spots on the Mornington Peninsula list. You’ll find loads of unique pools scattered over a large area, scattered amongst a mass of vegetation.
The coolest is the small hilltop pool, perched on top of a hill with epic 360-degree views. There’s even a Moroccan-style steam room and saunas. The Peninsula Hot Springs also has private bathing areas for those seeking something even more special.
Be aware this place gets insanely busy, so make sure you go early to beat the crowds.
8. Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit
This tranquil boardwalk is found just off the Mount Martha strip. You can walk alongside Balcombe Creek on top of a raised pram-friendly boardwalk. There are a few picturesque rest stops along the way and you will feel like you are in the middle of the Aussie bush.
We try to do this walk often as it’s super gentle but you feel great doing it. There’s also a great playground and picnic area at the start of the trail.
9. Millionaire’s Walk
We mentioned Portsea is home to some of Melbourne’s mega-rich. Well, there’s even a walk named ‘Millionaires Walk’. This easy 1.5km walk takes you along an epic clifftop edge giving dramatic views of Port Phillip Bay and the beaches below.
However, it’s what’s on the land side that is equally as impressive, all of the massive Millionaire mansions. And wow are some of the beauties!
10. Arthurs Seat Lookout
If you’re looking for the best vantage point in the region, Arthurs Seat can get you sweeping views of the entire bay. This is one of the best Mornington peninsula photography locations where photographers and travel enthusiasts meet. You’ll twist and turn up the mountain until you come across various lookout points.
At one of them, there’s a super short walk you can do to this viewing platform. You could also opt for the chairlift that goes all the way up from the bottom for an even more birds-eye experience.
These were our take on the best places in Mornington Peninsula. You can also check out the things to do in the Mornington Peninsula and the places to stay if you plan to extend your visit for a day or two.
Also check Best Places To Visit In Australia For Wildlife Enthusiasts