Mornington Peninsula travel guide: luxury stays and local secrets
Updated 6 days ago by Rachael Houlihan
STAY
Jackalope Hotel, Merricks North: This has to be one of Victoria's most luxurious regional getaways. Set among a stunning vineyard, the hotel offers divine suites with deep-soaking Japanese baths perfect for couples, babymoons or any celebration that calls for an escape into a truly opulent setting. Take a glass of wine down to the infinity pool and recline on a day bed before alternating between a dip in the jacuzzi and a rest in the sauna, and then enjoy a s'more and a glass of bubbles at the outdoor fireplace. Indulge in a massage or spa treatment before a delectable dinner at hatted restaurant Doot Doot Doot located within the hotel. jackalopehotels.com
InterContinental Sorrento: Right in the centre of this historic seaside town, the InterContentinal Sorrento offers a glimpse into the luxury of yesteryear while boasting modern touches and excellent dining options. Blending the old with the new, this hotel offers 108 rooms, some with premium views over the Sorrento bay beach, which is only a five-minute walk away. The hotel boasts three dining options, including the stunning European-cafe-style CeesCee's, which has a huge buffet breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, the Conti bar with gastro pub food, and Barlow, a hidden speakeasy bar, perfect for dancing the night away. sorrento.intercontinental.com
BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park: This is a popular destination offering relaxed accommodation options for families, couples and groups in Frankston South. Kids can run wild on the playground, reach for the sky on the jumping pillow and enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool. The park offers holiday units, cabins, and caravan and camping sites. big4.com.au
EAT AND DRINK
Doot Doot Doot, Merricks North: Get ready for an indulgent dinner under a spectacular 10,000-light chandelier. The hatted restaurant, part of the exquisite Jackalope Hotel, offers sublime service - quick, respectful and without a fuss. The menu combines Australian and Asian flavours, led by executive chef Michael Wickham. A kohlrabi dumpling to start the meal is an absolute flavour bomb, followed by a simple yet intense main of Hibachi-grilled carrots on top of saffron risotto. Leave room for dessert - the basque cheesecake is the perfect end to a top-notch meal. dootdootdoot.com.au
Green Olive at Red Hill: Round up the kids and make your way to this fabulous indoor/outdoor dining space and working olive farm and vineyard. Order one of the massive platters and a glass of vino, and relax while the kids play in the playground or the pickleball court on the 10-hectare farm. Check out the veggie patch and take a look through the farm shop, which boasts an array of products made with olives grown on site. greenolive.com.au
Butterken Bakery, Mount Eliza: You cannot go past the delightful bee sting cake at this German-style bakery. And while you're there, pick up a few pretzels, a ham, pickle and mustard special on a house-baked crunchy roll and a couple of croissants and voila, you will be set for lunch. And you may as well get a loaf of hand-crafted sourdough bread for later. This popular offering often has queues out the door and for good reason. butterkenbakery.com.au
DO
WAM Tours: There's no better way to see what the Mornington Peninsula has to offer than on a Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) tour with Nic Cooper, an engaging and energetic leader passionate about his local area and the environment. Take a stand-up paddleboard tour or a snorkel safari at one of the area's stunning beaches or lakes, treat yourself to a winery visit or simply let Nic pick the best way for you to spend a day or two on the peninsula. He knows all the hidden spots to go for a peaceful walk or high-action adventure. wildadventuresmelbourne.com
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Fingal: Set well back off the road in a tranquil, private setting, there are 22 glorious geothermal and salt water pools to relax in, with a range of temperatures. You can also book yourself a spa treatment, with 22 treatment rooms including hammam float baths and a vichy immersion experience, which includes a full-body exfoliation under a luxurious shower. Facials, massages and private steam suites are also available. Grab a bite at on-site restaurant Thyme, which offers seasonal produce. albathermalsprings.com.au
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
You'll need to think about transport, and peak season can be packed at Mornington Peninsula. Here are some tips to help you plan and make the most of your trip.
Getting there: From wineries to cafes, apple orchards and family-friendly tourist activities, the peninsula is spread out across hundreds of kilometres, so you will need a car. Sadly, like a lot of regional roads in Victoria, potholes are prominent. Take it slow and watch out for wildlife on the roads.
Getting around: If you are feeling like a tipple at one or two of the hundreds of wineries, never fear. You can leave the car keys safely at your accommodation and book a private or group tour. Buses will ferry you to the vineyards and back, with no worries about having an extra tasting of the delightful red and white varieties on offer.
Best time to go: Year-round the peninsula offers plenty to see and do, but during the peak season in summer it is absolutely heaving with tourists. Shoulder season around October and November offer better opportunities to enjoy the sights without the crowds.
Insider knowledge: Make sure to stop at a few of the many roadside stalls on your travels. Local produce is abundant in the area and you can't go past a recently picked organic apple from one of the many orchards in the area. They are lip-smackingly good.
The writer was a guest of Jackalope Hotel and Visit Victoria