Some might think the Mornington Peninsula is only a summer destination, but in fact, the Mornington Peninsula is an incredibly diverse place with amazing experiences year round and a feast for the eyes with spectacular natural beauty in every season.  An easy one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD the stunning coastal Mornington Peninsula region has built a solid reputation as a wonderful place to take a short break from the everyday and immerse yourself in the flavours that are produced by this compact location.

If you love gourmet food and boutique beverages, pay a visit to the Mornington Peninsula’s passionate crafters, growers, and makers. See firsthand what they make and why they love the region and all it produces. With 50 cellar doors, 8 breweries and countless award-winning restaurants a treat for the taste buds is guaranteed. You’ll discover why the Mornington Peninsula was voted the most delicious region in 2018.  The great news is we be at the Good Food and Wine Show this year so you can sample some of our favourite flavours.

We have picked 10 ways you can enjoy the region this winter…

1. St Andrews Beach Brewery | St Andrews Beach, Victoria

Once an elite horse training facility, producing many famed Melbourne Cup winners, this award-winning brewery provides such a unique experience – book a stable or just relax in the beer garden. St Andrews Beach Brewery are now growing their own hops and fruit trees and now spend their days pouring great brews right from their stable doors with the finest ingredients.

https://www.standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au

2. Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm | Main Ridge, Victoria

For decades Sunny Ridge has been delighting guests with their amazingly sweet and juicy strawberries. Set amongst scenic bushland and rolling hills in Main Ridge, strawberry fields await. They are best enjoyed fresh from the paddock which is all made possible by their U-Pick experience available from November-April. Don’t miss the farmgate café where you can enjoy delicious strawberry desserts!

https://sunnyridge.com.au/

3. TWOBAYS Brewery | Dromana, Victoria

If you ever want to make your mark on a niche area, do it like TWOBAYS have done. From day one they have specialised in creating awesome beers completely gluten free. Quick – dial that friend that’s been missing out on the good stuff ever since that coeliac diagnosis, because these guys have got you covered! The taproom also serves up gluten free pizzas which goes down a treat with one of their tasting paddles or specialty brews.

https://www.twobays.beer/

4. Pt Leo Estate | Merricks, Victoria

Art, food and wine all meet at this breathtaking property. From the moment you arrive you know you have discovered something special, as not only is it a winery restaurant, but it’s also a spectacular outdoor sculpture park. Aside from the Good Food and Wine Show and their own cellar door you won’t find their wines anywhere else, as every bottle is sold on site. Hats off to Pt Leo who have managed to create the only dining experience in Australia where you must walk through a hatted restaurant (Pt Leo Restaurant) to get to a two hatted restaurant (‘Laura’).  If you’re not up for a fine dining experience this venue has thought of you too – with the wine terrace where you can take in the surroundings and dine in a much more relaxed way.

https://www.ptleoestate.com.au/

5. Jetty Road Brewery | Dromana, Victoria

The journey for Jetty Road Brewery began with a healthy appreciation for the good life and a strong desire to create quality beer. Fast forward a few years and they now have their own fully functioning brewhouse in Dromana’s thriving industrial estate. Often referred to as a beer hall, they are known for serving up an amazing tapas style menu, live music Sunday sessions, beers that simply hit the spot and soon to be brewery tours.

https://jettyroad.beer/

6. Mornington Peninsula Brewery | Mornington, Victoria

The home of Mornington Peninsula Brewery is in Mornington’s back streets, inconspicuous, yet full of life. There’s a rustic beer garden, menu featuring wood fired pizzas and a viewing mezzanine overlooking the brew house where beardy men brewing keep a stern eye over the production process. While you can find many of their beers at bars and pubs across the country, you’ll have to come to the brewery bar to get your hands on some of their super special limited releases.

https://mpbrew.com.au/

7. Peninsula Hot Springs | Fingal, Victoria

Your relaxation journey awaits! Since undergoing a multi-million-dollar expansion in 2018 the Peninsula Hot Springs now has more on offer than ever before. With 7 new natural thermal bathing pools (an addition to the 50 globally inspired experiences that already existed), an outdoor amphitheatre, new dining options and experiences with names like ‘Fire and Ice’, you have plenty of reasons to go check them out. Escape from everything and give yourself time to slow down and reconnect with others.

https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/

8. Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve | Cape Schanck, Victoria

For good measure we thought we’d better throw in an option that will help work off some of the awesome indulgence that the rest of your itinerary has delivered. The reserve is centred around a historic working lighthouse which is a great base for discovering walks ranging from a few hundred metres to 100km. Favourites include descending the boardwalk that takes you to volcanic beaches below, venturing to Bushrangers Bay for some of the best coastal scenery in the area or heading north of the Cape toward the Fingal picnic area and beach tracks.

https://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/?tabid=524&View=56b24d5ad5f1565045d92779&Cape-Schanck-Lighthouse-Reserve

9. Arthurs Seat Eagle

Take in the best view of the Mornington Peninsula from the highest peak at Arthurs Seat 303m above sea level.  All weather state of the art gondolas will have you soaring above the tree tops on an amazingly peaceful 30minute return journey. Sip on local wines on their deck or refuel with a coffee and cake from the café. It’s an experience not to miss on your Mornington Peninsula Adventure.

https://aseagle.com.au/

10. RACV Cape Schanck Resort

Need somewhere to rest and dream after a big day out? Want somewhere to stay that is just minutes from some of the best that the region has to offer? Then look no further than RACV Cape Schanck Resort. On site there is a variety of dining options to choose from, and indulgent spa and for those of you who don’t mind a hit a golf there is also an 18-hole championship golf course.

https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-resorts/our-destinations/cape-schanck-resort.html

For more Mornington Peninsula inspiration for things to see and do on the Mornington Peninsula head to www.visitmp.org/found