We love a good day trip, and a recent visit to the Mornington Peninsula was no different! Located within touching distance of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect location for a day trip or short stay! Both Ky and Tess have family connections with the peninsula, and as such it’s often a favourite destination for us to visit when we have a weekend off! Take a look at our day trip to the Mornington Peninsula, which is the perfect one day itinerary if visiting from Melbourne. We also link to our complete Mornington Peninsula guide!
We recently ventured to our ‘home away from home’ on the Mornington Peninsula for a little weekend day trip. Ky’s mum tagged along for some of our adventures. The weather was moody (even though it was summer), but there’s always lots to do, proving the peninsula is much more than just pretty beaches. Read on for our one day trip to the Mornington Peninsula!
A day trip to the Mornington Peninsula
Stop 1: Coffee at Commonfolk Mornington
A stop of the iconic Commonfolk is a perfect start to your Mornington Peninsula day trip! Those that follow this blog and our social media (@2cupsoftravel) will know we love good coffee, and a road or day trip isn’t complete without sourcing the best brews! Commonfolk is situated in an industrial area of Mornington, and pairs exceptional coffee with a beautiful warehouse style space. It’s a must when visiting the peninsula!
Stop 2: Visit Schnapper Point and the Mornington Harbour
Whilst in Mornington, check out the lively main street and venture down to Schnapper Point to see views of the quaint harbour. If it’s a warm day, the nearby Mills Beach is a popular spot for a swim. If it’s moody weather like when we visited, the pier and yachts in the harbour paint a pretty picture.
Stop 3: Lunch at Johnny Ripe
Want the best pie on the Mornington Peninsula? Look no further than Johnny Ripe! Situated in the heart of the popular Red Hill, this cute bakery has become a 2 Cups of Travel favourite. Purchase one of the specialty pies and sit in the quaint gardens.
After your feed, wander down into the lavender fields beyond the bakery. Be advised it may not always be open.. this may be a seasonal thing.
Stop 4: Walk the Red Hill Rail Trail
Located in the heart of Red Hill, this picturesque trail starts at the back of the Epicurean. We arrived to think fog, which created a delightful atmosphere and a great backdrop for the photos.
Stop 5: A drink or bite to eat at the Epicurean
Hungry again? This is the perfect time to stop at one of our favourite venues in Red Hill, the Epicurean. Offering excellent modern Italian style food in a renovated old cool stores, this warehouse style restaurant prides itself on great food. Alternative options could include many of the amazing wineries in the region.
Stop 6: Coffee #2 at Laneway Espresso
Time for coffee number two! Laneway Espresso, located in Dromana, is another of our favourite picks for a great coffee! Sit inside the retro/antique-style cafe, enjoy a great coffee or tasty food.
Stop 7: Walk along the Dromana Foreshore
The walk between Dromana foreshore and Safety Beach is relaxed, charming and picturesque. It’s also the perfect spot for a run! The walk winds along the coast, with many stairways down to ‘hidden beaches’ with soft white sand and clear waters. This is enjoyable in both overcast or sunny weather.
Want to do and see more Mornington Peninsula gems?
As you can probably tell from the moody pictures above, despite being summer, the weather wasn’t on show. However, the suggestions above are excellent for visits to the Mornington Peninsula when the weather isn’t favourable, or during spring/autumn or winter. We have linked to a few guides below which detail more ‘beachy’ activities, great walks, restaurants and much more! The Mornington Peninsula has so much to offer, and one day is not enough!
Read more here:
- See why we think Mount Martha beach is one of the best on the Peninsula.
- Check out a day trip walk to Bushrangers Bay!
- See drone shots and highlights from the Pillars in Mt Martha!
- See a link to a few great ‘hidden beaches’ on the Mornington Peninsula.
- See 31 day trip ideas for the Mornington Peninsula.
- A list of top wineries on the Mornington Peninsula.
Are you inspired to travel now?
Take a look at some of our other guides for travel in Melbourne and surrounding areas of Victoria including top hidden gem picks!
- Check out our guides to day trips and hidden gems in Victoria!
- See our travel guide to Wilsons Promontory here!
- The Mornington Peninsula is our favourite! See our Peninsula itineraries here!
- The Redwood Forests of Victoria are some of the best outdoor day trips!
- See our day trip guide to the country town of Trentham!
- See more great Mornington Peninsula accommodation options here!
- See our detailed guide to Melbourne with local tips, tricks and advice!
- Bushrangers Bay is a great hike on the Mornington Peninsula!
- See our pick for the best beach in Victoria!
- Don’t miss the Big Drift when you visit Wilsons Prom!
- Loch Arch Gorge is the pick of the Great Ocean Road!
- Luxury Catamarans – yachts in the harbour paint a pretty picture!
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