Our Favourite Things to See and Do on the Mornington Peninsula
In 2020 we made the move to the Mornington Peninsula, and we’re no less in love with the beautiful coastal town we now call our home.
We’ve had a ball exploring all our new local restaurants, markets, farm gates and walking trails, so we thought we’d share some of our favourites with you! Come back to this list if you’re planning a venue visit or heading down to check out some local wedding industry suppliers. You can make a weekend of it and enjoy some of the wonderful things this part of Victoria has to offer!
1. Unwind at HotHut Yoga
We love this little yoga studio, nestled deeply into the beautiful natural environment of Red Hill. We visit as often as we can to unwind (especially after a busy wedding weekend!) and love that classes are maxed at 10 people. Such a relaxing experience, with the fireplace roaring, surrounded by tall trees, fragrant lavender and local wildlife.
2. Pick up fresh produce at Torello Farm
The most wonderful market garden brought to life with stunning fresh produce, and our go-to for stocking up on fresh, local Mornington Peninsula fruit and veg! Not to mention the best range of home made meals and local products. It’s always a pleasure to visit Torello, definitely find the time to pop in!
3. Walk along the Merricks Rail Trail
If you like to do a bit of exploring by foot, we love the Merricks Rail Trail walk. It’s a beautiful walking track that follows the route of the old Red Hill Rail Line, and it starts right behind the Epicurean, so it’s perfect for a post-lunch stroll. So private and peaceful!
4. Have a picnic at Polperro
This one is a real treat. Let the team at Polperro create an amazing picnic hamper for you, complete with fresh goodies straight from the Polperro kitchen garden, and lunch time treats from other local bakers and makers. You pick up your hamper from the restaurant, including all the glassware, cutlery and crockery you need, and then take a wander through the property to find a spot to enjoy your special picnic. You can pull out a Polperro picnic rug or lounge on a deck chair - they have literally thought of everything! It’s so quiet and lovely, and the ultimate way to appreciate the vineyards and beautiful rolling Peninsula hills.
5. Spend a summer night at Alatonero
The closest thing to travelling to the Greek Islands for dinner, and an absolute must if you’re planning a Peninsula visit in the warmer months. You’ll be totally transported over a lovely Greek summer feast. The food is beautiful, light and fresh. And it’s got such a great warm, welcoming, casual vibe, which is a nice change from some of the other more formal venues.
6. Enjoy a special meal at Pt Leo Estate
Pencil this one in for a birthday, an anniversary, or perhaps to toast to booking your Peninsula wedding venue! Whatever the occasion, we guarantee Pt Leo Estate will impress. We came here for Rach’s 30th birthday and we honestly cannot speak highly enough of the meal, wine or service. They were all exceptional! The setting is truly spectacular, with sweeping views of the ocean and a 19 acre Sculpture Park that celebrates the work of some of the best artists across Australia and the rest of the world. It’s an experience in a class of its own, and we can’t wait to go back!
7. Have a bite to eat at the Epicurean
This list is mostly about food so hopefully that’s your thing or you may not have gotten this far! Would a Mornington Peninsula list be complete without the Epicurean? We think not! This is an absolute family fave and we are so lucky to live just up the road. We’re regulars for a reason - super casual, lovely atmosphere, great food and relaxed vibes. The Epicurean is our number 1 go-to for eat in or takeaway.
8. Spend an afternoon at Red Hill Cheese
Artisanal cheese in the middle of the bush, need we say more? Stop by the cheese shop to pick up some locally made, small batch goodies, or dine in and enjoy an amazing tasting plate with hand selected produce and a glass of wine from the cellar door. If you’re lucky you might even spot the koalas in the trees surrounding the deck. Such a special hidden little pocket of the Peninsula!
9. Stop in at Merricks General Wine Store
We’re sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard us talk about Merricks General Wine Store, and it won’t be the last, for very good reason! We love this old country style general store so much. It’s a lovely place for brunch and to stock up on some beautiful local products - we regularly stop here for a bite on our way in or out of the Peninsula. The pace is slow and gentle, and the atmosphere is inspired by the rustic charm of farm life.
10. Wander ‘round Emu Plains Market
There are lots of markets on the Mornington Peninsula but our favourite by far is Balnarring’s Emu Plains. It is such a wonderful mix of food, art, design and culture and is a real celebration of the creativity of the community and the significance of the landscape. They create a colourful, snaking trail of talented artisans under the tall stringy bark trees every month between October and April, and it’s one of the most unique outdoor markets we’ve come across. Definitely catch it if you can!
Have we missed anything? If you’ve got some fave hidden Peninsula gems of your own, we’d love to hear them! And if you’re looking for our wedding specific Peninsula recommendations, you can find those over here.