Things to do in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria: The Best Nature & Parks

Mornington Peninsula National Park is a favourite of Melburnians looking to escape the nearby city. Experienced surfers flock to Gunamatta Beach, while rockpools at Sorrento Ocean Beach, close to town, are perfect for families. Dip into the excellent surf beaches of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Tackle the waves of Gunnamatta, Flinders, Portsea and Rye ocean beaches. Step out on The Coastal Walk for spectacular coastal views. The two-day walk meanders along high clifftops, through coastal vegetation and past stunning ocean beaches. A haven for native wildlife such as kangaroos, Greens Bush is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula.

Moonlit Sanctuary is Melbourne’s award-winning wildlife park. Come and visit and get an up-close look at Australia’s amazing animals. Explore our bush-land while feeding kangaroos and wallabies, petting friendly koalas and enjoying encounters with wombats, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals including endangered species. More than 70 Australian species are waiting to meet you. Moonlit Sanctuary is conveniently located at the top of the Mornington Peninsula and only 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD.

The Enchanted Adventure Garden is an award-winning attraction, just one hour from Melbourne at Arthurs Seat. Featuring three hedge mazes, 5 giant tube slides, 20 themed gardens, an outdoor sculpture park and an indoor 3D maze, this impressive adventure park has something for everyone. Right from the moment you enter, you will be transported into a world of enchantment and fun on a grand scale. The stunning gardens feature excellent examples of relief topiary and contemporary garden design. The Enchanted Adventure Garden is also the home of Australia's famous Tube Slide Rides with their giant twisting slopes, adventurers sit on inflatable tubes and slide down the slope like an artificial ski run. For a thrilling tree top adventure you should also try Tree Surfing. It involves over 50 aerial obstacles and offers 2 hours of climbing, balancing and zip-lines through the trees. This is a safe and exhilarating activity for all ages. Pre-book online to avoid disappointment.

Point Nepean National Park is the most westerly point on the Mornington Peninsula and sits on one of the most treacherous coastlines in Victoria. Point Nepean played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defence of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape and learn about the history of the Quarantine Station, Fort Nepean and their surroundings. Explore military forts and tunnels, learn about the people who passed through the Quarantine Station — and see fascinating artefacts spanning back over 150 years. Or jump aboard the hop-on-hop-off Point Nepean shuttle service. Running between the Quarantine Station and Fort Nepean, it’s a great way to explore all the highlights of Point Nepean National Park.

The Mornington Botanical Rose Garden is situated in Civic Reserve on the corner of Dunns and Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington and is nestled between the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and the community based Oakhill Gallery. The garden has over 4000 roses planted in 86 beds and is surrounded by a border of native Australian trees and shrubs. It was built and is maintained by volunteers, generous sponsor donations and the support of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The Mornington Rose Garden is open seven days a week and admission is free. However, Gold Coin donations are welcome and will contribute to the maintenance of the Rose Garden. A feature of the garden is a rotunda situated in front of the entrance colonnade, the rotunda provides an appealing area to relax and enjoy the vista of roses with the colour combinations set on an artist’s palette. It has become a very popular venue for wedding ceremonies, proposals and other significant celebrations.