Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

• WINE • CHOCOLATE • ICE CREAM • Mont Rouge Estate is set in picturesque Red Hill surrounded by acres of stunning vineyards. Visit the Cellar door and Chocolaterie. Lunch on weekends and public holidays. The single vineyard wines, artisan chocolates and ice cream all showcase the uniqueness of the Mornington Peninsula region. A relaxing and enjoyable place to visit, the estate has a warm friendly environment to which visitors are always welcome.

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.

A Rustic Community Market held in the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland town of Red Hill, specialising in home grown, home made, hand made products. It really has to be seen to be believed - over 300 stalls of passionate artists, inventors, producers, bakers and creators from all over Victoria. On from 8am until 1pm on the first Saturday of the month from September through to May (Closed in winter). Entry is free, parking costs $5 and is supervised by Red Hill Lions Club. Please respect that no dogs are allowed at the market, however there are plenty of pet products for sale.

The spectacular 40-minute trip on the Queenscliff Sorrento Ferry Service links Melbourne’s most magnificent coastal regions: the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula.Both destinations have a vast number of attractions to explore. Then, from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, it’s a leisurely 2-hour scenic drive to Phillip Island and the famous Penguin Parade. From Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, you’re very close to the glorious Great Ocean Road.Stroll on board as a passenger or bring your car – it’s the fast and environmentally friendly alternative to the drive of more than 200 km through the city from one peninsula to the other.All weather, hourly crossings, 7 Days…Two specially designed all-weather 60-metre ferries depart from both destinations on the hour, every hour, 7am to 6pm daily. Enjoy easy drive on/drive off facilities, spacious comfortable lounges with full-length windows, a tempting cafe and plenty of deck space.There are ever-changing sights – watch out for dolphins, whales in winter and enormous ships as you breathe incredibly fresh air.Arriving at Sorrento, you’ll have a perfect view of multi-million dollar mansions sitting atop cliffs, tiny coves filled with boats, the beautiful foreshore and old limestone buildings.Queenscliff is dominated by the fascinating 1860s Fort Queenscliff, but has many gracious old buildings including grand historic hotels and guesthouses.The specially designed all weather ferries have easy drive on/drive off facilities, no turning required.Easy and convenient.

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.