With the school holidays approaching, families are looking for fun and memorable ways to keep the kids entertained, and Mornington Peninsula is overflowing with options. Just under 2 hours from Melbourne and a 40-minute Searoad Ferries cruise from Queenscliff, it’s the perfect destination for day trips and extended getaways alike. From outdoor adventures to relaxing beach days, there’s something for everyone to do during the school holidays on the Mornington Peninsula.

So, plan your itinerary and get ready to explore fun school holiday activities that make the Mornington Peninsula a truly worthy destination for the term break.

Outdoor School Holiday Activities on the Mornington Peninsula

1

Unleash the Thrill at Enchanted Adventure

For the adrenaline junkies, Enchanted Adventure is the ultimate playground. It offers a thrilling mix of kids' activities on the Mornington Peninsula, from tree-top courses and tube slides to themed gardens and mazes.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Tree-surfing high-ropes courses with ziplines, suspended bridges and a giant Tarzan Swing, perfect for teens and daring young kids.
  • For those who prefer a gentler kind of adventure, race down several tube slides, wander through hedge mazes, and explore themed gardens.
  • Chill out with a family picnic amid the bushland atmosphere, or stroll the Canopy Walk for treetop views and a relaxed nature vibe.

Opening Hours: Open daily except Christmas Day, from 9 AM to 5 PM between September and April and 10 AM to 5 PM between May and August.

Address: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia

2

Go Beach Hopping

Beach lovers, rejoice! The Mornington Peninsula has some of Victoria’s best beaches and rockpools. From the calm shores ideal for swimming to surf beaches perfect for catching waves, there’s something for every type of beachgoer. For the family-friendly beaches and scenic coastal spots, here are a few favourites.

What Should Be on Your Itinerary:

  • Rye Front Beach is known for its fine white sand and clear blue waters.
  • Sorrento Front Beach is approximately an 11-minute walk or a one-minute drive from the Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal and is one of the area’s most family-friendly beaches.
  • Portsea Pier is best for confident swimmers and organised snorkelling or diving. Conditions can change, so check the weather and water safety first.
  • Portsea Front Beach is part of the Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail and is dotted with colourful bathing boxes, creating a picturesque backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.

3

Explore Parks and Reserves on the Peninsula

If you’re after winding trails or historic landscapes, the peninsula’s parks and reserves deliver scenic walks and rugged natural beauty. What’s even better is that you can visit these parks for free, so everyone can enjoy picnics, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting during the Mornington Peninsula school holidays.

Please note that while entering these parks is free, some attractions or facilities within the parks may charge fees, so plan your visit accordingly.

What Should Be on Your Itinerary:

4

Take the Journey into an Adventure with Searoad Ferries

Want a break from road trips and walking trails? Hop aboard a Searoad Ferries cruise for a relaxing 40-minute journey across Port Phillip Bay, taking in breathtaking coastal views and the fresh sea breeze. It’s a fun, stress-free way to travel between Sorrento and Queenscliff while spotting local wildlife and historic landmarks along the way.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • A cosy lounge area with full-length windows and comfortable seating, perfect for relaxing and taking in the bay views.
  • Outdoor observation decks with deck seating, binoculars for wildlife spotting (like dolphins), plus a children’s play area and colouring corner.
  • A café and bar, serving barista-made coffee, snacks, wine, and beer.

Address: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia (From Sorrento) | 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff VIC 3225, Australia (From Queenscliff)

Take the Scenic Route with Searoad Ferries:

Skip the long drive to Mornington Peninsula and enjoy a leisurely 40-minute ferry ride from Queenscliff to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. With comfortable lounge areas, viewing decks, onboard cafés and bars, a children’s playground, and the chance to spot dolphins along the way, Searoad Ferries turns travel into part of the adventure.

Book Your Ferry Trip

Indoor School Holiday Activities on the Mornington Peninsula

5

Make a Pit Stop at Charlie’s Auto Museum

Charlie’s Auto Museum is for curious kids, car lovers, or anyone interested in history and design. It is a family-owned museum that showcases a vast collection of vintage and classic vehicles, microcars, motorcycles, and automobilia.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Explore over 80 rare and classic vehicles from different eras, including microcars, vintage sedans, and Australian‑made classics.
  • Be captivated by their unique collection of model planes and ships, all built from recycled materials like aluminium drink cans.
  • Discover a diverse range of household antiques, including vintage sewing machines, typewriters, cameras, radios, record players, and early kitchen appliances.

Opening Hours: Generally open daily, from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call ahead before visiting to confirm the current hours.

Address: 175 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936

6

Battle Through Arcade Game Classics at Top Fun Shack

Top Fun Shack guarantees hours of entertainment for everyone looking for fun indoor school holiday activities on the Mornington Peninsula. With mini‑golf, bowling and a lively arcade under one roof, it’s a great rainy‑day or hot‑day escape when beach or park plans don’t work out.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Score a hole-in-one at the 36-hole mini golf course, with 18 holes outdoors and 18 indoors.
  • Battle it out amongst your family or friends in the four-lane bowling alley.
  • See who gets the highest score in the arcade games.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM (Monday); 2 PM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Thursday); 10 AM to 8 PM (Friday and Saturday); and 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday). Extended hours may apply during school holidays, so check before visiting.

Address: 1223 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia

Immersive and Educational School Holiday Activities on the Mornington Peninsula

7

Make Your Own Chocolate at the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery not only offers the sweetest desserts for you to indulge in. They also let you make your own to take home and enjoy! Their workshops and classes offer hands-on chocolate-making experiences that are both fun and tasty.

What You Can Look Forward To:

Opening Hours: Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (except Christmas Day). However, classes vary depending on availability. Check class availability for open slots.

Address: 45 Cook St, Flinders VIC 3929, Australia

8

Travel Back in Time on a Heritage Steam Train at Mornington Tourist Railway

If you want to feel like you’re riding the Hogwarts Express, the Mornington Tourist Railway offers a magical journey aboard beautifully restored heritage steam and diesel locomotives. Enjoy a 5-kilometre journey with scenic views of the Mornington Peninsula countryside while travelling in vintage carriages.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Step back in time as you ride century-old timber-bodied carriages in a relaxing return trip (about an hour total).

  •  Look out for seasonal railway experiences and special events throughout the year.

    Operating Hours: Regular services currently operate every Sunday, with four departures. Timetables may change during school holidays and special events, so check the official booking page before travelling.

Address: 460 Moorooduc Hwy, Moorooduc VIC 3933, Australia

 

9

Explore Art Glass Sculptures at Gordon Studio Glassblowers

If you’re looking for awe-inspiring school holiday activities on the Mornington Peninsula, a visit to Gordon Studio Glassblowers would make a perfect addition to your itinerary. Here, glassblowing masters turn molten glass into beautiful works of art. The gallery is filled with sculptures that you wouldn’t think were made of glass until you take a closer look. The experience is part mesmerising spectacle and part appreciation of a centuries‑old craft.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Watch the working studio from the mezzanine viewing area. Glassblowing may be visible during your visit, although demonstrations are not guaranteed unless a scheduled event or experience is booked.
  • Explore a wide range of colourful, high-quality pieces, from traditional engraved glass to contemporary blown vases, bowls, platters, bottles, and even glass‑blown animals and abstract sculptures.

Opening Hours: Opens daily, from 10 AM to 4 PM, except Tuesday and Wednesday

Address: 290 Red Hill Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937, Australia

10

Experience Live Shows and Workshops at the Frankston Arts Centre

Nestled in Frankston, the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula, the Frankston Arts Centre stands out as a top-tier cultural venue. With a spacious 800-seat theatre, five exhibition gallery spaces, a function centre, a 200-seat black box theatre, and a creative arts hub, it offers a variety of live shows, workshops, and community-driven arts experiences that appeal to all ages.

What You Can Look Forward To:

  • Family-friendly theatre productions, live music and touring shows
  • Creative workshops and school-holiday programs
  • Exhibitions and community arts events

Programs change throughout the year, so check the Frankston Arts Centre’s current What’s On calendar before visiting.

Opening Hours: Opens from 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday to Friday), 10 AM to 2 PM (Saturday)

Address: 27-37 Davey St, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia

Make the Most of Your School Holiday with Searoad Ferries

Mornington Peninsula offers a variety of experiences that are easily accessible with just a 40-minute ferry ride with Searoad Ferries. From Queenscliff, the ferry brings you straight to the charming coastal town of Sorrento, where beaches, wineries, restaurants, cafés, and attractions are found on almost every corner. Turn your school holiday ideas into an unforgettable memory with Searoad Ferries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which activities are best for rainy days?

When the weather isn’t cooperating, you can visit a museum or a gallery, enjoy a meal in a cosy restaurant, sweat it out at the arcade games, or join an indoor workshop where kids can learn new skills while staying warm and dry.

2. Are there activities suitable for toddlers and young children?

Yes, the mazes at Enchanted Adventure (with adult supervision), calm bay beaches like Sorrento Front Beach or Rye Front Beach, and chocolate-making classes at the Chocolaterie are all toddler- and kid-friendly.

3. How can families get around the Mornington Peninsula without a car?

If you’re coming from Melbourne, you can take the metropolitan train to Frankston, where you can catch local buses or taxis that connect to many towns on the Peninsula. If you’re coming from the Bellarine Peninsula, you can skip the long drive and hop aboard Searoad Ferries, which will take you to Sorrento in just 40 minutes. From Sorrento, Route 788 buses, taxis and rideshare services connect travellers with other parts of the Peninsula. Hop It also operates a pre-booked hop-on, hop-off winery tour, but its current pickup points are in Melbourne, Frankston, and Mornington rather than at the Sorrento ferry terminal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Searoad Ferries Team

The Searoad Ferries Team is a collection of local travel experts who believe every journey deserves a deeper story. Through extensive research and firsthand insights, we craft compelling narratives that spotlight culture, community, and lesser-known experiences, guiding readers toward travel that feels more personal, informed, and genuinely memorable.

Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.