13 Unusual Things to Do Mornington Peninsula

Most visitors see Searoad Ferries as a way to cross Port Phillip Bay, but one of the peninsula’s most unexpected experiences is actually found onboard. High Tea on the High Seas transforms a simple ferry journey into a leisurely culinary adventure, where you can enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats while taking in panoramic views of the bay.

Departing from Sorrento on Sundays at 3 PM, this 2-hour return bay sail combines the elegance of a traditional high tea with the beauty of a scenic voyage. As a warm welcome, you’ll be greeted with a drink before settling in to enjoy a tiered selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and sweet treats. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a unique afternoon experience, High Tea on the High Seas offers a delightful way to enjoy the Mornington Peninsula from a completely different perspective.

Local Tip:

• Arrive early before your scheduled trip to explore the new Sorrento Ferry Terminal. Don't miss the glass observatory floor overlooking Port Phillip Bay, or consider booking a table at ONDA Sorrento for waterfront Mediterranean dining before or after your crossing.

Address: Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943, Australia

Not many people visit the Peninsula solely for its markets, but they're worth making time for once you’re here. Scattered across coastal towns and hinterland villages, Mornington Peninsula’s markets bring together local makers, growers, and artisans to offer something unique and creative. From handmade jewellery to vintage collectibles, every stall offers something different that you won’t find in mainstream shops.

What makes the experience even more rewarding is that no two market days are ever the same. One weekend, you might come across hand-poured candles and artisan ceramics, while the next brings retro home décor, locally made fashion, or small-batch gourmet treats. It’s this unpredictability that keeps both locals and visitors coming back, making it one of the most enjoyable unusual things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.

If you want to know where to go, what to expect, and which markets are worth adding to your itinerary, be sure to check out our guide to the top markets on the Mornington Peninsula.

Local Tips:

• Arrive early for the best finds. The most unique handcrafted pieces and vintage treasures are often snapped up in the first few hours.
• Bring cash. While many stallholders accept cards, smaller vintage and handmade vendors sometimes prefer cash.

If you’re up for a challenge, the Coastal Walk offers a stunning journey through the southern side of the Mornington Peninsula’s shoreline. Spanning 30 kilometres, this trail immerses you in sweeping coastline views, sandy beaches, lush coastal vegetation, and impressive rock formations. The Coastal Walk encompasses many smaller sections of Ocean Beach walking trails, including:

• Cape Schanck to Gunnamatta Surf Beach
• Gunnamatta Ocean Beach to Rye Ocean Beach
• Rye Ocean Beach to Number 16 Beach
• Number 16 Beach to Bridgewater Bay
• Bridgewater Bay to Diamond Bay
• Coppins Walk Track
• Sorrento Walk Track
• Sorrento Ocean Beach to Portsea Ocean Beach
• Farnsworth Track
• London Bridge to Point Nepean National Park

The full Coastal Walk is a demanding one-way route, so arrange return transport before setting out. You can also break the trek into the sections above so you can savour the scenery at a comfortable pace. Whichever route you take, you’ll be greeted with the spectacular views that showcase the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.

Local Tips:

• The trail offers very little shade across long stretches of coastline and sand dunes. Start shortly after sunrise, particularly during warmer months, to avoid the harsh midday sun and enjoy calmer conditions.
• Some beach sections can be difficult to traverse at high tide, so check Mornington Peninsula tide charts before setting out and use the higher inland tracks where necessary.

Starting Point: Cape Schanck Lighthouse, 420 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck Victoria 3939

The Mornington Peninsula's rugged coastline is home to a fascinating network of hidden rockpools. At low tide, these natural pools become living aquariums filled with colourful marine life, from tiny crabs and sea snails to cushion sea stars and delicate anemones. One of the Peninsula's most popular rockpooling spots is Sorrento Back Beach, where some pools are large enough for a refreshing dip, while surrounding walking trails reveal spectacular ocean views and hidden coves. Just a safety note: Sorrento Back Beach is exposed to hazardous ocean conditions, so check conditions and signage carefully and swim only in patrolled areas between the flags.

For a deeper dive into the region's marine biodiversity, head to Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary near Flinders. Widely regarded as one of Victoria's most important intertidal ecosystems, this protected sanctuary is a hotspot for marine discovery, with ancient basalt reefs, sheltered rockpools, and thriving seagrass habitats supporting an extraordinary variety of species.

Local Tips:

• Plan your visit around low tide. Many of the Peninsula's most spectacular rockpools only reveal themselves when the water retreats.
• Pack aqua shoes to make exploring safer and far more comfortable.

One of the most fascinating things to do in Portsea is exploring the historic underground tunnels of Fort Nepean, a former coastal defence fortress perched at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Built in the late 1800s to help protect Victoria’s rich goldfields, the fort is strategically constructed with a network of tunnels, ammunition magazines, gun emplacements, and bomb-proof chambers. You can also explore the historic gun batteries from which the first shots of the British Empire in World War I and of Australia in World War II were fired. Walking through the cool, dimly lit passageways offers a rare opportunity to step back into the lives of the soldiers stationed here more than a century ago.

The experience is made even more memorable by Fort Nepean's dramatic coastal setting, where Port Phillip Bay meets the wild waters of Bass Strait. After you step out of the tunnels, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of The Rip, one of Australia's most treacherous stretches of water. It’s perfect for history buffs or simply anyone looking for unusual things to do on the Mornington Peninsula beyond beaches and wineries.

Local Tips:

• Fort Nepean is only accessible by walking, cycling, or riding a shuttle bus. If you have a car, you can leave it at the Quarantine Station, which is approximately 4.5 kilometres from Fort Nepean.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, there are no drinking water facilities at Fort Nepean.

Address: Point Nepean National Park, Defence Rd, Portsea VIC 3944, Australia

Charlie’s Auto Museum is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s hidden gems, especially for car enthusiasts. Since 1988, the museum has showcased a remarkable private collection of over 100 vintage and classic vehicles, alongside an eclectic mix of automotive memorabilia spanning more than a century. From rare cars and motorcycles to petrol bowsers, model vehicles, signage, and nostalgic collectables, the exhibits offer a rich and immersive journey through the evolution of automotive design and culture.

What makes the experience especially memorable is the museum’s “anything-goes” charm. Polished classics sit alongside quirky curiosities like vintage radios, sewing machines, and retro household items, all telling stories of a bygone era. With its constantly evolving displays, Charlie’s Auto Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a melting pot for history, craftsmanship, and the enduring love of all things automotive.

Local Tip:

• It’s only a short drive from the summit, so you can easily pair it with the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola or nearby lookouts like Seawinds Gardens for a full day out on the Mornington Peninsula.

Address: 175 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia

For those looking for a more active adventure, the Red Hill Rail Trail features a scenic cycling route that winds through some of the Peninsula’s most picturesque landscapes. This old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill has been transformed into a shared trail for walkers, mountain bike riders, and horse riders. As you pedal through this trail, you can see the scenic views of the Western Port as well as the vineyards, pastures, and woodlands that grace the Mornington Peninsula. There are also cafés at either end of the route, so you can get a quick bite or drink to fuel up before your adventure or wind down after your walk or ride.

The shared trail runs for approximately 6.5 kilometres one way between Red Hill and Merricks. Completion time varies depending on whether you walk, cycle or ride. But despite the challenge, the trail rewards adventurers with its quiet atmosphere. Whether you choose to cycle, walk, or journey with your horse, this off-the-beaten-path trail provides a refreshing way to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Starting Point: 155 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia