This month, we’re heading to Mornington on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Just over an hour’s drive from Westbrook, Mornington has long been a favourite destination for coastal holidays and cosy winter escapes. In the warmer months, swimming and surf beaches await, while seaside restaurants and local markets provide plenty of places to eat and drink. When the temperature drops, fireside dining and art exhibitions turn up the heat.

Here are our top picks of things to see and do!

Mornington Main Street.  For a little retail therapy, head to Mornington’s cosmopolitan main street, with more than 370 retail outlets to explore. Broad, tree-shaded pavements, with inviting courtyards and verandas, provide a perfect backdrop for an espresso or glass of fine regional wine. 

Mornington Botanical Rose Garden. Green thumbs will love the Rose Garden with its staggering 4,000+ roses planted in 86 beds. Open 7️ days a week, admission is free. 

Mornington Pier. Mornington’s iconic pier is a popular destination for sightseeing, fishing and scuba diving. Take a relaxing stroll on the pier, soak up the bay views, drop a line or watch the fishermen try their luck and admire some of the spectacular yachts in the Marina.

Fossil Beach. Aspiring scientists will love Mornington’s Fossil Beach, a stretch of rocky bay beach between Mornington and Mount Martha. In 1854, multitude of fossils were discovered in the limestone cliffs which revealed evidence of Australian sea life from 10-15 million years ago. 

Schnapper Point. Overlooking Mothers Beach and the Mornington pier, Schnapper Point is a favourite picnic spot with locals. On a clear day, it offers up breathtaking views of Melbourne's CBD and Mt Macedon, the You Yangs and the Bellarine Peninsula to the west. Check out the monument to Captain Matthew Flinders or treat yourself to a coffee at the Schnapper kiosk/café while the kids play in the Schnapper Point Playground.