length
4 Days
difficulty
Moderate
trip cost
From $2295 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Overview
Food, Wine & Walking on the Mornington Peninsula Self Guided
This walk is a feast for the senses, combining breathtaking coastal scenery, fresh sea air and the unmistakable sights, sounds and scents of the Australian bush. Listen to waves crashing against dramatic cliffs, the laughter of kookaburras echoing through the trees and the gentle rustle of eucalypts as you explore some of the Mornington Peninsula’s most spectacular walking trails. Each day, you’ll be privately transferred to and from the trailhead, with the support of a knowledgeable local driver who will provide daily briefings, friendly advice and ensure everything runs smoothly throughout your journey.
The experience is just as much about discovering the flavours of the Mornington Peninsula as it is about the landscapes. Along the way, you’ll visit acclaimed local wineries, sample fresh artisan produce and savour the region’s renowned food and wine. You’ll also have the opportunity to unwind with a relaxing soak at the Peninsula Hot Springs, complemented by a delicious lunch.
At the end of each day’s walk, you’ll return to warm country hospitality, exceptional cuisine and regional wines, making every evening as memorable as the day’s adventure. After four unforgettable days, you’ll leave with lasting memories, a deeper appreciation for this remarkable region and perhaps even a suitcase filled with some of the Peninsula’s finest local produce.
Highlights
Get Ready For
- Walk some of the best trails
- Experience Mornington Peninsula’s many taste sensations
- Feast on lunches featuring fresh local produce
- Visit the world renowned Peninsula Hot Springs
- Taste and learn about local wines at an award-winning winery
- Spot native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies and an abundance of birdlife
on the trail
the experience
Some sections involve walking through grassy dirt paths where the track is firm under foot, while other sections can be muddy, depending on the weather conditions. The trail will be undefined in sections and hikers should be sure-footed and have a good sense of balance. There are also a number of beach and dune sections (in particular along the Coastal Trail), so hikers need to be prepared for walking on sand, which can be tough going but also a highlight. You can expect to walk between 3 and 4 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.
Local Produce
Enjoy
The gastronomy of the Mornington Peninsula is as memorable as its landscapes. A region celebrated for its cool-climate wines, fertile farmland and passionate local producers, the Peninsula offers an incredible journey of flavours. From vineyard lunches overlooking rolling hills and to farm-gate discoveries showcasing olives, cider, fresh produce and artisan treats, every stop reveals the unique character of this remarkable region.
Itinerary
Daily Details
Day 1: BALCOMBE CREEK BOARDWALK - MORNINGTON (10-13.5KM) – LOCAL WINERY LUNCH AND WINE TASTING OVERNIGHT MORNINGTON
Welcome to the Mornington Peninsula! Meet in central Mornington, with ample car parking available, or arrange pickup from nearby Frankston Railway Station, approximately one hour by train from Melbourne CBD. From here you will be transferred to the start of your walk at Balcombe Creek Estuary, which will follow an elevated boardwalk through tranquil wetlands and paperbark woodland. The trail then joins the coastline, offering beautiful views across Port Phillip Bay as you pass beaches, colourful bathing boxes and secluded coves on your way towards Mornington.
After your walk, your driver will collect you and transfer you to a local winery for lunch and wine tasting, before continuing to your accommodation later in the afternoon.
Meals: L
Day 2: ARTHURS SEAT- KINGS FALLS (5KM) & RED HILL EPICURIAN - MERRICKS TRAIL (6KM) - WINERY LUNCH OVERNIGHT - FLINDERS
Start your morning with a walk into Mornington along the bustling Main Street, where you can enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafés. After breakfast, your transfer driver will collect you and take you to Arthurs Seat State Park for a peaceful walk through tall eucalypt forest and fern-filled gullies. The trail winds through native bushland, passing towering stringybarks, grass trees and seasonal wildflowers before reaching Kings Falls, one of the Peninsula’s few permanent waterfalls. Take some time to enjoy this tranquil setting before retracing your steps through the forest.
You will then be transferred to The Epicurean to begin the scenic Merricks Trail. Following sections of the historic Merricks Rail Trail, the walk passes vineyards, farmland and native bushland, with beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Enjoy lunch at Merricks General Store before your driver transfers you to your accommodation in Flinders for the evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 3: GREEN'S BUSH - CAPE SCHANK LIGHTHOUSE (13KM) - HOT SPRINGS DINE & BATHE - OVERNIGHT SORRENTO
Enjoy a café-style breakfast in Flinders before your transfer to Greens Bush, the largest remaining area of native bushland on the Mornington Peninsula. The trail winds through eucalypt forest and banksia woodland, with the chance to spot kangaroos and native birdlife along the way. As the landscape opens up, the walk continues towards the dramatic coastline at Cape Schanck, with sweeping views across Bass Strait and rugged coastal cliffs. Follow the iconic Two Bays Walking Track to the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline, rock platforms and crashing waves.
After your walk, you will be transferred to the Peninsula Hot Springs to relax with a soak and enjoy lunch before continuing to Sorrento for your final night’s accommodation.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: SORRENTO TO POINT NEPEAN QUARANTINE STATION/PORTSEA HOTEL (12KM)
Enjoy your final morning with a scenic coastal walk from Sorrento to Portsea, following the shoreline with beautiful views across Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding coastline. Continue through the coastal landscape to the historic Quarantine Station, where beautifully preserved buildings provide an insight into Australia’s early maritime quarantine and immigration history. Surrounded by native bushland, coastal heath and abundant birdlife, the walk combines stunning scenery with fascinating local heritage.
Finish your walk in the historic township of Portsea and enjoy a well earned lunch at the Portsea Hotel before your transfer back to Mornington or Frankston Railway Station for your onward travels.
Meals: B, L
Inclusions
What's included?
Included
- 3 nights ensuite accommodation in a boutique hotel Mornington, Flinders and Sorrento
- 3 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- Wine tasting
- Private transfers throughout plus pick-up/drop-off at Frankston train station
- Entry and bathing fees to the Peninsula Hot Springs
- Dedicated driver and support vehicle throughout
- All luggage transfers
- National park admission fees
- Full carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf
- Your completed trip counts towards RAW Traveller Rewards
Excluded
- Single supplement is not available on this trip
- Travel insurance
- Dinners
- Beverages, other than mentioned in the tastings
- Our rates are based on mid-week stays, if you want to stay over a weekend please speak to our Destination Expert first
Local Knowledge
We are the Locals!
Our Mornington Peninsula trips are close to our heart because we live here. Your Mornington Peninsula trip is booked, driven or led by people who actually live in the area and have a passion for our home. We know these walks and eateries because that’s where we go in our spare time and nothing beats being shown around by an enthusiastic and knowledgable local. RAW Travel has had its headquarters on the Peninsula since 2010.
Transfers
More than a shuttle service
On all our self-guided walks on the Mornington Peninsula, you will enjoy the benefits of a dedicated RAW staff driver and private van for your transfers. You’ll be looked after by a local who knows all the nooks and crannies of this region and can elevate your experience with their insider knowledge. Your driver will give you a thorough walk briefing at the start of your trip and will arrange a daily trail pick-up that will suit your walking pace and abilities. You’ll have information on that day’s trail and points of interest – this is so much more than the mere taxi transfer that others provide! If things don’t go to plan (extreme weather, sickness, injury), your driver can be consulted and an alternative transfer time arranged.
Exclusive Guide
get inspired
Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide. All you need to know about walking and exploring Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
REVIEWS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
A happy week with a good group and a warm and approachable guide in Troy. Loved the variety – wineries, food destinations, and some scenic and manageable walking.
Kerry Davey, Ballarat (VIC) – September 2024
Exceeded expectations. Very good value for money. Fabulous planning and help with booking from Tori on this highlights and national parks tour with gourmet experiences. Our guides and especially Troy our driver were energetic, knowledgeable and great company. Two of us did not hike, so the crew planned experiences for us including the bush picnics to meet up with our fellow guests.
Margaret Langford, Newstead (QLD) – March 2024
We all had a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for your assistance. The guides, Fred and Sandra, were fantastic. So knowledgeable and helped beyond the call of duty. Troy was a gem. He looked after Margaret and Jane, showing them little extras while we walked. We loved them all. Much appreciation to all of you at RAW. We will recommend to friends.
Louise Dodd, Mooloolaba (QLD) – March 2024
I discovered that the Mornington Peninsula is a lot bigger and more diverse than expected! Enjoyed the small group size on this trip.
Carolyn Hobson, Brisbane (QLD) – November 2023
The food aspect was very good. Highlights included Mocks Orchard and the native flower farm.
Judy Clayton, Brisbane (QLD) – November 2023
Everything was wonderful about the Mornington Peninsula Highlights/Epicure walk. The staff, Dave and Mandy, were friendly, knowledgeable and efficient and did all they could to make the trip one to remember. The accommodation was good and the food was so delicious that one was never hungry from start to finish. The safety aspect was a great attraction for those who were either unfit or old because there was always the option of hopping in the bus (within reason) if things got too tough. The itinerary made the most of the available highlights of the Peninsula; and what’s more, not a single snake was sighted. I am eagerly looking forward to my next RAW adventure.
Jane Purton – May 2022
The Mornington Peninsula certainly is a beautiful spot to visit. We were so well looked after, from beautiful accommodation, great food and best of all two of the best guides ever Mandy and Nicki! I would definitely recommend this walking trip to my friends and family. We haven’t stopped talking about all the good times since we arrived back home. Thanks for such a memorable holiday and a big cheer to Mandy and Nicki who were so caring and informative they made the whole trip magic!
Lois McCallum, Gerringong (NSW)
I completed this walk with my friends Lois, Lorraine and Eva. Our guides Nicki and Mandy were amazing. Their knowledge of the area and its history made the whole experience so interesting. The whole tour far exceeded our expectations. Every detail had been considered and catered for. Our accommodation in Flinders and Sorrento was wonderful. Nicki and Mandy went out of their way to ensure that we saw and experienced every part of the Peninsula that we spoke to them about and wanted to do. They tailored the trip to suit us. They were amazing!
Sue Dmetreson
The Mornington Peninsula combined Highlights and Food, Wine, Walking trip was my first RAW Travel experience, indeed my first ever walking holiday. The combination of varying lengths of walk, through diverse and stunning landscapes, with excellent culinary experiences, comfortable accommodation and a small group of lovely people, was invigorating and uplifting. The friendly and down to earth RAW Travel guide and driver were flexible and accommodated everyone’s needs. It was all very enjoyable and a feast for the senses.
Frances Summers, May 2022
Of course the Mornington Peninsula has stunning scenery, superb dining, and a lot of fascinating things to see. But for us, our guides Nicki and Mandy really made this an unforgettable experience. Having Nicki with us to lead our little group and having Mandy there with the snack / recovery van just made it such a carefree 5 days. We really enjoyed spending time with the other couple on the trip. They were fun, smart, and certainly very fit walkers. To top it all off on the day of our anniversary the van showed up laden with balloons and a gift from Nicki and Mandy! They also gave us tips for the few days we stayed on the peninsula after the trip ended. It was a great experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Norman Hermant & Karen Percy
A walk with RAW on Mornington Peninsula was far more than we could ever have imagined. A local guide with knowledge of trails off the regular path and afternoons that surprised and intrigued. RAW Travel put together an innovative and wonderful guided trip for us on the Mornington Peninsula. Our guides Nicki and Mandy were very experienced and competent. It was a great mix of exercise, beautiful natural environment and vistas and food/wine/cultural experience.
Mary & Craig Saphin
Australia and New Zealand
Mornington Peninsula Highlights 4 days – Self-Guided
- Discover one of Victoria’s most scenic coastal regions on foot
- Walk rugged clifftop trails, peaceful bush tracks, and pristine beaches
- Indulge in the Peninsula’s renowned food and wine scene
- Enjoy private transfers, briefings and backup from our local driver
$1,750.00
Australia and New Zealand
Mornington Peninsula Full Circuit – Self-Guided
- Experience the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk
- Climb over the famous vantage point of Arthur’s Seat
- Take in the beautiful bay villages of Portsea and Sorrento
- Arthur’s Seat, Mornington National Park, Cape Schanck Coast, Point Nepean National Park
$2,375.00
Australia and New Zealand
Mornington Peninsula 5 days – Self-Guided
- Experience the 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk
- Climb over the famous vantage point of Arthur’s Seat
- Take in the beautiful bay villages of Portsea and Sorrento
- Arthur’s Seat, Mornington National Park, Cape Schanck Coast, Point Nepean National Park
$2,050.00
Italy
Piedmont: Food, Wine & Walking
- Relaxed food, wine & walking through the heart of Piedmont
- Hike scenic vineyard trails with sweeping Alpine views
- Included wine tasting, cooking class & gourmet dining
- Explore Alba, Barolo & hilltop medieval villages
$3,250.00
Puglia
Puglia: Food, Wine and Walking
- Enjoy food, wine and walking in Puglia at a relaxed pace
- Wander scenic coastal trails and explore Lecce, Otranto and Castro
- Savour wine tastings, cheese making, and a hands-on cooking class
- Soak up Puglia’s rich culture and coastal beauty
$3,495.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed