length

5 Days

difficulty

Moderate

trip cost

From $2690 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

5 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $2690 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • on the trail
  • Local Produce
  • Accommodation
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Local Knowledge
  • Private group tour
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

Guided Food, Wine, Walking

This walk will be a treat for your senses: magical views, fresh air, the wonderful Australian smells and sounds, the roar of waves crashing, and kookaburras cackling. Each day you will be privately transferred to one of our favourite local walks. Explore bushland paths among the eucalypts and ferns; walk along open grassland and clifftops trails enjoying expansive ocean views, and discover the historical gems of an old unused rail trail.

We will explore some of the many food highlights of the Peninsula: calling in at local farms and producers, where you can taste the wonderful produce – whether its olives, vanilla slices or cider! We visit a prestigious winery with an incredible sculpture garden by the sea, explore a stunning flower garden, and enjoy some of the Peninsula’s iconic restaurants. So it goes without saying you’ll be more than rewarded after each day’s walk.

By the end of these 5 glorious days you will have seen and tasted some of the best the Mornington Peninsula has to offer – and will probably have a suitcase full of treats to take back home.

*Please note that this trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to depart

Mornington Peninsula hiking0007

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Walk some of the best trails
  • Experience Mornington Peninsula’s many taste sensations
  • Enjoy the company of a local, knowledgeable guide
  • Feast on lunches featuring fresh local produce
  • Taste and learn about local wines at an award-winning winery
  • Go behind the scenes at an apple orchard
Walkway down to London Bridge

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.

Peter Tarasiuk - February 2017

Local Produce

Enjoy

Against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and ocean views a variety of delightful experiences and taste sensations await you, including gourmet picnic lunches, award-winning wineries and delicious menus at iconic restaurants, reflecting the best local seasonal produce available. You’ll learn about local wine and cider production (with tastings of course) and enjoy wandering through sculpture gardens.

Flinders Hotel-Mornington Peninsula

Accommodation

Where we stay

We stay in great accommodation, including the delightful Flinders Hotel in the village of the same name. Inspired by the natural coastal surroundings, this boutique hotel offers luxurious and relaxing accommodation with its own attached pub/restaurant where we take breakfast. At the Oceanic Sorrento, you’ll enjoy stylish accommodation in architecturally designed apartments just 500m from the ocean beach and 600m from the shops and restaurants. It is also possible to have an upgrade for 2 nights to The Continental Hotel in Sorrento for an additional fee (date and availability dependent).

Itinerary

Daily Details

Day 1: RED HILL TO MERRICKS TRAIL (6KM) – LOCAL WINERY EXPERIENCE

IMPORTANT NOTE: All daily distances are approximate and the itinerary is subject to change. RAW Travel reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes based on local conditions, track closures, group safety, extreme weather or unforeseen difficulties with local suppliers.

Welcome to the Mornington Peninsula! Arrive by 8.30am at Frankston train station (approx. 1 hour by train from Melbourne CBD) where you will meet your fellow travellers, RAW Travel guide and bus driver.

From here it’s a 25-minute transfer to the gateway of the wine region, picturesque Red Hill where we commence our next walk. We’ll have a thorough briefing with your leader about the week ahead as we have a coffee. The trail to Merricks follows an old railway line and is a leisurely downhill walk on a wide path past vineyards and avenues of cedar trees. Passing rolling pastures on either side you will get some beautiful views of Westernport Bay across to Phillip Island.

Walking into the coastal village of Merricks we will take lunch a the iconic General Store, with a delicious menu that reflects the seasons and local produce available. There is also some excellent local wines to be sampled at the informal cellar door experience here, showcasing some local favourites.

Afterwards, we transfer to Point Leo Estate with its stunning architecture and sculpture park by the sea. This prestigious winery will open its Cellar Door to offer a bespoke wine experience that is both informative and entertaining with the highly awarded winemaking team, where you will sample fragrant white grape varieties in the sunshine, sipping on a red for the cooler days – or perhaps a bit of each! Afterwards we wander the beautiful Sculpture park which includes works by major international as well as major Australian artists, all with a stunning backdrop of views across the waters to Phillip Island.

We then transfer to our hotel accommodation in Flinders, a charming hamlet that is home to bespoke art galleries, quaint cafés and restaurants, a chocolaterie and a great pub. In the evening we enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: L

Day 2: SEAWINDS GARDENS/ARTHURS SEAT/KINGS FALLS (8KM) - WINERY LUNCH

After breakfast we transfer to stunning Arthurs Seat, the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula and a prominent feature on the Port Phillip Bay landscape due to its summit of 314m. Atop Arthurs Seat the views across the bay to Port Phillip Heads, the Melbourne city skyline, Mount Macedon and the You Yangs Ranges are spectacular.

We commence our walk through Seawinds Gardens winding down to Kings Falls. Seawinds Gardens features William Rickets sculptures dotted throughout the park, Rickets was an Australian artist who embraced Aboriginal spirituality and respect for the natural world as his general message throughout his works. We have time to relax at Kings Falls, a naturally formed stone terraced escarpment.

We then head to award-winning winery Montalto in Red Hill South, where we enjoy a delicious lunch. Montalto’s 30-acre estate is the primary source for their premium wines, and the expansive kitchen gardens and orchards supply their kitchens in The Restaurant and The Piazza. Wander around their amazing collection of contemporary sculptures showcasing the best of (mainly) Australian artists.

In the afternoon we visit an apple orchard in the picturesque hinterland and enjoy a tasting of award-winning apple and pear cider. The orchard has been in the same family for 5 generations; the owners are always up for a chat to discuss the family history and what’s happening around the farm.

Meals: B, L

Day 3: GREEN'S BUSH - BONEO WALK (9KM) - LUNCH - MILLIONAIRES WALK, SORRENTO (2KM)

Today’s walk is a true highlight of the Mornington Peninsula. From thick forest and bushland to spectacular coastal trails, coupled with diverse and abundant wildlife, this morning’s walk is part of the iconic Two Bays Walk. After breakfast you will be transferred to Green’s Bush at the start of the delightful Baldry’s Crossing circuit walk. Starting off along Main Creek, keep an eye out for kangaroos and wallabies as many inhabit this area. There is variety of habitats we pass through from dense grasstree and eucalypt forest to open heathlands. We will stop for refreshments and a toilet stop at the Lightwood Creek camp spot.

Continuing on we pass through fields of grass trees and eucalyptus before crossing Boneo Road and meeting our van. We then enjoy a magnificent lunch with a French chef before being transferred to the historic seaside town of Sorrento, an area rich in history and boasts having some of the oldest and highest limestone buildings in Australia. The site of Victoria’s first European settlement it is now a popular destination for tourists with restaurants offering menus inspired by the season’s local produce, organic meat, handmade cheese, daily fresh and ethically sourced fish, and plenty of recently harvested vegetables and fruit.

In the afternoon we will have a meander along what is known as the ‘Millionaires Walk’. This clifftop stroll will make you feel like a trespasser as you literally walk through the backyards of some of the most prime real estate you could find. As we wander along, take in the views of beautiful homes and private jetties, seeing firsthand ‘how the other half live’ on this exclusive part of the Peninsula. 

There are plenty of wonderful dinner options in Sorrento’s main street.

Meals: B, L

Day 4: BUSHRANGERS BAY - CAPE SCHANCK (7.5KM) / LUNCH / BACK BEACHES (3KM)

After breakfast, we head to the Cape Schanck coast for some more cliff-top trails. We will be transferred a short distance to start our walk to Bushrangers Bay, a popular spot with local walkers. Stunning vistas and views of rugged Bass Strait coast accompany our walk, offering up lots of photo opportunities. The track is gently undulating, mostly sand and dirt underfoot. As we near the end, glimpses of the red-topped lighthouse that sits on the clifftop overlooking Bass Strait will appear through the trees. Cape Schanck Lighthouse is constructed from limestone blocks and has been in operation since 1859. Today it continues to provide ships with safe passage between Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne, though Bass Strait. We will descend down the boardwalk stairs to the edge of the Cape, the Southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, stunning in any weather.

Next stop is a tour of a local flower garden followed by a gourmet picnic at Bushrangers Bay. In the afternoon we get to experience the Peninsula’s famous ‘back beaches’ with some stunning clifftop scenery and quiet rocky bays to explore. For the history buffs, today we also learn about the important role the Peninsula played in Australia’s settlement. We start walking from Diamond Bay to Sorrento and enjoy this spectacular eroded coastline with its beautifully sculpted bays.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: POINT NEPEAN NATIONAL PARK (9KM) - ICONIC SORRENTO RESTAURANT FAREWELL LUNCH

Today we get to experience both sides of the Peninsula, as we venture out on the narrow and spectacular neck of Point Nepean at the southernmost tip.

Driving on to Portsea we will arrive at the entrance of the Point Nepean National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty and historical interest. Walking along both coastal and bushland tracks we will pass a number of historic sites including the Quarantine Station (Australia’s largest and most long-running) and many former military defences, which in WWII played an important role in protecting Victoria’s coast. Also on the walk to the Point, you’ll pass the memorial to drowned Prime Minister Harold Holt at rugged Cheviot beach. reaching the Point itself there are incredible views either side of you of Bass strait and the Narrow entrance to Port Phillip bay known as the heads, one of the most treacherous straits of water on the planet for ships to navigate in rough weather.

We finish at Sorrento back beach where we will be transferred to the contrasting bayside front beach for our farewell lunch at The Baths, an iconic Sorrento restaurant perched on the beach with the sand at your feet. We can reminisce about our walking adventure together while enjoying our farewell lunch overlooking Port Philip Bay.

We then transfer back to Frankston train station (or Mornington) to say our final goodbyes.

Meals: B, L

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Map

Explore

Arthur’s Seat

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthur’s Seat is an iconic landmark and provides dramatic views over the whole of Port Phillip Bay and down Point Nepean from its 314m summit (a steep and wonderful climb on a well formed trail). On a clear day the view extends as far as the city skyline, the You Yangs and Mount Macedon. It’s common to see wallabies and mobs of kangaroos in this area, and birdsong will accompany you as you walk.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Red Hill

Picturesque Red Hill is known for its award-winning wineries, restaurants, berry farms, brewery, art attractions and galleries. It also has several well-known walking and bike trails, some with fantastic views of Western Port and Phillip Island.

Point Leo Estate

Point Leo Estate is a prestigious winery with stunning architecture and a 16-acre sculpture park by the sea, which includes works by major international as well as major Australian artists, all with a stunning backdrop of views across the waters to Phillip Island.

Montalto Winery

Set on a picturesque property, Montalto is a family run winery known for its intimate cellar door. It has one of Victoria’s largest and oldest kitchen gardens, and wonderful orchards. The 1km sculpture trail winds through the vines, along wooden boardwalks and through the wetlands and affords spectacular views of both the sculptures and the property along the way.

Flinders

Flinders is a tranquil village with great cafes, art galleries, antiques and boutique stores. Browse the tiny township’s preserved streetscape, passing under quaint verandahs to the historic general store and post office.

Green’s Bush

Peaceful Green’s Bush is the heart of the Mornington National Park and the largest remnant of bushland on the Peninsula. It offers wonderful remote walking through eucalypt and grass tree forests, and with many resident wildlife and bird species it is a wildlife haven. Echidnas, swamp wallabies and reptiles are a regular sight along the walking tracks.

Cape Schanck

Cape Schanck is characterised by unspoilt and wild beaches, scenic walking tracks and spectacular ocean views. Constructed from limestone blocks and in operation since 1859, the working lighthouse continues to provide ships with safe passage between Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne through Bass Strait. From the lighthouse you can walk down the clifftops on a boardwalk that give dramatic views along the coast.

Rye Ocean Beaches

The wild and long back beaches that stretch from Cape Schanck to Portsea give wonderful ocean views and artfully eroded sandstone cliffs. They are famous for their rugged surf and beachside communities.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a stylish and charming resort town dating back to the 1800s. It is one of the most eclectic shopping destinations in Victoria, with antiques, galleries, homewares, books, artworks, jewellery, maritime keepsakes and more. Numerous historical buildings have been preserved, and there are plenty of great pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean National Park is an amazing formation; a thin wedge of the Mornington Peninsula that juts out between Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. It once housed an army base and quarantine station, and there are many historical buildings to explore.

Portsea

The wealthy seaside village of Portsea is famous for the Millionaire’s Walk along the clifftops, which gives walkers closeup views of enormous mansions and gardens. Portsea is where Australian prime minister Harold Hold went missing while spearfishing off Cheviot Beach in 1967. Hi body was never recovered and the area where he went missing is now known as the Harold Holt Marine Reserve.

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • 2 nights ensuite accommodation in a boutique hotel at Flinders
  • 2 nights ensuite accommodation in a boutique accomodation in Sorrento
  • 4 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 1 dinner
  • Flower garden tour
  • Cider farm visit and tastings
  • Refreshment and snack stops
  • Private transfers throughout plus pick-up/drop-off at Frankston train station
  • Experienced RAW Travel walking guide
  • 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
Excluded
  • Travel insurance
  • Dinners other than those mentioned in the itinerary (can be taken at your accommodation or nearby restaurants and pubs)
  • Beverages, other than mentioned in the tastings
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Single supplement (extra $745) – please enquire, limited single rooms available
MP team

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.

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Private group tour

With friends and family

This trip can be run as your own private tour! Get a group of friends or family together and share a memorable pack-free adventure. Private tours are the perfect way to celebrate special events and special people. And they are so much fun! Choose the pre-designed itinerary or we can customise the trip to suit your specific needs. It’s that’s easy. Contact us to get started.

 

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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.

DOWNLOAD NOW

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Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

The food aspect was very good. Highlights included Mocks Orchard and the native flower farm.

Judy Clayton, Brisbane (QLD) – November 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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)

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

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

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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

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
07/10/2024 - 11/10/2024
availability
Limited Places
price
$2,690
single occupancy
$745

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