length

5 Days

difficulty

Moderate

trip cost

from $2395 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 $2395 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • On the trail
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • Local Knowledge
  • Private group tour
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar Walks

Overview

The Highlights Trip

On our Highlights Trip, you’ll experience the very best walking that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer with this guided walk. The Mornington Peninsula is home to hundreds of walking trails and hiking tracks that offer the best of both coastal and bush landscapes. The area is synonymous with outstanding local produce and wine, and abundant native Australian flora and fauna – and you can experience all of it on your own two feet!

Many of the RAW Travel Team are passionate Mornington Peninsula locals. They’ve grown up on these trails and explored all the nooks and crannies of this region. Who better than to help you plan your walk, and provide you with insider recommendations.

Explore beautiful vineyards and rolling hills of the renowned Red Hill wine growing area and take in some of the locals’ favourite walking beaches on the Westernport coast. Explore the Mornington National Park that lies at the heart of the Peninsula with beautiful fern gullies, woodlands and open heath inhabited by large mobs of kangaroos. Venture back to the coast for an amazing clifftop walk from Flinders to the Blowhole and onwards to Ti Tree creek.

Walk the Lifesavers Track set up in the 1890s along the sparkling beaches and eroded limestone cliffs of the Bass Strait beaches, a favourite for local surfers with its pounding waves. Venture to the narrow tip of the Peninsula and the Point Nepean National Park with its wartime forts, historic quarantine station, Harold Holt memorial and dramatic views across the narrow entrance of Port Phillip Bay to the town of Queenscliff on the opposite shore.

Walk the famous Sorrento Artists Trail, informally known as the ‘Millionaires walk’ because of the magnificent houses along the clifftops and beautiful coves with private jetties and explore the nearby site of Victorias first settlement with lunch in Sorrento.

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Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Walk two stunning National Parks
  • The vineyard country of Red Hill
  • Taste the Peninsula’s many food offerings
  • Explore the best of the Peninsula’s incredibly varied trails
  • Stay in charming villages at Flinders & Sorrento/Portsea
  • Walk the rugged coastlines of Cape Schanck and Point Nepean
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 4 and 6 hours each day with regular stops to take in the natural beauty, and for snacks and lunch.

Portsea Holiday Village

Accommodation

Where we stay

We stay in great accomodation: the delightful Flinders Hotel in the village of the same name, inspired by the natural coastal surroundings, the boutique Flinders Hotel offers luxurious and relaxing accommodation with its own attached Pub/restaurant where we take breakfast. In Portsea we stay at resort-style accomodation overlooking the bay.

It is also possible to have an upgrade for 2 nights to the new grand Continental Hotel in Sorrento for an additional fee  (date & availability dependent).

Mornington Peninsula walks food

Meals

Enjoy

You have a full cooked breakfast at your accommodation each day, a nutritious and ample lunch is brought by our driver each day and rest stops with plenty of fruit, all kinds of snacks, local produce and hot drinks. Dinner is at leisure allowing you to choose where and when you want to eat from the great local choices available. The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its excellent food and wine producers, so you will always have good choices.

Itinerary

Daily details

Day 1: MORNINGTON RED HILL-MERRICKS TRAIL (6KM) BALNARRING BEACH WALK ( 3KM)

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 first walk. Here we’ll have a coffee and thorough briefing with your leader about the week ahead

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 either side you will get some beautiful views of Westernport Bay across to Phillip Island. We will have lunch at Merricks General Store, a Mornington Peninsula icon, where we can accompany our country-style meals with wine tasting from excellent local vineyards. Very civilised! (Merricks may be substituted with Somers General store if it’s not open.)

In the afternoon we will have an easy walk along the back beaches of Westernport from near Merricks beach to the edge of Somers village. This area offers great views along the Peninsula coast and across the Water to Phillip Island and the Nobbies. This coast of the Peninsula has a very natural character with rock pools and healthy deposits of kelp that hint at the vibrant underwater world. Dolphins are often seen along this part of the coast where we’ll hike. The villages of Balnarring beach and Somers have an understated beauty that makes them a favourite of Peninsula locals to visit.

After our afternoon walk we drive onto Flinders, where our accommodation is located. Flinders is a charming village that is home to art galleries and interesting shops, cafes, a great pub and the Mornington Peninsula chocolaterie.

Meals: Lunch

Overnight: Flinders Hotel

Day 2: DROMANA - ARTHURS SEAT SEAWINDS - KINGS FALLS RTN (9KM) TI TREEK CREEK (3KM)

Today we climb to the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula – Arthurs Seat.
After breakfast, we transfer to Dromana and climb up the side of Arthurs Seat, taking in the unprecedented views of the Bay from McCrae to the Port Phillip Heads.

We enjoy a short walk around Seawinds Gardens, enjoying the some of William Rickets sculptures and again, taking in the magnificent views from several lookouts along the way. On a clear day the views extend to the You Yangs and Mount Macedon. We then descend through the eucalypts down to the trickling Kings Falls circuit walk – a short boardwalk circuit
through a fern gully.

Returning back to Seawinds Gardens, we enjoy a picnic lunch before heading  off to the usually wild and windy Flinders Blowhole formation. We will take a cliff top walk to Tea Tree Creek with the time to explore the rock pools and hopefully catch sight of some elegant sea eagles along with other birdlife. Whales can even be spotted here in the winter months.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Flinders Hotel

Day 3: GREEN’S BUSH-BUSHRANGER BAY-CAPE SCHANCK (15KM)

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 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 continuing along the clifftop coastal portion of today’s walk. Stunning vistas and views of rugged Bass Strait coast accompany you until you reach Bushranger’s Bay, a popular spot with local walkers and surfers. Tide permitting, we can descend down to the beach for a chance to explore the rock pools and golden sands. Climbing back up to the track we continue our scenic walk through to Cape Schanck. Take your time to explore the lighthouse, former keeper’s house and museum grounds, and descend on the long boardwalk to the coast which has fantastic rock formations and views of the lighthouse on its headland.

You have the option tonight to visit the iconic Peninsula Hot Springs, an unmissable part of any Mornington Peninsula sojourn. The award-winning hot springs are in a natural bush setting. The 37 steaming pools have different themes and locations, from hammam rooms, saunas, ice caves and hilltop experiences to massaging jet pools.This is an optional visit and entry fees and any treatments are an additional cost. Availability is often limited and bookings must
be made in advance online.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Sorrento/Portsea

Day 4: BRIDGEWATER BAY TO SORRENTO (8KM) POINT NEPEAN HISTORY WALK (6KM)

Today 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 begin with a transfer after breakfast to Bridgewater Bay and head towards Sorrento.

Our first stop is at Spray Point where, if we are lucky, we will get to witness the point’s namesake. We the drop down onto Koonya Beach and enjoy a short walk across the sands before re-joining the Lifesaving Track. Continuing on we next come to Diamond Bay – well worth the detour to see the stunning views of Cape Schanck to the eastand, on a clear day, the Otways to the west. Climbing back, we continue on to Jubilee Point. From here we take the meandering clifftop track with historic markers that explain the area’s history while also providing breathtaking lookouts over Bass Strait. We finish at Sorrento back beach where we will be transferred into Sorrento for lunch.

After lunch, we will be transferred to the historic Point Nepean National Park with its multitude of walks and fascinating history. Point Nepean is the traditional Country of the Bunurong People who have lived on and around this important cultural place for over 35,000 years. The coastline has been an important source of shellfish and other foods and extensive shell middens are reminders of that history. Point Nepean and Sorrento were home to the earliest European settlement in Victoria, including convict settlement, pastoral activities and lime burning. The Quarantine Station at Point Nepean was established in 1852 and was in use until 1979.

We will take in such highlights as the old Quarantine Station, Observatory Point Cemetery, Cheviot Hill (site of missing Prime Minister Harold Holt!) as well as Point Nepean itself with its WWII forts and stunning views across Bass Strait and Port Philip Bay. After exploring the park thoroughly, we will be transferred back to our accommodation for the night, in Sorrento/Portsea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Sorrento/Portsea

Day 5: PORTSEA TO COLLINS SETTLEMENT SORRENTO (6km)

After our breakfast with a view, we head off from our doorstep along the unique Artists Trail towards Sorrento. Established in celebration of those artists who have made the spectacular Peninsula scenery subjects of some of their major works, this walk stops at those positions along the way where the artists have sat to paint their works.

Along the way we will also take in the Millionaires Walk. This short walk will have you feeling like a trespasser as you literally walk through the backyards of some of the most prime real estate you could find. You will get to take in the views of beautiful homes and private jetties, seeing firsthand ‘how the other half live’!

Coming out at Sorrento Beach we will continue a short way to Collin’s Settlement. The site of Victoria’s first ill fated attempt at European settlement in 1803 and hear about the remarkable story of escaped convict William Buckley. From here we will be transferred back to Sorrento for our final lunch together before being transferred to Frankston Station in the early afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch  

IMPORTANT NOTE

All daily distances are approximate and this itinerary is subject to change. RAW Travel reserves the right to make necessary itinerary changes based on local conditions, group safety, track closures, extreme weather or unforeseen difficulties with local suppliers due to the effects of COVID-19.

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Map

Explore

Mornington

In the cosmopolitan seaside town of Mornington, the main street is lined by almost a kilometre of excellent boutiques, homeware and designer stores, sidewalk cafes and restaurants with outdoor dining. There is always something happening in this town with its galleries, popular racecourse, markets and food and wine events. The beaches here are as refreshing as they are scenic and the wonderful harbour is framed by red sandstone cliffs and iconic bathing boxes.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
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.

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
  • 4 nights ensuite accommodation in a boutique hotel
  • 4 hotel breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches at Merricks General Store and a Sorrento eatery
  • 3 excellent picnic lunches inspired with local produce
  • Private transfers throughout plus pick-up/drop-off at Frankston train station
  • Experienced RAW Travel walking guide (a MP local)
  • Refreshment and snack stops
  • Dedicated driver and support vehicle throughout
  • National park admission fees
  • Full carbon offset for your trip and an Australian tree planted on your behalf
Excluded
  • Travel insurance
  • Dinners (can be taken at your accommodation or nearby restaurants and pubs)
  • Single supplement (extra $850) – please enquire, limited single rooms available
  • Entrance to Peninsula Hot Springs (optional)
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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Mornington Peninsula
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Peter Tarasiuk - February 2017
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Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

A wonderful challenging but doable walk in a beautiful environment with interesting companions and great staff.

Howard Clark, Ryde (NSW) – October 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Fabulous week of food, wine and walking. Sandra and Darren exceeded our expectations in making arrangements to suit my group

Ingrid Hay, Brisbane (Qld) - April 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Our guides Nicki and Mandy made this an unforgettable experience. Having Nicki with us to lead our little group and having Mandy there with the snack / recovery van made it a carefree 5 days. We really enjoyed spending time with the other couple on the trip – they were fun, smart, and very fit walkers. To top it all off, on the day of our anniversary, the van showed up laden with balloons and a gift! RAW also gave us tips for the few days we stayed on the Peninsula after the trip ended. Thank you!

Norman Hermant & Karen Percy, West Footscray (VIC) - March 2021

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

I have just completed this tour with my friends – Lois, Lorraine and Eva. The whole tour far exceeded our expectations. Every detail had been considered and catered for. Our guides Nicki and Mandy were amazing. Their knowledge of the area and its history made the whole experience so interesting. They tailored the trip to suit us – amazing! We are so pleased that we had all the inside information! Our picnic lunches from Jules at Flinders were way beyond expectations.

Sue Dmetreson, Gerringong (NSW) - February 2021

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

We loved our recent walk with RAW. 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! The Mornington Peninsula certainly is a beautiful spot to visit.

Lois McCallum, Gerringong (NSW) - February 2021

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

This was a wonderful experience all round. Thanks to Mandy and Nicky who did an excellent job of making this a very special experience for all of us. For people of our vintage, who still want to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, this level of walking challenge plus the comfort of staying in nice accommodation and enjoying good food is a perfect combination. We hope that RAW will be able to develop more opportunities of this kind for our age cohort to enjoy.  Many thanks to all RAW staff.

Helen & Hardy Palethorpe O'Connor (ACT) - April 2021

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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.

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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

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02/09/2024 - 06/09/2024
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Sold Out
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$850

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