Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bustling Melbourne CBD, you’ll find loads of Instagrammable spots on the Mornington Peninsula! These are our absolute faves, and why you need to take a coastal getaway to the Mornington Peninsula ASAP!
Table of Contents
The Most Instagrammable Spots on the Mornington Peninsula
Mount Martha Beach Boxes
You have probably heard of the famous colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes. Well they are scattered all along the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. Some of our favourites though are found along idyllic Mount Martha Beach, a pristine beach with vivid turquoise water. These things sell for over $400,000 each and owners do them up to show them off in their own unique way. You’ll find rustic to vibrant and all things in between, some even have awesome artwork on them!
Fort Nepean
Fort Nepean is located at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula and gives stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and the wild ocean. You can either walk 2.5km from the carpark to the historic fort, or jump aboard a shuttle bus. We opted for the walk and it was a fairly easy walk even with Ollie in his pram. You’ll find loads of old forts and gun areas that you can explore throughout Point Nepean National Park, but be careful walking off track as the signs point out “unexploded land mines”! Fun fact, even though miles from the battle fronts of WWI and WWII, this fort apparently fired off the first shots of BOTH wars! The eager military were unable to identify ships both times and after giving warnings, sent warning shots.
London Bridge
Located near the end of the Mornington Peninsula near Sorrento on the ocean side, you will find London Bridge. A unique rock formation not to be confused with the similarly named actual bridge in London. Definitely try to tie in your visit with low tide to get down on the beach and explore the rocky outcrop!
Arthurs Seat Lookout
Looking for the best vantage point in the region? Drive up Arthurs Seat and get sweeping views of the entire bay. You’ll twist and turn up the mountain until you come across various lookout points. At one of them theres a super short walk you can do to this viewing platform. You could also opt for the chairlift that goes all the way up from the bottom for an even more birds eye experience.
Cape Schanck
Cape Schanck is like an apocolyptic world. Facing out over the wild Bass Strait and open ocean you will be faced with insane views .Theres actually quite a few instagrammable spots here, and its easy to see why its one of the most popular spots on the Mornington Peninsula. As soon as you get out of the car, a super short stroll will have you at the picturesque Cape Schanck lighthouse. Continue around the trail and there is a lengthy boardwalk and lots of stairs down to the beach. From the top you will be able to see the path winding down and it is totally gram worthy.
Once you reach the beach level, there are loads of crystal clear rockpools. Although we went in the dead of winter so there was no chance we were getting in. However they look like an awesome spot to cool off on a warm day. Continuing around the pebbly beach you will come to the iconic Pulpit Rock. We spent ages just sitting there watching the waves wash over the rocky outcrop and recede back to the sea.
The Pillars
Over recent years the Pillars have gained significant on social media and are responsbile for a huge increase in tourism this way. They are definitely one of the most instagrammable spots on the Mornington Peninsula, but also just an awesome place to spend the day.
Located just off the main road, you have to walk down through the scrubby bushland, down to the limestone cliffs. Then it gets a little bit tricky, you have to find a suitable path down! Once you make it down though you are rewarded with an amazing limestone platform leading to the crystal clear sparkling water. On warm days there could easily be 100 people here hanging out and soaking up the sun. Its the Mornington Peninsulas answer to the coastlines of Portugal.
Shelly Beach
There’s a reason the mega-rich settle in Portsea. The beaches are pristine with clear water straight from a postcard. Shelley Beach is no exception and a great spot to spend the afternoon. You’ll spot a few ‘luxury’ versions of the classic beach huts, with their own private jetties. However nobody is usally at them and you can pose for a few photos, or maybe spend the afternoon there!
Peninsula Hot Springs
The Peninsula Hot Springs is the only paid item we have on our most instagrammable spots on the Mornington Peninsula list. You’ll find loads of unique pools scattered over a large area, scattered amongst a mass of vegetation. The coolest (and busiest) is the small hilltop pool, perched ontop of a hill with epic 360 degree views. Theres even a Morrocan style steam room and saunas. The Peninsula Hot Springs also has private bathing area’s for those seeking something even more special. Be aware this place gets insanely busy, so make sure you go early to beat the crowds.
Photo Credit: Peninsula Hot Springs
Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit
This tranquil boardwalk is found just off the Mount Martha strip. You’ll walk alongside Balcombe Creek ontop a raised pram friendly boardwalk. There’s a few picturesque rest stops along the way and you will feel like you are in the middle of the Aussie bush. We try do this walk often as it’s super gentle but you feel great doing it. There’s also a great playground and picnic area at the start of the trail.
Photo Credit: www.pramwalks.com.au
Millionaire’s Walk
We mentioned Portsea is home to some of Melbourne’s mega-rich. Well there’s even a walk named ‘Millionaires Walk’. This easy 1.5km walk takes you along an epic clifftop edge giving dramatic views of Port Phillip Bay and the beaches below. However it’s whats on the land side that is equally as impressive, all of the massive Millionaires mansions. And wow are some of them beautys! Maybe don’t snap a shot on their property cus .. y’know.. private property, but definitely snapshot some of those amazing views!
Photo Credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula
Dragon’s Head
This is a super unique rock formation that you can find out the back of Rye on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula. Its name comes from, you guessed it, it looks sort of like a deformed dragon’s head. This area is perfectly set up for sunrise shoots as it faces out east.
Photo Credit: Alex Wise Photography
Sorrento Pier
There are loads of piers all along the Peninsula ranging from small to large, but we love the Sorrento one the most. A quaint narrow long pier extends out into the gentle ocean. If you hang around you’ll be able to see the passenger ferry sailing into the terminus nearby. Other notable piers are the Rosebud and Mornington ones! As the piers in the bay all face west, they are ideal for catching a sunset.
Swing @ Tucks
We havn’t actually been here but have seen the photos and it looks like a definite contender to be on the list of the most instagrammable spots on the Mornington Peninsula! Tucks is one of many vineyards on the peninsula, but they have an epic swing platform that you can wine and dine on till your hearts content!
Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula
Launceston has lots of accommodation options to choose from, so we have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Launceston. See the list of accommodations below that we personally recommend:
Luxury: Peppers Moonah Links Resort
Peppers Moonah Links Resort is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts and perfect for visitors looking for stylish accommodation from which to explore the delights of the Mornington Peninsula region. The resort is one of Australia’s finest golf resorts, home to the 2005 Australian Open. Peppers Moonah Links Resort has been designed to harmonise with the land which has been moulded from rolling sand dunes promoting a calming atmosphere perfect for a weekend escape. Peppers Moonah Links Resort offers stylish accommodation in deluxe rooms and open suites, all with balconies overlooking the stunning golf course or putting green.
Click Here to check rates and availability.
Midrange: RACV Resort Cape Schanck
- Located at the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula, the new RACV Cape Schanck Resort is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. In this rare and raw location, you’ll experience one of the most special corners of Victoria. A rugged wilderness formed by the elements, and a beautiful new resort shaped by the landscape around it. It’s a place to reconnect with what’s real. Where an invigorating hike along the Cape’s dramatic coastline can be followed by an indulgent spa afternoon.
Click Here to check rates and availability.
Budget: Kangerong Holiday Park
- Kangerong Holiday Park is wonderfully located opposite a family swimming beach at Dromana and within a short stroll of cafes, restaurants and the local shopping centre. Centrally located in Dromana, most of the Mornington Peninsula’s attractions are within a 30 minute drive. Kangerong has a full range of holiday accommodation choices from the luxurious Spa Villa, our freshly renovated Beach House, Beach Cottages, Deluxe Villas and Holiday Cabins to powered caravan and camping sites. Recreational facilities for families & groups includes solar and gas heated pool, games room, volleyball, Koala Kid’s Club activity program, direct access to the beach, huge nipper’s sandpit, playground & more.
Click Here to check rates and availability.
For all other places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula, Click Here to search on Booking.com
We also highly recommend searching for homes on Airbnb. If you have been living under a rock, here’s a link to sign up for Airbnb that will automatically give you $55 off your first booking, whatever and wherever that may be.
If you are visiting Victoria, make sure to check out our ultimate blog post on the ideal weekend in The Grampians. A pristine wilderness region full of Australian nature, waterfalls and hikes.
Like this post? Pin it for later.
