Where To Stay On The Mornington Peninsula

Discover accommodation options, from charming motels to quirky beach houses, at this favourite holiday destination that blends the best of coast and country.

The Mornington Peninsula is to Melburnians what Palm Beach is to Sydneysiders. Or Rottnest Island to Perthites. A place of escapism conveniently close to the city. You can duck down for a day trip and still be back in time for dinner or make a long weekend of it.

Dotted among the seaside towns, local wineries, coastal walks and boutique eateries is a selection of incredible places to rest your head for the night. Here are our picks of the best places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula.

1. Portsea Hotel

Heralded as the wealthiest postcode in Australia, Portsea is home to a pub that puts you among Melbourne’s rich and famous.

the exterior of Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula — The Tudor-style facade belies the modern interiors. (Image: Simon Shiff)

The little village is a sanctuary by the sea, and an upgrade to the Portsea Hotel was more than a lick of paint.

the restaurant at Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula — The Portsea Hotel is known for its pub by the sea. (Image: Simon Shiff)

Standard hotel rooms offer traditional but elegant pub accommodation, featuring a queen bed, sink, TV and shared bathrooms. For a little extra space and an ensuite, choose from standard, deluxe, executive and Bayview suites.

a standard room with a queen bed at Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula — The chic Standard Room.

Downstairs, find a spot on the panoramic deck under the blue and white umbrellas to enjoy the ocean views. There’s also a nautically themed dining room where you can replenish with wood-fired pizza and updated pub classics.

a cocktail drink on the table at Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula — While away the afternoon on the deck with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Simon Shiff)

Address: 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula VIC

2. Peppers Moonah Links Resort

Peppers Moonah Links Resort is described as a modern country coastal oasis. Contemporary one-bedroom suites, Moonah Rooms and Open Rooms all feature stylish decor with a calming natural palette, plus they all have balconies or terraces overlooking the fairways.

The real drawcard with Peppers is it’s within the grounds of Moonah Links, featuring two 18-hole championship courses, so it’s perfect for the golf enthusiasts out there. The resort also offers an on-site spa, heated pool and the charming Pebbles Restaurant.

Address: Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula VIC

3. Port Phillip Estate

The natural world meets modern design at the family-owned Port Phillip Estate . Emerging from the native landscape and surrounding vineyards, this modernist structure houses a cellar door, winery and accommodation.

Six exclusive apartments feature king-size beds with leather headboards, spacious ensuites, plush Missoni bathrobes, glamorous furnishings and outdoor terraces with stunning views across the vines to the bay. With a discreet guests-only entry and car parking, privacy is guaranteed.

the modernist structure at Port Phillip Estate, Mornington Peninsula — The modernist Port Phillip Estate houses a cellar door, winery and accommodation.

Address: 263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula VIC

4. Polperro Farmhouse

Set in Red Hill’s lush landscape, Polperro Farmhouse is a celebration of the 1950s holiday home, offering a sense of nostalgia and retro holiday charm.

the Polperro Farmhouse in Red Hill — Polperro Farmhouse is a charming holiday home in Red Hill.

The three-bedroom property sleeps six guests in total, having been renovated in conjunction with renowned design firm Hecker Guthrie. A social living space is at its core, with a resounding pull towards the natural elements: the surrounding Polperro vineyard, a backdrop of pine forest, European-style gardens and distant ocean views.

the European-style garden at Polperro Farmhouse — Unwind in the European-style garden.

Envisioned as both a summer and winter destination, the relaxed charm is carried through to the furniture, objects, styling and artwork. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, open fireplace, luxury bath, extensive outdoor kitchen and fire cooking facilities, all presented with immaculate attention to detail.

the living room interior of Polperro Farmhouse — The relaxed charm is carried throughout the accommodation.

Address: 150 Red Hill Road, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula VIC

5. Hotel Sorrento

This glorious limestone pile was built in 1872, but there’s very little that’s old-fashioned about Hotel Sorrento ’s rooms and suites. In 2023, a transformation of the building was unveiled. It included a 30-metre lap pool, day spa, terrace and 13 new suites, as well as a renovation of all existing rooms. The entry-level Classic Rooms make the most of the original limestone walls, adding contemporary furnishings, oak trims and French shutters. The new Sunset Suites are sleek and glamorous, with raw materials like travertine, timber and limestone used throughout and outdoor marble bathtubs.

poolside umbrellas and sun loungers at Hotel Sorrento — Lounge under the poolside umbrellas at Hotel Sorrento.

You can still get a pot of Carlton and a parma in the front bar, kick back in the beer garden or order a pub meal in the dining room, but there’s now also Cantonese eatery Shihuishi. Salt, a bar and live music venue, and a rooftop bar and expected to open in summer 2025.

the interior of Hotel Sorrento with an outdoor marble bathtub — Have a relaxing soak in the outdoor marble bathtubs.

Address: 5/15 Hotham Road, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula VIC

6. Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate

Crittenden Estate is home to some of the oldest vines on the Mornington Peninsula, and the family-run business offers a relaxed stay for anyone looking for a weekend in the country. There are just three self-contained, stand-alone Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate , constructed entirely over the vineyard’s serene lake.

Each one has a king bed, a queen sofa bed that can be used by children, a well-equipped kitchen adjoining a dining room, and a spacious living area.

a car driving across a vineyard at Crittenden Estate — Go on a scenic road trip to Crittenden Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The stylish villas are decorated in a modern country style, with a palette matching the surrounding bushland. Enjoy breakfast on the balcony over the water then spend some time at the expansive cellar door tasting the diverse range of wines produce here.

an aerial view of the Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate — Head to the Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate for a relaxed stay over the water. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Mornington Peninsula VIC

7. Quarters at Flinders Hotel

Just 100 metres from the coastline and at the foot of the historical Flinders village, Quarters at Flinders Hotel consists of 40 contemporary rooms that take inspiration from their setting. Make the most of the locale, by booking one of the rooms with a balcony or patio.

Whichever room style you decide on, you’ll be resting your head on a king-size bed with luxury linens, snacking on local produce from the mini bar or getting ready in your large bathroom to explore the region.

There’s an excellent onsite bistro where you can order a bowl of Peninsula mussels, a plate of traditional fish and chips, or a good burger.

Address: Corner Cook and Wood Streets, Flinders, Mornington Peninsula VIC

8. The Keith

If there’s anything Australian travellers have come to love, it’s an old roadside motel dolled up to make the most of its retro charm. The latest one to grace the Mornington Peninsula is The Keith .

a vintage car outside The Keith, Mornington Peninsula — The Keith is dolled up to make the most of its retro charm.

Its 16 spacious rooms, ranging from queen to family accommodation, were all in good condition before the renovation, so the designers were able to repurpose fittings and fixtures.

the picnic tables at The Keith, Mornington Peninsula — The picnic tables add to the summer camp vibes.

The light, bright rooms are decorated in pretty pastel shades, with timber furnishings and artwork by a local, Cath de Boise. Each room has kettle, toaster and Nespresso machine, but there’s a full outdoor kitchen, with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables adding to the summer camp vibes.

the bed at The Keith, Mornington Peninsula — Rooms have been swathed in playful pastel tones.

Address: 1929 Point Nepean Road, Tootgarook, Mornington Peninsula VIC

9. Sorrento Beach Motel

Everyone who visits the Mornington Peninsula inevitably stops at Rosebud or Dromana to take photographs of the colourful beach boxes. At Sorrento Beach Motel , there are just 19 ground-floor rooms. Choose one of the executive rooms, however, and you might be surprised by the facade, which has been styled to look like one of those charming attractions. Inside, these rooms are spacious, with timber floors, feature brick walls and contemporary furnishings.

the exterior of Sorrento Beach Motel, Mornington Peninsula — Sorrento Beach Motel has been styled to look like the famous beach boxes.

Staying here is a bit like stepping back in time: all guests are greeted warmly, there’s a free guest laundry and you can have breakfast delivered to your room in the morning.

the bedroom at Sorrento Beach Motel, Mornington Peninsula — The rooms are cosy with contemporary furnishings.

Address: 780 Melbourne Road, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula VIC

10. The Nest Boxx

Set between the front and back beaches at Rye is this bespoke pod set among Moonah trees. The Nest Boxx is a gorgeous couple’s getaway, with vertical timber battens affixed to the exterior and an interior that’s completely original. The overall tone is sage green, with an eclectic selection of vintage and contemporary furniture and wallpaper featuring a leaf motif. There’s a smart TV with Netflix, and the host stocks the room with coffee bags, drip coffee, assorted tea, sprint water and fresh milk, so you’ve got the basics.

This cute stay is in a quiet location, close to Peninsula Hot Springs. This retreat is the perfect sanctuary to return to after a full day spent exploring the wineries, beaches and walking trails.

Address: Rye, Mornington Peninsula VIC

11. Logbox Red Hill

On top of a hill in the bush, you can stay in one of the three cabins offered at Logbox Red Hill . Each one is different, but all offer a casual, comfortable ambience for a relaxing stay.

the lush landscape at Logbox Red Hill — Logbox Red Hill is surrounded by a lush landscape. (Image: Madeleine Burke @madeleineburke)

The Green House is the largest of the cabins, sleeping four in two bedrooms. While it’s fitted with a modern kitchen and bathroom, it is furnished with rustic, vintage pieces.

a cabin at Logbox Red Hill — Cosy up in one of the cabins. (Image: Madeleine Burke @madeleineburke)

The Cabin, with its raw timber ceiling and kitchenette, is the cosiest space, sleeping two. The Dairy, which also sleeps two, has a wood heater, rustic furnishings and an excellent view. You can even lie in bed and watch the kangaroos outside.

This would be a great option for a group of friends who want to book out the whole property and go winery hopping (many of them are less than 10 minutes away). The cabins have outdoor barbecues and firepits for sunset get-togethers that stretch into the evening.

the outdoor seating area at Logbox Red Hill — Sit outside and watch for kangaroos.

Address: 151 Point Leo Road, Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula VIC

12. Wattlebird Studio

Lovers of 1950s style will feel right at home at Wattlebird Studio , near Saint Andrews Beach. There are retro lounge suites, a Parker sideboard, plenty of potted plants to amp up the relaxed vibe, and a full kitchen built from recycled plywood if you feel like gathering and cooking some local produce. Borrow one of the studio’s books, make a cuppa and go sit out in one of the garden areas.

a close-up of the bed head board at Wattlebird Studio, Mornington Peninsula — Unwind in the 1950s-style Wattlebird Studio.

It’s in a great location, close to both Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs, St Andrews Beach Brewery, plenty of wineries and eateries, as well as beaches and bush trails. When you get back to the studio, play one of the board games or stream your favourite movie on the TV.

a retro lounge suite at Wattlebird Studio, Mornington Peninsula — Book a stay in one of the retro lounge suites at Wattlebird Studio.

Address: Saint Andrews Beach, Mornington Peninsula VIC

13. Flinders Nuthouse

It isn’t really surprising this cute retro seaside cottage with its bright ‘70s decor is popular for girls’ weekends. The Flinders Nuthouse is joyful, quirky and cosy all at once. It has two bedrooms – one with a queen bed, the other with single bunks – and a spacious living area with open fire.

The Flinders Nuthouse in Mornington Peninsula — Step into this retro seaside cottage.

There are lots of cute touches, like a record player, lots of vintage art and a Polaroid toilet roll holder. Hang out on the deck during the day then light a fire in the brazier when the sun goes down and roast some marshmallows.

the colourful interior of The Flinders Nuthouse — The Flinders Nuthouse is filled with eclectic finds and lashings of colour.

You can walk from the Nuthouse to Flinders town centre and to Flinders Pier. Jump in the car and you’re a short drive to ocean beaches and some of the peninsula’s best wineries.

a beach near The Flinders Nuthouse in Mornington Peninsula — You’re just a short drive to ocean beaches.

Address: Flinders, Mornington Peninsula VIC

14. The Red Hill Barn

On top of a hill, surrounded by manicured lawns, is this beautiful farmhouse. The Red Hill Barn has views of vines and olive groves, and your nearest neighbours are herds of cows and sheep.

the farmhouse among the vines at The Red Hill Barn, Mornington Peninsula — Experience bucolic bliss at The Red Hill Barn.

On the ground floor is an open-plan living area and kitchen with classic farmhouse styling, while upstairs has two bedrooms, the main one with doors to a balcony. The house is surrounded by a timber deck with plenty of little sitting areas from where to enjoy the view.

a look inside the farmhouse at The Red Hill Barn, Mornington Peninsula — Stay in a classic farmhouse with modern amenities.

The barn is located between Red Hill and Merricks North, so is surrounded by restaurants and wineries, including Polperro and Foxey’s Hangout, and is equidistant between the beaches of Port Phillip Bay and those of Westernport Bay.

the bedroom at The Red Hill Barn, Mornington Peninsula — Get cosy in The Red Hill Barn.

Address: Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula VIC

15. Hart’s Farm

There are two stylish accommodation options at Hart’s Farm : The Retreat is one of the biggest options for a couple on the peninsula. Cooks will love the huge fully equipped kitchen that comes complete with a fancy Wega espresso machine.

the Hart’s Farm in Mornington Peninsula — Hart’s Farm opens up to views of the bush.

The contemporary fit-out has worn-in leather couches, a long dining table, a fireplace and big glass doors that open to views of the bush and olive groves in the distance.

an accommodation at Hart's Farm surrounded by lush greenery — Hart’s Farm is set in a verdant landscape.

If you don’t need all that space, you can book just The Studio, which has a smaller living area, a queen bed with French linen and an ensuite with a huge bath and walk-in shower.

a look inside the dining and living room at Hart’s Farm in Mornington Peninsula — con Enjoy contemporary amenities and furnishings.

Breakfast provisions are supplied to the guests, along with a four-pack of Hart’s Farm award-winning ciders and a 500ml bottle of the property’s extra virgin olive oil.

the exterior of Hart’s Farm in Mornington Peninsula — Retreat into one of the contemporary stays at Hart’s Farm.

Hart’s Farm runs a farmgate every weekend, where guests can taste the different varieties of apple cider produced here and stock up on cider, olive oil, natural fruit cordials, preserves and seasonal produce.

a mini lake at Hart’s Farm in Mornington Peninsula — Escape the hustle and bustle at Hart’s Farm.

Address: 300 Tucks Road, Shoreham, Mornington Peninsula VIC

16. Lancemore Lindenderry

the Lancemore Lindenderry accommodation in Mornington Peninsula — Retreat into a stylish stay surrounded by manicured gardens. (Image: Lancemore Lindenderry)

Nestled within 34 acres of picturesque gardens and vines, Lancemore Lindenderry in Red Hill is a classic European-style retreat that boasts elegant rooms with modern country charm.

Situated close to idyllic beaches and cool climate wineries, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore the best of the region’s offerings – a stay will also give you complimentary access to Pt Leo Sculpture Park and a wine tasting at Foxey’s.

Make the most of your stay with a visit to the two-hatted restaurant The Dining Room to indulge in a paddock-to-plate feast.

Address: 142 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula

Discover the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.

Located just an hour north-west of Melbourne, the largely undiscovered Macedon Ranges quietly pours some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines and serves up some of Victoria’s best food.

Mention the Macedon Ranges and most people will think of day spas and mineral springs around Daylesford, cosy weekends away in the countryside or the famous Hanging Rock (of enigmatic picnic fame). Or they won’t have heard of the Macedon Ranges at all.

But this cool-climate destination has been inconspicuously building a profile as a high-quality food and wine region and is beginning to draw serious attention from oenophiles and epicureans alike.

The rise of Macedon Ranges wine

liquid gold barrels at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — Barrels of liquid gold at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

With elevations ranging from 300 to 800 metres, Macedon Ranges vineyards are among the highest in the country. This altitude, combined with significant day/night temperature swings, makes for a slow ripening season, in turn nurturing wines that embody elegance and structure. Think crisp chardonnays, subtle yet complex pinot noirs and delicate sparkling wines, along with niche varietals, such as gamay and nebbiolo.

Despite the region’s natural advantages – which vary from estate to estate, as each site embodies unique terroir depending on its position in relation to the Great Dividing Range, soil make-up and altitude – the Macedon Ranges has remained something of an insider’s secret. Unlike Victoria’s Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula, you won’t find large tour buses here and there’s no mass marketing drawing crowds.

Many of the 40-odd wineries are family-run operations with modest yields, meaning the wineries maintain a personal touch (if you visit a cellar door, you’ll likely chat to the owner or winemaker themselves) and a tight sales circle that often doesn’t go far beyond said cellar door. And that’s part of the charm.

Though wines from the Macedon Ranges are just starting to gain more widespread recognition in Australia, the first vines were planted in the 1860s, with a handful of operators then setting up business in the 1970s and ’80s. The industry surged again in the 1990s and early 2000s with the entry of wineries, such as Mount Towrong, which has an Italian slant in both its wine and food offering, and Curly Flat , now one of the largest estates.

Meet the new generation of local winemakers

the Clydesdale barn at Paramoor. — The Clydesdale barn at Paramoor. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Then, within the last 15 years, a new crop of vignerons like Andrew Wood at Kyneton Ridge Estate , whose vineyard in 2024 was the first in the Macedon Ranges to be certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia; Geoff Plahn and Samantha Reid at Paramoor , who have an impressive cellar door with a roaring fire and studded leather couches in an old Clydesdale barn; and Ollie Rapson and Renata Morello at Lyons Will , who rapidly expanded a small vineyard to focus on top-shelf riesling, gamay, pinot noir and chardonnay, have taken ownership of local estates.

Going back to the early days, Llew Knight’s family was one of the pioneers of the 1970s, replacing sheep with vines at Granite Hills when the wool industry dwindled. Knight is proud of the fact that all their wines are made with grapes from their estate, including a light, peppery shiraz (some Macedon wineries purchase fruit from nearby warmer areas, such as Heathcote, particularly to make shiraz) and a European-style grüner veltliner. And, as many other wineries in the region do, he relies on natural acid for balance, rather than an additive, which is often required in warmer regions. “It’s all about understanding and respecting your climate to get the best out of your wines,” he says.

farm animals atKyneton Ridge Estate — Curious residents at Kyneton Ridge Estate. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Throughout the Macedon Ranges, there’s a growing focus on sustainability and natural and low-intervention wines, with producers, such as Brian Martin at Hunter Gatherer making waves in regenerative viticulture. Martin previously worked in senior roles at Australia’s largest sparkling winemaking facility, and now applies that expertise and his own nous to natural, hands‑off, wild-fermented wines, including pét‑nat, riesling and pinot noir. “Wild fermentation brings more complexity,” he says. “Instead of introducing one species of yeast, you can have thousands and they add different characteristics to the wine.”

the vineyard at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — The estate’s vineyard, where cool-climate grapes are grown. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Most producers also focus on nurturing their grapes in-field and prune and pick by hand, thus avoiding the introduction of impurities and the need to meddle too much in the winery. “The better the quality of the fruit, the less you have to interfere with the natural winemaking process,” says Wood.

Given the small yields, there’s also little room for error, meaning producers place immense focus on quality. “You’re never going to compete in the middle [in a small region] – you’ve got to aim for the top,” says Curly Flat owner Jeni Kolkka. “Big wineries try to do things as fast as possible, but we’re in no rush,” adds Troy Walsh, owner and winemaker at Attwoods . “We don’t use commercial yeasts; everything is hand-harvested and everything is bottled here, so we bottle only when we’re ready, not when a big truck arrives.” That’s why, when you do see a Macedon Ranges product on a restaurant wine list, it’s usually towards the pointy end.

Come for the wine, stay for the food

pouring sauce onto a dish at Lake HouseDaylesford — Dining at Lake House Daylesford is a treat. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

If wine is the quiet achiever of the Macedon Ranges, then food is its not-so-secret weapon. In fact, the area has more hatted restaurants than any other region in Victoria. A pioneer of the area’s gourmet food movement is region cheerleader Alla Wolf-Tasker, culinary icon and founder of Daylesford’s Lake House.

For more than three decades, Wolf-Tasker has championed local producers and helped define what regional fine dining can look like in Australia. Her influence is palpable, not just in the two-hatted Lake House kitchen, but in the broader ethos of the region’s dining scene, as a wave of high-quality restaurants have followed her lead to become true destination diners.

the Midnight Starling restaurant in Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — The hatted Midnight Starling restaurant is located in Kyneton. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

It’s easy to eat well, whether at other hatted restaurants, such as Midnight Starling in the quaint town of Kyneton, or at the wineries themselves, like Le Bouchon at Attwoods, where Walsh is inspired by his time working in France in both his food offering and winemaking.

The beauty of dining and wine touring in the Macedon Ranges is that it feels intimate and unhurried. You’re likely to meet the winemaker, hear about the trials of the latest vintage firsthand, and taste wines that never make it to city shelves. And that’s worth getting out of the city for – even if it is just an hour down the road.

Delicate dishes on the menu at Midnight Starling. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the accommodation at Cleveland Estate, Macedon Ranges — Stay at the Cleveland Estate. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Soak up vineyard views from Cleveland Estate near Lancefield , embrace retro charm at Kyneton Springs Motel or indulge in lakeside luxury at the Lake House .

Eating there

Enjoy a four-course menu at the one-hatted Surly Goat in Hepburn Springs, Japanese-inspired fare at Kuzu in Woodend or unpretentious fine dining at Mount Monument , which also has a sculpture park.

Drinking there

wine tasting at PassingClouds Winery, Macedon Ranges — A tasting at Passing Clouds Winery. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Settle in for a tasting at Boomtown in Castlemaine, sample local drops at the cosy Woodend Cellar & Bar or wine-hop around the many cellar doors, such as Passing Clouds .

the Boomtown Winery and Cellar Bar signage — Boomtown Winery and Cellar Bar. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Playing there

a scenic river in Castlemaine — Idyllic scenes at Castlemaine. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Wander through the seasonal splendour of Forest Glade Gardens , hike to the summit of Hanging Rock, or stroll around the tranquil Sanatorium Lake.

purple flowers hanging from a tree — Purple flowers hanging from a tree. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

16 of the dreamiest places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula