The best Mornington Peninsula markets for local treasures

These are the indoor and outdoor markets to include on your shopping list if you’re after the best the locals have to offer.

Exploring the wonderful array of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without diving into its vibrant market scene. Whether you need to stock the pantry for your beachside break or are looking for a piece of the peninsula to take home, you shouldn’t miss these Mornington Peninsula markets. This is where farmers bring their finest berries or goat curd, local artists sell their impeccable arts and crafts, and snacks, coffee and entertainment are all part of the ritual. There are options every weekend for farmers’ and craft markets and even a few indoor markets that open daily. Don’t forget your shopping bags.

Farmers’ markets

Seaford Farmers Market

When: Third Sunday of every month, 8am – 1pm

Before you head home (or at the beginning of your week on the Mornington Peninsula) stock up on locally grown produce direct from the farmers and other producers at Seaford Farmers Market . When you’re done, you’ll be enjoying free-range eggs, fresh fruit and veggies, and fresh and smoked meats, as well as pickles, conserves, pasta and other tasty treats.

 Address: Broughton Street Reserve, Station Street, Seaford, Mornington Peninsula 

Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market

When: Fourth Sunday of every month, 9am – 1pm

This is the only farmers’ market on the Mornington Peninsula accredited by the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association, which means its stalls are only stocked with food and produce from local farmers and specialty makers. Your first stop at Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market should be Fire & Stone for warm scones with jam and cream before you fill your shopping bags with Flinders Sourdough, Mumma Made jams and relishes, Red Hill Apples, Blue Bay cheese and more.

Address: Corner Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, Mt Eliza, Mornington Peninsula 

Bottles of tea found in one of the Mornington Peninsula Markets. — Taste the difference of local goodness at Mt Eliza Farmers’ Market.

Saturday markets

Pearcedale Community Market

When: Third Saturday of every month, 9am – 1pm

You could buy yourself the perfect picnic at pretty Pearcedale Community Market , shaded by towering eucalypts. There’s freshly baked bread, locally harvested honey, jam made from strawberries grown on the peninsula and plenty of other produce created nearby. Plus, there are craft stalls, potted plants, and delicious snacks and coffee to enjoy while you’re browsing.

Address: Pearcedale Public Hall & Gardens, 45 Pearcedale Road, Pearcedale, Mornington Peninsula 

A stall in Pearcedale Market. — Enjoy craft stalls, snacks, and coffee under the eucalypts.

Rye Foreshore Market

When: First Saturday of every month, 7.30am – 1pm

This market, a community fundraiser for the Rotary Club, is the way to get your weekend off to a brilliant start. Rye Foreshore Market classifies itself as a “make, bake and grow" market, meaning it has at least 70 per cent homegrown or home-made goods and produce. There are more than 80 stalls of the best the peninsula can offer, from seasonal fruit (the summer berries in this part of the world are excellent) to handmade soap. Don’t bother with breakfast before you arrive because the bacon and egg rolls are *chef’s kiss*.

Address: Opposite Rye Hotel, 2415 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Mornington Peninsula

Somerville Saturday Market

When: Second Saturday of every month (except January), 8am – 12.30pm

The old-school Somerville Saturday Market brings the community together, encourages local creatives to sell their work, and helps resource the church. There’s a great sausage sizzle, as well as coffee and tea, along with stalls selling books, plants, cards, cakes, gifts and bric-à-brac. The church op shop is also open.

Address: St Andrew’s, 2 Eramosa Road West, Somerville, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls filled with books at Somerville Saturday Market. — Support local creatives and enjoy a classic market day at Somerville.

Boneo Community Market

When: Third Saturday of every month, 8am – 12.30pm

Whether you’re filling the fridge or looking for a memento of your visit to the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find it at the Boneo Community Market . This area is renowned for its market gardens, so fresh fruit and veg are top quality. You can also buy Merricks Farm jams and conserves, Pure Peninsula Honey and fresh flowers. Ask the growers about their produce and pick a sweet treat for later. There are also lots of beautiful arts and crafts, including locally produced jewellery and ceramics. Plus, if you’ve got the kids with you, they’ll love the animal farm.

Address: Boneo Recreation Reserve, Limestone Road, Boneo, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls set up at Boneo Community Market with a sign that leads to the mobile farm. — Chat with growers and stock up on top-quality produce at Boneo Market.

Little Beauty Market

When: Final Saturday of the month, usually 9am – 2pm, although occasionally at twilight (check on the website)

Frankston is considered the last point on the Victorian ‘mainland’ before you get to the Mornington Peninsula, so if you’re driving down on a Saturday, it’s worth stopping at this makers’ market set around a lake in the park. Little Beauty Market has more than a hundred stalls selling handcrafted items, art, homewares, vintage clothes, collectables, kids’ outfits and toys, farm produce and food carts serving street food from around the world. There’s also a bar and live music. 

Address: Beauty Park, Spring Street, Frankston

A sea of people at Little Beauty Market. — Explore over 100 stalls and enjoy live tunes at Little Beauty Market.

Sunday markets

Bittern Community Market

When: Every Sunday, 8am – 1pm

Get your fresh fruit and vegetables, check out the locally created homewares and gifts, and rummage through second-hand goods and bric-à-brac at the Bittern Community Market , which has been operating for more than 30 years. Need a coffee or something to eat? There are stallholders that will sort out that for you, too.

Address: Bittern Railway Station, Frankston–Flinders Road, Bittern, Mornington Peninsula 

Mornington Racecourse Craft Market

When: Second Sunday of every month, 9am – 2pm

If you like handmade, original treasures, you’ll love what’s on offer at Mornington Racecourse Craft Market . Everything here has been designed and made in Australia; much of it is from Victoria. Of course, there are also produce and locally created food items, as well as street food from a selection of vendors and live music setting the ambience.

Address: Mornington Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Mornington, Mornington Peninsula 

People checking out stalls in the Mornington Racecourse Craft Market. — For handmade goods lovers, shop unique creations and enjoy live music at Mornington Market.

Shoreham Market

When: Third Sunday of the month (September – May), 9am – 2pm

This market is as much about the community as it is about commerce. Even if you don’t buy anything at the dog-friendly Shoreham Market , you can take part in a yoga class, take the  younger members of the family to enjoy some children’s activities, or kick back and enjoy some music. There are lots of great stalls, of course, selling food to eat on site, food and produce to take away, and beautiful crafts, fashion and homewares.

Address: 67–85 Byrnes Road, Shoreham

Bring the family and unwind with music at dog-friendly Shoreham Market.

Moorooduc Station Market

When: First of the month from October to March (plus June and August), 10am – 2pm

It’s worth heading to Moorooduc Station Market just to grab a bite from Geez That’s Good Toasties to enjoy beneath the gum trees. There are more than 60 stalls featuring local makers and their ranges, as well as street food and drink trucks. It’s set next door to the old railway station and the kids might enjoy a ride on the vintage train to Mornington and back.

Address: 460 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula 

A lady with her stall of bags at Moorooduc Station Market. — Moorooduc Station Market is where family fun, street food, and local stalls come together.

Occasional markets

Point Nepean Portsea Market

When: See website for upcoming dates

The Point Nepean Portsea Market has it all: a picturesque coastal location, surrounded by historical buildings and vast lawns, and endless reasons for you to stick your hand in your pocket. Everything you see in the stalls has been made or grown by the stallholder. Crafts and treasures are in plentiful supply, but there’s also food vans serving up delicious food to eat picnic-style, tables of fresh produce to take away, and live music to create an unbeatable atmosphere.

Address: Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula 

The view at Point Nepean Portsea. — Enjoy a picturesque coastal location with handmade treasures and delicious food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mt Martha South Beach Market

When: Victorian public holidays, 10am – 2pm

Perched on a hill overlooking Port Phillip Bay, this has become one of the most popular markets in the region. And it’s not all about that view. The organisers of Mt Martha South Beach Market pride themselves on bringing together more than 60 stalls selling high-end goods, including fashion, beauty, art, homewares, homemade goods and pet products. Plus, you’ll be able to fill your belly with tasty dishes and drinks from a number of food vans.

Address: Mount Martha House, 466 Esplanade, Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula 

A landscape image of Mt Martha South Beach Market that includes the coastal view. — Fill your basket with high-end goods and take in the coastal view at Mt Martha South Beach Market.

The Mount Martha Briars Market

When: Every couple of months, 9am – 2pm

It’s not every day you can enjoy shopping some well-stocked stalls and visiting a wildlife sanctuary in one spot. The Briars is a historical homestead and conservation park that plays host to the much-loved Mount Martha Briars Market . In the morning you can browse the homemade and home-grown wares, from fresh produce to eye-catching homewares, then snaffle something tasty for lunch. Afterwards, spend some time walking the Briar’s trails and visiting the native animals. Check the website for upcoming dates.

Address: 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula 

Stalls at Mount Martha Briars Market and a view of the beach. — Browse homemade wares, wander the trails, and enjoy the wildlife at The Briars.

Permanent markets

Dromana Indoor Market

When: Daily 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm (closed Tuesdays in winter)

Get a fix of the best of everything Mornington Peninsula markets have to offer at this big warehouse with more than 90 stalls offering a wide range of ever-changing treasures. Dromana Indoor Market has plenty of vintage and antique pieces, from toys and collectables to designer clothing and furniture. Grab a read for your break at one of the book stalls or stock your fridge with local produce. If you love to browse this is a great way to spend a few hours, especially on a gloomy day.

Address: 110 Nepean Highway, Dromana, Mornington Peninsula 

A display of vinyls at Dromana Indoor Market. — Spend hours browsing vintage finds and local produce at Dromana Indoor Market.

Flock of Seagulls Indoor Market and Cafe

When: Monday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm

There’s plenty to rummage through at the more than 50 stalls at Flock Rye . There are vintage objects and clothing items galore, as well as locally made fashion, gifts, homeware and candles. Check out the work of peninsula artists in the gallery, stop for coffee and cake at the cafe, or book a session with the onsite hairdresser, masseuse or reiki master.

Address: 2211 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Mornington Peninsula 

Discover the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au