Top 10 things to do on the Mornington Peninsula

Discover some of Victoria's best spas, galleries, food and wine, as well as stunning coastal scenery, on the Mornington Peninsula, just an hours' drive from Melbourne. Chill seekers can soak the day away and those wanting a faster tempo can hit the trails on a bike, meeting up at one of the wineries or seaside restaurants to compare notes.

1. Arthur's Seat State Park

Get your bearings atop popular Arthur's Seat. This viewing spot gives sweeping views back to Melbourne, across Port Phillip Bay and down the peninsula, so you can see where you're headed. Book a spot on the Arthur's Seat Eagle for a bird's-eye view.

2. Mineral Springs

If pampering's a priority, Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs offer mineral pool bathing in unmissable natural settings, along with spa treatments and private wellness sanctuaries. Dine with head chef Karen Martini at Alba's onsite restaurant Thyme. Book ahead – you can't go wrong.

3. Seaside Cycling

Take the Bay Trail along the foreshore from Dromana to Sorrento for unforgettable sea views. Go off road between Rye and Portsea on the Melbourne Road Trail, and enjoy a barbeque on the foreshore at your destination.

4. Pt Leo Estate

Wining, dining and art form a gorgeous trio at Pt Leo Estate in Merricks. Enjoy cellar door bites on the wine terrace, award-winning menus at Laura or Pt Leo Estate, and explore the fabulous sculpture park. Book for the world-first vintage car exhibition, The Motorists Concours d'Elégance.

5. Red Hill

Hinterland Red Hill is the peninsula's fertile pantry, where wineries, provedores and producers pop up around every corner. Taste your way through Red Hill Winery, Montalto, Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill Cellar and Pantry, Polperro, Ten Minutes By Tractor, Red Hill Brewery and more.

6. Cape Schanck

Topped with lookouts, a boardwalk and a lighthouse, wild Cape Schanck is an unmissable coastal vantage point. Travel back into geological history when gazing at the extraordinary formations of Pulpit Rock and Devils Desk, created millions of years ago.

7. Seawinds Gardens

Soak in the spectacle of Port Phillip and the Bellarine Peninsula from sprawling Seawinds Gardens. Various lookout points offer superb coastal gazing. Sculptures in the gardens are by William Ricketts.

8. Stringers Sorrento

Stop a while at historic Stringers to enjoy the flavours of Italy, including authentic wood-fired pizza and freshly churned gelato. Built in 1896, this merchant's store "up the hill" has fed locals and visitors alike ever since the pleasure-seekers, picnic parties, and steamboat passengers of the early 1900s stopped by for tea, wine, and provisions.

9. Farm Gates

Take a backcountry drive along the peninsula and fill up with delights fresh from fertile fields at welcoming farm gates, or taste the harvest cooked to perfection at esteemed eateries. In June and July, celebrate truffle season with truffle hunts, masterclasses and dining events at Red Hill Truffles, and keep an eye out for vendors at local farmers' markets.

10. Gallery Hop

Get an intimate look at the Mornington Peninsula through the eyes of its creative residents at a gallery or museum. Choose from sculpture parks at wineries to regional art galleries, glass blowing studios to heirlooms at historic homestead museums.