If there’s one thing the Mornington Peninsula does better than almost anywhere else in Victoria, it’s delivering unforgettable views. From rugged coastal cliffs that crash into turquoise waters to gentle bay views that shimmer at sunset, the Peninsula is a destination that rewards every glance.
This guide brings together 13 must-see scenic lookouts and hidden corners – each one offering something unique. Some are perfect picnic spots, others are unbeatable sightseeing spots for photographers, and a few require a little legwork along scenic trails. But every one of them will leave you with a new perspective on the Peninsula’s beauty.
Places that are best for sunrise, sunset and photos
1. Arthurs Seat
Perched 300 metres above sea level, Arthurs Seat is the most iconic vantage point on the Peninsula. From here, you’ll see bay views stretching from Portsea to the city skyline on a clear day. If you’re not keen on the steep drive, the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola offers a relaxed ride up the hillside.
This is also one of the best walking tracks in Arthurs Seat State Park, with short circuits leading to different lookouts. Tip: sunrise here is magical, but it can get chilly, so pack a jacket.
2. Murray’s Lookout
Murray’s Lookout sits partway up the winding road to Arthurs Seat and offers a quieter alternative to the main summit. The view sweeps down the Peninsula, with the Bellarine Peninsula faintly visible across Port Phillip Bay.
It’s a favourite stop for locals who know it’s less crowded than the top. Just be careful parking here – it’s on a blind corner, so reverse in if you can for a safer exit. This little stop is a hidden gem for photographers chasing where to see sunsets without the usual crowds.
3. Coppins Lookout
- Location: Back Beach Road, Sorrento VIC
Looking over Sorrento’s Back Beach, Coppins Lookout is a picture-perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The golden hour here lights up the waves and rocky outcrops in a way that makes it feel like a private show.
It’s one of those sightseeing spots that captures the Peninsula’s drama – ideal for couples planning weekend getaways with a view. Bring a blanket and enjoy the spectacle, as this spot is a local favourite for romance and photography alike.
4. Seawinds Gardens Northern Lookout
- Location: Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936
Seawinds Gardens is one of the most famous garden in Mornington Peninsula, which combines manicured gardens, native flora, and sculpture trails with some of the best scenic lookouts in the region. The Northern Lookout in particular opens up to sweeping vistas of the bay and beyond, framed by eucalypts.
Families love it because you can pair a gentle garden stroll with jaw-dropping views, making it one of the easiest free things to do on the Peninsula. Photographers will also find endless angles thanks to the mix of landscaped beauty and natural panoramas.
Places that best for family-friendly outings
1. Point Nepean National Park
Location: Ochiltree Rd, Portsea VIC 3944, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 6 AM – 6 PM (6 AM – 8 PM during daylight savings); Quarantine Station buildings open 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Point Nepean isn’t just a sightseeing spot; it’s a living storybook of culture, nature, and history. This park sits on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, whose connection to Country stretches back thousands of years. Later, it became the site of Victoria’s Quarantine Station and Australia’s most important coastal defence fortifications.
Families can cycle or hop on the shuttle bus to explore forts, tunnels, and the heritage-listed Quarantine Station, which holds more than 50 historic buildings. Pack a picnic for the grassy areas, or extend your stay at the Discovery Tents for a unique overnight adventure.
2. Whitecliffs
Location: 2120 Point Nepean Rd, Rye VIC 3941, Australia
Opening hours: Accessible year-round; camping available September – April
Whitecliffs is more than just coastal cliffs – it’s a hub of family fun and coastal conservation.
Kids can join the Junior Foreshore Ranger Program, a hands-on holiday activity where they learn about marine life and how to care for the coast. Along the six kilometres of shoreline, you’ll also spot heritage-listed boatsheds, which add to the charm of the bay.
With its mix of camping, education, and picnic spots, Whitecliffs offers families a chance to enjoy one of the most authentic free things to do in Rye while giving back to the environment.
3. Mornington Peninsula beaches
- Best beaches to consider: Rosebud Beach, St Andrews Beach, Safety Beach
- Amenities: Foreshore playgrounds, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, toilets, parking,
When it comes to family days out, the Peninsula’s beaches tick every box. Rosebud Beach is shallow and calm, perfect for young kids to paddle safely, with shaded picnic spots and a foreshore playground close by. St Andrews Beach feels wilder and is a favourite for a quick splash or sand play while parents enjoy the raw beauty of the coastal cliffs.
4. The Enchanted Adventure Garden (Arthurs Seat)
- Location: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936.
- Opening hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
A must-visit for families, this garden is packed with hedge mazes, canopy walks, tube slides, and tree surfing courses that keep kids and adults entertained.
It’s both adventurous and safe, with plenty of picnic spots and café options on-site – making it one of the most engaging outdoor activities on the Mornington Peninsula.
Places that best for adventurous hikes and coastal walks
1. Bushrangers Bay
Location: Access via Cape Schanck Road, Mornington Peninsula National Park
Opening hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Bushrangers Bay is a favourite for those chasing rugged beauty and coastal adventure. The 2.6 km walk (one way) leads you through dense bushland before opening up to dramatic basalt cliffs and turquoise waters.
The trail is well-marked but can get muddy after rain, so bring sturdy shoes. Once you reach the bay, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping coastal cliffs and the striking Elephant Rock offshore – a view that feels wild and untouched. It’s one of the most rewarding scenic trails on the Peninsula and a photographer’s dream.
2. 16th Beach
Location: Access via Rye–Blairgowrie area, off Browns Road
Opening hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
16th Beach is a raw and windswept stretch of coastline that captures the wild spirit of the Peninsula. The beach is popular with walkers rather than swimmers due to strong rips, making it ideal for those who enjoy a brisk seaside hike with dramatic scenery.
3. Farnsworth Track
Location: Flinders, accessible from the carpark near Flinders Blowhole
Opening hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Farnsworth Track is a hidden gem for walkers who want to immerse themselves in the Peninsula’s diverse ecosystems. Along the way, you might spot local wildlife – from wallabies grazing quietly to seabirds riding the wind – making it a rewarding walk for nature enthusiasts. It’s a relatively short track but packed with highlights, ideal for families looking for free things to do in a natural setting.
4. Cape Schanck
Location: Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939
Opening hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Cape Schanck is one of the most iconic sightseeing spots on the Mornington Peninsula, where dramatic coastal cliffs drop into the turbulent waters below. The boardwalk winds down towards the lighthouse and Pebble Beach, giving you front-row views of waves crashing against the rocks.
Places that best for dining & winery views
Pt. Leo Estate
Location: 3649 Frankston – Flinders Rd, Merricks VIC 3916, Australia
Opening hours:
- Mon – Fri 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sat – Sun 11 AM – 9:30 PM
Pt. Leo Estate is more than a winery – it’s a scenic lookout with bay views that feels like an outdoor gallery.
It’s a spot where couples on a weekend getaway linger over fine dining and award-winning wines, with the views stretching all the way to Phillip Island. For families, the open spaces and art walk offer something different to explore before sitting down for a meal.
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Location: 1333 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge VIC 3928, Australia
Opening hours:
- Mon – Thur 11 AM – 5 PM
- Fri – Sat 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sun 11 AM – 6 PM
Ten Minutes by Tractor combines boutique winemaking with a restaurant that overlooks rolling vineyards. The menu leans into seasonal, farm-to-table produce, paired perfectly with their cool-climate wines. The intimate atmosphere makes it a favourite for couples on weekend getaways who want both indulgence and stunning views.
Foxeys Hangout
Location: 795 White Hill Rd, Red Hill VIC 3937, Australia
Opening hours: Daily 11 AM – 5 PM
Foxeys Hangout is laid-back yet stylish, offering panoramic views over the hinterland and vineyards. It’s less formal than some other wineries, which makes it a great stop if you’re exploring the scenic trails nearby and want to unwind afterwards. Families with older kids often enjoy the relaxed vibe, while groups of friends can linger with a bottle and a platter in the sunshine.
Places that best for peaceful hidden escapes
1. Chapman’s Point
- Location: Along the coast between Blairgowrie and Rye, Mornington Peninsula
- Opening hours: Open year-round (daylight access recommended)
Chapman’s Point isn’t just scenic – it’s where the limestone geology really shows off. You’ll notice reef platforms and rocky inlets just offshore that are exposed during low tide, revealing tide pools teeming with small marine creatures. Locals often use it for early-morning coastal walks before traffic picks up in Blairgowrie. A tip: the walk down from the road can be steep and uneven, especially after rain, so good footwear helps.
Also, parking is limited, so arriving early means snagging a good spot (and avoiding walking too far). Because it sits between Blairgowrie and Rye, the views include both calm Bay vistas and the outline of jagged ocean cliffs, giving you contrast in one look.
2. Flinders Blowhole
- Location: Along the coast between Blairgowrie and Rye, Mornington Peninsula
- Opening hours: Open year-round (daylight access recommended)
Flinders Blowhole is more than just the wave-spray moment. The walk is very short (about 200-400 metres one way) via boardwalks and steep stairs down to lookouts above the cliffs. At high swell and when Bass Strait is rough, waves crash dramatically through the blowhole – timing matters.
3. West Head Lookout
- Location: Along the coast between Blairgowrie and Rye, Mornington Peninsula
- Opening hours: Open year-round (daylight access recommended)
From its elevated perch, West Head Lookout delivers one of the Peninsula’s most dramatic views – think rugged coastlines, surf crashing on basalt cliffs, and sweeping expanse of coastal cliffs visible in all directions.
Where to stay when you visit Mornington Peninsula
After a day of chasing sunsets, wandering scenic trails, or just soaking up the salty air, you’ll want somewhere comfy to put your feet up. That’s where Go Coastal comes in. They’ve got a collection of holiday stays that feel less like rentals and more like a local’s beach house.
Love being right on the water? You’ll find beachside cottages in Rosebud and Dromana where you can roll out of bed and be on the sand in minutes.
Travelling as a family? There are spacious homes in Blairgowrie with big backyards for the kids (and the dog) to burn off energy.
After something romantic? Picture a Mount Martha hideaway with a balcony made for morning coffee and bay views.
Start planning your trip and find your perfect Mornington Peninsula stay with Go Coastal today.