Arthur’s Seat is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most sought-after destinations. Located just a short drive from Melbourne, it is a perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway. If you are a couple chasing sweeping bay views or a family looking for adventure, here are 12 things to do in Arthur’s Seat that guarantee unforgettable moments.
Glide above the treetops on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle
- Location: Base station and Summit station
- Duration: 15 minutes each way.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair- and stroller-friendly gondolas
- Best time to ride: Clear mornings for golden light, or sunset for romantic colours.
Unlike other busy tourist gondolas, the Eagle offers peaceful rides in glass gondolas where you can endlessly spot Port Philip Bay. Locals often use it as a meditative start to their day trip, enjoying the 314-meter climb without breaking a sweat.
Wander through Seawinds Gardens
- Location: Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia
- Highlights: 34 hectares with native bush, 305 metres above sea level, William Ricketts sculpture collection, and ornamental gardens.
- Facilities: BBQs, car park, coach parking, public toilet, picnic area.
- Hidden gems: Quiet nooks perfect for couples or solo reading.
- Family-friendly: Safe lawns for kids and accessibility facilities for disabled people.
Seawinds Garden is where art, nature, and history meet. You can stroll past moss-covered sculptures by William Rickett, each telling a story of indigenous heritage and connection to the land. Families can enjoy the space for games, while couples slip away into shaded corners for quiet moments, making it one of the best picnic spots and an off-the-beaten-path sanctuary.
Take a hike at Arthur’s Seat State Park.
- Trail options: Easy 1km circuit walks to challenging 26km climbs.
- Trail conditions: Shaded eucalyptus paths, rocky outcrops, and occasional steep climbs.
- Trail length: 1km to 26km hiking tracks.
- Estimated time: 1-hour short walks to 10-hour hiking.
- Level of difficulty: Beginner-friendly circuits and moderate trails for hikers
- Scenery: Coastal lookouts, birdwatching hotspots, wildflowers, and wallabies.
Arthur’s Seat State Park offers some of Victoria’s most rewarding hiking trails. The Two Bays Walking Track is a favourite, winding through coastal heath and giving you a chance to spot echidnas or wedge-tailed eagles overhead.
Stop at Chapman or Murray Lookout
- How to access Chapman: Take a short stroll via the Summit Circuit Walk or a one-hour return walk through Seawinds Gardens.
- How to access Murray: Just off Arthur’s Seat Road, accessible via a small car park.
The look points of Arthur’s Seat are as iconic as the summit itself. Chapman Lookout is known for its wide-angle views of the Mornington coastline, perfect for photographers chasing golden hour shots. Meanwhile, Murray Lookout feels more secluded, offering a tranquil pause where you can hear the wind and birdsong.
Pack a picnic and fire up the BBQ
Throughout the summit and Seawinds Garden picnic area, you’ll find free gas BBQs and plenty of grassy lawns shaded by towering gums. Families appreciate the convenience, while couples often pack a gourmet picnic from Dromana’s local delis and enjoy it with the bay as their backdrop.
Unlike city parks, picnicking here is accompanied by the soothing sounds of native wildlife, such as kookaburras, rosellas, and kangaroos. This makes it a quintessential Mornington Peninsula experience, with a simple, local, and deeply relaxing atmosphere.
Spend half a day at Enchanted Adventure
- Location: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Price range:
- Children & seniors: $30
- Adults: $40
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is a wonderland for thrill-seekers. Its giant hedge mazes, zip lines through treetops, tube slides, and beautifully landscaped gardens are designed to surprise around every corner. Arrive early to make the most of your half-day, as it’s easy to lose track of time wandering through whimsical mazes or flying between trees.
Take the scenic Arthur’s Seat Eagle Gondola.
While many ride the Eagle cable car purely for transport, the return journey is another must-try activity. The descent offers a complete view, with bay waters sparkling like glass, beaches unfolding in strips of gold, and colourful bathing boxes dotting the shoreline. If you are a birdwatching enthusiast, the gondola rides allow you to spot sulphur-crested or black cockatoos soaring alongside. These scenic drives in the sky create unforgettable memories for your day trip.
Check out Charlie’s Auto Museum
- Address: 175 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia
- Opening hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 4 PM
- Ticket prices: $15 concession
Charlie’s Auto Museum is a quirky, family-run collection of over 80 classic cars, motorbikes, and memorabilia. Stepping into it feels like stepping into a passionate collector’s private world, with retro petrol pumps, vintage toys, and rare Australian vehicles. Kids marvel at the shiny old-school cars, while adults enjoy the nostalgia of 1950s classics.
Treat yourself to local wine and good food.
Arthur’s Seat is also a getaway to the Mornington Peninsula’s vibrant food and wine scene. After a day of mountain biking or riding the gondolas, you can unwind with a glass of Peninsula pinot noir, a hearty pub meal, or a fresh vegan plate. Here is where to eat and drink near Arthur’s Seat.
- Merchant & Maker: A cosy cafe just a 5-minute drive from Arthur’s Seat, perfect for specialty coffee, brunch, and locally baked treats.
- The Pig & Whistle Tavern Main Ridge: A rustic English-style tavern offering hearty meals, local wines, and craft beers in a warm countryside setting.
- Wombat Cafe & Store: A relaxed, vegan-friendly venue, perfect for pet-loving travellers.
Pick strawberries at Rocky Creek
Picking strawberries is one of the overlooked things to do in Arthur’s Seat. You can wander rows of strawberries in the Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, picking your sun-warmed fruit straight from the vine. Unlike supermarket berries, these taste of summer itself, making them perfect for kids to snack on as they pick. Don’t miss their farm cafe, which serves strawberry ice creams and desserts worth lingering for.
Explore more: Welcome to the Farm! Berry picking and local produce
Finish the day at Salt Fish & Chips
- Address: 347 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana VIC 3936, Australia
- Opening hours: Tues – Sun: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
- Price range: $10 – $15, famous $2.50 scallops
- Ratings: 4.2 stars from 700+ reviews
Salt Fish & Chips is where locals go for crispy, golden fish, chips, and scallops, best eaten on the beach. Unlike tourist-heavy eateries, Salt keeps things simple and authentic, with generous serves that taste best when shared with family.
Catch over sunsets at these points
- Chapman: Wide, elevated views of the entire bay.
- Two Bays Walking Track: A more active option, with hidden angles on the coastline.
- Walk to nearby beaches: Port Philip Bay Coastal Reserve, Anthony’s Nose Dromana, and Dromana Foreshore Reserve bathing boxes.
Arthur’s Seat sunsets are famous for their pink skies, golden reflections, and silhouettes of the Melbourne skyline. These spots deliver magic at day’s end, especially if you’re after a romantic perch, a photography dream, or a family memory.
Where to stay after all the fun at Arthur’s Seat
After a full day exploring things to do in Arthur’s Seat, the best way to unwind is to stay nearby. Dromana holiday rentals by Go Coastal offer boutique accommodation just minutes from Arthur’s Seat. Booking with Go Coastal allows you to:
- Stay in a private, self-contained home or apartment with space for the whole family.
- Experience stunning views of the sparkling waters of the bay and the foot of Arthur’s Seat.
- Enjoy eco-conscious stays curated with insider knowledge of the Mornington Peninsula.
- Longer stays with less pay, especially if you are visiting on a budget.
Secure your family holiday home or romantic Peninsula escape today. Chat with Go Coastal to book your accommodation, and relax knowing every detail, like cleaning and local recommendations, is handled.
