Rosebud is a vibrant seaside suburb where safe beaches, family-friendly playgrounds, and lively eateries come together. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, the area offers numerous activities that suit every age group. If you plan a day trip, weekend getaway, or a longer holiday, here are local-inspired things to do in Rosebud to make the most of your time.
Take the kids to Rosebud Foreshore Playground
- Address: Point Nepean Rd & Jetty Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Best things to do here: Kids can enjoy climbing structures, slides, and shaded play areas beside the beach.
The playground is one of the most family-friendly spots in Rosebud. Overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Philip Bay, it’s a great place for children to play safely while parents relax with a coffee on the nearby grass. Picnic spots and BBQs are also dotted along the foreshore, so you can easily spend a day with lunch by the beach.
Kick back at Rosebud Beach
- Address: Rosebud, VIC 3939, Australia.
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Best things to do here: Swim in calm waters and unwind on soft sand.
The stretch is among the safe beaches with shallow waters and patrolled areas during summer. Couples often stroll along the sand at sunset while groups gather with paddleboards and beach games. The vibe is laid-back, and nearby cafés are suitable for takeaway fish and chips.
Take a stroll on Rosebud Pier
- Address: 2 Jetty Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Best things to do here: Walk to the end of the pier for panoramic bay views
Rosebud Pier is a must-visit if you are wondering what to do in Rosebud beyond the beach. It’s a perfect spot for a stroll, especially at sunset when the water glows golden. The nearby all-abilities playground is suitable for toddlers and young teens. Families enjoy spotting stingrays beneath the pier, while couples find it romantic for evening walks.
Old Cape Schank Road Bushland Reserve
- Address: 93-97 Old Cape Schanck Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours:
o Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Best things to do here: Enjoy the peaceful nature and photography
The reserve provides a natural escape from the busier foreshore with short, manageable walking tracks. These make it suitable for families with kids or older travellers. Birdwatchers will appreciate the wildlife, while couples enjoy the secluded and quiet atmosphere with a picnic.
Play a round (or dine) at Rosebud Country Club
- Address: 207 Boneo Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia.
- Opening hours:
o Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
- Best things to do here: Tee off on lush greens or grab a meal at the bistro.
Rosebud Country Club offers two 18-hole golf courses with contrasting experiences. Golfers can enjoy one of the Peninsula’s top courses, while non-players soak in the leafy views over lunch or dinner. The club is also a versatile spot that equally fits groups of friends, couples, or family outings.
Make a splash at Yawa Aquatic Centre
- Address: 100 Besgrove St, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours:
o Mon – Fri: 6 AM – 9 PM
o Sat and Sun: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Best things to do here: Dive into the heated pools or tackle the waterslides.
Yawa is a fantastic option if you are looking for what to do indoors in Rosebud. Families love the waterslides and leisure pool, while fitness enthusiasts enjoy lap swimming and gym facilities. It’s especially popular in cooler months when beach swimming activities are low. Book a wellness session in the hydrotherapy pool for the ultimate relaxation.
Do a little retail therapy at Kmart Rosebud
- Address: Rosebud Plaza Cnr Boneo Rd &, McCombe St, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours:
o Mon – Thurs: 8 AM – 9 PM
o Fri – Sun: 8 AM – 8 PM
- The best things to do here: Stock up on beach gear, picnic supplies, or holiday essentials.
Conveniently located in the Rosebud Plaza, Kmart is the go-to for travellers who forgot to pack something or want a quick retail fix. Families can grab budget-friendly beach toys, while groups can pick up picnic rugs or board games for their stay.
Go camping at Rosebud foreshore
- Address: 11A Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Opening hours: Seasonal
- Best things to do here: Wake up to the sound of waves just steps from your tent
Rosebud Foreshore Camping is one of Victoria’s most iconic coastal campgrounds. It is family-friendly, with direct access to safe beaches and great facilities, including BBQs and showers. Groups of friends love the lively atmosphere during summer, while couples enjoy the simple romance of camping under the stars.
Relax on the sand at Capel Sound Beach
- Address: 1705 Point Nepean Rd, Capel Sound VIC 3940, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours.
- Best things to do here: Swim, paddle, and enjoy quieter sands.
Just a short drive away, Capel Sound Beach offers a more relaxed alternative to Rosebud’s main foreshore. Its shallow, calm waters are excellent for young kids and safe swimming. Locals say it’s a top picnic spot and a favourite for paddleboarding. It is ideal if you seek fewer crowds without missing the classic Mornington Peninsula vibe.
Hit the Bay Trail on a bike
- Address: Melbourne VIC 3941, Australia
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Best things to do here: Cycle or walk the scenic foreshore path.
The Bay Trail is a cycling and walking track that stretches from Safety Beach to Sorrento. You can enjoy riding sections of the path with your family or use it for scenic strolls with your partner. The picnic spots, playgrounds, and cafés make it easy to tailor your experience.
Wine and dine at these famous spots
The scene of Rosebud’s best restaurants is as diverse as its visitors. It combines hearty pubs with Italian cuisine. Here are the local favourites to try on your day trip.
Rosebud RSL Sub-Branch
The Rosebud RSL Sub-Branch is a community hub that carries the spirit of Rosebud. Families love the relaxed dining room, which offers budget-friendly meals. The café offers a welcoming atmosphere and live entertainment for old travellers to end the day after exploring leisure activities in Rosebud.
Unica Cucina E Caffe
- Address: 1571 Point Nepean Rd, Capel Sound VIC 3940, Australia
- Best for: Specialises in Italian-styled pasta
For a taste of Italy in the heart of Rosebud, Unica Cucina E Café is the go-to. Couples often choose it for date night thanks to its cosy vibe and excellent wine list, while families love the woodfired pizzas that please both kids and adults.
Spitfire Restaurant & Grill
- Address: 1181 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Casual, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for groups or relaxed nights out
Spitfire specialises in gourmet burgers and homemade buffalo wings, combining bold flavours with casual, approachable vibes. Its walls are decorated with wartime memorabilia and aviation-themed décor, giving it a distinctive character that keeps diners chatting.
McDaid’s Irish Pub
- Address: 1003 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Offers authentic Irish comfort food, live music nights.
The pub brings a slice of Ireland to the Peninsula, offering delicious meals, a pint of Guinness, and live folk music. It’s particularly popular with groups and couples looking for a fun, lively night out after a day at the safe beaches. The warm, wood-panelled interior also makes it a cosy winter option.
Have fun at the local cafés
Beyond the outdoor activities, Rosebud has a growing café culture perfect for a lazy brunch, morning coffee run, or casual catch-up with friends.
TO GET CAFÉ
- Address: 9 Boneo Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Serves specialty coffee roasted in-house.
Known for its innovative menu and stylish fit-out, the café is the go-to brunch spot for Melbourne-style coffee culture. It’s popular with couples on a weekend escape, groups of friends catching up, and even solo travellers who want to linger over a great lunch and book.
Elements Eatery
- Address: 100 Besgrove St, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Offers fresh, health-focused meals and kid-friendly snacks, making it an ideal café stop during a swim at Yawa Aquatic Centre.
Located inside the Yawa Aquatic Centre, the eatery is the definition of convenient and family-friendly dining. Parents can relax here with a coffee while the kids enjoy swimming, making it suitable for families planning a half-day indoor activities in Rosebud.
Buddies Café
- Address: 1/7 Thamer St, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Serves beachside seafood platters and hearty all-day breakfasts with uninterrupted foreshore views.
If you are after a classic picnic spot without leaving the foreshore, Buddies Café is your pick. Located just opposite Rosebud Beach, it’s the kind of place where sandy feet are welcome, and the menu has something for everyone. Families, couples, and groups find this café a great casual choice.
HOVE.
- Address: 287/323 Bayview Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Delivers minimalist café vibes with specialty coffee and gourmet brunch plates crafted from locally sourced produce.
HOVE. is a sleek, modern café that attracts brunch lovers and coffee purists. It is minimalist in design but big on flavour, with a rotating menu of gourmet brunch plates and specialty coffee. Come here to fuel up for a stylish morning or after exploring the Peninsula.
Where to drink and have fun after dinner
Below are popular spots to visit if you are looking for a classic pub, craft-beer haven, or stylish cocktail bar.
Rosebud Hotel
- Address: 1099 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Historic coastal pub offering live bands and weekend DJ nights in a lively beer garden atmosphere.
The Rosebud Hotel has become a community favourite, blending coastal charm with lively entertainment. It’s a go-to for groups of friends looking for live music and energetic weekends. It also suits couples who want a casual dinner followed by a drink. The outdoor beer garden creates a relaxed vibe in summer, while the indoor stage hosts regular bands and DJ sets.
Neighbourhood Beer and Whisky
- Address: Unit 2/12 Suffolk St, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Features an extensive global whisky collection alongside rotating craft beer taps for true enthusiasts.
Tucked away from the main strip, Neighbourhood Beer and Whisky is the spot for those who appreciate quality pours and a more intimate setting. It features an impressive collection of whiskeys from around the world and a rotating lineup of local craft beers. These make it perfect for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers.
Milbri
- Address: 1183 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud VIC 3939, Australia
- Best for: Trendy cocktail bar and eatery serving fusion taps with Asian and Latin influences, perfect for stylish nights out.
Milbri brings a stylish, urban feel to Rosebud with its fusion of tapas-style dining and creative cocktails. It’s a trendy space where locals gather for after-dinner drinks, always staying late into the night. Its menu, which blends Asian and Latin flavours paired with expertly mixed cocktails, is ideal for couples and groups wanting something more refined.
Stay a little longer in Rosebud
A day trip is often insufficient, with many things to do in Rosebud. Staying overnight allows you to experience lazy mornings, brunch by the beach, and a relaxed evening after exploring. Therefore, booking your holiday rentals at Rosebud Accommodation lets you enjoy:
- Spacious, family-friendly stays steps from safe beaches and dining hotspots.
- Stress-free accommodation with cleaning, linen, and local tips all handled for you.
- Eco-conscious properties, especially if you care about sustainability.
- Local expertise, helping you design a memorable Mornington Peninsula itinerary.
Are you a family planning a seaside escape, a couple chasing a romantic weekend, or a group looking for a coastal adventure? Chat with Go Coastal today for a joyful Rosebud stay.