Discover accommodation options, from charming motels to quirky beach houses, at this favourite holiday destination that blends the best of coast and country.
The Mornington Peninsula is to Melburnians what Palm Beach is to Sydneysiders. Or Rottnest Island to Perthites. A place of escapism conveniently close to the city. You can duck down for a day trip and still be back in time for dinner or make a long weekend of it.
Dotted among the seaside towns, local wineries, coastal walks and boutique eateries is a selection of incredible places to rest your head for the night. Here are our picks of the best places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula.
1. Portsea Hotel
Heralded as the wealthiest postcode in Australia, Portsea is home to a pub that puts you among Melbourne’s rich and famous.
the Tudor-style facade belies the modern interiors. (Image: Simon Shiff)
The little village is a sanctuary by the sea, and an upgrade to the Portsea Hotel was more than a lick of paint.
The Portsea Hotel is known for its pub by the sea. (Image: Simon Shiff)
Standard hotel rooms offer traditional but elegant pub accommodation, featuring a queen bed, sink, TV and shared bathrooms. For a little extra space and an ensuite, choose from standard, deluxe, executive and Bayview suites.
The chic standard room comes with a queen bed.
Downstairs, find a spot on the panoramic deck under the blue and white umbrellas to enjoy the ocean views. There’s also a nautically themed dining room where you can replenish with wood-fired pizza and updated pub classics.
While away the afternoon on the deck with a cocktail in hand. (Image: Simon Shiff)
Address: 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, Mornington Peninsula VIC
2. Peppers Moonah Links Resort
Peppers Moonah Links Resort is described as a modern country coastal oasis. Contemporary one-bedroom suites, Moonah Rooms and Open Rooms all feature stylish decor with a calming natural palette, plus they all have balconies or terraces overlooking the fairways.
The real drawcard with Peppers is it’s within the grounds of Moonah Links, featuring two 18-hole championship courses, so it’s perfect for the golf enthusiasts out there. The resort also offers an on-site spa, heated pool and the charming Pebbles Restaurant.
Address: Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal, Mornington Peninsula VIC
3. Port Phillip Estate
The natural world meets modern design at the family-owned Port Phillip Estate. Emerging from the native landscape and surrounding vineyards, this modernist structure houses a cellar door, winery and accommodation.
Six exclusive apartments feature king-size beds with leather headboards, spacious ensuites, plush Missoni bathrobes, glamorous furnishings and outdoor terraces with stunning views across the vines to the bay. With a discreet guests-only entry and car parking, privacy is guaranteed.
The modernist Port Phillip Estate houses a cellar door, winery and accommodation.
Address: 263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula VIC
4. Polperro Farmhouse
Set in Red Hill’s lush landscape, Polperro Farmhouse is a celebration of the 1950s holiday home, offering a sense of nostalgia and retro holiday charm.
Polperro Farmhouse is a charming holiday home in Red Hill.
The three-bedroom property sleeps six guests in total, having been renovated in conjunction with renowned design firm Hecker Guthrie. A social living space is at its core, with a resounding pull towards the natural elements: the surrounding Polperro vineyard, a backdrop of pine forest, European-style gardens and distant ocean views.
Unwind in the European-style garden.
Envisioned as both a summer and winter destination, the relaxed charm is carried through to the furniture, objects, styling and artwork. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, open fireplace, luxury bath, extensive outdoor kitchen and fire cooking facilities, all presented with immaculate attention to detail.
The relaxed charm is carried throughout the accommodation.
Address: 150 Red Hill Road, Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula VIC
5. Hotel Sorrento
This glorious limestone pile was built in 1872, but there’s very little that’s old-fashioned about Hotel Sorrento’s rooms and suites. In 2023, a transformation of the building was unveiled. It included a 30-metre lap pool, day spa, terrace and 13 new suites, as well as a renovation of all existing rooms. The entry-level Classic Rooms make the most of the original limestone walls, adding contemporary furnishings, oak trims and French shutters. The new Sunset Suites are sleek and glamorous, with raw materials like travertine, timber and limestone used throughout and outdoor marble bathtubs.
Lounge under the poolside umbrellas at Hotel Sorrento.
You can still get a pot of Carlton and a parma in the front bar, kick back in the beer garden or order a pub meal in the dining room, but there’s now also Cantonese eatery Shihuishi. Salt, a bar and live music venue, and a rooftop bar and expected to open in summer 2025.
Have a relaxing soak in the outdoor marble bathtubs.
Address: 5/15 Hotham Road, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula VIC
6. Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate
Crittenden Estate is home to some of the oldest vines on the Mornington Peninsula, and the family-run business offers a relaxed stay for anyone looking for a weekend in the country. There are just three self-contained, stand-alone Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate, constructed entirely over the vineyard’s serene lake.
Stay in one of just three villas. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Each one has a king bed, a queen sofa bed that can be used by children, a well-equipped kitchen adjoining a dining room, and a spacious living area.
Go on a scenic road trip to Crittenden Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The stylish villas are decorated in a modern country style, with a palette matching the surrounding bushland. Enjoy breakfast on the balcony over the water then spend some time at the expansive cellar door tasting the diverse range of wines produce here.
Head to the Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate for a relaxed stay over the water. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Address: 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Mornington Peninsula VIC
7. Quarters at Flinders Hotel
Just 100 metres from the coastline and at the foot of the historical Flinders village, Quarters at Flinders Hotel consists of 40 contemporary rooms that take inspiration from their setting. Make the most of the locale, by booking one of the rooms with a balcony or patio.
Whichever room style you decide on, you’ll be resting your head on a king-size bed with luxury linens, snacking on local produce from the mini bar or getting ready in your large bathroom to explore the region.
There’s an excellent onsite bistro where you can order a bowl of Peninsula mussels, a plate of traditional fish and chips, or a good burger.
Address: Corner Cook and Wood Streets, Flinders, Mornington Peninsula VIC
8. The Keith
If there’s anything Australian travellers have come to love, it’s an old roadside motel dolled up to make the most of its retro charm. The latest one to grace the Mornington Peninsula is The Keith.
The Keith is dolled up to make the most of its retro charm.
Its 16 spacious rooms, ranging from queen to family accommodation, were all in good condition before the renovation, so the designers were able to repurpose fittings and fixtures.
The picnic tables add to the summer camp vibes.
The light, bright rooms are decorated in pretty pastel shades, with timber furnishings and artwork by a local, Cath de Boise. Each room has kettle, toaster and Nespresso machine, but there’s a full outdoor kitchen, with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables adding to the summer camp vibes.
Rooms have been swathed in playful pastel tones.
Address: 1929 Point Nepean Road, Tootgarook, Mornington Peninsula VIC
9. Sorrento Beach Motel
Everyone who visits the Mornington Peninsula inevitably stops at Rosebud or Dromana to take photographs of the colourful beach boxes. At Sorrento Beach Motel, there are just 19 ground-floor rooms. Choose one of the executive rooms, however, and you might be surprised by the facade, which has been styled to look like one of those charming attractions. Inside, these rooms are spacious, with timber floors, feature brick walls and contemporary furnishings.
Sorrento Beach Motel has been styled to look like the famous beach boxes.
Staying here is a bit like stepping back in time: all guests are greeted warmly, there’s a free guest laundry and you can have breakfast delivered to your room in the morning.
The rooms are cosy with contemporary furnishings.
Address: 780 Melbourne Road, Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula VIC
10. The Nest Boxx
Set between the front and back beaches at Rye is this bespoke pod set among Moonah trees. The Nest Boxx is a gorgeous couple’s getaway, with vertical timber battens affixed to the exterior and an interior that’s completely original. The overall tone is sage green, with an eclectic selection of vintage and contemporary furniture and wallpaper featuring a leaf motif. There’s a smart TV with Netflix, and the host stocks the room with coffee bags, drip coffee, assorted tea, sprint water and fresh milk, so you’ve got the basics.
This cute stay is in a quiet location, close to Peninsula Hot Springs. This retreat is the perfect sanctuary to return to after a full day spent exploring the wineries, beaches and walking trails.
Address: Rye, Mornington Peninsula VIC
11. Logbox Red Hill
On top of a hill in the bush, you can stay in one of the three cabins offered at Logbox Red Hill. Each one is different, but all offer a casual, comfortable ambience for a relaxing stay.
Logbox Red Hill is surrounded by a lush landscape. (Image: Madeleine Burke @madeleineburke)
The Green House is the largest of the cabins, sleeping four in two bedrooms. While it’s fitted with a modern kitchen and bathroom, it is furnished with rustic, vintage pieces.
Cosy up in one of the cabins. (Image: Madeleine Burke @madeleineburke)
The Cabin, with its raw timber ceiling and kitchenette, is the cosiest space, sleeping two. The Dairy, which also sleeps two, has a wood heater, rustic furnishings and an excellent view. You can even lie in bed and watch the kangaroos outside.
This would be a great option for a group of friends who want to book out the whole property and go winery hopping (many of them are less than 10 minutes away). The cabins have outdoor barbecues and firepits for sunset get-togethers that stretch into the evening.
Sit outside and watch for kangaroos.
Address: 151 Point Leo Road, Red Hill South, Mornington Peninsula VIC
12. Wattlebird Studio
Lovers of 1950s style will feel right at home at Wattlebird Studio, near Saint Andrews Beach. There are retro lounge suites, a Parker sideboard, plenty of potted plants to amp up the relaxed vibe, and a full kitchen built from recycled plywood if you feel like gathering and cooking some local produce. Borrow one of the studio’s books, make a cuppa and go sit out in one of the garden areas.
Unwind in the 1950s-style Wattlebird Studio.
It’s in a great location, close to both Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs, St Andrews Beach Brewery, plenty of wineries and eateries, as well as beaches and bush trails. When you get back to the studio, play one of the board games or stream your favourite movie on the TV.
Book a stay in one of the retro lounge suites at Wattlebird Studio.
Address: Saint Andrews Beach, Mornington Peninsula VIC
13. Flinders Nuthouse
It isn’t really surprising this cute retro seaside cottage with its bright ‘70s decor is popular for girls’ weekends. The Flinders Nuthouse is joyful, quirky and cosy all at once. It has two bedrooms – one with a queen bed, the other with single bunks – and a spacious living area with open fire.
Step into this retro seaside cottage.
There are lots of cute touches, like a record player, lots of vintage art and a Polaroid toilet roll holder. Hang out on the deck during the day then light a fire in the brazier when the sun goes down and roast some marshmallows.
The Flinders Nuthouse is filled with eclectic finds and lashings of colour.
You can walk from the Nuthouse to Flinders town centre and to Flinders Pier. Jump in the car and you’re a short drive to ocean beaches and some of the peninsula’s best wineries.
You’re just a short drive to ocean beaches.
Address: Flinders, Mornington Peninsula VIC
14. The Red Hill Barn
On top of a hill, surrounded by manicured lawns, is this beautiful farmhouse. The Red Hill Barn has views of vines and olive groves, and your nearest neighbours are herds of cows and sheep.
Experience bucolic bliss at The Red Hill Barn.
On the ground floor is an open-plan living area and kitchen with classic farmhouse styling, while upstairs has two bedrooms, the main one with doors to a balcony. The house is surrounded by a timber deck with plenty of little sitting areas from where to enjoy the view.
Stay in a classic farmhouse with modern amenities.
The barn is located between Red Hill and Merricks North, so is surrounded by restaurants and wineries, including Polperro and Foxey’s Hangout, and is equidistant between the beaches of Port Phillip Bay and those of Westernport Bay.
Get cosy in The Red Hill Barn.
Address: Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula VIC
15. Hart’s Farm
There are two stylish accommodation options at Hart’s Farm: The Retreat is one of the biggest options for a couple on the peninsula. Cooks will love the huge fully equipped kitchen that comes complete with a fancy Wega espresso machine.
Hart’s Farm opens up to views of the bush.
The contemporary fit-out has worn-in leather couches, a long dining table, a fireplace and big glass doors that open to views of the bush and olive groves in the distance.
Hart’s Farm is set in a verdant landscape.
If you don’t need all that space, you can book just The Studio, which has a smaller living area, a queen bed with French linen and an ensuite with a huge bath and walk-in shower.
con Enjoy contemporary amenities and furnishings.
Breakfast provisions are supplied to the guests, along with a four-pack of Hart’s Farm award-winning ciders and a 500ml bottle of the property’s extra virgin olive oil.
Retreat into one of the contemporary stays at Hart’s Farm.
Hart’s Farm runs a farmgate every weekend, where guests can taste the different varieties of apple cider produced here and stock up on cider, olive oil, natural fruit cordials, preserves and seasonal produce.
Escape the hustle and bustle at Hart’s Farm.
Address: 300 Tucks Road, Shoreham, Mornington Peninsula VIC
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