Outdoors Fun; free things to do on the Mornington Peninsula?

by | Jul 20, 2021 | Blog, Mornington Peninsula

A beach with many people on it and some buildings

With stunning beaches, unique gardens, spectacular walking landscapes and diverse coastlines you won’t be short of activities to enjoy and places to explore without breaking the budget.

Whether you are in the region for a special event or not, there are plenty of free options. Click on the title for more information:

ARTHURS SEAT STATE PARK>>

Great views, walks, picnic area with BBQ’s and Seawinds Gardens. Also mountain biking. Arthurs Seat Road, Arthurs Seat

CAPE SCHANCK BOARD WALK>>

Boardwalk to the most southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Stunning coastal views, trails, and lighthouse. Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck 

BEACHES>>

The Port Phillip beaches of Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento are sandy and shallow – perfect for swimming. The ocean beaches of Sorrento, Portsea, Gunnamatta and Point Leo offer good surfing, but also have dangerous rips (care should be taken to only swim between the flags). 

COOLART>>

Historical mansion set among National Park of wetlands with bird hides and walking tracks to the beach. Binoculars available for loan. Picnic area with BBQ’s. Lord Somers Rd, Somers

POINT NEPEAN NATIONAL PARK>>

Historical Quarantine station, interpretive historical displays, spectacular views. Walk or cycle to explore the military tunnels and forts. Facilities include; picnic area with BBQ’s and toilets. End of Point Nepean Rd, Portsea

DEVILBEND RESERVOIR>>

Large reservoir in 1005 hectare national park offering walks and inland fishing. Picnic area with BBQ’s and toilets. Graydens Rd, Tuerong

SKATEPARKS>>

A range of layouts for all ages and abilities of enthusiast are available at Hastings, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, Mornington, and Crib Point

THE BRIARS>>

Wildlife sanctuary and wetlands boardwalk, interpretive Visitor Centre, wildlife and bird watching. Facilities include: picnic area with BBQ’s and toilets Nepean Highway, Mt Martha

SNORKELLING>>

The Octopuses Garden is a 200m marine snorkelling trail (walk in from the beach), water depth 0.5m to 3m. BYO snorkelling gear. Rye Pier, Point Nepean Rd, Rye

WARRINGINE PARK BITTERN>>

Discover three sections of the park; Coastal Wetland, a Creek land and Woodland. Great walking tracks and bird watching. Boardwalk through mangroves. 2230 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern

PLAYGROUNDS>>

Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento have large adventure playgrounds with picnic areas and BBQ’s alongside

FISHING>>

Throw in a line at any one of the piers along the Port Phillip coastline at Frankston, Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, or the Western Port villages of Flinders and Hastings.