Your essential guide to summer on the Mornington Peninsula
Focus on summer fun!
Snap your summer adventures on our beautiful Mornington Peninsula and upload them to Instagram with the hashtag #mpsummercomp
We want to see it all, whether it’s beach days, sunsets, or fun with friends! Enter our photo competition and show off your best holiday vibes. You could win some great prizes and have your photo featured!
Scan the QR code for more info.
A summer for one and all
Welcome to the Mornington Peninsula’s essential guide to summer!
For residents and visitors, this handy booklet features everything you need to know for a fun, safe and relaxing summer on the Peninsula.
From restful afternoons at wineries, to fish and chips at the beach and exploring rock pools at low tide, there’s no shortage of magical moments! Check out something new this summer, recreate treasured memories or simply go with the flow.
Covering events and activities, as well as water safety and waste disposal, our Summer Guide keeps you across essential info. View the ‘Peninsula to plate’ map for great culinary ideas, challenge yourself with our super crossword puzzle and have the best summer yet!
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin this festive season. Find out where you can embrace the Christmas spirit on the Peninsula this December with free community festivals and carols. mornpen.vic.gov.au/christmas
1 December 5.30-8.30pm Christmas Carols at the Lighthouse McCrae Lighthouse Precinct
6 December 4-9pm
Sorrento Christmas Carols David MacFarlan Reserve
14 December 2pm – 8.30pm Red Hill Christmas Tree Festival Red Hill Recreation Reserve
14 December 5pm–8.30pm Mornington Community Christmas in the Park Mornington Park
15 December 7-9pm Tyabb Community Carols Tyabb Central Reserve
21 December 6-10pm Rosebud Christmas Carols Rosebud Village Green and Rosebud Sound Shell
23 December 7.30-9pm Carols by the Bay Mount Martha Parade Lawn
24 December 6.30-8.30pm Dromana Christmas Carols Dromana Park
Australia Day
However you choose to spend 26 January, let’s pause to reflect on our history, respect the stories of others and celebrate our nation, its achievements and its people.
Our townships at Rosebud, Dromana and Mount Eliza are hosting community celebrations with loads of family fun, food and entertainment.
Dromana Australia Day 2025
Dromana Recreation Reserve
8.30am to 1.30pm
Rosebud Australia Day
Fun Run and Festival
Rosebud Village Green
8.30am to 5pm
Australia Day in Mount Eliza
Howard Parker Reserve
8.30am to 1pm
Summertime is made for making memories. Find out what’s happening on the Peninsula, including free and low-cost activities, live music, markets, festivals and more. Go on, there’s something for everyone!
mornpen.vic.gov.au/events
Our passion for art
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is the largest public gallery in the south-east region of Melbourne. We strive to make art accessible to everyone in our community. Entry to the gallery is free.
The seasonal exhibition program combines self-generated curatorial projects, local artist focus projects, collection-based and touring exhibitions. mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
The Ecologies Project: How Climate Changes Culture 8 December – 16 March
With First Nations voices and time-old stories of a need for sustainability, the exhibition asks: how does a changing climate change our culture?
Above: Eugenia Lim, Metabolism 2023 (Detail). Courtesy of the artist and STATION.
Mount Martha Public Golf Course
There’s no better way to spend a summer day than at the friendliest and most affordable golf course on the Peninsula. Join us for exciting summer events as you enjoy the serenity, connect with wildlife and savour panoramic views.
Night golf is back, bigger and better on January 17, February 21 and March 21 – enjoy teeing off on illuminated fairways with glowing golf balls, fun challenges and an electric atmosphere.
We’re also hosting live music and drinks over summer. mtmarthapublicgc.com.au
The Best Bite!
Feeling hungry? Our Best Bites program celebrates outstanding local food businesses committed to food safety and healthy eating, sustainability and inclusion for all. It’s your guarantee of excellence.
And we’ve made it even easier for you to choose where to eat by listing all our accredited Best Bites food businesses by township. mornpen.vic.gov.au/bestbiteslist
To market we go
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a thriving market chock full of delights to explore. Here on the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find some of the best and most vibrant local markets around.
You’ll discover some of our finest local produce, as well as handmade crafts, unique collectables, stunning works of art and much, much more. mornpen.vic.gov.au/markets
Live like a local
There is so much more to the Mornington Peninsula than meets the eye! For a genuine insider’s guide to some of this region’s diverse, exciting but lesserknown attractions and experiences, tune into our new podcast: Live the Local Experience.
It’s full of hot tips and insights you won’t find on the internet, told by those who know this region best: our passionate tourism operators. mornpen.vic.gov.au/local-experience-podcast
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
(Free)dom!
Top tips for free things to do on the Peninsula
ARTREK
ARTREK is a public art exhibition that uses augmented reality to reimagine murals and open spaces on the Peninsula. Download the app and visit the ARTREK sites at Capel Sound, Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Rye, Safety Beach and Rosebud to see creative animated artscapes. artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/artrek
Warringine Park boardwalk
Stroll along the spectacular boardwalk between Jacks Beach and Hastings – high tide is a highlight when seawater floods the mangroves and surrounds the boardwalk.
Peninsula Trails
Take in the scenery and fresh air as you wind your way through coastal foreshores, bushland, forests, farmlands and townships. mornpen.vic.gov.au/peninsulatrail
O.T. Dam circuit walk
Beautiful scenic walk among native bushland around the O.T. Dam. Start at the Hillview Community Reserve on Boundary Road in Dromana and venture into the Arthurs Seat State Park. Ensure you have a map on your phone or in your pocket!
Mushroom reef beach
Visit Flinders ocean beach (on the Bass Strait side) at low tide and discover an abundance of marine life in the rockpools. Crabs, anemones, shells and seastars. Look but don’t touch!
Coolart wetlands and gardens
The homestead is closed for renovations but the gardens are perfect for a leisurely picnic, while at the wetland hides you can spot our local bird life or take a stroll on the woodland walk.
Mothers Beach, Mornington
Living up to its name – a sheltered, shallow beach next to the Schnapper Point and the marina precinct. It also has accessible beach matting for people in wheelchairs. For all accessible beach matting locations and MobiChair access: mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation
Seawinds Gardens
At the summit of Arthurs Seat, the gardens offer spectacular lookouts, the William Ricketts sculpture collection and a picnic/ playground area.
Farnsworth track
Take in the back beach vista in all its glory. Part of the 30km Coastal Walk, the track runs along the cliff tops between Portsea Back Beach and London Bridge.
Cape Schanck
Discover the famous Cape Schanck lighthouse or take the boardwalk down to the beach and rock platform. The lookouts have spectacular views over the rock formations and ocean. (beaches not safe for swimming, always check tides and look for unexpected waves when on the rocks.)
Produce packed picnics
Pick up fresh produce, cheeses, and handmade bread from local farm gates and markets. Then enjoy a relaxing picnic by the beach or in one of the Peninsula’s beautiful gardens.
Sip and savour
With so many wines, ciders, beers and spirits to try, why not gather some friends and turn it into a full day or weekend of exploring?
Where am I on the Peninsula?
Down
1. Name of reserve in Somerville
3. Name of a local highway and township
4. Beach in Mornington with remnant sea life from millions of years ago
5. Township called Stony Creek until the late 1800s
6. Home to the longest pier on the Peninsula
7. Name of reservoir in Tuerong
10. Nature reserve with walking trails in Mornington Peninsula National Park
11. Name of local wetlands with mangroves
12. Highest lookout on the Peninsula with stunning views
15. Wildlife sanctuary at Mount Martha
16. Heritage estate and wetlands
17. Former military and quarantine station
Across
2. Name of a reef at Flinders
5. Western Port township named after a former Governor of Victoria
8. Home to a well-known agricultural show
9. Township with many historic sandstone buildings
13. Name of the estuary at Mount Martha
14. Name of a creek at Safety Beach
16. Home to the lighthouse that separates Bass Strait and Western Port
18. Name of a rock formation at Number 16 beach in Rye
19. Beautiful gardens at Arthurs Seat
20. Place where there is a naval base
21. Township known for its homestead and lighthouse
22. Township known for its antique shops
23. Township famous for its pier and pub
24. Well-known surf beach at Fingal
Answers:
Down 1. Beek Beek 3. Moorooduc 4. Fossil 5. Shoreham, 6. Rye 7. Devilbend 10. Greens Bush 11. Warringine 12. Arthurs Seat 15. Briars 16. Coolart 17. Point Nepean
Across 2. Mushroom 5. Somers 8. Red Hill 9. Sorrento 13. Balcombe 14. Brokil 16. Cape Schanck 18. Dragon 19. Seawinds 20. Cerberus 21. McCrae 22. Tyabb 23. Portsea 24. Gunnamatta
Beautiful Briars
One of Mornington Peninsula’s most magical locations is The Briars. Entry to this stunning 230-hectare property at Mount Martha is free and it’s the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or barbecue. You’re guaranteed to see wildlife on the beautiful wetlands and woodlands walks. Or take a wander through the gardens, farm and heritage outbuildings of one of the earliest European homes on the Peninsula.
There’s also the Angus and Rose Cafe and a visitor centre (open every day), where you can learn more about the property’s fascinating history and ecology.
What’s on at The Briars
Briars markets:
Saturday 25 January 3–8pm Sunday 30 March 10am–3pm Sign up for
Our Survival Day 26 January 12pm oursurvivalday.com
Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a good book and our libraries are the perfect place to find your next read.
Sign the kids up for free for the BIG Summer Read – record a minimum of 10 books and go in the draw for great prizes.
All types of books count, whether it’s fiction, short stories, picture books, audiobooks, and even graphic novels.
Visit us at one of our four locations –Mornington, Rosebud, Hastings or Somerville – and discover your favourite books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and more.
ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au/bigsummerread
Summer fun for the whole family
Crib Point Outdoor Pool
31 Governors Road, Crib Point
• 25m pool
• shaded toddler pool
• aqua aerobics
• picnic tables and grassed area
• kiosk
• barbecue.
Yawa Aquatic Centre
100 Besgrove Street, Rosebud
Yawa Aquatic Centre has it all with a pool, inflatable obstacle course, aqua play with waterslides, intensive summer swim program, gym and more.
Pelican Park Recreation Centre
2 Marine Parade, Hastings Open until 10 January 2025.
Pelican Park offers an aquatics area with a 25m pool, toddler and splash pad, a health club, group fitness, aqua aerobics, steam room and spa, group fitness studio and cafe next door.
Bring your family and friends down for the annual Family Fun Day and Pups at the Pool event! Check our website or Facebook page to find out more about our summer events.
Somerville Recreation Centre
14 Edward Street, Somerville
• four-court multi-sport stadium
• group fitness classes
• reformer Pilates studio
• school holiday program
• childcare
• cafe
Civic Reserve Recreation Centre
350 Dunns Road, Mornington
• two-court multi-sport stadium
• newly renovated gym
• group fitness classes
Our Active Hubs
Fruit Growers Reserve, Edward Street, Somerville
Glen Isla Drive, Mount Martha
• school holiday activities
• cafe.
mornpenleisure.com.au
Grab the family and head to one of our two fantastic Active Hubs in Mount Martha and Somerville for some action-packed fun, including skate and scooter bowls and mini trampolines.
Hazardous Waste
Let’s work together to dispose of hazardous waste safely and protect our precious community and environment.
Do not place hazardous items in your household bins. Instead, all hazardous items should be taken to your closest drop-off point.
Hazardous items include:
• batteries
• chemicals
• gas bottles
• paints
• fluorescent lights
• aerosols
• flares.
Dispose of a range of material, including batteries, textiles and vapes for free at our Resource Recovery Centres.
For a full list of where you can dispose of hazardous items: mornpen.vic.gov.au/hazardouswaste
Weekly recycling
Prevent fires
These items can cause a fire in our waste trucks and at our Resource Recovery Centres:
• all kinds of batteries, flat or not (household, car, phone, laptop, power tool, camera, vaping devices)
• gas bottles and butane gas canisters
• flares
• aerosols.
From 23 December to 31 January your recycling bins will be collected weekly. Want to check what day your bin is collected and what you can recycle? Find out here: mornpen.vic.gov.au/bins
MY BEACH IS YOUR BEACH
Lily works as a ranger for Whitecliffs Foreshore Reserve and is passionate about supporting people in need and protecting our coastal environment
Heading to the beach?
Visitor paid parking
A decision on the future of permanent Visitor Paid Parking has been deferred.
The new Council will revisit the future of Visitor Paid Parking in the new year, with careful consideration of all perspectives.
Parking at Schnapper Point (Mornington), Sunnyside Beach (Mount Eliza) and Flinders Pier are currently free and ePermits will not be required by residents. All car park users must adhere to time restrictions. mornpen.vic.gov.au/visitorpaidparking
Beach cleaning
In a 12-month trial, our beach cleaning team is hand cleaning Port Phillip Bay beaches between Portsea and Mount Eliza. We want to find out if hand cleaning is more efficient, cost effective and better for the environment than mechanical raking. Find out more and let us know what you think: mornpen.vic.gov.au/beachcleaning
Water safety saves lives
Before jumping into the water on scorching summer days be aware of the very real risks. Remember to obey safety signs, supervise kids in and around water, avoid alcohol, swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, buddy up, check weather and UV reports, confirm water quality and understand rip currents. lsv.com.au/summersafety
Patrolled beaches
Surf beaches
Portsea, Sorrento, Gunnamatta, Point Leo. Bay beaches
Mornington (Mills Beach), Mount Martha (South Beach), Dromana, Rosebud-McCrae.
Dogs on beaches
Exercising your dog on the beach is a great way to get outdoors, however please remember dogs are prohibited on many beaches from 10am to 6pm during summer time. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times, except when at a designated leash-free area. mornpen.vic.gov.au/dogs
Jet ski with care
Jet skiing at Peninsula beaches is exhilarating but carries risks if not handled responsibly. Remember to ‘Ride Right’ by sticking to the five-knot speed limit, stay clear of designated swimming areas and respect our marine mammals and wildlife. safetransport.vic.gov.au
Beach matting
We have five locations offering beach matting until 1 May 2025. Visit our website for information about MobiChair access. mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation
Keep safe and healthy
Be fire ready
If you’re staying on the Peninsula this summer, you need to make sure you’re fire ready.
• Download the VicEmergency app
• Check you fire danger rating every day
• Learn about bushfire places of last resort
• Have a bushfire plan and leave early. emergency.vic.gov.au cfa.vic.gov.au
Considering burning off on your property?
During the declared Fire Danger Period, open-air burning of any kind on any property, regardless of size, is not allowed. Open-air burning differs from cooking with barbecues, pizza ovens or heating in braziers or chimineas.
During a Total Fire Ban, lighting fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal. Let’s keep our community safe! mornpen.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod mornpen.vic.gov.au/openairburning
Beat the heat
Heat related illness can be very serious. When a heatwave strikes, it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave anyone – kids, pets or adults – in a hot car. Seek out cool places like shopping centres or libraries and remember to slip, slop, slap if you must be outside. Watch out for others and check in with friends and family who may be vulnerable during extreme heat. For more tips on how to stay safe during a heatwave: mornpen.vic.gov.au/beattheheat
More information
Emergency information
mornpen.vic.gov.au/ emergencyinformation
Buruli Ulcer mornpen.vic.gov.au/ beatthebite
Thunderstorm asthma betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ thunderstormasthma
Mental health headtohealth.gov.au
Customer service
Our Customer service officers are here to help you.
Via phone or web chat: 1300 850 600
Web chat: mornpen.vic.gov.au/contact-us
8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
In person at our Service Centres:
Rosebud and Mornington
9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Hastings 1pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (excluding public holidays)
Rosebud Office 90 Besgrove Street
Mornington Office 2 Queen Street
Hastings Office 21 Marine Parade
In
person at Your Local Connection Points
Somerville Library
10am to 5pm Monday to Friday 1085 Frankston – Flinders Road
Dromana Visitor Information Centre
10am to 4pm Wednesday 359B Point Nepean Road
Red Hill
9am to 5pm Thursday
Shop 3, 137 Shoreham Road
Sorrento Community Centre
9am to 5pm Friday
860 – 868 Melbourne Road
All services centres and local connection points are closed on public holidays.
Contact us online
You can email: customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Message us via Facebook: facebook.com/mornpenshire
Or make a report via our website, including adding a photo: mornpen.vic.gov.au/reportit
24 hour emergency contact
If you need to contact us outside of our normal operating hours, you can give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1300 850 600.
Mornin gton Peninsula Visitor Information Centre
To connect with our local tourism experts at the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, please call or email for the most up to date information to plan your experience.
5950 1579 info@tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Daily 10am to 4pm, closed Christmas Day tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au