What are some hidden gems on the Mornington Peninsula?

Weathered timber jetty over clear turquoise water, with a rocky shore and rock pools in the foreground and a bush-covered headland behind

The quieter stops are on the water and along its trails: Fossil Beach, Devilbend Reservoir, the Cable Station Walk at Flinders and the Red Hill Rail Trail. Each suits a short visit away from the main beach crowds.

Coast and water

Fossil Beach, 630 Esplanade, Mornington: a rocky beach with ancient marine fossils. Look but do not collect, visit around low tide and wear enclosed shoes.
Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, near Flinders: rockpool at low tide.
Rye Pier and Blairgowrie Pier: snorkelling. Rye has a 200-metre self-guided marine trail. Blairgowrie is known for nudibranchs and an annual spider crab gathering around May.
Polperro Dolphin Swims: guided swims with dolphins and seals from Sorrento Pier, running seasonally from mid-September to the end of May.

Walks and trails

Cable Station Walk, Flinders: from Flinders Pier to the top of the cliff, with signs on the telegraph cable that linked Tasmania and the mainland from 1869.
Devilbend Reservoir, Tuerong: walking trails with an 11.5-kilometre circuit and wildlife watching. There are no drinking water taps, so bring your own.
Bushrangers Bay Track: 2.6 kilometres from the Cape Schanck car park to a wild beach.
Red Hill Rail Trail: a shared trail of about 6.5 kilometres one way between Red Hill and Merricks, with cafes at both ends.

Art, craft and collections

McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery: more than 100 sculptures in bushland, free for children under 18.
Gordon Studio Glassblowers, 290 Red Hill Road, Red Hill: an art glass gallery with a viewing mezzanine. Check the events calendar or call ahead.
Charlie's Auto Museum, 175 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat: a private collection of more than 100 vintage and classic vehicles.

Rides

Mornington Tourist Railway: Sunday departures from Moorooduc Station, about an hour return to Mornington.

Before you go

These details come from tourism guides, some dated 2023 or undated. Confirm opening days and access with each venue before you travel, and check tide times for the rockpools.

Questions people ask next

Which hidden gem is free?

Fossil Beach, the Cable Station Walk, the Bushrangers Bay Track and the piers cost nothing to visit. Check each site for current access.

Which one suits children?

McClelland Sculpture Park is free for children under 18.