Mornington cafe, wineries, top-notch restaurants- all these make up this lovely peninsula. Located about an hour away from Melbourne CBD, Mornington must be part of anyone’s destination to visit. Because of its location, it has become a prime spot for tourists and a haven for Melburnians alike.
Mornington is a perfect place for both adrenaline-inducing activities as well as for relaxation. With a more-than-perfect view of the surrounding hills and the ocean, it is ideal for just about anyone. Whether it is for some fun on the beach or just relaxing at any of its lovely and quaint cafes, Mornington definitely delivers.
Discover Mornington Peninsula
Let’s dig deeper into the wonderful sights and sounds of Mornington Peninsula, shall we? Yes, this peninsula is teeming with spots, both natural and man-made enough to take your breath away. Planning to visit Melbourne soon? Well, better head towards the peninsula for the complete experience. You will surely get enchanted.
Here are the top sites you must visit in the Mornington Peninsula:
Sorrento
This is the site of the state of Victoria’s first known European settlement. To pay respects to the people who painstakingly turned Sorrento into the lovely place it is now, head to Sullivan’s Bay where their graves are. As you head towards the bay, you’d notice unique limestone buildings constructed during the 1800s. These structures still stand ever-so-mightily until now, thanks to the protection of the National Trust.
Locals and visitors alike troop to Sorrento for its beaches. What better way to enjoy the place than by visiting high-end stores, Mornington cafes, and restaurants with the beach just across the street. To further explore the flora and fauna of Sorrento (in an active, calorie-burning way), take the 5-kilometer walking trail between Sorrento and Portsea. With the trail’s breathtaking sights, you won’t notice the long walk at all. Don’t worry, there is an awesome Mornington cafe where you can relax after the
Mornington Peninsula National Park
Still haven’t had enough of that 5-kilometer Sorrento to Portsea walk? Well, the National Park should get you moving more and all for the right reasons. Aside from keeping your heart rate up for some of the hikes, you’d be treated with a magnificent view of the cliffs and surrounding beach. Do your assignment first. Make sure to check the day’s weather forecast because some parts of the trail may be closed.
Adrenaline junkies surely will have a grand time here too. Not only is the place so ideal for hiking, but you can also get seriously stoked by riding perhaps some of the best waves. You already know Portsea and Sorrento, right? Then add Gunnamatta to your list for some wild action or just a relaxed nature walk.
If you also want to see some wildlife up close, visit the Greens Bush for its infamous hiking trail. Because of its rich foliage, expect to see birds like parrots, edge-tailed eagles, honeyeaters, etc. casually flying. Also, you don’t need to be in the zoo to catch some wallabies and kangaroos merrily hopping around.
Peninsula Hot Springs
When you think of hot springs, you may probably have Iceland in mind, correct? So, who would’ve thought that some mystical geothermal wonder can be found some 1-hour drive from Melbourne? Instead of trying to figure out Geography and Science, just head out at the Peninsula Hot Springs and soak in (literally) the earth’s energy.
Imagine enjoying a natural warm dip amid lush greens and captivating scenery? Don’t worry, there are a lot of pools to choose from.
The Peninsula Hot Springs is a popular destination for families, friends, and couples. Therefore, it is best to have prior reservations/bookings especially during summer or fall as the hot springs can get pretty crowded. When everything is accomplished beforehand, prepare to be pampered because of the hot spring’s treatments such as a Turkish bath, reflexology walk, and pool with incredible views.
Ashcombe Maze
Surely, you may want to relax in a Mornington café after a puzzling time here at the Ashcombe Maze. This garden turned maze was established in the 1970s and has since been one of the best spots to visit in the peninsula. Getting stuck may either be of two things, first is the maze may be too challenging, or second, the beauty of the maze makes you want to stay there all day long.
Getting mesmerized with the maze is even more so now as it has gone through enhancements for having a rose maze. This rose maze is known to be the oldest circular rose maze in the world. Talk about enjoying its floral beauty while being in the midst of a world record holder. What can top that, right?
Arthurs Seat Eagle
Aside from hiking up the hill, there’s another great way to see almost the entirety of Mornington Peninsula. From the beach, cliffs, trails, (maybe even the Mornington café and shops?), you can see all of them through the Arthurs Seat Eagle. This is perhaps one of the most relaxing ways to see the beauty of the entire area. All you have to do is to sit back, relax, and let the gondola take you to the summit station at the highest point of the entire peninsula.
Who said you’re done after taking photos on the summit? After taking a lot of photos, you may stay and relax while having Devonshire Tea at the café. After a little, relaxing time at this awesome hilltop Mornington café, take a stroll to the lookout and prepare to be gobsmacked by even more astonishing views. Take it all in and process everything once settled in a Mornington cafe after the trip.
Take time and soak in the Mornington café feels
After such a lovely time exploring the peninsula, won’t it be awesome to relax over a cup (or two or three) of coffee while reading a book or perhaps people watching? You can do so in the many Mornington cafes around. With hills, ocean, and wide-open skies to boot, Mornington is one of the most ideal places where cafes, bars, and restaurants thrive.
There are many cafes to choose from, one of which is Casa De Playa. Casa De Playa gives life to a resplendent 1800s building down Main Street. Aside from being heralded as a contemporary café, Casa De Playa is also a well-known tapas bar and a go-to events venue. Therefore, locals and visitors alike have a nice spot to soak in the area’s coffee culture and/or wine and dine with friends after a blissful day outdoors.
As many cafes have their own unique characteristics and offerings, Casa De Playa’s bi-level orientation has something for everyone. There is a spacious dining room downstairs where you can easily partake in the lively scene of Main St. However if relaxation is the primary purpose, then the second level is the perfect spot. It has lounging nooks complete with a front balcony that overlooks the ocean. Hey, you may use this spot for people-watching, too.
Casa De Playa and its Mornington cafe offerings
Casa De Playa is one Mornington Café that should not be missed. Since its many things rolled into one, everyone has every reason to visit and stay. Here’s what Casa De Playa offers for your reference should you visit Mornington soon:
Casa Breakfast Burger
Any time of the day is a time for a burger! Whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner, having this lovely dish brings so much gastronomic joy. Thankfully, you can sample one of the best burgers in the area at Casa De Playa. Their Casa Breakfast Burger has egg, bacon, avocado, tomato. Everything you want for breakfast is in a bun. Enjoy their breakfast burger for $10.
Breakfast tacos
If a burger is not your thing, then maybe tacos will tickle your fancy? Casa De Playa’s tacos have scrambled chili eggs, tomato salsa, jalapeno crema all enveloped in a soft taco shell. One order may not be enough? Then double it up! You will eventually burn it as you take on Greens Bush or walk that 5-kilometer Sorrento-Portsea trail. Enjoy this dish for $16.
Dos Paella served at a Mornington cafe?
No trip to a Spanish restaurant or tapas bar is complete without paella. Remember, Casa De Playa is also a Mornington café so enjoy such distinction of having this revered Spanish dish in one. Had a grand time exploring the peninsula all day? Then, treat yourself to a sumptuous serving of Casa De Playa’s Dos Paella with chicken, chorizo, mussels, calamari, and saffron. The perfect meal to cap an exciting day! Enjoy the Dos Paella for $48. No other Mornington café can give you this special Spanish experience.