Top Mornington Peninsula Outdoor Activities

Discover a hidden gem on Phillip Island, with this cruise around the cliffs, caves, and historic sites of Cape Woolamai. Listen to informative commentary from the captain as you keep your eyes peeled for sightings of marine life such as dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seabirds. Snap photos of the dramatic coastal scenery and turquoise waters during this family-friendly cruise, which includes light refreshments and activities for children.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with dolphins, seals and sea birds as you glide around the Mornington Peninsula. Set sail for a 90-minute cruise, navigating the notorious ‘Rip’ of Port Phillip Bay and spotting Australasian Gannets at the Popes Eye Marine Park. Keep your camera close to hand as you pass bottlenose dolphins and Australian fur seals, and perhaps spot humpback whales or albatross along the way.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Mornington Peninsula on a half-day guided kayak tour through the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay. In addition to navigating, your guide offers little-known facts about the area’s diverse wildlife, from birds to dolphins. Coastline views rarely seen by visitors and a snack break on the beach make this a convenient choice for active travelers.

Nepean National Park—situated at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula—has historic military structures and tunnels, and unmatched views of Port Phillip Bay and the South Australian coast. This self-guided tour provides bike rental and a map, letting you explore the park’s coastal trails at your own pace. Child carriers are available for an additional cost.

There is no other boat like this in Australia. The Thundercat doesn't just power through the water, it jumps it. Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, your 30-minute ride takes you along the wild coastline of Cape Woolamai to places simply unreachable by land: the granite quarry, the dramatic sea caves, and Bird Rock. From time to time you'll also spot seals lounging on the rocks or playing in the surf. Your Captain delivers live commentary on the island's landscape and history. What stands out is how personal it is. Not happy with full throttle? Your Captain reads the group and adjusts. Young kids or someone nervous? Start slow, build up, and by the end they'll be asking for more And here's the part that surprises most people: you won't get wet. All the speed, all the adrenaline and you step off completely dry. Tick it off in the morning and spend the rest of the day exploring the island. This half-hour trip fits neatly into any Phillip Island itinerary, morning, midday, or afternoon.

Save yourself time and energy when visiting the enormous Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne by touring on The Explorer bus. If you’re on a quick visit en route to Phillip Island then this bus is an ideal way to navigate the 37 acre (15 hectare) Australian Garden. It departs from the Visitor Centre and includes informative live commentary by the driver.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australian fur seals on this snorkeling tour from Sorrento Pier. Departure times vary depending on the tide. Set off to swim, snorkel, and soak up the views of the coastline, while watching wild seals splash and sunbathe around you. All necessary gear is provided, including wetsuits, as well as refreshments and informative presentations from your naturalist guides.

Experience the magic of Phillip Island at sunset on board this relaxing catamaran cruise. Set sail for a scenic cruise around Western Port Bay, gliding past dramatic landmarks like Reef Island, Churchill Island, and Elizabeth Island. Keep a look out for wildlife like playful dolphins, birdlife, and Australian fur seals as you float around the bay. Then tuck into complimentary snacks or purchase a drink from the on-board bar while you listen to live music.

Don’t miss a chance to swim with some of Australia’s most beautiful sea creatures on this thrilling 3-hour cruise around the Mornington Peninsula. Glide around the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay in search of the friendly creatures, and tuck into morning tea or lunch on-board. Then, dive in to swim and snorkel amid schools of wild bottlenose dolphins and colonies of Australian fur seals.

Seize the opportunity to swim with weedy seadragons on a snorkeling tour through the tranquil waters of Port Phillip Bay. Going with a guide ensures you visit the best locations for viewing wildlife, as well as spot seadragon colonies that are known for their expert camouflage abilities. No previous snorkeling experience necessary: Your guide offers basic instruction.

Head out into Port Phillip Bay for the chance to swim with seals and dolphins with this boat tour. You'll visit the manmade Chinaman's Hat, known for its population of Australian Fur Seals, where you'll get to snorkel with the friendly creatures. You'll then head out to look for dolphins; if you're lucky, you'll get the chance to swim with them.

Spotting whales off Phillip Island means getting out onto the open water at the right time of year, which is hard to arrange yourself. Head out on a winter cruise along the migration route past Cape Woolamai, where humpback and southern right whales pass through. Watch for whales breaching offshore, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the way.

While visiting the Mornington Peninsula, take a half-day dolphin-watching cruise on Port Phillip bay to look for bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals, and other marine life. Ride in comfort on a luxury boat that has room to walk around, provides complimentary light refreshments, and has other food available for purchase. This tour is combined with a swimming tour, making it a great option for the whole family.

Explore historic Point Nepean National Park, with its spectacular scenery and coastal trails, on a comfortable bike with breathtaking views. Located at the end of Point Nepean Road, where Bass Strait meets Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula ends, Point Nepean’s rich history has had a significant impact on Victoria and Australia in terms of immigration, quarantine and defense.

Explore Mornington Peninsula with this active tour, where you’ll have the chance to do stand up paddleboarding, share a winery picnic, go for a bushwalk, and relax in the hot springs. This is all organized for you, so you just need to experience all of the activities. You’ll SUP at Port Phillip bay, have a boxed picnic lunch, and finish at Peninsula Hot Springs.