Melbourne Travelogue | How Melburnians Enjoy Their Backyard
If you ask Melburnians where they love to go for a weekend getaway, the Mornington Peninsula would definitely be in the top three. This peninsula, just over an hour's drive from the city, boasts coastlines, hot springs, wineries, and quaint towns, offering a rich experience even on a day trip.
This time, I followed a classic route: Brighton Beach Boxes → Arthurs Seat Eagle → Pt. Leo Estate → Peninsula Hot Springs. It was a tried-and-true itinerary that was both relaxing and produced great photos, which I'm sharing for your reference~
First Stop: Brighton Beach Boxes, picturesque from any angle
Leaving Melbourne in the morning, our first stop was directly at Brighton Beach Boxes. Although strictly speaking it's in Brighton, it's well worth the detour. Over eighty colorful wooden huts line up, each painted with different colors and patterns, making them very photogenic.
We arrived around ten o'clock, and the sunlight was perfect. There weren't many people on the beach, so we easily found a few favorite colorful huts for photos. The azure coast paired with the colorful huts looked beautiful from every angle. I recommend wearing light-colored clothes; posing in front of the huts or walking along the beach makes for great pictures. About half an hour here is enough, as there's more excitement to come~
Second Stop: Arthurs Seat Eagle, overlooking Port Phillip Bay
Continuing south, about half an hour's drive leads to Arthurs Seat Eagle. This is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, where you can take a gondola slowly ascending, overlooking the entire Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline.
The gondola was very stable, taking about 15 minutes for the entire journey, passing through forest canopies with increasingly expansive views. At the summit, there's an observation deck with unobstructed views, offering a panoramic sight of the bay, towns, and the distant city silhouette. There's also a viewpoint called Murrays Lookout, said to be a popular spot for Jay Chou, offering truly open views and great photo opportunities.
Third Stop: Pt. Leo Estate, a fusion of art and wine
The highlight of the afternoon was Pt. Leo Estate. This winery is unique; in addition to the vineyards and tasting room, it boasts a massive sculpture park spanning 16 acres, featuring over 70 works by artists from around the world.
We first had lunch at the winery's restaurant. The restaurant has an excellent location, with floor-to-ceiling windows directly overlooking the vineyards and the sea, offering expansive views while dining. We ordered several seasonal dishes; the ingredients were fresh, the presentation exquisite, and paired with a glass of the estate's own Chardonnay, it was very delightful.
After lunch, we leisurely went to taste the wine. In the tasting room, you can sample the local Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for a fee – the Mornington Peninsula's cool climate makes these two varieties particularly outstanding. We ordered a glass of Pinot Noir; it was light-bodied with delicate fruit flavors, truly excellent.
Then we explored the sculpture park. Giant outdoor artworks were scattered across the lawns, set against the blue sky and the distant sea. Some were abstract, some humorous, making for an interesting stroll and photo opportunities. When we got tired, we sat on the lawn for a while, gazing at the sea and daydreaming – this is the pace a vacation should have.
Fourth Stop: Peninsula Hot Springs, washing away the day's fatigue
The final stop was Peninsula Hot Springs, the most anticipated part of this trip. This is Australia's only natural mineral hot spring bathing facility, with water sourced from deep underground, rich in minerals.
The hot springs area is vast, with over 70 different pools of varying sizes, nestled within the natural bushland. We experienced several unique pools: the cave pool had a mysterious ambiance, and the 360-degree hilltop view pool offered exceptional views of the surrounding forest and distant sea. Water temperatures ranged from 34 to 42 degrees Celsius, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
The hilltop view pool is highly recommended, especially if you catch the sunset. Soaking in the warm spring water, watching the sky change from blue to orange-red, with a gentle mountain breeze, all the day's fatigue melted away. The atmosphere here is very relaxing; you can bring a book or simply relax and do nothing.
Practical Tips
1. Timing: It's best to start early and allow at least two hours for the hot springs. We left the city around 9 AM and returned home around 8 PM, which was just right.
2. Hot Springs Essentials: Swimsuit, towel (can be rented), bathrobe (needed in winter), and slippers. It's recommended to save the hilltop view pool for last, then head straight to shower and change afterward.
3. What to Wear: It can be windy by the sea, so bring a jacket. For the hot springs, you'll need a swimsuit, and it's best to bring non-slip slippers.
There are many ways to explore the Mornington Peninsula, including the Enchanted Adventure Garden, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and lighthouses. For a day trip, choosing three or four spots is sufficient. This time, our route focused on relaxation with some sightseeing. If you have more time, you can definitely stay overnight to fully experience the charm of Melbourne's backyard.
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