If you want an ultimate day of indulgence then here’s why you should tour the Mornington Peninsula in winter.
Whether you live in Melbourne or are visiting the city, the Mornington Peninsula is a great day tour to take. Particularly during the winter months, when exploring indoor attractions might be your choice of tour. The Mornington Peninsula tour is a great choice.
You can enjoy a morning of relaxation, soaking in hot pools at the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs. There are over 70 spa experiences to choose from, including hot pools, reflexology walk, Turkish sauna and more.
Once you are well and truly relaxed, head back to the tour bus to spend the afternoon exploring. Grab some lunch in a seaside town, ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola and taste locally-made chocolates.
Five reasons why you should tour the Mornington Peninsula in winter
1. Soak in mineral hot springs
There’s no better feeling than sinking into a hot mineral spa when it’s cold out. Step out of the fresh winter air and immediately you’ll feel your whole body start to relax. Sit and take in the natural surroundings as the steam rises off the top of the water around you.
The award winning Peninsula Hot Springs is one of the highlights of the Mornington Peninsula. The natural mineral waters are pumping from below ground, into purpose built pools, lining a hillside. As you wind your way along the path uphill, the pools are dotted amongst the trees. You’ll also find a whole range of other great spa experiences as you go (see our next point!)
The further uphill you go the hotter the pools are. At the very top of the hill is a hot pool with 360 degree views of the surrounding hills and bushland. It’s the perfect location to spend a winter’s day – take a picture here and you’ll be the envy of your friends.
2. 70 different spa experiences
The Peninsula Hot Springs boasts over 70 spa experiences. Most of these can be accessed as part of your tour entry ticket. You’ll find a Turkish sauna, massage showers, reflexology and foot spas.
To alternate the heat with some cold, there are other experiences on offer. Try the cold plunge pools, or the more recently opened ice chamber. Or if you visit in winter, perhaps just the chill of walking between pools will be enough for you!
To truly make the most of the experience in winter, consider hiring a ribe. The fluffy, white bathrobes can be hired at reception when you first arrive. It’s the perfect way to stay warm as you walk between the different experiences.
3. Explore the Peninsula without the summer crowds
After your morning visit to the Hot Springs, your guide will take you to visit other great attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Best of all, you’ll be able to explore this area without the summer crowds.
The Peninsula is known as a summer playground for Melburnians. In winter you’ll find the lookouts and beaches much quieter. It’s a great way to explore nature, beaches and seaside towns.
Stop in at either Portsea or Sorrento – right at the tip of the peninsula – for a lunch break. After a morning spent soaking in the hot springs, you’ll be ready for a delicious winter warmer meal. Think hot soups, toasted sandwiches, or even locally-caught fish and chips!
4. A gondola ride above the trees
After lunch you can take in some of the Peninsula’s best views with a gondola ride at Arthurs Seat. Start from the highest point on the Peninsula and descend – above the trees – back down to sea levels. You’ll be spoiled with incredible views along the way.
From the Eagle you can see right along the Peninsula. You’ll also get views to the brilliant blues of Port Phillip Bay. Look for birds including the wedge-tailed eagle (that the gondola is named after) amongst the trees. Plus, on a clear day – which is not uncommon in winter – you can even see the skyline of Melbourne in the distance.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle has a combination of enclosed and open air gondolas – meaning you can choose which winter experience is for you. Embrace the wintery air and feel the sea breeze as you descend. Or stay cosy inside an enclosed gondola if that suits you!
5. Hot chocolate to finish the day
Our last stop of the day is the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. While it may not exactly be ice cream weather in winter – we think chocolate is great anytime! The Chocolaterie has a large range of handmade creations, made by trained chocolatiers.
As part of the tour you’ll participate in a chocolate tasting session. Try a range of tasty chocolates, with some unique and delicious flavours. You’ll also learn about their chocolate making techniques and the locally sourced ingredients that they use in their products.
If the tasting has just whet your appetite for more – they’ll be time to tour the shop and perhaps take home a few sweet treats to indulge in later on. Plus at the onsite cafe they make a tasty hot chocolate that is the perfect way to finish an indulgent tour.
What our Peninsula Hot Springs Tour includes
- Entry to the Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House
- More than 70 spa experiences to choose from while you are there
- Lunch break in the seaside towns of Sorrento or Portsea
- One-way gondola ride on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle
- Chocolate tasting at the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie
What to pack for a winter visit to the Mornington Peninsula
- Bathers and towel for the Hot Springs (towel hire is available)
- A jacket to rug up and keep you warm after visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs
- Money to buy a delicious lunch (think seasonal soups, toasted sandwiches or fish and chips! )
- Your phone / camera for some great photo opportunities
Other Melbourne tours to take in winter
Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour
For food and wine lovers, a winter trip to the Yarra Valley wine region is a great idea.Just a short rive from the city you can explore the vineyards, taste award-winning wines and try the local produce of the region. Join our tour to taste wines, cheese, chocolate and more. You’ll also get to indulge in a gourmet winery lunch. Spend a winter day sipping wine by an open fireplace, exploring art-filled cellar doors and indulging in handmade chocolates.
Great Ocean Road
Winter is the best time to avoid the crowds on the famous Great Ocean Road. Explore the highlights of iconic coastline, including koalas, the Surf Coast, the 12 Apostles and more. In winter you can witness the power of nature along a spectacular coastline. We visit all the regular stops in winter – minus the summer crowds. Plus you might even catch a spectacular sunset over the ocean at the end of the day.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
