If garden-gazing and wildlife-watching (with lots of history on the side) appeal to you, then follow these trails around the Mornington Peninsula. They feature magnificent landscapes including huge mazes and heritage gardens, along with wildlife in the bush and in our sanctuaries.
It's all so close at hand too - one minute you'll be surrounded by the perfumes of a formal rose garden, then just a few minutes later you can be listening to birdsong in virgin bush. It's all just an hour from Melbourne, but it seems a world away.
To explore the Peninsula's gardens, wildlife and heritage you can:
Use the colour-coded cards below to plan your touring, seeing the attractions in one region of the Peninsula before moving on to the next.
Use the map at right as the basis for a tour that takes in the coast and country.
Download a ready-made itinerary with lots of garden-gazing and wildlife-watching.
Arthues Seat is composed of granite rocks
which originated 400 million years ago when magma from the earth's interior pushed its way through ancient
Ordovician sandstone formations.
* For more information and bookings please click on a link under each of the cards.
AUSTRALIAN GARDEN AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS CRANBOURNE
Prepared to be inspired by the new award-winning Australian Garden, a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Australian flora, landscapes, art and architecture. Visit the café and browse in our gift shop. Tours and activities are also available. Open daily from 9am to 5pm
Art Gallery complex set in 8ha Sculpture Park with over 60 major Australian sculptures. Changing exhibition program, gift and bookshop, licensed cafe overlooking picturesque lake, Gallery and Park Hours (Tues-Sun 10:00 - 5:00)
Cafe (Tues-Sun 10.30-4.30) entry by donation
Specialising in Richard Linton's Limited Edition Canvasses
and Prints of his Maritime and Historical works.
Pictured is his image of "Moonlight over the Murray, Echuca Wharf".
The largest garden centre on the Peninsula. Winner of the Best Garden Centre in Australia 1999, 2003 and 2005. Cafe for lunch or refreshments.
- Bookings (03) 9787 3244
Lintons 'More than just a nursery.'
Renowned for its collection of works on paper, exhibitions by Australian artists and its focus on the spectacular natural environment and rich cultural heritage of the Mornington Peninsula. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm (and some public holidays).
Explore the Wildlife Reserve along bushland trails, looking for koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. View the wetland birds from observation hides. Visit the 1840s Homestead, renowned for its Napoleonic Collection. Bring your picnic or BBQ lunch.
Explore the Wildlife Reserve along bushland trails, looking for koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. View the wetland birds from observation hides. Visit the 1840s Homestead, renowned for its Napoleonic Collection. Bring your picnic or BBQ lunch.
Explore the Lavender Labyrinth and year round flowering lavender display gardens. Spectacular Rose Maze amidst 25 acres of gardens. Lose yourself in Australia's oldest & largest Hedge Maze. Have fun with the Great Gnome Hunt, or just relax in the fully licensed café.
Enjoy 'hands on' experiences with a large variety of friendly farm animals to feed and cuddle. FREE hay rides, BBQs, tea, coffee. Pony rides $2. Bring a picnic for a relaxing family day at the farm. Suitable for all ages. Open daily 10am-4pm (except Xmas Day) (Extended hours at peak times).
Contemporary Australian functional and sculptural ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, textiles and paintings, all individually crafted. Diverse exhibitions and featured artists
together with exciting new work by artists from The Studio @ Flinders collective The Mornington P
Australia's largest antique complex and licensed café in picturesque surrounds on 7 acres. You will find everything for the connoisseur & collector. Outside and next to the main building there are 20 specialist shops and kiosk only 50km from CBD. Open 10am-5pm Thursday to Sunday
A working studio specialising in the production of unique hand painted tiles. Enjoy a select range of craftworks by leading Australian artists, great espresso coffee, and native bird life, in a gallery surrounded by natural bushland. Open: 11am - 5pm most days.
Enliven the senses in a world of enchanted magical mazes, sculpture park walk, fantasy gardens and brain teaser challenges at The Enchanted Maze Garden. Indulge yourself at The Amazing Lolly Shop. See Australia's only corn Maize Maze each Autumn.
Modern and traditional painting by well-known artists. Outdoor sculpture and wearable art.
Enjoy coffee in a country setting while you view the current exhibition.
Open Wed to Sun – 11am-5pm and most Holidays
A working hot glass studio and gallery. See molten glass made from sand transformed into art by traditional hand blown methods.
Open daily 10-5 pm.
For direct enquiries and information about Events please visit our website
Visit our famous garden, enjoy our fabulous food. Stroll through 2 hectares of stunning gardens with water views and indulge in simple but stylish food from our ever-changing menu in Australia's only thatched roof cafe. Buy your Digger's plants and seeds from our nursery.
Renowned Polperro offers the marine adverture of a lifetime interacting with the wild bottlenose dolphins and seals of Port Phillip Bay. All gear supplied. highly qualified crew. Bookings advised.
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