Beyond the Tourist Trail: The Peninsula
As a long-time Peninsula local, we’ve spent years chasing sunsets along its beaches and wandering its hinterland - and we never tire of it.
Gathering Shores is your springboard to that same Peninsula: wild coastline, rolling wine country, and a landscape shaped by First Nations foraging long before it became a holiday spot.
Beyond the tourist trail, here are the quiet corners and secret places that don't always make the guidebooks.
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The Eagle
Take the chairlift up Arthurs Seat and you’ll understand why this is the first place we send every Gathering Shores guest. The views over Port Phillip Bay from the top are the kind that make you stop talking mid-sentence.
Local Tip: Go late afternoon if you can - the light on the water is unbeatable.
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Seawinds Gardens
Seawinds Gardens is located a short stroll from the Arthurs Seat Summit region. The combination of indigenous and exotic formal gardens and William Ricketts sculpture collection make these gardens a popular destination.
Local Tip: This is our quiet-morning recommendation - a cool, green, almost secret garden with sweeping bay views from the lookout, and a good chance of spotting kangaroos grazing among the trees.
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The Chocolateries - Mornington Peninsula
On the other side of the Peninsula, so the drive out is half the fun - a beautiful run through the hinterland to reach it. Small-batch, thoughtfully made - worth the trip on its own.
Local Tip: This is where we send anyone with a sweet tooth (or anyone needing a gift to take home).
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WAM - Wild Adventures Melbourne
Breathtaking views, SUP lesson and tour incrystal clear bays, walk beautiful nature trails, wild swimming in magical rock pools (tide dependent), delicious picnic lunch full of fresh local produce, wine tasting at a tranquil winery, and optional bathing at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
Local Tip: Experience local life first hand and book the Beach Box Experience!
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The Valley Golf Course
The Valley Golf, Sport and Leisure, located in the stunning seaside town of Safety Beach. Features a pristine 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, 18-hole mini golf, as well as a bar and club rooms with a friendly, all-inclusive atmosphere.
Local Tip: Book your tee time a day or two ahead in summer — it's a popular after-work round for locals, so late afternoons fill up fast. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a quiet, unhurried game.
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Bass and Flinders Distillery
A Mornington Peninsula family-owned distillery crafting grape-to-glass spirits that are uniquely Australian. Spirit of the Mornington Peninsula.
Local Tip: Try to catch one of their tasting sessions rather than just popping in — you get a proper walk-through of the gin range instead of guessing what to order. It's made right there in Dromana, so ask about the small-batch releases; they don't always make it onto the shelf.
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The Pig and Whistle
The Pig & Whistle is a family friendly pub located on The Mornington Peninsula, offering a warm hospitality experience, serving the best British cusine alongside some of Australia's favourite pub classics.
Local Tip: Time your visit for late afternoon if you can — with those bay views, it's hard to beat as a sunset spot, and it's a lot less crowded than at lunch. Worth calling ahead on weekends since it's a popular spot with locals too.
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Sorrento - Queenscliff Ferry
Drive your car straight onto the ferry at Sorrento and cross Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff — it's only about 40 minutes, but it feels like a proper little adventure.
Local Tip: Grab a coffee on deck, watch for dolphins, and you'll spot the odd fishing boat or yacht cutting across the bay alongside you. Even if you just go over and back for the ride, it's worth it.
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Dromana Estate Winery
A proper Dromana institution and one of the easiest wineries on the Peninsula to fall in love with. The views roll straight down to the bay, the wine's solid, and it never feels stuffy — just a relaxed spot to sit outside with a glass and watch the afternoon go by. Perfect if you want a wine stop without making a whole day of it.
Local Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon if you can — it's far quieter than weekends, and you'll actually get a table with the view instead of queuing for one. Ring ahead if you're going during peak summer, as it does fill up fast once the warm weather hits.