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Mornington Peninsula & Phillip Island: 3-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
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The 3-day version for December: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.
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3
days
140 km
distance
7.6 h
driving
17
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- ~14.6 hours of daylight in December — the plan keeps days inside a realistic window.
- Bathing-box summer: Sorrento's sea baths, hot springs booked to the brim, peninsula pinot on every deck — and the penguin parade waddling nightly regardless.
Day 1 Melbourne → The Mornington Peninsula
- Transit
- 2h32
- Finish
- ~17:20
- Temperature
- 14.4°C–19.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~8
- Daylight
- 14.7h
09:00
Feel the history and excitement of one of the world's most iconic stadiums.
50 min · Melbourne
10:00
Discover international and local art in a grand, inspiring space.
50 min · Melbourne · Free for the permanent collection
open: W-M 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Friday; 1PM on ANZAC Day
11:00
Take in panoramic city views from the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere.
50 min · Melbourne · $18.50 adult, $14 concession, $10 child (4-16yrs) and various family tickets. Discounted price for additional same-day visit at nighttime
open: 10AM-10PM
14:25
Relax by a large lake surrounded by towering cliffs near the railway station.
50 min · The Mornington Peninsula
16:30
Overnight: The Mornington Peninsula
e.g. Cape Schanck Lighthouse · Hilltonia Homestead
Day 2 Around The Mornington Peninsula
- Transit
- 2h32
- Finish
- ~17:15
- Temperature
- 14.4°C–19.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~8
- Daylight
- 14.7h
09:00
Mornington Peninsula National Park read more
Explore diverse landscapes from Pt Nepean to Cape Schanck.
50 min · The Mornington Peninsula
10:05
11:05
12:50
14:35
The Briars mornpen.vic.gov.au map ↗
Explore a delightful old homestead set on 230 hectares rich in history and nature.
50 min · The Mornington Peninsula · Entry to the wildlife sanctuary is free. Homestead entry is adult $10, concession $5, child $5, family $15
open: Daily 9AM-5PM, closed Christmas Day
16:25
Overnight here
e.g. Cape Schanck Lighthouse · Hilltonia Homestead
Day 3 Phillip Island
- Transit
- 2h32
- Finish
- ~17:35
- Temperature
- 14.4°C–19.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~8
- Daylight
- 14.7h
10:55
Discover historic crops and buildings on this scenic European settlement site.
50 min · Phillip Island · $12.25 adults, $6.15 children (4-15 yr), $8.55 concessions, $30.65 family (2A+2C)
open: 10AM-5PM daily, 2PM-5PM Christmas Day
11:55
Explore a vast collection of war memorabilia in a volunteer-run museum.
50 min · Phillip Island · $15 adults, $10 children (5-15), $12 concessions, $40 families (2A+3C)
open: 10AM-5PM daily
13:10
A Maze'N Things amazenthings.com.au map ↗
Navigate fun indoor and outdoor puzzles, including a famous maze.
50 min · Phillip Island · All activities entry: $33 adults, $23 children, $26.50 concessions, $99.50 families
open: 10AM-5PM daily
14:10
Koala Conservation Centre penguins.org.au map ↗
Spot koalas in gum trees along tree-top boardwalks.
50 min · Phillip Island · $12.25 adults, $6.15 children (4-15yrs), $8.55 concessions, $30.65 family (2A+2C)
open: 10AM-5PM, with extended hours in Spring/Summer
15:40
Penguin Parade penguins.org.au map ↗
Watch fairy penguins waddle ashore at sunset on their nightly parade.
50 min · Phillip Island · $24.50 adults, $12.25 children (4-15), $17.15 pensioners, $61.25 families (2A+2C)
open: 10AM-sunset
16:45
Rhyll search
Stroll through this quiet fishing village with scenic waterfront views.
50 min · Phillip Island
🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.