Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, the Mornington Peninsula has long been the ideal weekend escape thanks to its mix of natural beauty, standout dining experiences and unique activities. With a slate of recent openings adding to its appeal, the region keeps reinventing itself as a must-visit destination.

From the newly updated Point Leo General Store to the luxurious eco-lodges at perennial favourite Peninsula Hot Springs, we’ve put together an itinerary of the region’s newbies to hit up on your next trip down.

Peninsula Hot Springs’ new Eco Lodges, Fingal

The Peninsula Hot Springs have always been a draw for both locals and visitors – where else can you switch between a hamam (Turkish steam bath) and cold plunge while surrounded by bushland, or soak in a warm geothermal mineral springs under the stars? The sprawling property has had glamping accommodation for years, and now there’s a new luxury place to rest your head. The newly launched Eco Lodges were consciously designed with rest, relaxation and sleep in mind. Choose from the Springs Room, perfect for a couple’s escape or group of friends booking multiple rooms, or the Peninsula Suite, a private retreat with its own kitchen, living, and dining spaces. Both offer secluded outdoor areas with private geothermal baths or pools with hot spring water, along with full access to the main springs, a signature wellness experience of your choice, and a complimentary breakfast spread.

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Bau Bau Dining, Mount Eliza

From the team behind Bistro Elba and Patsy’s, this new eatery reimagines Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal seafood and house-made pasta. Located just off Mount Eliza’s main strip, Bau Bau (meaning “woof woof” in Italian) serves up regional dishes like calamari with pistachio pesto or kingfish with green almonds and nduja. Don’t miss the lunchtime offer, where $90 gets you a starter, bread, mains, salad and a glass of wine – that’s your leisurely afternoon sorted.

Mr Vincenzo’s, Mornington

After an unfortunate electrical fire forced him to close Colt Dining on Mornington’s Main Street just three weeks after opening, chef Matti Fallon is back with a playful new restaurant. Mr Vincenzo’s is a warm and welcoming Italian spot just around the corner – one of three spots Fallon has planned along the suburb’s Esplanade. Handcrafted pastas like spinach casarecce and campanelle with beef ragu headline the menu, but you’ll also find dishes like vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal) with fried capers, radicchio and grana padano, and a towering white chocolate and pistachio tiramisu. Pair your meal with Italian-inspired cocktails or a curated selection of Italian wines.

The Bodega, Dromana

Since opening earlier this year, wine bar, deli and grocer The Bodega has quickly become a local favourite for its vast 250-bottle selection. The list highlights local Mornington Peninsula drops and European imports, both of which can be enjoyed in the cosy bar or taken back to the Eco Lodge – alongside a few cheeses and charcuterie for a relaxed evening in. If you’d rather sit and stay a while at the bar, enjoy oysters from nearby Flinders, just on the other side of the peninsula, or snacks like baked cheesy garlic with sourdough and mini lamb rolls, plus mains such as Greek lamb shoulder or chorizo pizza.

Red Hill Estate’s new cellar door, Red Hill

One of the Peninsula’s oldest family-run vineyards, Red Hill Estate recently underwent a massive refresh, transforming its cellar door and restaurant to evoke a rustic Tuscan farmhouse. The sweeping hillside views are the perfect backdrop for a guided tasting of the winery’s cool climate wines – most notably the recently released Grand Reserve Pinot Noir. Feeling hungry? Settle in at the restaurant for locally made charcuterie, pasta and pizza.

Point Leo General Store, Point Bobbanaring

If you drive to the other side of the peninsula, you’ll find this recently revamped grocer and cafe. Channelling classic beachside nostalgia with a modern twist, Point Leo General Store is a great place to start the day with coffee and pastries, or to pick up some local produce and pantry items for the road. While you’re there, take a stroll along the beach and gaze at Phillip Island just across Western Port Bay.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Peninsula Hot Springs.