Mornington

Events in and around Mornington

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Welcome to Mornington, a vibrant coastal town on the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, Australia. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's always something fun and exciting to do here, especially during the different seasons of the year. In this web page, we'll highlight some of the seasonal events and activities in and around Mornington that you can enjoy with family and friends. For more information, please contact the organizers directly or visit the Mornington Tourist Information Centre.

Summer (December-February)

Summer is a popular time to be in Mornington, with its sunny beaches, refreshing sea breeze, and lively atmosphere. Some of the summer events and activities you can participate in include:

- Mornington Twilight Market: Every Wednesday from 5-9 pm at the Main Street, this market features local artisans, food vendors, and live music in a festive setting. Free entry.
- Australia Day: On January 26th, Mornington celebrates Australia's national day with a family-friendly program of beach games, live entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks at the Mornington Park and beach. Free entry.
- Sand Sculpting Australia: From December to April, the Frankston Waterfront hosts a spectacular exhibition of sand sculptures by international and local artists, depicting different themes and stories. Tickets from $10.
- Peninsula Summer Music Festival: From late January to early February, the Peninsula Summer Music Festival presents a diverse range of classical, jazz, and world music concerts in various venues across the Mornington Peninsula. Tickets from $40.

Autumn (March-May)

Autumn is a milder time in Mornington, with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Some of the autumn events and activities you can enjoy include:

- Main Street Mornington Festival: On the third Sunday of March, the main street of Mornington is transformed into a bustling fairground of over 400 stalls offering food, wine, arts, crafts, and entertainment for all ages. Free entry.
- Red Hill Show: On the first Saturday of March, the Red Hill Showground hosts a traditional agricultural show featuring livestock competitions, equestrian displays, produce exhibitions, rides, games, and food stalls. Tickets from $5.
- Wine Festival Weekends: Throughout April and May, several wineries in the Mornington Peninsula offer special tastings, tours, and events showcasing their award-winning wines and gourmet produce. Prices vary.
- Autumn Leaves Train: On selected Sundays in May, the historic steam train Puffing Billy runs a scenic trip from Belgrave to Emerald and back, passing through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and its autumnal colors. Tickets from $45.

Winter (June-August)

Winter is a quiet time in Mornington, with occasional storms and fog, but it also offers some unique experiences and attractions. Some of the winter events and activities you can try include:

- Beanie Festival: On the last Sunday of June, the Dromana Estate winery hosts a quirky festival of beanies, featuring handmade, colorful, and creative hats, along with live music, food stalls, and wine tastings. Free entry.
- Open Studios Weekend: On the second weekend of August, the Mornington Peninsula Artists Trail invites visitors to explore the working studios of over 30 artists, sculptors, and designers, who showcase their skills, techniques, and inspirations in various media. Free entry.
- Dine with Fire: Throughout July and August, several restaurants in Mornington offer a special winter menu featuring hearty dishes and wines, plus the warmth and ambiance of a cozy fire. Prices vary.
- Peninsula Hot Springs: All year round, the Peninsula Hot Springs offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience of natural thermal pools, spa treatments, saunas, and gardens, surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Mornington Peninsula. Tickets from $45.

Spring (September-November)

Spring is a colorful and vibrant season in Mornington, with blossoming flowers, singing birds, and numerous events and festivals. Some of the spring events and activities you can participate in include:

- Spring Orchid Show: On the third weekend of September, the Mornington Racecourse hosts an orchid show featuring rare and exotic species of these delicate flowers, along with plant sales, demonstrations, and lectures by experts. Tickets from $5.
- Strawberry Festival: On the second Sunday of September, the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm in nearby Main Ridge invites visitors to pick their own strawberries, taste strawberry themed treats, and enjoy live music, tractor rides, and pony rides. Free entry.
- Tastes of the Peninsula: Throughout October, several restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Mornington Peninsula offer a showcase of their culinary and beverage delights, paired with live music and activities. Prices vary.
- Cup Weekend Carnival: On the first weekend of November, the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne hosts the famous Melbourne Cup horse race, which attracts thousands of spectators and punters from all over the world. Tickets from $90.

We hope this web page has given you some ideas on how to make the most of Mornington's seasonal fun and exciting events. For more information and updates, please contact the organizers directly or visit the Mornington Tourist Information Centre at 320 Main Street, Mornington, VIC 3931. Phone: (03) 5975 3769. Email: info@mornpen.vic.gov.au. Happy Seasons!