Perth to the Mornington Peninsula: 10 days of coast, culture and cities

Learn about the rich culture and history of the local Noongar people during a guided tour with Go Cultural. Wander past significant sites as you listen to meaningful Dreaming stories and deepen your appreciation of the landscape.

Just beyond the city, you’ll find the rolling hills, wildflowers and leafy trees of Kings Park. Visit the green space to have a picnic beneath the branches, wander the colourful botanic gardens and take in the city skyline atop elevated pathways.

While exploring a city at your own pace is fun, sometimes you need a local to show you the lesser-known hot spots. Join the crew at Oh Hey WA to bar-hop through Perth’s hidden gems, or zip around the city streets on a rickshaw with Peddle Perth.

Make your way to Perth’s bustling seaside suburbs for a swim at one of the city’s many beautiful beaches. Relax on the sand, try your hand at surfing or join a game of beach cricket, then indulge in a meal at a coastal restaurant.

Take a seaplane to Rottnest Island for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the island. Watch the blue swirls of the ocean dance beneath you as you marvel at the island’s white sand border and lush green bushland.

Once you set foot on Rottnest Island, the first thing you should do is meet the local residents. Quokkas are tiny – and adorable – marsupials with curious personalities and cheeky smiles that have won the hearts of many.

Lean into the pleasures of a long lunch out on the water. Join Rottnest Cruises for an incredible meal aboard an ocean vessel, with seven sumptuous courses including freshly caught lobster and premium beverage pairings.

Hop around Rottnest Island’s dreamy beaches and bays until you find the perfect spot. If you fancy cycling between sandy stretches or snorkelling among clear blue pools surrounding rocky outcrops, head to Pedal & Flipper Hire to grab your gear.

The Fremantle Markets are the heart and soul of this hip Perth suburb, boasting an array of buskers, food vendors and artists. Visit with an empty stomach to sample innovative banh mi croissants from Viet Kites and Dutch pancakes from Freo Baby.

Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery plays host to an incredible lineup of exhibitions from Aboriginal artists. Take time to explore the vibrant works throughout the space, learn about local artists and treat yourself to something beautiful.

Stop in for refreshments at Fremantle’s celebrated Little Creatures Brewery. The trendy watering hole is home to popular ales, from tangy ginger beer to fruity IPAs, and often hosts an exciting array of local parties and events.

Embark on an eerie Torchlight Tour to experience the chilling history of Fremantle Prison beneath the cloak of night. Hear your footsteps echo through prison cells as you listen to haunting true stories of years gone by.

Stretching 1,841m (1.1mi) into the ocean, Busselton Jetty is the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Spend a morning here to discover the wonders of the Underwater Observatory and ride the jetty train.

With marvellous stretches of coastline and a love of the outdoors, Australians are known for their obsession with surfing – and it’s time to get in on the fun. Pull on a wetsuit, grab a board and take to the waves with Margaret River Surf School.

Ever heard of coasteering? Well, the team at Margaret River Adventure Co. can show you how it's done. Don a helmet to spend a day along the coastline, jumping, swimming, climbing and sliding your way around the rocks in search of hidden treasures.

Learn about the cultures of the local Wadandi and Bibbulman communities through an immersive experience with Koomal Dreaming. Hear the echoing sounds of the didgeridoo in the depths of a cave, or explore the ecology of the beautiful Cape Naturaliste.

The serenity of bathing in a natural rock pool is truly blissful, and Injidup Beach is home to one of Australia’s most beautiful natural spas. Head to the northern point of Injidup Beach and spend time wading in the clear waters.

Celebrated for their expertise in chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, Leeuwin Estate is a must-stop amid Margaret River’s spectacular wine region. Visit the cellar door to taste beautiful Australian wines, or book a more in-depth experience.

Climb amid the trees of Ludlow Forest on a heart-racing high ropes expedition with Forest Adventures. From swinging on ropes to riding a BMX across a wire, you’ll gain a new perspective on Australian flora through a course of fun challenges.

Climb aboard with Naturalise Charters and cruise through the waters of Bremer Bay in search of one of the ocean’s most fearsome creatures – killer whales (orcas). If you’re lucky, you may also get the chance to spot the likes of sperm whales, dolphins or great white sharks.

The dining scene in Melbourne is bold, innovative and completely delicious, with unexpected fusions being a particular specialty of the city. Stop in at haunts like Supernormal to find a mixture of nostalgic Asian dishes and fun new creations.

Often heralded as the sporting capital of Australia, Melbournians love to get around a game of any kind. Check out what’s on in the sports precinct and join the crowd at a game of cricket, Australian Football League (AFL) or tennis.

Throughout Melbourne, there is a plethora of galleries and museums to explore. Stop in at enchanting spaces like the Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI) or the National Gallery of Victoria for a fulfilling dose of art and culture.

Melbourne is abuzz with funky live music venues where you can dance the night away to local bands and DJs playing everything from jazz to alternative rock. Head to Brunswick for grungy warehouse venues, or Richmond for their intimate stages.

Melbourne’s famous laneways are brimming with huge murals, colourful graffiti, quaint restaurants and hidden bars. You can wander them at your own pace or join a guided tour with Hidden Secrets to get your lay of the land.

Coffee is more than a beverage in Australia – it’s a ritual, and many consider Melbourne the coffee capital. Find out what all of the hype is about at trendy venues like ST. ALi, or sign up for a coffee cupping (tasting) session at Rumble Coffee.

At Queen Victoria Markets you can sample local produce, peruse funky trinkets and chat with local vendors in a fun and bustling space. You can join a walking foodie tour to make sure you hit all the highlights, or wander the markets at your leisure.

The locals in Melbourne love a drink in the sunshine – especially when you add great views to the mix. That’s why there are so many rooftop bars to choose from throughout the city. Stop in for a cocktail or craft beer to soak in the good vibes.

Book in for a stay at the opulent Jackalope Hotel – one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most luxurious offerings. Set amid rolling vineyards, the property boasts beautiful villas, acclaimed restaurant Doot Doot Doot and intriguing bespoke experiences.

Dine on rich seafood and taste exceptional local wines at Pt. Leo Estate. After, roam the network of winding paths that bring you to a quirky collection of sculptures from Australian and international artists.

Ease into geothermal springs, brimming with enriching minerals amid tranquil bushland at Peninsula Hot Springs. When you’ve had your fix of spa-hopping, head to the property’s day spa for indulgent treatments to help you relax and recharge.

Make your way to Montalto for a sumptuous Estate to Plate dining experience. Sip a glass of cuvee as you enjoy a private tour of the abundant kitchen gardens, indulge in a premium wine tasting at the cellar door and delve into a seasonal set menu.

The Mornington Peninsula is brimming with gorgeous wildlife, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. Join Moonraker Dolphin Swims to glide through the clear blue ocean alongside playful seals and cheeky dolphins.

Adored by locals and visitors alike, St Andrews Beach Brewery boasts a brilliant mix of top-tier drinks and classic dishes in a casual, laid-back setting. Pair a hearty meal with your favourite ale and lounge beneath the sun in the beer garden.

In the coastal town of Arthurs Seat, you’ll find the Eagle Skylift – an aerial gondola that will lift you above the trees to take in sweeping views over the Mornington Peninsula. Climb aboard with your camera at the ready.

Visit the sandy coastal stretches of the Mornington Peninsula to watch as the region’s famous bathing boxes glow beneath the colours of sunset. The clear, shallow waters of Mills Beach are ideal if you also fancy a sunset swim.

Set on the lands of the Bunurong People, Point Nepean National Park is a rugged and historic landscape. You can hire a bike or join a guided tour to spend a morning pedalling along the water, learning about the area’s Aboriginal and military history.

Home to over 70 Aussie species, Moonlit Sanctuary is a haven for those who adore meeting local wildlife. Join an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour to help the keepers prepare meals and learn the unique characteristics of each animal.

Savour one last swim at the Mornington Peninsula’s glorious beaches before you depart for Melbourne. Hire a snorkel or kayak and marvel at the coastal beauty, leaving plenty of time to stretch out on the sand beneath the warm sun before you go.

Once back in Melbourne, end your trip on a high with a feast at Chin Chin. This charismatic restaurant serves up an innovative mix of South-East Asian dishes that will leave you wanting more, from crispy barramundi to utterly perfect jungle curry.