Mornington Peninsula 4 Day / 3 Night Public Access Golf Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Warm-Up Round

Morning:

  • Arrival: Drive from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula (~1.5 hours).
  • Accommodation Check-in:
    • RACV Cape Schanck Resort (Cape Schanck): Offers modern rooms with ocean views and on-site amenities like a spa and dining facilities.

Mid-Morning Tee Time (10:30 AM):

  • Moonah Links – Legends Course:
    • Overview: Designed by Ross Perrett, the Legends Course at Moonah Links offers a unique golfing experience that caters to players of all skill levels. The course features generous fairways and large, undulating greens, encouraging strategic play. Its design pays homage to past champions, with each hole named after a golfing legend, adding a historical touch to your round.
    • Features: The course is renowned for its natural aesthetics, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. Native grasses and carefully placed bunkers enhance both the beauty and challenge of the course. The layout requires thoughtful shot selection, making it enjoyable yet testing for golfers.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Afternoon:

  • Drive to Lunch (10 min):
  • Lunch at The Cups Estate (Fingal): A vineyard restaurant offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu with fresh, local produce and great wines, all with stunning vineyard views.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (15 min):
  • Dinner at Cape Restaurant (Cape Schanck): Located within the RACV Resort, this restaurant provides a refined yet relaxed dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Drive to Drinks (10 min):
  • Drinks at St Andrews Beach Brewery (Fingal): A laid-back brewery set on a former racehorse training facility, offering craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2: Championship Links & Local Exploration

Morning Tee Time (8:00 AM):

  • Drive to Course (10 min):
  • St Andrews Beach Golf Course:
    • Overview: Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, St Andrews Beach Golf Course is consistently ranked among Australia's top public-access courses. The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and a natural, rugged aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the coastal landscape.
    • Features: The minimalist design approach emphasizes the natural contours of the land, providing a pure golfing experience. The course's fast, firm conditions and thoughtfully designed greens require strategic shot-making, appealing to golfers seeking a true links-style challenge.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Lunch:

  • Drive to Lunch (15 min):
  • Green Olive at Red Hill (Red Hill): This farm-to-table cafe offers tapas-style dishes made from fresh, local produce, accompanied by house-made wines. Set amidst a working farm, guests can enjoy views of vineyards and olive groves while dining, creating a rustic and relaxing atmosphere.

Afternoon Activity:

  • Drive to Hot Springs (10 min):
  • Peninsula Hot Springs (Fingal): Unwind in natural thermal mineral pools set in a tranquil environment. The hot springs offer a range of bathing experiences, from cave pools to hilltop vistas, providing the perfect way to relax after a morning on the course.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (15 min):
  • Dinner at The National Golf Club (Cape Schanck): A convenient and elegant dining option close to your accommodation, serving modern Australian cuisine with scenic views.
  • Drinks at The Pavilions Bar (Cape Schanck): Located within the RACV Resort, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with a great selection of local wines and craft beers.

Day 3: Coastal Golf & Culinary Delights

Morning Tee Time (7:30 AM):

  • Drive to Course (15 min):
  • The Dunes Golf Links (Rye):
    • Overview: The Dunes Golf Links offers a premier links-style golfing experience, characterized by its undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast, true greens. The course's design draws inspiration from the traditional links courses of Scotland and Ireland, providing a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all abilities.
    • Features: Set amidst the natural sand dunes of the Mornington Peninsula, the course offers stunning vistas and a sense of seclusion. Its layout requires thoughtful shot selection and rewards strategic play, making it a favorite among both serious and casual golfers.
    • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours.

Lunch:

  • Drive to Lunch (10 min):
  • The Hidden Kitchen (Rye): A cozy cafe offering hearty brunch options, great coffee, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Afternoon:

  • Drive to Wine Tasting (20 min):
  • Wine Tasting at Montalto Vineyard (Red Hill South): Set amidst picturesque vineyards and olive groves, Montalto offers wine tastings in a serene setting. Guests can sample a range of award-winning wines while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Evening:

  • Drive to Dinner (15 min):
  • Dinner at The Heritage Tavern (Balnarring): Housed in a beautifully restored 1930s building, The Heritage Tavern offers classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Its spacious beer garden and cozy interior make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
  • Drinks at The Westernport Hotel (Hastings): A lively pub known for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and a solid selection of local beers. The spacious beer garden is great for unwinding, and the live bands on weekends bring a fun, social vibe to the evening.

Day 4: Final Round & Departure

Morning Tee Time (7:00 AM):

  • Cape Schanck Golf Course (RACV Resort):
    • Overview: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this course is one of the Peninsula's most visually stunning layouts, offering spectacular coastal views and dramatic elevation changes. The fairways weave through native bushland, creating a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. While the design is forgiving in places, the deep bunkers and undulating greens provide plenty of challenge.
    • Features: The wind plays a significant role at Cape Schanck, making club selection and shot strategy essential. With its coastal setting, rugged beauty, and engaging layout, it's a perfect final round to cap off your golf trip.

Brunch & Departure:

  • Brunch at Elements Eatery (Cape Schanck): Located within RACV Cape Schanck Resort, this eatery serves fresh, locally inspired breakfast and lunch options in a relaxed setting.
  • Return to Melbourne (~1.5-hour drive).