Can non-golfers enjoy a Mornington Peninsula golf tour?

Absolutely. The Peninsula offers exceptional experiences for non-golfing partners including over 200 wineries with cellar door tastings, Peninsula Hot Springs with 50+ thermal mineral pools, pristine beaches, art galleries, coastal walks at Point Nepean and Cape Schanck, farm-to-table dining, and spa treatments.

What wine varieties is the Mornington Peninsula known for?

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions, renowned for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. The maritime climate and diverse soils produce elegant wines that rival Burgundy. Over 200 wineries and 50+ cellar doors offer tastings, vineyard dining, and meet-the-winemaker experiences.

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tours | Coastal Courses, Wine & Hot Springs

Q: How many top-ranked golf courses are on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Mornington Peninsula has 8 courses ranked in Australia's top 50 and over 19 courses in total. Highlights include The National Golf Club (3 courses, all ranked in Australia's top 40), The Dunes Golf Links (#4 public access in Australia), St Andrews Beach (#7), Moonah Links Open (#98 in Golfweek's World Top 100), and Portsea Golf Club.

Q: How far is the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne?

The Mornington Peninsula is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. The scenic drive takes you through bayside suburbs before arriving at the Peninsula's golf country. We arrange private transfers or you can self-drive.

Q: What is the best time of year for Peninsula golf?

The Peninsula's sandy soil base ensures excellent drainage and year-round playability. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer ideal golf conditions with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer provides warm beach weather and long days. Winter is quieter with the hot springs especially appealing post-golf.

Q: Which Peninsula courses can visitors play?

Several top courses welcome visitors: The Dunes Golf Links, St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links (Open and Legends courses), RACV Cape Schanck, Portsea Golf Club, and Rosebud Country Club all offer public or resort access. The National Golf Club is private but accessible through our tour operator arrangements for accompanied groups.

Australia's Premier Golf & Wine Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is Victoria's most celebrated golf destination — a slender finger of land stretching between Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait where dramatic coastal terrain, sandy soil, and a temperate maritime climate have combined to create some of the finest golf courses in the southern hemisphere. With 8 courses ranked in Australia's top 50 and over 19 layouts in total, the Peninsula offers a concentration of quality golf matched by few regions in the world.

What truly sets the Peninsula apart is the complete experience beyond the fairways. This is one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions, home to over 200 wineries and 50 cellar doors producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. After your round, soak tired muscles in the Peninsula Hot Springs — over 50 natural thermal mineral pools set in beautiful gardens. Dine on fresh local produce at acclaimed restaurants. Stroll pristine beaches on both the bay and ocean sides. It is a destination where championship golf and refined lifestyle exist in perfect harmony.

The region known as "The Cups" — ancient rolling sand dunes along the southern edge of the Peninsula — provides the ideal terrain for links-style golf. This is where Australia's golfing renaissance began in the 1990s and 2000s with a spate of world-class course construction by designers including Robert Trent Jones Jr., Greg Norman, Tom Doak, Peter Thomson, Tony Cashmore, and Michael Clayton. The sandy, free-draining soil means courses play superbly year-round, and the dramatic Bass Strait coastline provides a backdrop that rivals the great links regions of Scotland and Ireland.

#4 in AustraliaThe Dunes — Top Public Access Course

#98 in WorldMoonah Links Open — Golfweek International

72 HolesThe National — Australia's Largest Private Club

Year-RoundSandy Soil = Exceptional Drainage

Golfer approaching a green on a coastal Mornington Peninsula course with bay views

Why Golf the Mornington Peninsula?

A complete golf and lifestyle destination — spectacular courses paired with world-class wine, food, hot springs, and coastal beauty.

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Coastal & Links Golf

Play clifftop and dunes-land layouts with stunning views over Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay. The Peninsula's sandy terrain produces authentic links conditions — firm, fast fairways with the bounce and roll of the great Scottish courses.

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200+ Wineries

One of Australia's finest cool-climate wine regions. Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from over 200 producers, many family-run boutique operations offering intimate cellar door experiences and vineyard dining.

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Natural Hot Springs

Peninsula Hot Springs and the exclusive Alba Thermal Springs offer over 50 natural geothermal mineral pools — the perfect post-golf ritual for soaking tired muscles in warm, mineral-rich waters set in beautiful gardens.

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World-Class Architects

Courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Greg Norman, Tom Doak, Michael Clayton, Peter Thomson, and Tony Cashmore. The Peninsula is a showcase of the world's greatest golf architecture from the past three decades.

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Food & Produce

Farm-to-table dining at acclaimed restaurants, fresh seafood from the bay and strait, artisan cheese makers, olive groves, berry farms, and providores. The Peninsula's food scene rivals its wines.

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Coastal Lifestyle

Pristine beaches on both the calm bay side and dramatic ocean coast. Coastal walks at Point Nepean National Park and Cape Schanck, charming villages, art galleries, and the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside escape.

Premier Peninsula Golf Courses

From dramatic coastal dunes-land to championship parkland, the Mornington Peninsula offers Australia's finest concentration of top-ranked courses accessible to touring golfers.

Australia's Largest Private Club — 72 Holes

The National Golf Club

Cape Schanck — All 3 courses ranked in Australia's Top 40

Australia's ultimate golf mega-complex, The National boasts three championship courses on spectacular coastal dune land at Cape Schanck. The Old Course (Robert Trent Jones Jr., 1988) is a dramatic, hilly layout with slick, undulating greens and stunning coastal views — the par-3 7th over a cavernous ravine with the coastline as backdrop is unforgettable. The Moonah Course (Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, 2000) is a raw, quasi-links experience amongst gnarled moonah trees on breathtaking rolling dunes that Norman called "land designers drool for." The Gunnamatta Course (Tom Doak, redesigned 2019) embraces the natural "cups" terrain near thundering Gunnamatta Beach with generous fairway widths and imaginative green contours.

3 Championship Courses RTJ Jr · Norman · Doak Private — Tour Access Available

#4 Public Access Course in Australia

The Dunes Golf Links

Consistently ranked as the Mornington Peninsula's and Victoria's top public-access golf course, The Dunes is authentic links golf at its finest. Commissioned by Duncan Andrews and designed by Tony Cashmore, the course opened in 1997 and winds through rolling valleys, hollows, hillocks, and swales of ancient coastal dune land. Most greens and tees sit in elevated positions offering sweeping views, while the firm, fast fairways deliver the bounce and run of a true links. The conditioning is immaculate — ranked 6th nationally for course conditions — and it has rightly been called the course that started Australia's renaissance of quality public-access links golf.

Par 72 · 18 Holes Tony Cashmore Design Public Access

#7 Public Access — Links Masterpiece

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

Set in the famous "Cups" region near Gunnamatta Beach, St Andrews Beach is a links masterpiece designed by the celebrated duo of American architect Tom Doak and Australian golf writer-designer Michael Clayton. The course winds through dramatic natural dunes and valleys, featuring elements inspired by the great links courses of the UK and Ireland — wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and green complexes that reward creativity. Ranked #7 among Australia's public-access courses, St Andrews Beach delivers an authentic links experience with abundant wildlife, including kangaroos grazing the fairways.

Par 72 · 18 Holes Doak & Clayton Design Public Access

Moonah Links Open course fairway through natural moonah tree bushland

Home of Australian Golf — Hosted the Australian Open

Moonah Links Golf Resort

Open Course by Peter Thomson — Legends Course tribute to Australian Open champions

Built as the official headquarters of Australian golf, Moonah Links features 36 holes on 1,500 hectares of ancient rolling sand dunes. The Open Course, designed by five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson, hosted the Australian Open and the Victorian PGA Championship — Marc Leishman won the 2025 Victorian PGA here. It was ranked #98 in Golfweek's 2025 Best International Courses. The Legends Course is a tribute to Australian Open champions, with each hole named after a legend of the game. Peppers Moonah Links Resort provides luxury on-site accommodation, making it the ideal base for a multi-day Peninsula golf escape.

36 Holes — Open & Legends Peter Thomson Design Resort Access · On-Site Hotel

Historic Links · Top 30 in Australia

Portsea Golf Club

Rolling seaside links — Established 1927

One of the Peninsula's most historic clubs, Portsea offers a classic links-style experience with spectacular rolling hills providing both an aerobic workout and stunning panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay. The superb couch fairways guarantee quality lies, while the greens are fast, true, and comparable to the famed Melbourne Sandbelt. Ranked among Australia's top 30 courses and rated Victoria's 3rd best public-access course, Portsea's strategic bunkering and windswept layout reward thoughtful play. The famous New Year's Day Pro-Am, held here since the 1960s, is one of the country's most beloved golfing traditions.

Par 72 · 18 Holes Top 30 in Australia Public Access · Historic Club

Resort Championship · Ocean Views

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

Located at the Peninsula's dramatic southern tip, RACV Cape Schanck offers a challenging championship layout with remarkable bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and breathtaking ocean views across Bass Strait. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. — the same architect behind The National's Old Course — Cape Schanck's rolling terrain and coastal exposure create a true test of golf. The RACV resort provides excellent accommodation, dining, and spa facilities, making it an ideal base for combining golf with Peninsula exploration. The lush conditioning and effective drainage ensure exceptional year-round playability.

Par 70 · 18 Holes RTJ Jr. Design Resort Access · Hotel & Spa On-Site

World-Class Wine Country

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions, with over 200 wineries and 50 cellar doors producing exceptional wines that rival the great estates of Burgundy. The maritime climate, diverse soils, and passionate winemakers create Pinot Noir of extraordinary elegance, Chardonnay of refined complexity, and Pinot Gris of refreshing purity.

Every Cooee Tours golf itinerary includes carefully curated wine experiences — from intimate cellar door tastings at small, family-run estates to long lunches at acclaimed vineyard restaurants showcasing the Peninsula's exceptional produce. Many wineries are tucked away on quiet roads between the golf courses, making wine country an integral part of the Peninsula golf experience rather than a separate excursion.

Pinot Noir Excellence

Cool maritime climate produces elegant, complex Pinot Noir rivalling the great wines of Burgundy

Boutique Producers

Over 200 mostly family-run wineries offering intimate, personal tasting experiences

Cellar Door Tastings

50+ cellar doors — meet the winemakers and taste wines direct from the barrel

Vineyard Dining

Outstanding restaurants like Ten Minutes by Tractor, Montalto, and Pt. Leo Estate showcasing local produce

Beyond the Golf Course

The Mornington Peninsula offers extraordinary experiences that make your golf tour truly unforgettable — especially for non-golfing partners.

🍷 Winery Tours

Private tastings at boutique wineries, vineyard lunches with panoramic views, and behind-the-scenes meet-the-winemaker experiences at estates producing some of Australia's finest cool-climate wines.

♨️ Hot Springs & Spa

Peninsula Hot Springs offers over 50 geothermal pools in garden settings. The exclusive Alba Thermal Springs provides a more intimate, adults-only experience. Both are ideal for post-golf rejuvenation.

🏖️ Pristine Beaches

Calm bay-side swimming beaches at Sorrento, Portsea, and Rye contrast with the dramatic surf beaches of Gunnamatta, Portsea Back Beach, and Cape Schanck on the ocean side. Two coastlines, completely different characters.

🍽️ Farm-to-Table Dining

Acclaimed restaurants like Ten Minutes by Tractor, Montalto, and Pt. Leo Estate. Plus coastal fish and chip shops, artisan cheese at Main Ridge Dairy, and fresh produce at Mornington and Red Hill markets.

🎨 Arts & Sculpture

Pt. Leo Estate's international sculpture park, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, McClelland Sculpture Park, and the charming gallery trails through Red Hill, Flinders, and Sorrento villages.

🌿 Point Nepean National Park

Historic military fortifications, coastal walking trails with ocean views, and the dramatic "London Bridge" rock formation. Point Nepean sits at the very tip of the Peninsula where the bay meets Bass Strait.

🧀 Local Producers

Main Ridge Dairy artisan cheese, Red Hill Cherry Farm, Sunny Ridge strawberry picking, Peninsula olive oils, and craft breweries like St Andrews Beach Brewing and Red Hill Brewery.

🐬 Marine Wildlife

Dolphin and seal cruises from Sorrento and Queenscliff, with regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seasonal whale watching from coastal lookouts.

Sample Peninsula Golf Itineraries

Custom-designed tours that showcase the best of Mornington Peninsula golf, wine, and coastal lifestyle. Every itinerary is tailored to your group's preferences.

Coastal views over Port Phillip Bay from a Peninsula golf course

3 Days / 2 Rounds

Weekend Golf Escape

A perfect weekend getaway combining championship golf with wine tastings and natural hot springs. Play two of the Peninsula's finest public-access courses — The Dunes and Moonah Links — with a winery afternoon and evening hot springs session between rounds.

Includes:2 championship courses (The Dunes + Moonah Links) · Boutique accommodation in Sorrento or Rye · Wine tour with 3 cellar door tastings · Peninsula Hot Springs entry · Seafood dinner at coastal restaurant · All transfers from Melbourne

Vineyard rows on the Mornington Peninsula with hills in background

5 Days / 4 Rounds

Golf & Wine Discovery

The complete Peninsula experience — four premium courses including The Dunes, St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links Open, and Portsea. Interspersed with curated winery visits, a vineyard long lunch, hot springs, and a coastal walk at Point Nepean.

Includes:4 top-ranked courses · Peppers Moonah Links Resort or boutique hotel · Private wine tour with lunch at vineyard restaurant · Hot springs access · Point Nepean guided walk · Fine dining experiences · Optional non-golfer partner program

Sunset over Peninsula coastline with golf course in foreground

7 Days / 6 Rounds

Ultimate Peninsula Golf Journey

Experience every facet of Peninsula golf and lifestyle. Play six rounds across the region's finest courses — including a special arrangement to access The National's private courses. Immerse yourself in wine country, coastal beauty, and exceptional dining.

Includes:6 rounds at premier courses (The National, The Dunes, St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links, Portsea, Cape Schanck) · Deluxe accommodation · Extensive wine experiences · Spa treatments · Point Nepean & Cape Schanck · Private guide · Partner program available

Planning Your Peninsula Golf Tour

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Getting There

Just 90 minutes from Melbourne via the Peninsula Freeway. We arrange private luxury transfers, or you can self-drive for flexibility. The Peninsula's compact geography means courses, wineries, and accommodation are all within 20–30 minutes of each other.

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Best Time to Visit

Year-round destination thanks to sandy, free-draining soils. Spring and autumn offer ideal golf conditions with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm beach weather and long twilight rounds. Winter is quieter, with hot springs especially appealing after golf.

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Where to Stay

Peppers Moonah Links Resort for on-course luxury. Boutique hotels in Sorrento and Rye for village charm. RACV Cape Schanck Resort for ocean-side drama. Vineyard retreats in Red Hill for wine country immersion. We match accommodation to your style.

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Course Access & Green Fees

We secure tee times at all Peninsula courses and arrange special access to private clubs including The National. Public-access green fees range from A$50–$180; The National carries a premium. Premium club hire available if you prefer not to travel with clubs.

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Non-Golfer Partners

We design bespoke partner programs — winery tours, hot springs spa days, beach time, art gallery visits, cooking classes, and coastal walks. Many partners say they enjoy the Peninsula as much as the golfers.

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Group & Corporate

Tailored packages for groups of 4 to 40+. Corporate golf days with winery events, team building, and exclusive venue hire. Couples getaways with golf and spa. Multi-generation family tours with activities for all ages and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many top-ranked golf courses are on the Mornington Peninsula?

The Peninsula has 8 courses ranked in Australia's top 50 and over 19 courses in total. The standout venues include The National Golf Club (3 courses, all in Australia's top 40), The Dunes Golf Links (#4 public access in Australia), St Andrews Beach (#7 public access), Moonah Links Open (ranked #98 in Golfweek's 2025 Best International Courses and hosted the Australian Open), and Portsea Golf Club (top 30 in Australia). Additional quality options include RACV Cape Schanck, Eagle Ridge, Flinders Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, and Mornington Golf Club.

How far is the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne?

Approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne's CBD via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. The drive is scenic and straightforward. Once on the Peninsula, the compact geography means most courses, wineries, and accommodation options are within 20–30 minutes of each other. We arrange luxury private transfers or you can self-drive if you prefer flexibility to explore.

Can non-golfers enjoy a Peninsula golf tour?

Absolutely — and many non-golfing partners say the Peninsula was the highlight of their trip. We design bespoke partner programs including wine tours through 200+ wineries, Peninsula Hot Springs spa treatments, pristine beaches, art galleries and sculpture parks (Pt. Leo Estate is world-class), coastal walks at Point Nepean, farm-to-table dining, artisan food trails, and more. The Peninsula offers so much beyond golf that non-golfing days are never wasted.

What is the best time of year for Peninsula golf?

The Peninsula is excellent year-round thanks to sandy, free-draining soils that ensure courses play well even after rain. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer ideal golf conditions with mild temperatures (15–22°C), stable weather, and fewer crowds. Summer (December–February) provides warm beach weather and long daylight for twilight rounds. Winter (June–August) is the quietest season with the hot springs especially appealing post-golf.

Which Peninsula courses can visitors play?

Several top-ranked courses welcome visitors: The Dunes Golf Links, St Andrews Beach, Moonah Links (Open and Legends courses), RACV Cape Schanck, Portsea Golf Club, Rosebud Country Club, Eagle Ridge, and Mornington Golf Club all offer public or resort access with green fees. The National Golf Club is private, but we can arrange access for accompanied tour groups through our operator relationships — this is one of the key advantages of booking through Cooee Tours.

What wine varieties is the Peninsula known for?

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine regions, renowned primarily for Pinot Noir (elegant, complex wines that rival Burgundy), Chardonnay (refined and mineral-driven), and Pinot Gris (aromatic and refreshing). The maritime climate — with moderating influence from both Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait — combined with diverse soils and passionate winemakers produces wines of exceptional finesse. Notable estates include Ten Minutes by Tractor, Montalto, Stonier, Moorooduc, and Crittenden.

How many rounds should I plan?

A 3-day weekend allows 2–3 rounds plus wine and hot springs. A 5-day stay lets you play 4–5 courses and really explore the wine region and coast. A 7-day trip provides the complete experience — 6 rounds across all the premier courses with rest days for non-golf activities, deep wine country exploration, and the leisurely Peninsula lifestyle. We tailor every itinerary to your group's preferences and pace.

Mornington Peninsula Golf Tours — Where Golf Meets Wine Country