VICTORIA, MORNINGTON PENINSULA

A GIRL'S GOLF GETAWAY -

Fairways, friends, and a little luck with the weather

Why the Mornington Peninsula?

When it comes to golf escapes, Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula offers the perfect balance—first-class golf courses, stunning scenery, coastal village charm, and plenty of post-round indulgence. For our group of nine women, it was the ideal spot for a midweek girls’ getaway—somewhere we could swing the clubs, share a few laughs, and unwind in style.

Setting Up in Sorrento

After arriving in Melbourne on Monday afternoon, we were greeted by Rahim, who chauffeured us comfortably to Sorrento as part of our booking with Fairway Golf Tours. They took care of everything—transfers, tee times, accommodation—which made the logistics seamless from start to finish.

Our base for the week was Carmel at Sorrento, a beautifully appointed set of apartments right on Ocean Beach Road. Stylish, spacious and superbly located, it made a perfect home for our group. A short stroll brought us to local cafés, boutiques, and the IGA—everything we needed within arm’s reach.

Dinner that evening was at the Conti Bar in the Continental Hotel, where we caught up over hearty meals and planned the days ahead.

Tuesday – Moonah Links & Perfect Playing Weather

Tuesday’s round was at the Moonah Links Legends Course, a generous and well-maintained layout with wide fairways and beautiful greens. And the weather? Glorious. At 26°C, it was warm enough for golf skirts and short sleeves, with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable.

We played in three groups with motorised carts, soaking in the sunshine and easing into the swing of the week. After the round, we returned to Sorrento with another smooth transfer by Mitchell, also from Fairway Golf Tours—friendly, punctual, and always happy to lend a hand with gear and champagne!

Dinner that evening was at Itali.co, where fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza fueled plenty of lively discussion about the day’s best (and worst) shots.

Wednesday – The Dunes Cups Course & a Rainy Ambrose

Wednesday brought a fun twist: a 3-Club Ambrose format on the Cups Course at The Dunes Golf Links. Each of us chose only three clubs to use for the entire 9-hole round—no exceptions—which led to some lively strategy discussion over coffee that morning.

We teed off under a blanket of grey, and as if on cue, the skies opened just as we finished our final putt. Sideways rain sent us quickly retreating to the clubhouse, where we warmed up with a well-earned lunch at The Clubhouse Restaurant.

Exploring Sorrento on Foot

That afternoon, the weather cleared and some of us explored Sorrento’s walking trails whilst others pondered the local shops. The highlights included:

• Millionaires’ Walk – a clifftop path with stunning bay views and peeks into some of the area’s most enviable homes.
• Coppins Track – part of the Coastal Walk, offering dramatic seascapes and links to Sorrento’s maritime past.
• St Paul’s Beach Trail – a shorter coastal walk to a rocky beach known for its wild beauty and rock pools.
• Sorrento to Portsea Beach Trail – Flat and scenic, ideal for a morning walk

Sorrento’s Ocean Beach Road is lined with boutiques, homewares stores, and gift shops perfect for a casual browse or a last-minute souvenir. You’ll find a mix of coastal fashion, artisan jewellery, and stylish interiors at shops like Marlene Miller Antiques, Emia, and Red Hill House. Don't miss the local bookshop or the well-stocked gourmet deli if you’re after a picnic spread.

Dinner that night was a relaxed self-catered evening in our apartments—wine, cheese, and stories from the course.

Thursday – Windy Finale at St Andrews Beach

On Thursday we played St Andrews Beach Golf Club, set within the windswept dunes of the southern Peninsula. The sun returned, but the wind was unrelenting—strong enough to blow the local kangaroos off course, let alone our drives.

The course was peaceful, beautifully designed, and a fitting conclusion to our week of golf. Prizes were awarded, photos were taken, and spirits remained high despite a few weather-related challenges.

Dinner was our final outing: Shihuishi at Hotel Sorrento, offering a modern Asian shared menu in a stunning coastal setting.

Friday – Homeward Bound

On Friday morning, Fairway Golf Tours once again managed our transfers smoothly—whether heading to the airport or into the city. We left with full hearts, a few sore muscles, and plenty of stories.

The Wrap-Up

Trip Highlights

• Best Round: Moonah Links on a warm, sunny Tuesday
• Most Fun: 3-Club Ambrose at The Dunes—just in time before the rain
• Best Walk: Millionaires’ Walk for sweeping views and a fresh sea breeze
• Biggest Battle: The wind at St Andrews Beach
• Star Support: Rahim & Mitchell from Fairway Golf Tours—professional, reliable, and great company

Not a Golfer? Here’s What Else the Mornington Peninsula Offers

Even if golf isn’t your focus, the Mornington Peninsula offers plenty to fill a weekend—whether you're into nature, wellness, or good food and wine.

Hot Springs & Spa Experiences

For a day of relaxation, head to the Peninsula Hot Springs or the newer Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. Both offer a series of geothermal pools, cold plunges, and spa treatments. Alba is more modern and minimalist in design, while Peninsula Hot Springs has a broader range of bathing experiences in a natural setting.

Visit Portsea & Point Nepean

Just down the road from Sorrento, Portsea is known for its quiet bay beaches and clifftop mansions. Nearby, Point Nepean National Park has scenic coastal trails, military forts, and views across Bass Strait—worth the short drive and an easy walk.

Food, Wine & Local Produce

The Peninsula is packed with cool-climate wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farmgate producers. Places like Montalto, Pt. Leo Estate, and Polperro combine wine, dining and art in one stop. For something more casual, drop into one of the local markets or producers for cheese, olive oil or fresh berries (in season).

Other Towns Worth Visiting

• Red Hill – Known for wineries, cellar doors, and farm-to-table dining
• Flinders – A quiet coastal village with cafés, galleries, and a scenic pier
• Mornington – A good stop on your way in or out, with shopping, dining and a busy weekend market

The Mornington Peninsula is well suited to a golf weekend, but just as enjoyable for those who'd rather relax, walk, or explore. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, walking the coastal tracks, or enjoying a long lunch at a winery, there’s something here for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a girls' golf getaway or simply a coastal weekend escape, this region ticks all the boxes. We’ll be back—no doubt about it.