The Best Family Activities for an Unforgettable Winter Holiday on the Mornington Peninsula
Winter on the Mornington Peninsula might make you think of cozy firesides and quiet escapes, but for families with little adventurers in tow, it's a wonderland with plenty of all-ages activities waiting to be discovered!
From Camillo House, your luxurious accommodation in Blairgowrie, even the chilliest days invite unforgettable family memories. So, rug up, embrace the crisp air and let us guide you through the best family-friendly activities on your next winter escape to the Mornington Peninsula.
Adventure Awaits: Fun Times for All-Ages Explorers
Forget cabin fever! Just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean you have to bunker down. The Mornington Peninsula has plenty of adventures waiting for the whole family:
The Big Goose (Moorooduc): This all-weather gem is a guaranteed hit. Discover a fabulous indoor petting barn, delight in daily animal shows, explore outdoor playgrounds and mazes or giggle together on the tractor ride!
The Big Goose is a 35 minute drive from Camillo House.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park (Pearcedale): For a very special encounter with Australia's unique wildlife, head to Moonlit Sanctuary. Spot kolas, dingoes and a host of other native animals at this pram-friendly park. You can even get up close and personal with the locals and and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies!
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is a 45 minute drive from Camillo House.
The Five Best Walks on the Mornington Peninsula: Whether you’re after a slow stroll or serious hike, Camillo House is the perfect base for exploring the region’s unforgettable sights on foot. Discover our insider’s guide to the best walks on the Mornington Peninsula.
Enchanted Adventure Park (Arthurs Seat): This award-winning natural attraction is an all-ages favourite! From epic tree surfing courses and tube slides (parents can ride with under 5s on double tubes, or there's a dedicated smaller kids' slide!); to giant brainteaser puzzles, a pram-friendly canopy walk, aerial playground and magical mazes; adventure awaits for adults and kids alike. With picnic tables and lots of undercover seating areas, Enchanted Adventure Park is the perfect destination for a big (wintery!) day out.
Enchanted Adventure Park is a 25 minute drive from Camillo House.
Coastal Charms: Beach Adventures & Panoramic Views
Even in winter, the magic of the coast calls. Just a short drive from Camillo House, these spots offer bracing air and beautiful vistas:
Rye Foreshore Playground: This nautical-themed playground is a fully fenced haven where kids can let their imagination run wild climbing lighthouses, steering boats or discovering a treasure chest. With picnic areas and public toilets, it's a perfect spot for burning off energy!
Rye Foreshore Reserve is 7 minute drive from Camillo House.
Point Nepean National Park: Boasting breathtaking coastal views and a fascinating history spanning back thousands of years to the Bunurong people, Point Nepean has also played an important role in shaping early European settlement and defence of Australia, being used to quarantine people arriving in Victoria. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape, explore military forts and tunnels at Fort Nepean, wander through the Quarantine Station’s heritage buildings or wait for low tide to discover the rock platforms at Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary. For little legs that get tired quickly, you can drive to key sites throughout the National Park and enjoy, short strolls, or there is also an internal park shuttle bus (fee applies) that operates daily.
Point Nepean National Park is a 15 minute drive from Camillo House.
Secret Beaches (All within a 10-minute drive!): Rug up in a coat and beanie and head out to one of our favourite secret beaches for a brisk walk, shell collecting, and dose of vitamin sea!
Family Fuel: Delicious Bites & Relaxed Dining
After all that exploring, hungry tummies (both big and small!) will be ready for a feed. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly spots to grab a bite to eat on the Mornington Peninsula:
Nora's Pizza House (Rye): A fabulous, casual dining option that families will love, offering crowd-pleasing pizzas and high chairs for your little one.
Nora's Pizza House is a ten minute drive from Camillo House.
St Paul's General Store (Sorrento): Ideal for a quick bite or healthy takeaway, St Paul’s General Store offers a great selection of sandwiches, smoothies, and wholesome meals – perfect for a picnic in the park or a pit stop on your adventures.
St Paul's General Store is a five minute drive from Camillo House.
Portsea Hotel (Portsea) : Our favourite for a relaxed afternoon! Enjoy a glass of wine and a grazing board on the sprawling lawn while soaking in the views and letting the kids run around.
Portsea Hotel is a 12 minute drive from Camillo House.
Green Olive (Red Hill): For a whole farm experience head to Green Olive. Wander the olive groves, vines and thriving veggie patch, before settling into lunch made with farm-fresh produce. There is also an in-ground trampoline, playground and resident sheep, chooks and pooch to keep the kids entertained!
Green Olive at Red Hill is a 25 minute drive from Camillo House.
Hawke's Farm (Boneo): This family-owned and operated farm, is an absolute must visit on Saturdays and Sundays for their legendary, perfectly golden, thrice cooked, hand-cut chips! While you’re there, pick up local produce straight from the farm-gate to take home with you.
Hawke’s Farm is a 15 minute drive from Camillo House.
Wineries with a Family Welcome: The Peninsula's wine region isn't just for adults! Many cellar doors embrace families offering spaces to play and kid’s menus. Here are six of our favourites:
All of these family-friendly wineries are within a 30 minute drive of Camillo House.
Your Home Away From Home: Camillo House in Winter
After a day filled with adventures, return to the warmth and comfort of Camillo House. Cook together in our fully equipped kitchen, star gaze and roast marshmallows over the firepit, discover our in-house library of books and boardgames… or simply sit by the fireplace and enjoy our complimentary Camillo Negronis once the little ones are sound asleep! Our spacious and inviting retreat provides the perfect sanctuary for families to unwind, recharge, and relish in the quiet moments that make a winter holiday on the Mornington Peninsula truly unforgettable.
Escape and memory make at Camillo | Book Your Winter Stay
Photography: Kate Logan