Embarking on a golfing adventure on the Mornington Peninsula promises an unforgettable experience. The region is renowned for its stunning golf courses, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional hospitality.
To ensure you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled some essential travel tips.
Best Time to Visit
The Mornington Peninsula, with its temperate climate, is an excellent golfing destination all year round.
Golfers often favour the Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) seasons. During these periods, the weather is mild and the golf courses are in prime condition.
Summer (December – February) brings warmer weather, and golf courses typically present their most challenging conditions with lush couch fairways and firmer greens. This season also sees the highest crowd levels and green fees. However, if you’re travelling with family or friends who aren’t as keen on golf, the Peninsula shines in summer. Its many beaches become popular spots, offering the best conditions for swimming.
Winter (June to August) golfing can be a bit chilly, and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some wind and rain. But don’t let this deter you. Most courses are built on sand and are fast-draining, maintaining firm conditions throughout the year.
In fact, winter can offer slightly easier course conditions. As most courses use couch grass on fairways, which goes dormant during winter, the fairways play faster, leading to increased rollout. Additionally, the greens tend to be softer due to the increased rainfall. An added bonus of visiting in winter is that green fees and accommodation are at their cheapest!
Weather Considerations
The Mornington Peninsula, known for its temperate climate, is a year-round destination. However, it’s always wise to check the local weather forecast before your trip.
Due to its coastal location, the Peninsula typically experiences slightly cooler summers and milder winters compared to other areas in Victoria.
Packing appropriate clothing and gear to match the anticipated weather conditions is crucial. A thermal layer is recommended in Winter. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, so dressing in layers is recommended. Having a light waterproof jacket and pants is suggested for most of the year.
Below is a monthly breakdown of the typical weather conditions on the Mornington Peninsula:
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Wind (km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 25 | 14 | 42 | 8 | 18 |
February | 25 | 14 | 39 | 7 | 17 |
March | 23 | 13 | 47 | 10 | 16 |
April | 20 | 11 | 62 | 13 | 16 |
May | 17 | 10 | 70 | 16 | 15 |
June | 14 | 7 | 73 | 17 | 16 |
July | 13 | 7 | 70 | 18 | 17 |
August | 14 | 7 | 74 | 18 | 17 |
September | 17 | 8 | 69 | 16 | 18 |
October | 19 | 9 | 68 | 14 | 18 |
November | 21 | 11 | 59 | 12 | 18 |
December | 23 | 12 | 53 | 10 | 18 |
These figures can help you better plan your golf trip, ensuring you’re prepared for the weather and can maximise your time on the course
Getting to and travelling around the Mornington Peninsula
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is a conveniently located destination. Although public transport is available, it requires a combination of train and bus services, making the journey less straightforward.
For ease and convenience, especially for golfers due to limited public transportation to and from golf courses, we recommend hiring a vehicle for the duration of your stay. Alternatively, you can utilise various local transportation services, which can pick you up from the airport and facilitate easy trips to the courses.
The journey to the Peninsula, whether via coastal roads, freeways, or seaways, offers superb views, making the trip as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Taxi companies and Uber both service the Mornington Peninsula, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly towards the southern end of the Peninsula, where most of the best courses are situated. It is recommended to pre-book taxi services if you want to utilise them.
If you’re planning a visit without your own transport, consider staying in an area close to golf courses, dining options, and wineries.
Rye is a great spot, offering close proximity to many courses.
Sorrento, though a bit farther away, is worth considering for its extensive selection of shopping, dining, and drinking options.
Golf Equipment Rental
For those not keen on lugging golf clubs during travels, many golf clubs on the Mornington Peninsula offer equipment rental services.
You can rent everything from clubs to golf carts, ensuring you have everything you need for a great round of golf.
