Maximum 10 travellers
No big coaches or disappearing into a crowd. Small groups keep the day personal, relaxed and social.
Wild coast. Local food. Hot springs.
Mornington Peninsula Hiking & Hot Springs Adventure
Hike the wild Southern Ocean coast, spot native wildlife, enjoy a proper local lunch and finish with two relaxing hours at Peninsula Hot Springs — all with a maximum of 10 travellers.
Maximum 10 guests5 km coastal hike2 hours hot springsGrade 2
Adventure first. Relaxation later.
Experience both sides of the Mornington Peninsula.
The Mornington Peninsula isn't just beaches and hot springs. Beyond the polished seaside towns is a wild Southern Ocean coast of bushland, cliffs, crashing surf and native wildlife — and we think the best way to experience it is on foot.
We'll hike 5 km through coastal bushland to Bushrangers Bay, explore Cape Schanck, slow down for a proper lunch at a local cafe and then completely change gears for two hours of geothermal bathing at Peninsula Hot Springs.
With a maximum of 10 travellers, the day stays personal, social and relaxed. Less time sitting on a tour bus. More time walking, eating, soaking and actually enjoying the Peninsula.
The Hike & Seek difference
Hike. Eat. Soak.
A little adventure, a little indulgence and a lot more Mornington Peninsula than you'll experience through a bus window.
A proper coastal hike
Walk 5 km through coastal bushland to Bushrangers Bay instead of spending the day being driven between roadside viewpoints.
Wild Southern Ocean coast
Bushrangers Bay and Cape Schanck reveal the rugged side of the Peninsula — cliffs, surf, bushland and dramatic coastal landscapes.
A proper local lunch
Refuel at one of our favourite Peninsula cafes and support a local business rather than squeezing in a generic tourist lunch stop.
Two hours to soak
The Hot Springs aren't squeezed into the itinerary. You'll have around two hours to slow down, explore the pools and properly unwind.
Local people, not a script
Explore with friendly local outdoor guides who hike with you, share the day and create a relaxed road-trip atmosphere.
“Spend the morning exploring the wild coast. Spend the afternoon soaking it all in.”
Your adventure
Wild in the morning. Wonderful in the afternoon.
Start above the Peninsula at Arthur's Seat, then lace up for our 5 km Bushrangers Bay hike and explore the dramatic coastline around Cape Schanck.
Once you've earned it, we'll slow everything down: a proper local lunch followed by around two hours soaking in the geothermal pools at Peninsula Hot Springs.
The adventure
Melbourne→Arthur's Seat→Bushrangers Bay→Cape Schanck→Local Lunch→Peninsula Hot Springs→Melbourne
7:30 AM
Melbourne Pickup
Meet your local guide and a small group of fellow travellers in central Melbourne before we leave the city behind and head south towards the Mornington Peninsula. With a maximum of 10 guests, the day feels more like a road trip with good company than a conventional coach tour.
Pickup:180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Morning
Arthur's Seat
Start the day high above the Peninsula at Arthur's Seat, where panoramic views stretch across Port Phillip Bay and, on a clear day, all the way back towards Melbourne. We'll enjoy the view, some morning tea and our first taste of the Peninsula before heading towards its wilder southern coastline.
Late Morning
Bushrangers Bay Coastal Hike
Now we leave the sightseeing behind and explore the Peninsula properly. Follow a 5 km return trail through coastal bushland towards Bushrangers Bay, with rolling hills, native birds, kangaroo country and the wild Southern Ocean waiting at the end.
Late Morning
Bushrangers Bay
Step onto one of the Peninsula's most dramatic stretches of coastline. Huge basalt cliffs, crashing Southern Ocean waves and a rugged beach make Bushrangers Bay feel a world away from Melbourne. We'll take time to enjoy the coast before hiking back through the national park.
Midday
Cape Schanck
Continue to the southern tip of the Peninsula for a shorter walk around Cape Schanck. Explore the boardwalks, lighthouse precinct and dramatic meeting point of cliffs and ocean while looking back across the wild coastline we've spent the morning exploring.
Lunch
A Proper Local Lunch
After the morning hike, it's time to refuel properly. We stop at one of our favourite local Mornington Peninsula cafes for a relaxed lunch rather than rushing through a generic tourist stop. Grab something delicious, enjoy a coffee and support one of the local businesses that makes the Peninsula such a great place to visit.
Afternoon
Peninsula Hot Springs
You've explored the wild coast. Now it's time for the reward. Swap hiking shoes for swimmers and spend two relaxing hours soaking in the geothermal mineral pools at Peninsula Hot Springs — the perfect contrast to a morning spent hiking beside the Southern Ocean.
Afternoon
Two Hours to Soak
This isn't a quick photo stop. You'll have around two hours to explore the Bath House and unwind at your own pace. Move between geothermal pools, slow down and let the legs recover after the morning's coastal adventure. We even provide the towel.
Approx. 5:30 PM
Return to Melbourne
Relax on the drive back to Melbourne after a day that gives you both sides of the Peninsula — wild coastline, hiking and wildlife in the morning, followed by good local food and a long geothermal soak in the afternoon.
Earn your soak.
Hike the coast. Then switch off completely.
Maximum 10 travellers. 5 km coastal hike. Two hours at the Hot Springs.
Is this your kind of day?
For travellers who like adventure with a reward at the end.
If hiking to a wild beach, eating somewhere local and then disappearing into geothermal pools for two hours sounds better than a day of roadside sightseeing, you'll probably fit right in.
You'll love this tour if you:
- ✓Want to experience the Peninsula on foot, not just from a vehicle.
- ✓Prefer a maximum of 10 travellers over a large coach group.
- ✓Love wild beaches, cliffs and Southern Ocean scenery.
- ✓Are comfortable with an easy-to-moderate 5 km coastal hike.
- ✓Appreciate good coffee and a proper local lunch.
- ✓Want plenty of time to actually enjoy the Hot Springs.
- ✓Enjoy meeting relaxed, like-minded travellers.
- ✓Want a local guide rather than scripted coach commentary.
It may not be the best fit if you:
- —Need a fully accessible, step-free itinerary.
- —Want a sightseeing-only tour with almost no walking.
- —Are uncomfortable walking around 5 km on uneven trails.
- —Don't want to visit Peninsula Hot Springs.
Your local crew
Guided by outdoor people, not a script.
Hike & Seek is a small independent Melbourne tour company created for travellers who want to properly experience Victoria's wild places. Our guides are friendly, First Aid qualified and genuinely passionate about hiking, wildlife and the landscapes we explore.
Your guide hikes Bushrangers Bay with you, helps spot wildlife and shares the Peninsula as someone who actually enjoys being there — not someone racing through a memorised commentary.
Expect good conversation, local knowledge, a relaxed road-trip atmosphere and enough flexibility to actually enjoy the places we visit.
First Aid qualifiedLocal knowledgeIndependent & localMaximum 10
The essentials
What's included
- ✓Friendly local outdoor guide
- ✓Small-group transport
- ✓Mornington Peninsula National Park entry
- ✓Guided 5 km Bushrangers Bay hike
- ✓Arthur's Seat & Cape Schanck
- ✓Peninsula Hot Springs Bath House entry
- ✓Around 2 hours at the Hot Springs
- ✓Towel for the Hot Springs
- ✓Delicious snacks
- ✓Maximum 10 travellers
Not included:Lunch, drinks and personal expenses. We stop at a local Mornington Peninsula cafe after the hike so you can enjoy a proper lunch before heading to the Hot Springs.
Before you book
Mornington Peninsula tour FAQs
How is Hike & Seek different from a typical Mornington Peninsula tour?
We combine the Peninsula's wild side with its relaxing side. Instead of spending the day driving between attractions, you'll hike 5 km through coastal bushland to Bushrangers Bay, explore Cape Schanck, enjoy a proper local lunch and then spend around two hours soaking at Peninsula Hot Springs. With a maximum of 10 travellers, it's an active, personal day rather than a conventional coach tour.
How much walking is involved?
The main walk is a guided 5 km return hike to Bushrangers Bay, plus shorter walks at Arthur's Seat and Cape Schanck. The Bushrangers Bay trail is undulating with some gentle hills and occasional steps.
How difficult is the Bushrangers Bay hike?
The hike is Grade 2. No previous bushwalking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking around 5 km on an undulating trail with occasional steps. Comfortable trainers or hiking shoes are recommended.
Is Peninsula Hot Springs entry included?
Yes. Entry to the Bath House at Peninsula Hot Springs is included in your tour, with around two hours of bathing time.
Are towels included at the Hot Springs?
Yes. We provide towels for your visit to Peninsula Hot Springs, so just remember to bring your swimsuit. Sandals or slip-on shoes are also handy around the bathing areas.
How long do we spend at Peninsula Hot Springs?
We allow around two hours at Peninsula Hot Springs. We want the Hot Springs to feel like a proper part of the experience rather than something you rush through at the end of the day.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is purchased separately. After the coastal hike we stop at one of our favourite Mornington Peninsula cafes, where you can sit down, refuel and enjoy a proper local lunch before heading to the Hot Springs. Allow around $30 for lunch.
Will we see kangaroos?
There are good opportunities to see kangaroos and native birds around the Bushrangers Bay area, but they're genuinely wild animals so sightings can never be guaranteed.
Who normally joins Hike & Seek tours?
Our tours attract travellers who enjoy nature, walking, good food and experiencing places rather than simply sightseeing. Mornington is particularly good for people who like a little adventure but also appreciate slowing down afterwards, and the small group makes it easy to meet like-minded travellers.
Where does the tour depart?
The tour departs from 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne at 7:30 AM. Please arrive around 10 minutes early so our small group can leave Melbourne on time.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable trainers or hiking shoes, at least 1 litre of water, warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and your swimsuit. We provide towels for Peninsula Hot Springs. Sandals or slip-on shoes for the bathing areas are optional but useful.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Tours generally operate in changing weather, but coastal conditions can affect some walking locations. Your guide may adjust the itinerary when necessary for safety and conditions.
Can I bring luggage?
Storage is limited in our small-group vehicle. Please contact us before booking if you need to bring anything larger than a small day bag.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations made within 24 hours are generally non-refundable.
Earn your soak.
Wild coast. Good food. Two hours in the Hot Springs.
Join a maximum of 10 travellers for a Mornington Peninsula day built around exploring first and relaxing afterwards.
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