Book Those Long Weekends: The Best Airbnbs on the Mornington Peninsula

With the crystal-clear waters of Port Phillip Bay on one side, the Bass Strait directly south and Western Port Bay around the other end, the Mornington Peninsula is surrounded by pristine beaches. But it’s not all sand, sea and surf– it’s also home to world-class wineries, some of Victoria’s best restaurants, meandering bush walks, wildlife sanctuaries, farm gates for fresh produce and plenty more.

Thankfully it’s also got plenty of Airbnbs to rest your head if you want to spend the night, long weekend or a generous stretch of time just recharging before heading back to the city. Here are some of the best ones.

Stonewood House, Red Hill

Stay inside an interior designer’s own home at this newly renovated cottage-style accommodation set on a quiet country lane in Red Hill. Surrounded by towering gums, Stonewood House is a striking, design-forward stay where floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outdoors in, and a mix of timber, stone and concrete create a warm, modern-rustic feel. There are three bedrooms, a wood fireplace, an in-built trampoline, a basketball hoop, firepit seating in the garden and multiple al fresco terraces for sunset cocktails. Cook in the sleek chef’s kitchen or explore nearby cellar doors like Ten Minutes by Tractor. Sleeps seven, from $950 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Polperro Farmhouse, Red Hill

On a working vineyard beside a lush pine forest, this converted 1950s cottage designed by Hecker Guthrie effortlessly combines old style and contemporary comfort. Every inch is designed to make you feel at home, from the three bedrooms and roomy bathtub to the open fireplace and outdoor kitchen. You can bring groceries here and cook, or Polperro Winery is just a five-minute drive away. Sleeps six / from $1150 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Martha Beach House, Safety Beach

Less than 100 metres from the Mount Martha shoreline, this beach house is a slice of the Mediterranean on the peninsula – you’ll want to fire up the group chat for this one. There’s a circular heated pool, space for eight guests, a marble-splashed kitchen, a deck that looks out over Red Hill, Arthurs Seat and Port Phillip Bay, and a day spa-inspired ensuite – all pink travertine and stone finishings – worth fighting over. Sleeps eight / from $1220 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Cape Schanck House, Cape Schanck

Part retro-futurist vision and part modern-day beach shack, Cape Schanck house was built in 2006 with walls and windows at uncommon angles, and a striking internal water tank (the “blob” in the middle of the living room) as a centrepiece. It’s got three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the rear glass doors open onto a back lawn with a fireplace and barbeque. Sleeps six / from $315 a night / three-night minimum / book here.

Camillo House, Blairgowrie

Perched atop a rolling, greenery-strewn sand dune, this ’80s beach house is just 50 barefoot paces from Blaigowrie’s back beach. The penthouse has views over the dunes and sea, though every window offers impeccably framed outlooks. Relax in two custom-made bathtubs (one indoor, one outdoor), sleep in any of the three bedrooms, lounge on the four decks and watch the waves roll in. Sleeps six / from $879.30 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Nerissa, Rye

Just a short walk from Number 16 Beach, this newly constructed home offers seclusion and privacy under the shade of moonah trees. Cosy up next to the wood fire or soak in the marble-clad tub before retreating into one of four bedrooms (one’s got two sets of bunk beds). The two pavilions keep bedrooms and dining and entertaining areas separate, so you can get some shut-eye while the rest of the group chats into the night. Sleeps 10 / from $690 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Yoko Cabin, Rye

This two-bedroom cabin was built with inspiration from Japanese and Nordic design; it feels warm and sun-drenched, but also breezy. It’s got all the basic amenities you’d expect, alongside a French press, Aesop soaps, a record player and LPs to spin. Fire up the barbeque and log burner for a romantic night in after a day of exploring the area. Sleeps four / from $325 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Hart’s Farm, Shoreham

On the eastern side of the peninsula, Hart’s Farm offers a luxury getaway on a working farm producing apple cider, fruit preserves and extra-virgin olive oil (you can buy them to take home). Stay at The Studio if you want a cosy escape with a queen bed, huge bath and day bed overlooking the vineyard, or book The Retreat for all those plus a huge living and dining area, full kitchen and professional coffee machine. Sleeps two / from $375 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Topaz Beach House, Blairgowrie

Just minutes from the beach, this architectural stunner in Blairgowrie is all clean lines, calming tones and coastal sophistication. Behind its minimalist façade, find a warm and welcoming space with timber finishes, a long chef’s kitchen and sliding glass doors that open out to a sunny courtyard and heated pool. Enjoy four bedrooms (plus a separate studio), spa-style bathrooms, and plenty of room to cook, relax or entertain. Sleeps 10 / from $760 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Flux, Alice Jeffery, Emma Joyce, Linsey Rendell, Kate Shanasy, Tomas Telegramma, Gitika Garg.

We hope you like the places we recommend on Broadsheet. Our editors select each one independently. Broadsheet may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.