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Getting Around

Getting Around

Victoria, Australia

Public Transportation

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) manages all public transport in Victoria. On the Mornington Peninsula, the main system is a limited bus network. Unlike Melbourne's city center, no metro trains or tram services directly exist on the peninsula. The closest train line from Melbourne terminates at Frankston, serving as a gateway to the northern part of the peninsula. Bus routes mainly connect larger towns along the bay side.

Inland areas, including many wineries, farm gates, and specific national park entrances, are poorly served or not served at all by public transport. This makes accessing these attractions without a car challenging. Bus services generally operate from early morning until late evening. Frequency varies significantly by route and time of day. Main routes might have hourly services; less popular routes and all routes on weekends often have significantly reduced frequency.

Myki Card & Hubs

  • Myki is the reusable smart card ticketing system. Purchase at train stations, major bus interchanges, 7-Eleven, or Myki sign outlets.
  • Top-up Myki Money or passes at purchase locations, Myki machines, or PTV website.
  • Fares are based on zones and time. Touch on/off your Myki when boarding/alighting.
  • Hubs include Frankston (train terminus), Mornington, Rosebud, and Sorrento.

Bus Accessibility

Newer buses are generally low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Older buses may not have these features.

Train Accessibility

Major train stations like Frankston typically have ramps or lifts.

Navigation Tip

Use the PTV website or app to plan journeys. Relying solely on public transport for extensive exploration is not recommended.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services
  • Licensed taxis are white or yellow, with a roof light when available.
  • Hail on street in major towns, find at taxi ranks (train stations, shopping centers), or book via apps/phone (e.g., 13CABS).
  • Metered fares. Short rides within a town cost $15-$30. Accepts cash and major credit/debit cards.
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • Uber is widely available in populated towns. Didi and Ola are also present.
  • Download apps and set up payment before your trip.
  • Always check driver's name and vehicle registration against the app before entering for safety.

Taxi/Ride-Share Airport Transfers

From MEL/AVV

Available for transfer to Mornington Peninsula.

Cost

Expensive due to long distance (1.5-2 hours).

Recommendation

Car rental is more cost-effective for airport transfers.

Frankston Station

Taxi ranks outside Frankston station for onward travel.

Walking & Cycling

The region presents numerous paths and trails suitable for various activity levels, with beautiful scenery for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Coastal Walks: Two Bays Walking Track (26 km from Cape Schanck to Dromana), or shorter sections.
  • Foreshore Paths: Long, paved or gravel paths along bay-side towns (Dromana, Rosebud, Sorrento).
  • Town Centres: Main streets of Mornington, Sorrento, Portsea, Flinders, Dromana are pedestrian-friendly.
  • National Parks: Point Nepean National Park and Arthurs Seat State Park offer excellent walking trails.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

  • Shared Paths: Dedicated shared cycling and walking paths along many foreshore areas.
  • Road Cycling: Quieter country roads in the inland wine region suit cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Dedicated trails at Red Hill Mountain Bike Park.
  • Safety: Wearing a helmet is mandatory by law in Victoria. Use lights at night. Cyclists must follow all road rules.

Walking Tour Options & Restricted Areas

  • Self-guided: Well-marked trails; maps and information from Parks Victoria or visitor centers.
  • Guided: Some local operators offer eco-tours or historical walks (e.g., Point Nepean National Park).
  • Many apps like AllTrails offer trail information.
  • No-Go Areas: High-speed arterial roads (Peninsula Link) are unsuitable for walking/cycling.
  • Respect private property. Adhere to signage within national parks for restricted areas.
  • Check for fire danger warnings; some bushland trails may close on high-danger days.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

No standard hop-on-hop-off services. Private tour operators (many from Melbourne) offer full-day tours focusing on wineries or hot springs, with fixed itineraries and dedicated transport.

Water Transportation

Sorrento-Queenscliff Ferry connects the peninsulas. Dolphin & Seal Swim Tours operate from Sorrento. Fishing charters depart from various piers. Private boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard hire is available.

Arthurs Seat Eagle

A modern gondola ride providing scenic journeys to the summit of Arthurs Seat. Panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne skyline, vineyards, and rugged coastline. Cabins are enclosed and comfortable.

Overall Getting Around

For the most flexible and comprehensive exploration of the Mornington Peninsula, a rental car is the recommended mode of transport. This allows you to visit diverse attractions at your own pace.

Accessibility varies across the peninsula. Newer attractions and facilities generally incorporate good accessibility features. For specific needs, check directly with venues, operators, or accommodation before your visit.