Tours & Activities
Gardens of the Mornington Peninsula Private Day Tour
Mornington Peninsula Private Tours: Explore Diverse Beauty and Historic Gems
Embark on a private day tour and discover the astonishing beauty and diversity of Cranbourne Gardens on our Mornington Peninsula private tours. Delight in settings that encapsulate the essence of Australia’s diverse landscape, from the Red Centre to the coastal fringes. Immerse yourself in this captivating journey at your own pace.
Botanical Wonders of Victoria: Exploring Heronswood, Cruden Farm, and Ashcombe Maze
Discover the lush beauty of Victoria’s botanical treasures with a visit to Heronswood in Dromana. Set on two hectares of meticulously manicured formal gardens, this historic property is also the headquarters of the esteemed Digger’s Club, a leading gardening organisation in Australia.
Experience the serene ambience of Cruden Farm, a beloved public space generously bequeathed by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Managed by a charitable trust, Cruden Farm offers visitors a unique opportunity for leisure and recreation amidst stunning greenery.
Delight your senses at Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, spread across 25 acres of enchanting landscapes. Lose yourself in intricately designed mazes, wander through woodland gardens, and immerse yourself in the beauty of seasonal blooms, all while celebrating the rich diversity of trees and plants.
Experience the enchanting nature’s beauty in our Mornington Peninsula day tour.
Cranbourne Gardens: Featured Destination in Mornington Peninsula Day Tour
Just a 50 minute drive from Melbourne’s city centre, discover the astonishing beauty and diversity of more than 170,000 individual native plants at the Cranbourne Gardens. You will find them displayed in settings that capture the essence of Australia’s diverse landscape from the Red Centre to the coastal fringes.
The Australian Garden comprises 11 precincts and facilities including a visitor kiosk at the northern end of the garden, boardwalks and viewing platforms on Howson and Gibson Hills, and an amphitheatre for education programs and performances.
It is a place where you can explore the evolving connections between people, plants and landscapes. The Australian Garden is also a place where you can discover inspiration and information about how to use Australian plants in your garden.
Heronswood: Historic Gardens and Gardening Legacy
Heronswood is a breathtaking historic property situated on two hectares of formal gardens in Dromana. It is the home of the Digger’s Club – Australia’s most respected gardening organisation, dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and the best gardening traditions.
The gardens comprise stunning perennial and annual borders as well as kitchen and vegetable parterre gardens, providing inspiration to cooks and gardeners.
Cruden Farm: Iconic Green Spaces and Seasonal Delights
Cruden Farm is one of Victoria’s most exciting green spaces. It is a special place of public recreation, left by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch for the people to enjoy that is now managed by a charitable trust.
The star attraction of Cruden Farm is the garden and the iconic image and star component is the main driveway, planted with over 100 lemon scented gum trees. In truth, there are many gardens to enjoy, each one different in style, plantings and mood. Each area was carefully planned by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and Michael Morrison. To this day Michael is still implementing Dame Elisabeth’s long term plans for various areas across the garden. Cruden Farm changes dramatically during the seasons, so it is worth returning to Cruden Farm to appreciate the different vistas over a twelve month period.
The Picking Garden truly reflects the changing seasons at Cruden Farm and during Spring and Summer is alive with thousands of blooms and glorious colour. Where food was once grown for the family, as the children left home, Dame Elisabeth replaced fruit and vegetables with more and more blooms. The Walled Garden, originally designed by Edna Walling, has undergone changes since it was first planted out in the early 1930s. There are other special areas to explore too, including the ‘outer garden’ and the plantation areas.
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens: Enchanting Sensory Experiences
Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens is 25 acres of unique mazes and quality woodland gardens that inspires the senses, celebrates the seasons, and showcases the true beauty of trees and plants. A memorable garden experience that educates and creates a sense of fun & wonder. An internationally renowned and magical place of excellence to share with friends & family. A sustainable garden of great value for future generations.
Highlights of Mornington Peninsula Private Tours
- Cranbourne gardens Australian theme
- Heronswood formal gardens
- Cruden Farm driveway and multi themed gardens
- Ashcombe Maze is great for kids and adults alike
- Knowledgeable and passionate gardener as a guide
What we have included in Mornington Peninsula Day Tours
- Pick-up and return to your hotel or private address
- Morning or Afternoon Tea
- Generally there is only enough time to see 3 gardens on this tour but they are all stunning.
- Knowledgeable and passionate gardener as a guide
- Flexible and fully customised itinerary
- Luxury vehicle with free wifi & bottled water
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm jacket, sturdy footwear
How long do you need in Mornington Peninsula?
The ideal duration for exploring the Mornington Peninsula depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do. A full day is recommended to experience the diverse attractions, gardens, beaches, and culinary delights the region has to offer.
Is there a train from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula?
Currently, there is no direct train service from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula. However, you can reach the peninsula by train and bus combination, which involves taking a train from Melbourne to Frankston and then transferring to a bus to reach Mornington Peninsula.
Who will be guiding us through the gardens?
Your tour will be led by a knowledgeable and passionate gardener who will provide insightful commentary, interesting facts, and guidance throughout your exploration of the gardens in Mornington Peninsula.
What is the best time to visit Mornington Peninsula?
The best time to visit the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, depends on your preferences and planned activities. Many favour late spring to early autumn (October to April) for warm weather ideal for beach outings, hiking, and exploring vineyards and gardens. This time also sees blooming flowers and peak event seasons. For quieter visits with fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or autumn (April to June) when the weather remains pleasant.
