The Mornington Peninsula is a popular day trip and getaway destination for folks of Melbourne and visitors both domestic and international. This stunning area of Victoria is characterised by its calm waters of the bay for swimming, its amazing wineries producing some of the best drops in Australia, its amazing local produce and so many wonderful attractions. There are just so many things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.
- Where is the Mornington Peninsula?
- Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula
- The top things to do on the Mornington Peninsula
- Mornington Peninsula attractions – Enchanted Adventure Garden
- Mornington Peninsula places to visit – The Eagle Arthurs Seat
- Search accommodation in Rosebud ↗
- Search accommodation in Portsea↗
- Search accommodation in Dromana ↗
- Mornington Peninsula attractions – Peninsula Hot Springs
- Book tickets to Peninsula Hot Springs
- Family activities Mornington Peninsula – The Big Goose
- Waterbike tour on the Mornington Peninsula
- Sightseeing Mornington Peninsula – Point Nepean National Park
- Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula – Pick Strawberries at Rocky Creek
- Things to do on Mornington Peninsula – Polperro Dolphin Swims
- Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Moonlit Sanctuary
- Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Dromana Drive-In
- Mornington Peninsula attractions – The Beach
- Visiting Morning Peninsula breweries & wineries
- Visit a Mornington Peninsula market day
- Take a drive along Main Ridge
- Cape Schanck Lighthouse – Mornington Peninsula Activities
- Walking trails on the Mornington Peninsula
- How to get from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula
Where is the Mornington Peninsula?
The Mornington Peninsula is a suburban area in Melbourne, Australia. It stretches from Frankston in the west to the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD in the east and includes many suburbs such as Mornington, Moorooduc, Rosebud and Mount Martha.
The peninsula has a population of about 230,000 people and provides a number of beautiful beaches for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. There are so many places to visit in the Mornington Peninsula for visitors.
During the summer months, you will find added things to do on the Mornington Peninsula such as carnivals, fruit picking and even New Year’s festival activities. The population in the summer months explodes due to day-trippers and holidaymakers making the Mornington Peninsula their top place for a summer holiday in Victoria. It is bursting with family friendly attractions.
Where to stay on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula offers a wide array of accommodation options for travellers seeking a getaway to the popular family beaches in the region. With its picturesque coastal towns and stunning natural beauty, the Mornington Peninsula is a popular destination for families seeking a beachside retreat.
From hotels and resorts to holiday homes and cottages, visitors can find a range of accommodation options to suit their needs. In addition to enjoying the pristine beaches, families can also explore the abundant natural attractions, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, that showcase the unique flora and fauna of the Mornington Peninsula.
With its winning combination of popular family beaches, rugged coastline, golf courses and breathtaking natural scenery, the Mornington Peninsula is a perfect destination for a memorable getaway.
| Hotel Name | Hotel Facilities | Review Rating | Price Range | Book Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flinders Hotel | Restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi | 8.7/10 | $$ – $$$ | Find out more! |
| Aquabelle Apartments | Ocean view, kitchenette, free parking | 9.2/10 | $$$ – $$$$ | Click here! |
| Harmony Bed & Breakfast | Garden view, breakfast included, free Wi-Fi | 9.5/10 | $$ – $$$ | Find out more! |
| Moonlight Bay Apartments | Beachfront, spa bath, free parking | 9.2/10 | $$$ – $$$$ | Click here! |
| Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate | Vineyard views, fireplace, kitchen | 9.3/10 | $$$$ | Find out more! |
| Jackalope | Infinity pool, winery, spa | 9.1/10 | $$$$ | Click here! |
| Portsea Village Resort | Tennis court, heated pool, BBQ facilities | 8.7/10 | $$ – $$$ | Find out more! |
| Peppers Moonah Links Resort | Golf course, day spa, restaurant | 8.3/10 | $$$ – $$$$ | Click here! |
| Sorrento Beach Motel | Beachfront, free Wi-Fi, private balcony | 8.3/10 | $$ – $$$ | Find out more! |
| The Rye Hotel | Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool | 8.4/10 | $$ – $$$ | Click here! |
The top things to do on the Mornington Peninsula
There are so many amazing things to do on the Mornington Peninsula that you will have the best of every world if that is what you like. From stunning scenery to picking your own produce, you will find a Mornington Peninsula activity for everyone in your group.
Below we have included some of the very best things to do on Mornington Peninsula for singles, couples and families visiting the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula attractions – Enchanted Adventure Garden
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is located at Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. This Mornington Peninsula attraction has continued to grow over the years from being a maze to the recent introduction of tree surfing and zip line. Tree surfing is a mixture of climbing, balance and containing your fears.
For those that don’t know Tree Surfing, it’s basically a high wires obstacle course. The Enchanted Adventure Garden has 3 different mazes all challenging. You will find a traditional Japanese garden maze, turf and a kid’s maze. The tube sliding was fun for the whole family. The bushland scramble for kids and the 3D spooky hedge mazes will keep everyone entertained.
The canopy walk was great fun at the adventure park. You walk through the treetops of the tranquil surrounding, situated above the sculpture walk and Splitters Creek that runs through our park. The great thing is the Canopy Walk is suitable for prams and wheelchairs making it an inclusive attraction for all. You can buy food at the Café or BBQ facilities are available.
While many people think that this is only one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for kids you will find people of all ages here enjoying the ropes course and all the other activities.
If your kids love the maze, there is also the nearby Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens to explore and have fun with. These are just more of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula. Book your tickets to The Enchanted Adventure today
Klook.comRead More: 8 spectacular summer holiday destinations in Victoria
Mornington Peninsula places to visit – The Eagle Arthurs Seat
The Arthurs Seat Eagle chairlift had become one of the most iconic tourist attractions on the Mornington Peninsula and in the State of Victoria Australia. When you mention the Mornington Peninsula everyone will tell you ‘I went on the gondolas as a kid’ or ‘We have taken our kids on the chair lift.
The Eagle is located in Arthurs Seat State Park. The State Park is a dominant feature on the Mornington Peninsula. Arthurs Seat rises up 315 meters from the waters of Port Phillip Bay. As you pull out of the summit station, you slowly rise before going over the edge of the mountain.
Views across Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne come into sight and on a clear day, the Melbourne Skyscrapers are easily viewed. The trip to the base station takes around 14 minutes. Book your tickets for the Eagle today.
Explore Victoria Travel Tip:
Take a picnic and have it at the top of Arthur’s Seat. You will find a family-friendly picnic ground for your Mornington Peninsula adventure. This is a great way to save some money if you are looking for things to do on the Mornington Peninsula on a budget.
Mornington Peninsula attractions – Peninsula Hot Springs
One place you must visit on the Mornington Penisula for relaxation is the Peninsula Hot Springs bathing gully and hilltop pools. This area offers social bathing with over 20 experiences to choose from. Included in this area are thermal mineral spring pools, a Turkish steam bath (Hamam), a cave pool, a hilltop pool, massaging thermal mineral showers, a family bathing area, a lakeside pool and a naturally landscaped bathing gully.
Of course, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers way more and have established itself as a Day Spa destination. They are one of the top things to do on the Mornington Peninsula. It also offers rehabilitation water exercises.
You can stay and dine or you can get massaged and pampered. Peninsula Hot Springs is your all-exclusive destination. The Bath House is the most budget-friendly option if you are on a budget trip in Victoria.
The wonder of the Peninsula Hotsprings is you get the chance to move from pool to pool all while being surrounded by the natural environment. If you like one more than the other you have the chance to stay or move on as your heart desires.
Book tickets to Peninsula Hot Springs
Klook.comFamily activities Mornington Peninsula – The Big Goose
The Big Goose is a bit of an all-rounder for family activities on the Mornington Peninsula. There is a bit of everything in a fun and interesting way that any aged visitor can enjoy. Once you arrive you are greeted by farm animals, alpacas and goats in enclosures that anyone can feed. Luckily you will find that most of the time they are hungry!
There is so much to do at the Big Goose but some time spent in the Big Red Shed which is an animal nursery will give you all the cute vibes possible. Baby animals go hand in hand with complete cuteness overload and here you can pet the farm animals like little lambs, and hold the rabbits and guinea pigs to your heart’s content.
Did someone say kangaroos and Fawn deer? Yes, we did! There is a special enclosure that allows you to get close to feed the kangaroo and a little Bambi.
You will also find throughout the day there are talks and demonstrations about the animals that live at the Big Goose. The reptile show is a hit, and we encourage you to go early to get a seat. After the show, there are snakes and lizards to hold.
You can also watch and learn how a sheepdog rounds up the sheep at the sheepdog trials via the Emu and camel pens. The sheepdogs are a hit as they rounded up their sheep.
Do you want a real taste of country living while visiting the Big Goose? There are pony rides as well as a tractor ride, all aboard the trailer for a tour around the farm! All this wildlife plus playgrounds, bbq area and a canteen. The Big Goose was a surprise hit and one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for families.
Explore Victoria Travel Tip:
Buy plenty of animal food when you arrive you will need it. Everyone will love feeding the animals and it never seems that they all get a full belly! Mornington Peninsula with kids is fun.
Waterbike tour on the Mornington Peninsula
This fun tour departs from Sorrento in Victoria, Australia. The tour offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Mornington Peninsula. Participants ride waterbikes, which are pedal-powered watercraft, along the coast, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.
The tour is led by experienced guides who provide information about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history and culture of the area. It is a morning tour and includes all necessary equipment, such as waterbikes, life jackets, and dry bags.
It offers an active and adventurous way to experience the coastal charm of the Mornington Peninsula while enjoying the thrill of riding a waterbike on the water. Book your Outdoor adventures in Mornington Peninsula
Travelling with kids in Victoria? Here are all the best things to do in Victoria with kids
Sightseeing Mornington Peninsula – Point Nepean National Park
Point Nepean National Park is located at the end of the Mornington Peninsula, nearly at the head of where the bay meets the ocean. You can visit the Quarantine Station here where the Australian colony was in its infancy, people were arriving by ship constantly from Europe and other places and being made to quarantine here.
After a long sea journey, many arrived sick and dying. There was a real need to stop any of these illnesses from reaching the general population in Victoria. As Australia was an island this country had never been exposed to some of these diseases and an epidemic was highly possible unless the sick and dying who were arriving were quarantined.
On arrival, you head to the visitor’s centre where you can get a map, audio guide or hire a bike. The audio guide talks about the Ticonderoga ship and how the Spanish Flu pandemic influenced the quarantine station.
A number of the buildings are open for your viewing from the old hospital through to the boiler house and its giant disinfection oven. This area was very informative with exhibits of machinery, pictures and journals. This is one of the top historical things to do on the Mornington Peninsula. Stop off and take a look around Portsea. Things to do at Portsea include visiting the famous pub and boutiques.
Explore Victoria Travel Tip:
It can get cold here with the station facing straight onto the water. Bring warm clothes in off season months | Purchases your self-guided Point Nepean Bike tour for 2 HERE | Read TRIP ADVISOR reviews Here
Things to do in the Mornington Peninsula – Pick Strawberries at Rocky Creek
When you want a taste of summer and are looking for things to do in the Mornington Peninsula, head down to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm. The farm is located in Mornington, a 65-minute drive from Melbourne CBD. The farm offers you a chance to do your own strawberry picking as well as blueberries and raspberries.
You will see people of all ages wandering the strawberry fields filling their buckets to take home. The onsite café sells everything in berries from jams to ice creams. Just the thing to sit and sample after picking your fresh berries.
The cost of this Mornington Peninsula experience depends on how many strawberries your family wants to pick. For Adults prices start at $9.00 for 500 grams while kids over 4 can pick 250 grams for $4. To enjoy these top things to do on Mornington Peninsula the Sunny Ridge Farm is open seven days a week from 9 am until 5 pm.
Can you do Mornington on a day trip from Melbourne? Check out our list of the top day trips from Melbourne
Things to do on Mornington Peninsula – Polperro Dolphin Swims
Polperro runs amazing Dolphin and Seal experience tours in the waters off Sorrento in Port Phillip Bay. Like all wild animals, there is no exact science to finding them. The crew will tell you all about the bay and its wildlife while searching for the animals. When the Dolphins and Seals first appear, it’s so incredible to be so near them.
With wetsuits and flippers on you slowly make your way into the water. The crew will tell you to keep at least 5 meters away from the animals, as seals can get quite aggressive if you invade their space. Underwater, the real show was happening with the seals rolling, flipping and darting back and forth. At times the seals can come right up to you for a look but rarely are they aggressive.
It is such a memorable experience when the dolphins glide past you in the water, the pods swim back and forth around you. If you are lucky, you will see a pod of dolphins surfing the waves coming off the bow of the boat which makes this one of the most memorable things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.
This is such a highly recommended experience and absolutely one of the very best things to do at Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula for people wanting a unique learning experience.
The Sorrento – Queenscliff ferry leaves from the same jetty as the Dolphin tour. It is well worth a trip to Queenscliff if you have a spare afternoon.
Things to do at the Mornington Peninsula – Moonlit Sanctuary
The Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary is the leading animal experience park on the Mornington Peninsula, and it is the ultimate adventure for animal lovers. The park features koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, dingos and more are great Mornington Peninsula family activities.
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is set on 25 acres of bushland with over 60 different species to look at. Moonlit Sanctuary also gives you the chance to participate in animal encounters that will make your trip to the Mornington Penisula unforgettable. You can get up close to and personal with a koala or walk a wombat, how about holding a Python?
The wildlife sanctuary also offers an alternative night tour where the nocturnal animals come out to play. You can grab a bite to eat at the cafe or bring a family picnic and make this one of the top things to do on the Mornington Peninsula on your holiday in Victoria.
Mornington Peninsula Attractions – Dromana Drive-In
Some people are at the age where they can remember the good old drive-in and some have no idea what it is except an activity from yesteryear. Dromana has embraced the age of the drive-in with a 3-screen property.
The Dromana drive-in is open Thursday-Sunday and screens movies at 7 pm and 9.15 pm. A drive-in is a bit like a record player the kids of today get a real kick out sitting in the car, and a speaker in the window watching a movie on a massive screen is one of the fun things to do on the Mornington Peninsula.
Onsite you will find Shel’s 1950s diner that seats 75 people. The diner at the Dromana drive-in is decked out with Warner Bros pops and movie memorabilia. Grab a burger fries and shake and enjoy before your movie starts. Take a step back in time and visit the drive-in.
The venue is also popular as the Dromana drive-in market in the summer months. People come from all over the peninsula to rummage through the Dromana drive-in market.
If you love the activities from yesteryear that are long gone the Dromana Drive-in should be on the top of your list of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula!
Explore Victoria Travel Tip:
Take blankets, pillows and food and have your own little picnic in the car
Visit Phillip Island: Plan your trip with our ultimate guide with things to do on Phillip Island
Mornington Peninsula attractions – The Beach
The sun, sand and surf are what draw many people to the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula beaches include the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and the big swells of the Southern Ocean.
The Mornington Peninsula beaches on the bay are perfect for your kids, families or people looking to spend a day at a patrolled surf beach. Some of Victoria’s best beaches are on the Mornington Peninsula including Sorrento front beach, Safety Beach and Rosebud Beach
Most of the waters are calm with very few waves and the bottom is sandy but the Mornington Peninsula beaches such as Portsea, Diamond Bay Beach and Gunamatta are known for their big waves and dangerous rips. You should only swim between the flags (areas patrolled by lifesavers) at these beaches.
There are some rock pools that can be explored along the coast that the kids will find fun. Don’t forget the peninsula is a fishing hotspot whether you’re casting a line on Sorrento Pier, Rye Pier, Portsea Pier or back beach. You can also go out on a fishing charter for the whole day.
The beaches along the peninsula at places such as Dromana, and Mount Martha feature the famous Melbourne Bathing Boxes.
Practically no more than a shed, with no water or electricity, these famous little seaside boxes bring more colour and ambience to the shores. The famous colourful beach huts are in high demand, with prices reaching over $500,000 when they have been put on the market. The historic bathing boxes are often passed down through generations and rarely come up for sale.
The Mornington Peninsula beach’s bathing boxes are an iconic symbol of the Victorian and the Peninsula. The Dromana beach is close to the shops, toilets and showers nearby and bathing boxes.
Visiting Morning Peninsula breweries & wineries
While some may think this is only a suggestion of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for people without kids you may be very wrong! Why not visit one of the fantastic Mornington Peninsula Breweries for lunch or just a drink?
Some of the popular destinations for craft beer lovers on the Mornington Peninsula will have kids’ facilities as well. We can highly recommend the Jetty Road Brewery at Dromana, Red Hill Brewery and St Andrews Brewery.
These 3 places are brewing amazing craft beer and serving it with some great food. A visit is a must on any day trip to the Mornington Peninsula. At the Montalto Vineyard, they have a large grassy area where kids can play cricket and other supplied games while mum and dad relax with a wine.
Klook.comVisit a Mornington Peninsula market day
One of the most popular markets on the Peninsula is the Emu Plains Market. The market is located in Balnarring a stone’s throw from Western Port Bay and operates on the third Saturday of the month (October to April) The bush setting features local gourmet food, local produce and live music.
In summer, the market runs a few twilight dates where and runs from 3 pm-8 pm to take advantage of the balmy summer evenings. Wine tasting for adults and petting zoos for kids make this a must-visit Mornington Peninsula market.
Here you will also find some of the best Mornington Peninsula local produce to take home with you so this has to be one of the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for foodies!
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Take a drive along Main Ridge
The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful destination for food, wine, and artisan products. As you drive along the Main Ridge area, there are several places worth visiting, including the Red Hill Epicurean, Main Ridge Dairy, and Yolky Dokey Eggs.
The Red Hill Epicurean is a popular spot that offers a range of food and wine options. You can enjoy artisanal food including delicious gourmet pies and pizzas, fresh local seafood, and a variety of local wines. They also have a farm shop where you can purchase artisan products such as locally-made jams, preserves, and cheeses.
The Main Ridge Dairy is a must-visit for cheese lovers. This boutique dairy farm produces a range of award-winning artisan cheeses, including soft and hard cheeses made from goat’s milk. You can sample their cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process through their guided tours.
Yolky Dokey Eggs is a unique farm that produces free-range, pastured eggs. They have happy, healthy hens that roam freely on their farm, resulting in delicious and nutritious eggs. You can visit their farm, learn about their sustainable farming practices, and purchase their farm-fresh eggs.
Your trip to the Mornington Peninsula promises to be a gastronomical adventure with plenty of opportunities to enjoy food, wine, and artisan products from the region.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse – Mornington Peninsula Activities
Cape Schanck Lighthouse is located on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, overlooking Bass Strait. Lighthouse stands at a height of 21 meters (69 feet) and is made of local limestone.
The light produced by the lighthouse is visible up to 26 nautical miles (48 kilometres) out to sea, making it an important navigation aid for ships along the Bass Strait.
Visitors to Cape Schanck Lighthouse can take guided tours, which provide a fascinating insight into the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and the challenges they faced in maintaining the light.
In addition to the lighthouse, there is a visitor centre that provides information about the area’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. There are also walking trails that allow visitors to explore the rugged coastline scenery, including the famous “Pulpit Rock,” a large rock formation that resembles a pulpit overlooking the ocean.
We recently visited during the week and found everything closed, so if you want to do a tour of the lighthouse, the weekend is the best time to visit.
Walking trails on the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula, located near Melbourne, Australia, boasts a diverse array of walking trails that cater to various fitness levels and interests. These trails meander through the picturesque landscapes of the region, including coastal woodlands, heathlands, lush forests, vineyards, and coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking vistas along the way.
From secluded coves with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches to vantage points that provide sweeping views of the coastline and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature while exploring the Mornington Peninsula on foot.
Some trails may be more challenging, while others are suitable for leisurely strolls or family outings, making them accessible to a wide range of visitors. Some of the best walking trails include
Bushrangers Bay Trail: This moderate-level trail is located in the Mornington Peninsula National Park and takes you through a lush landscape of coastal woodlands and heathlands. The highlight of the trail is the picturesque Bushrangers Bay, a secluded cove with crystal-clear waters and a pristine sandy beach.
Arthurs Seat State Park: Situated atop the highest point of the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park offers several walking trails that cater to different fitness levels. The trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne city skyline, and the You Yangs.
Two Bays Walking Trail: This challenging 28-kilometre trail traverses the Mornington Peninsula from Dromana on the Port Phillip Bay side to Cape Schanck on the Bass Strait side. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, vineyards, and coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking vistas along the way.
Point Nepean National Park: This historic coastal park at the southern tip is home to several walking trails that allow you to explore its rich military history and natural beauty. Highlights include the Fort Nepean area, which played a crucial role in Australia’s defence, and the stunning coastal views from the Cheviot Hill lookout. You can stop and relax at the outdoor picnic areas.
Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail: This scenic coastal trail stretches along the Sorrento and Portsea coastline, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters of Port Phillip Bay. Along the way, you’ll come across interpretive panels that showcase artwork from local artists, depicting the area’s natural beauty and heritage.
Red Hill Rail Trail: The Red Hill Rail Trail offers a picturesque and enjoyable outdoor experience, passing through lush forests, and rolling hills, and perhaps even offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is typically well-maintained and clearly marked, making it accessible to people of different ages and abilities. Book a Full Day Red Hill Rail Trail Route-Pedal & Picnic
How to get from Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula
There are plenty of different ways to get to the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne but your best option is to hire a car to get to all the best things to do on the Mornington Peninsula. Having a car gives you so much more freedom to see all the top attractions in Mornington and beyond.
Travelling by car from Melbourne CBD to Mornington Peninsula
Follow the coastline from Melbourne via Frankston to access Port Phillip bayside towns (Mt Eliza, Mornington, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, Portsea).
To access villages alongside Westernport Bay on a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula (Tyabb, Hastings, Flinders), take the M1 linked with the Western Port Highway. Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula is an easy drive of around 1 hour.
Public transport to the Mornington Peninsula
Jump on a metropolitan train service (running every 15-20 minutes) from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Frankston, then connect through Hastings to Stony Point on Westernport Bay.
Buses travel from Melbourne to all areas and local bus routes operate around each Mornington Peninsula village. Bus number 788 departs Frankston station for towns alongside Port Phillip Bay to Portsea every 45 minutes on weekdays and every one to two hours on weekends.
Catching public transport may reduce the number of things to do on the Mornington Peninsula that you can easily get to, but if it is your only option then happy travelling!
The Mornington Heritage and tourist railway runs steam trains regularly throughout the year from Moorooduc Station to Mornington Station. The volunteers do a great job of preserving the Mornington peninsula’s heritage.
We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has you inspired to visit the Mornington Peninsula and stay in Portsea, Dromana or one of the other seaside locations. There are so many things to do on the Mornington Peninsula with kids, singles and couples.