holiday
Holiday rentals on the Mornington Peninsula: a booking guide
When to book, which side of the Peninsula suits you, what to check before you pay, and how booking direct with the owner works on REMP.
6 min read · updated 11 October 2026
A holiday house on the Peninsula is a Melbourne tradition. Here is how to get the right one.
Pick your side
- Bay beaches (Mount Martha to Portsea): calm water, piers, cafés — best with small kids. Sorrento, Rye, Blairgowrie and Dromana are the classics.
- Ocean beaches (Portsea to Cape Schanck): surf, rock pools and walks — swim only between the flags at patrolled beaches. See our beach guide for which are patrolled.
- Western Port (Flinders to Somers): quieter villages, sheltered water, fishing.
- Hinterland (Red Hill, Main Ridge): wineries and views, a short drive to either coast.
When to book
The summer school holidays — especially Christmas to Australia Day — and Easter are the peak. Popular houses for those dates are often booked months ahead, and many hosts set a longer minimum stay then. Outside the holidays you'll find shorter minimums and more choice.
What to check before you pay
- What the price includes — linen, towels, cleaning, and any security bond.
- Minimum stay for your dates, and check-in and check-out times.
- Pets — only if the listing says so, and ask about yard fencing.
- Beds and guests — a house that "sleeps 10" may mean bunks and a sofa bed.
- Cancellation terms in writing.
- Registration — the Shire runs a registration scheme for short-stay rentals; it's fair to ask the host.
Booking direct on REMP
Holiday rentals on REMP are listed by their owners and local managers. Each listing shows the nightly rate, how many it sleeps, the minimum stay and the distance to the beach, with the host's own booking link or an enquiry form. You book with the host — REMP doesn't add a booking fee. Pay through a method that gives you a receipt and never by an unexpected bank-transfer request.
The levy
Since 1 January 2025 Victoria charges a 7.5 per cent levy on short-stay accommodation; it's normally built into the price you're quoted.
Sources
Rules and thresholds were checked in October 2026. They change — confirm with the source before you sign anything.
Ready to look?
Every Peninsula listing with its beach distance, open-home times and suburb medians.