Make Quality Time in Your Relationship
As an experienced couples counselor, I see many couples that say ‘time’ is an issue in their relationship.
In fact 31% of my clients say they don’t find the time to spend with each other, with an additional 45.9% indicating ‘time’ is a challenge.
It’s this prevalence that makes escaping the daily grind and spending quality time with your partner so important. Otherwise you risk drifting apart and letting problems fester and ultimately fracturing your relationship apart.
The perfect getaway for Melbourne & Regional Victorians
The Mornington Peninsula, located just a short drive south of Melbourne, offers the perfect backdrop for couples to reconnect, relax, and ‘fall in love’ again – strengthening the connection in your relationship.
In this article I’ll share my top 10 activities and places to visit on the Mornington Peninsula. I’m confident any combination of these activities and ideas will help you and your partner to…
- Rekindle love & affection
- Reconnect and be mindful of each other (relationally aware)
- Have fun & create positive sentiment
- Relax and rejuvinate
- Spark conversations and create new happy memories
Let’s dive in, and take a look at our top 10 activities for couples to rejuvenate their relationship on the Mornington Peninsula.
1. Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Start your relationship rejuvenation journey with a visit to the renowned Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs. Probably the regions most popular activity for couples, these naturally heated thermal pools provide a serene atmosphere for you and your partner to unwind, relax, and reconnect.
While soaking in the pools, relaxing, take the opportunity to engage in heartfelt conversations or simply just enjoy each other’s company and be mindful in the moment. You might also like Alba Thermal Springs.
2. Beach Walks
Strolling hand in hand along the stunning coastline of Mornington Peninsula’s beaches can be a deeply romantic experience. I love the McCrae beach because I live here, but there are beautiful spots all along the peninsula and even over the back on the ocean side.
The gentle sound of the waves of Port Phillip bay provide the perfect soundscape and background as you walk & talk. Having the time and space for meaningful conversations is often a luxury for busy couples.
Even just walking and observing your surrounds together is a special shared moment. Early mornings, and late afternoons are my favourite, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch a beautiful sunset.
3. Wine Tasting & Dining
Indulge your senses and explore the region’s wineries. Red Hill Estate is a favourite and a great place to start. Sampling and savoring exquisite wines together can be an intimate experience and rekindle some of that fun and joy in your relationship.
Many wineries offer picturesque views and have talented chef’s on-site cooking up gourmet meals to pair with your favorite glass. Make it a date to remember. Take some snaps as you walk around the venues vineyards & gardens. Pt Leo Estate has an amazing art sculpture walk that makes for a fun, quirky & romantic day out.
4. Tour Around the Peninsula
The scenery is magnificent around the Mornington Peninsula and there is always somewhere new to explore. Take a journey up Artrhurs Seat and stop at one of the epic bay view lookouts. A perfect spot to cuddle and gaze out over the water.
Meander your way over to Flinders, via Red Hill or Main Ridge. Browse the amazing artwork on display by local artists, then pick up a coffee and check out the view from the ‘Flinders Ocean Lookout’.
Enjoy spending time with each other, and de-stress. Touring further along the peninsula, takes you from Cape Shank toward Portsea. The region is dotted with natural attractions, walks, lookout’s, seaside cafe’s, and unique art & gift shops. Enjoy the time together, play your favourite tunes as you drive around. Create special moments and be in harmony with what each other want to do and enjoy.
5. Take in Some History
There’s something grounding about history and stories from the past. It makes me stop and think. It’s a ‘grateful reminder’ for the present moment. Swing by the info center if you like brochures and pamphlets to guide you, otherwise head to the McCrae Homestead to start. Past Portsea to Point Nepean you will be rewarded with many historic sites along gentle walks with breathtaking views.
Mix a taste of history with the present moment. Enjoy each other’s company and share your own stories from the past. Practice gratitude and support each other. Reconnect and rejuvenate your relationship.
6. Get Your Heart Rate Up
Burn off some stress and get your heart pumping together. Feel alive and get your body moving with these fun and exciting activities around the Mornington Peninsula. Hike up the side of Arthurs Seat and take in the rewarding views, or pick a section from the Two Bays Trail and experience an adventure outdoors.
Go downhill mountain biking on the many Arthurs Seat MTB trails, or for a more leisurely pace, ride along the flat foreshore trails from Rosebud to Rye & beyond.
Golfers will appreciate the abundance of golf courses on the peninsula. I hear The Dunes and the RACV Cape Shank Course are top spots to play.
In Summer – cool off in the bay. Try stand-up paddle-boarding, or just enjoy the water together – swim & play!
7. Family Fun Time & Activities
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city with your kids in tow for a family break?
Create memorable family moments with a trip to the Enchanted Adventure Gardens. It’s a family friendly favourite. From hedge mazes, tree surfing, slides, and more. It’s an exciting way to spend a family-fun-day together in the beautiful outdoors.
You might also like the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens and the Boneo Discovery Park.
The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is the place to be to see native Australian wildlife up close.
Other family friendly options include packing a picnic and heading to a park / playground. Top choices include, Seawinds Gardens, Sorrento Park & Rosebud Foreshore Playground & Pier.
8. Pampering & Beauty Treatments
The peninsula has a popular health & wellness vibe, meaning you are never far away from a relaxing massage or all-day pampering package! With so many to choose from, a ‘google search’ is your best bet here. Popular spots for health & wellness include Rye, Dromana and Sorrento.
Guy’s don’t feel left out while she’s getting her nails done. Why not visit a barber and get a sharp new cut, or pick out a new shirt from a local shop and feel great, looking your best over your evening meal.
Feeling refreshed and pampered is all about self-care, physically and mentally. It’s essential for showing up as your best-self for your relationship.
You might also enjoy spending time to align with your values
9. Night Spots, Music & Food
The peninsula has a more relaxed vibe than the city. Look toward Monington & Sorrento for bigger hotels, pubs and bars, and the smaller suburbs like Rye, Rosebud & Dromana for more relaxed and smaller but vibrant night spots.
Part of the fun is seeking out new and interesting spots together, and the region has many hidden gems! So keep an eye out as you travel around.
During summer, check your events calendar as there are often local and touring artists playing around the popular venues. Having a fun night out might be just what you need.
10. Do Next to Nothing
Relax in your accommodation, lay on the beach with a good book, or take a walk around the marina at Martha Cove. Find a place to ‘Chat & Chill’, have a Couples Catch-up, or a Connected Couples Conversation. Unwind, and work on your relationship, in any way you like.
Perhaps working on your self is what you need? Why not find out in the new Relationship Strength Assessment?
Find a quiet spot and listen to a rejuvenating meditation, or work on a specific area – like learning to self-soothe for example.
Accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula
Our Mediterranean style unit has a 5 star rating from guests, and is available throughout the year on Airbnb. However, it’s also occasionally booked for in-person couples counselling sessions and our popular Couples Counselling Retreats.
Besides our accommodation, there are many exciting and comfortable options to choose from in the area to suit all budgets and tastes. From high-end resorts, hotels, B&Bs and unique Airbnb stays, jump on your favourite apps and book your accommodation to suit.
When You Need Extra Relationship Support
A trip away to the Peninsula might be just what you need. But, sometimes you need extra support and professional help to break through a relationship rut, particularly if things haven’t been going well for some time.
Often things from past relationships, and even our childhood are playing out in our every day lives and relationships.
And without change, the same issues will keep popping up, and things are unlikely to get better any time soon on their own.
Click here to learn more about how Couples Counselling can help, or get in touch and let’s chat about what’s specifically going on for you.
