Our homes in
Balnarring
Balnarring is a relaxed coastal village on the Western Port side of the Mornington Peninsula, surrounded by green farmland, vineyards and quiet beaches. It is known for its calm, family-friendly beach, local village shops and easy access to the Merricks and Red Hill wineries. Point Leo’s surf, Coolart Wetlands and the ferry to Phillip Island are all close by.
Welcome
Your Balnarring coastal country escape
Balnarring offers the best of both worlds on the Mornington Peninsula: the peace of the countryside and the relaxed charm of the coast. Rolling paddocks and vineyards lead down to the calm waters of Western Port, where a long, sheltered beach is lined with tea trees and foreshore parkland. The village has a friendly, local feel, with cafés, shops and everyday essentials close at hand.
Spend your days swimming and paddling at Balnarring Beach, birdwatching at Coolart Wetlands and exploring the cellar doors of Merricks and Red Hill. Head to Point Leo for a surf, or take the ferry across to Phillip Island for the day. Balnarring suits families, couples and friends looking for a quieter, down-to-earth peninsula stay with the coast and wine country on its doorstep.
Things to do
Calm beaches, wetlands and wine country
From the beach to the vineyards, Balnarring has plenty to enjoy:
Swim, paddle and picnic at Balnarring Beach, with its calm, family-friendly waters
Birdwatch and explore the historic homestead and wetlands at Coolart, in nearby Somers
Surf or watch the waves at Point Leo, one of the peninsula’s best-known surf beaches
Visit Point Leo Estate’s sculpture park, overlooking Western Port
Taste wines at the cellar doors and winery restaurants of Merricks, Red Hill and Main Ridge
Browse the cafés and shops of Balnarring village
Walk the coastal trails and beaches between Balnarring, Somers and Merricks Beach
Take the ferry from Stony Point to Phillip Island or French Island
Unwind at Peninsula Hot Springs, a short drive away
Pick strawberries and stock up on local produce at the peninsula’s farm gates
Location
Perfectly placed on Western Port
Balnarring sits on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula, facing Western Port. Somers lies to the north-east, and Merricks and Point Leo to the south. Red Hill and its wineries are around 10–15 minutes’ drive away. Stony Point, where ferries depart for Phillip Island and French Island, is around 10–15 minutes away, and Peninsula Hot Springs around 25 minutes. The Melbourne CBD is around an hour and a quarter’s drive via Peninsula Link. Melbourne Airport is around an hour and a half away, depending on traffic.
Frequently asked questions
- How is Western Port different from Port Phillip Bay?
Western Port, on the eastern side of the peninsula, is generally quieter and more natural than the busier Port Phillip Bay side. It has a large tidal range, so beaches like Balnarring can change significantly between high and low tide, with wide sandflats exposed at low tide. Check tide times before planning a swim or paddle, as the water is best at mid to high tide.
- Is Balnarring Beach good for families?
Yes. Balnarring Beach has calm, sheltered water, a grassy foreshore and shady picnic areas, which makes it a favourite with families. It’s ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Always supervise children closely, and check tide times and local signage before entering the water.
- Can I visit Phillip Island from Balnarring?
Yes. Passenger ferries run from Stony Point, around 10–15 minutes from Balnarring, to Cowes on Phillip Island and to French Island. It’s a scenic way to visit the island without driving the long way around Western Port. Check ferry timetables in advance, as services vary by season. Note that the ferry is for passengers only, so you’ll need to arrange transport on the island.
- Where can I buy groceries?
Balnarring village has a supermarket, cafés, a bakery and other everyday essentials, making it a convenient base for self-catering stays. For a wider range of shops, Hastings and Mornington are around 15–25 minutes’ drive away.
- Is Balnarring good for birdwatching and nature?
Yes. The Western Port coastline is internationally recognised for its wetlands and migratory birds. Coolart Wetlands and Homestead in nearby Somers is a great place to see waterbirds, while the foreshore reserves around Balnarring offer peaceful walks through coastal bushland. Bring binoculars and visit in the early morning for the best birdlife.
Explore nearby suburbs in Mornington Peninsula
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