The Rocks Mornington: Why visit this Port Phillip Bay seafood restaurant?
The Rocks Mornington on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula combines indulgent seafood, cocktails and fabulous waterside views out over Port Phillip Bay.
If you like seafood, then the Rocks Mornington is one of the most enjoyable restaurants in Victoria. In the town of Mornington at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, this seafood restaurant is about an hour’s drive from central Melbourne.
The best-located Mornington Peninsula seafood restaurant?
Much of this Mornington Peninsula seafood restaurant’s appeal comes from the location.
The Rocks Mornington is next to Schnapper Point and Mornington Pier, jutting out into Port Phillip Bay. There are fabulous views out over the water and assembled boats in the marina. Along with the Portsea Hotel and Sorrento Hotel, the Rocks Mornington offers some of the best food-with-a-view on the Peninsula.
The decór is jaunty, with a dominating maritime mural and lifebuoys hanging from the ceiling. And you’ve got a choice of eating inside, or al-fresco on the decked terrace. Frankly, unless it’s lashing down with rain, most are going to opt for the terrace here.
13 fabulous Mornington Peninsula experiences to book
There are dozens of Mornington Peninsula tours available from Melbourne. The experiences listed below are aimed at those staying on the Peninsula, or with their own transport.
- Half day dolphin and seal swim from Sorrento.
- Peninsula Hot Springs fire, ice and bathe experience.
- Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife park entry ticket.
- Guided e-bike tour in Arthurs Seat State Park and beyond.
- Wildlife kayaking tour from Portsea.
- Waterbike tour from Mornington.
- Point Nepean National Park bike hire.
- French cooking class in Fingal.
- Dolphin and seal watching cruise from Sorrento.
- Mornington Peninsula wineries hop-on, hop-off bus.
- Montalto Vineyard discovery wine-tasting with lunch.
- Enchanted Garden entry ticket.
- Snorkelling with sea dragons in Portsea.
The Rocks Mornington menu
Given the location, it’s no surprise that the menu at the Rocks Mornington focuses heavily on seafood. Fresh oysters, kingfish ceviche and sashimi are amongst the options served cold, while mains include Mornington mussels, a seafood green curry and lobster linguine.
If you’re truly up for a feast, it’s difficult to look beyond the $134 seafood mixed grill for two. This includes king prawns, half an extra-large Moreton Bay bug, Mornington Mussels, half shell scallops, calamari and freshly-caught fish.
The Rocks Mornington cocktails
The Rocks Mornington also fancies itself as a cocktail bar. Among the more interesting options are the spiced apple martini, which includes cinnamon spirit and lemon, and the late bloomer. The latter is made with vodka, Paraiso, lime and lychee.
Should you prefer a beer, then options include St Andrews Lager and Mornington Pale Ale, both brewed on the Mornington Peninsula. Full menus are available on the Rocks Mornington’s website.
More Victoria travel
Enjoy sunset beers at Aireys Pub in Aireys Inlet.
Kid-friendly accommodation in Inverloch at RACV Inverloch.
Have a drink or two at the Middle Park Hotel in Melbourne.
Take selfies among thousands of cacti at Cactus Country in Strathmerton.
Zipwire through the forest at Live Wire Park in Lorne.