Canonical: https://peninsulainsider.com.au/whats-on/by-mood/worth-the-drive/ Publisher: Peninsula Insider Published: unknown Modified: unknown Format: public main text, generated from the canonical page; imagery and interactive controls omitted. Dates and caveats below retain their page meaning; this format is not a new fact check. Worth the trip from Melbourne # Events that justify the ninety-minute drive Most regional event sites pretend the drive is free. We do not. These are the events worth booking accommodation for, or the day trip from Melbourne that earns its travel time. Markets Weekly – every Thursday year-round ### [Hastings Thursday Street Market]() [Hastings]() Weekly outdoor street market on High Street Hastings every Thursday. [Plan this →]() Markets Monthly – 4th Saturday of every month ### [Tootgarook Primary School Market]() Fourth-Saturday fundraising market at Tootgarook Primary School, with produce, plants, crafts and second-hand stalls. [Plan this →]() Festivals Annual, November ### [Peninsula VineHop Festival 2026]() A one-day craft drinks festival across seven Mornington Peninsula venues on Saturday 21 November 2026, with tastings, food and live music. [Plan this →]() Markets Monthly (3rd Saturday approx) ### [Emu Plains Market, Balnarring]() [Balnarring]() Monthly artisan market at Emu Plains Reserve (Coolart Road, Balnarring). [Plan this →]() Markets Monthly – 2nd Sunday of month (year-round; occasionally 3rd Sunday due to racing events) ### [Mornington Racecourse Market]() [Mornington]() Monthly makers market at Mornington Racecourse, with handmade and Australian-designed goods, food stalls and live music. [Plan this →]() Markets Fourth Sunday October through November 2026, 9am to 1pm. ### [Mt Eliza Farmers Market]() VFMA-accredited farmers market on the Mount Eliza Village Green and Mt Eliza Way service road. [Plan this →]() Image · BrooksieG [CC BY-SA 4.0]()[Image source]() Arts Check opening hours ### [Pt. Leo Estate Sculpture Park]() [Merricks]() An outdoor sculpture park spanning 16.5 acres, with more than 70 contemporary works and two walking loops at a working winery. [Plan this →]() Wellness Dates on request ### [Restore & Pamper Retreat at Polperro Farmhouse]() [Red Hill]() 3-day, 2-night wellness retreat at Polperro Farmhouse in Red Hill. [Plan this →]() Food & Wine Check session dates ### [Ten Minutes by Tractor, Terroir Masterclass]() [Main Ridge]() An intimate hosted tasting listed at 11am daily in Ten Minutes by Tractor's private room. [Plan this →]() Racing & Sport 25 Oct ### [The Bloody Long Walk – Mornington Peninsula 2026]() [Portsea]() 35km charity walk from Point Nepean Quarantine Station to Martha Cove Marina for the Mito Foundation. [Plan this →]() Markets Third Saturday October through December 2026, 9am to 2pm. January 2027 is a separately timed twilight market. ### [Emu Plains Market]() [Balnarring]() Seasonal makers market at Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring, with craft, design, vintage, food and live music. [Plan this →]() AI-assisted artwork · Peninsula Insider Illustrative image This image shows AI-generated country market still life with produce, bread and handmade ceramics. It does not depict Hill & Ridge Community Market, 3 October 2026. Markets Monthly (first Saturday Sep–May) ### [Hill & Ridge Community Market, 3 October 2026]() [Red Hill]() The separate Hill & Ridge Community Market is confirmed by its organiser for Saturday 3 October 2026, 9am–2pm, at Red Hill Recreation… [Plan this →]() ## The Insider Note Thoughtful recommendations, seasonal discoveries, and what’s happening across the Mornington Peninsula. The Peninsula worth knowing. An occasional email. What's on, where we'd go and what's worth knowing next. Unsubscribe any time [Privacy]()