Are you looking to get the quintessential seaside village experience for your next holiday? Rosebud combines the escapism of its small town charm with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mornington Peninsula.
Rosebud’s name is derived from the English schooner that was blown onto its shores in 1855. Nowadays, Rosebud proudly displays a lack of commercial development along its foreshore, boasting a long stretch of bushland with community facilities, parkland and camping areas along Point Nepean Road.
We’ve compiled this handy Rosebud guide including:
- What to do
- Where to go
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
Best Activities in Rosebud
Try the finest wine at the Blue Range Estate
The Mornington Peninsula is synonymous with artisanally-crafted wines, and this winery in Rosebud’s south provides a terrific wine-tasting experience. While this particular vineyard lacks the history of its contemporaries (having been established in 1993), it more than makes up for it with its peaceful boutique villas and breathtaking mountainous views.
Relax on the Rosebud Pier and Beach
With shallow, calm waters, regular appearances from the local wildlife such as swans and pelicans, and even an inflatable water park nearby, Rosebud’s beach is perfect for families to have a day out on the coast. With a pier that stretches out to 300m in length, the pier is perfect for fishing or relaxing and catching a sunset. Rosebud Foreshore Playground, an amazing playspace for children and families to enjoy.
Experience the Water with Extreme Watersport
Make the most of your time in Rosebud with these specialists in scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports. Whether you want to be trained in diving, to charter a kayak, or to be taken on a tour of Port Phillip Bay with the aid of trained experts, this place in Rosebud West is worth checking out.
Best Places to Visit in Rosebud
Peninsula Gardens Bushland Reserve
Enjoy a guided walking tour through beautiful Victorian bushland full of serene picnic spots lined with gorgeous Australian flora. If you’re lucky and you keep an eye out, you’ll be able to spot all kinds of native wildlife, including koalas, birds and even marsupials.
Panorama Garden Estate
Nature lovers are going to go wild for this location in Rosebud’s south with its 22 hectare garden and wildlife reserve. The gardens make up over half of the estate, featuring over 20,000 types of plants accompanied by elaborate water features. As if that wasn’t already impressive, the wildlife reserve contains all kinds of fauna including rare albino kangaroos.
Bayview Golf Club
Whether you’re a seasoned golf vet looking to hone your skills, or a newcomer looking to give the sport a try, this is the perfect place to tee up. Originally, this place was known as Rosebud Park Golf Course. However, given its spectacular panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, one can’t blame them for the name change.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Rosebud
Rosebud Country Club
This is one of the most sophisticated eateries in the entirety of the Mornington Peninsula, with its prime location offering a stunning panoramic view of their surrounding golf course. Enjoy gourmet food cooked with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers, as well as the kind of premium wines that the Mornington Peninsula is famous for. Considering they are open seven days a week, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, there really is no reason not to sample their delightful menu.
Spitfire Restaurant and Grill
You know you’ve found the perfect burger joint when the only complaint from the customers is that the burgers are too big. This award winning restaurant offers burgers and fries that are cooked to perfection in portion sizes that’ll give you your money’s worth and then some.
Hungry Bill Kebab House
Kebabs and HSPs have become somewhat of an Australian cultural phenomenon in recent times. As far as beachside Turkish food goes, the consensus among the locals is that this place is perfect, with its delicious marinated meats and thick cut chips. If you’re looking for a halal restaurant, you won’t find much better than this.
Blue Mini
If you want to start your day in Rosebud on the right note, grab a steaming hot coffee or a nicely chilled smoothie alongside a tasty and filling breakfast at this cafe that borders Rosebud and Capel Sound. While their menu has many options (including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free), their eggs benedict is the go-to dish for locals.
The Milbri
If you’re craving food with a Latin theme influenced by South East Asia, this unique little gem is the place for you. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this Mexican restaurant provides a perfect ambience alongside an eclectic menu with top-notch service. Their award winning coffee in particular is a favourite among locals.
McDaids Irish Pub
This restaurant offers a large menu of classic hearty Irish dishes to accompany their wide range of beers, as well as an authentic, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for getting lost in after a long day of experiencing all that Rosebud has to offer. As if the food and service wasn’t enough, this venue occasionally hosts live Irish folk music and inFusion, their own pub game show.
Where is Rosebud?
Rosebud sits on the southern coast of Victoria, bordering Capel Sound and Arthurs Seat, overlooking Port Phillip Bay. It is approximately 80km south of the Melbourne CBD.
How to Get to Rosebud from the Melbourne CBD?
If you have 2 hours and want to begin your holiday with a picturesque road trip, you could drive from the CBD along the Victorian coast via State Route 33. However, the quickest option would be to transition from the M1 in Southbank to the Mornington Peninsula Fwy/M11 for the rest of the trip.
For public transport, a train can be taken from Flinders St Station to Frankston, at which point you can take the 788 or the 887 bus to Rosebud. The whole trip takes approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours.
Best Places to Stay in Safety Beach
Coast & Country Getaways has beach house rental accommodation available in Rosebud. Whether it’s a location right on the beach that gives you full access to that refreshing seabreeze, a relaxing stay on a quiet street, or a convenient spot within walking distance of Rosebud’s plaza, we have exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t hesitate to contact us so we can prepare the perfect accommodation for you.