New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, with New Year’s Day a Friday public holiday, so plenty of Melburnians will be seeing in 2027 down the Peninsula. Summer is in full swing, the holiday towns are at their busiest, and the night runs from beachside parties in Sorrento and Portsea to relaxed bayside dinners in Rosebud, Frankston and Mornington. Here’s where to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Mornington Peninsula this year. We’ll keep adding venues as they announce their plans.
New Year’s Eve on the Mornington Peninsula at a glance
- Date: Thursday 31 December 2026
- Public holiday: New Year’s Day, Friday 1 January 2027
- Busiest spots: Sorrento and Portsea, followed by Rye, Rosebud and Mornington
- Book: early, as Peninsula tickets, tables and accommodation fill fast over the holidays
Featured Peninsula venues for the holidays
Planning a casual New Year’s Eve meal or a New Year’s Day lunch by the bay? These Peninsula venues are well worth booking over the holidays. Check New Year’s Eve and public holiday hours with each venue before you go.
Sol Agave, Rosebud
For a festive, colourful night out, Sol Agave in Rosebud serves Tex-Mex street food, from tacos and burritos to loaded nachos and fajitas, alongside frozen margaritas, sangria and tequila cocktails. There’s a kids’ menu plus vegan and gluten-free options, so it works for the whole group.
The Milbri, Rosebud
On the Point Nepean Road strip near the Rosebud foreshore, The Milbri is an espresso, restaurant and bar built around the char grill, with thick-cut steaks, croquettes, loaded tacos and cocktails like margaritas. The team often marks big occasions with special openings and drinks offers, so check what’s on for New Year.
Jetty’s Pizza Pasta, Rosebud
A few steps from the Rosebud jetty and foreshore, this family-owned pizza, pasta and seafood restaurant has been part of Rosebud for more than 20 years. Think gourmet pizzas, seafood marinara and house-made desserts, with takeaway an easy option if you’d rather eat by the water.
Roccella Lido, Frankston
Upstairs above the Frankston Yacht Club, Roccella Lido looks straight out over Frankston Beach, which makes it a great spot for sunset drinks before the night gets going. The menu is Southern Italian, with wood-fired sourdough pizza, handmade pasta, seafood and family-style dishes to share. It’s Coeliac Australia accredited, with vegetarian and plant-based choices too, and there are private spaces for bigger groups.
16 Hands at Boneo Park, Boneo
New to the Peninsula in 2026, 16 Hands sits inside the Boneo Park equestrian centre, with horses and riders in view through the dining room windows. The modern Australian menu has French and Italian roots and leans on local produce, from kangaroo skewers and ricotta gnocchi to grill cuts like a 500g Gippsland rib eye. There’s a kids’ menu with soft serve, making it an easy pick for a family New Year’s Day lunch.
See all Mornington Peninsula restaurants on Food and Wine with Love
Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Peninsula
Hotel Sorrento, Sorrento
Hotel Sorrento is throwing a New Year’s Eve party with an all-white dress code and celebrations from 5pm until late. General admission covers The Front Bar, Salt and The Lawn, with a welcome drink and roaming canapés, from $199 for first-release tickets. VIP tickets add rooftop access, a cocktail on arrival and premium canapés, from $349. Private booths with a magnum of Piper are available for groups. It’s strictly 21+.
Portsea Hotel, Portsea
Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the Portsea Hotel is celebrating New Year’s Eve as part of its Summer DJ Series. Call (03) 5984 2213 for times and tickets.
Prefer a quiet dinner? Browse our Mornington Peninsula restaurants and book a table early, as many venues have set menus and limited sittings on New Year’s Eve.
Why the Peninsula is the place to be at New Year
For many families, the summer holidays mean the Peninsula. Foreshore camping at Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento has been a tradition for more than 70 years, holiday homes fill up, and the bay beaches are perfect for a New Year’s Day swim. With around 60 wineries, cellar doors and beachside cafes, it’s also an easy place to stretch the long weekend into a New Year’s Day lunch. Start with our guides to the best wineries on the Mornington Peninsula and the best restaurants in Red Hill.
Need a slow start on New Year’s Day? Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal is open every day of the year.
Know before you go
- Road changes. In recent years the Shire has closed parts of the Sorrento foreshore to traffic from 8pm and lowered the speed limit between Sorrento and Portsea overnight. Check the Mornington Peninsula Shire website for this year’s arrangements.
- No drinking in public places. An alcohol ban usually applies in public places on New Year’s Eve.
- Swim safely. Not every beach is patrolled, so swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Dogs on beaches. Many Peninsula beaches don’t allow dogs between 10am and 6pm over summer.
- Plan your trip home. Book a taxi or rideshare early, or organise a designated driver.
New Year’s Eve Mornington Peninsula FAQs
What day is New Year’s Eve 2026?
Thursday 31 December 2026. New Year’s Day, Friday 1 January 2027, is a public holiday.
Where is the best place for New Year’s Eve on the Mornington Peninsula?
Sorrento and Portsea are the busiest spots, with big parties at Hotel Sorrento and the Portsea Hotel. For something more relaxed, Rosebud has bayside restaurants like Sol Agave, The Milbri and Jetty’s, Roccella Lido in Frankston overlooks the beach, and you can browse all our Mornington Peninsula restaurants for more ideas.
Can I drink on the beach on New Year’s Eve?
An alcohol ban usually applies in public places on the Peninsula on New Year’s Eve, including foreshores. Check the Shire’s website for this year’s rules.
Where can I watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve?
For the big city fireworks, see our New Year’s Eve Melbourne guide.