Dava Hotel: Family Pub with Rooftop Bay Views Guide

The Dava Hotel, perched on the Esplanade in Mount Martha, has been a fixture on the Mornington Peninsula for around 70 years, according to Peninsula Essence. This article compiles verified details on its location, opening hours, rooftop views, and family‑friendly features from official and review sources.

Last checked: 2026-09-15

Location: Mount Martha, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria · Venue type: Hotel with bistro, sports bar, rooftop deck · Open hours: Daily 11:30 am to late · Contact: (03) 5975 1555; thedava@taverns.com.au

By Staff Writer | Updated February 2025

Where is the Dava Hotel located?

Mount Martha Esplanade

The Dava Hotel occupies a prime beach‑side position at 614 Esplanade, Mount Martha, on the Mornington Peninsula. The address is confirmed by the Australian Good Food Guide and cross‑referenced by multiple listing platforms. Food and Wine with Love notes that the venue sits directly on the Esplanade, overlooking Port Phillip Bay from its upper deck (Food and Wine with Love). Yelp lists a slightly different street number (610 The Esplanade), but the consistent majority of sources point to 614.

Mornington Peninsula context

Mount Martha is a coastal town about 70 km south of Melbourne, easily reached via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. The area is known for its beaches, wineries, and relaxed dining scene. The Dava has operated here for roughly 70 years, according to a 2019 feature in Peninsula Essence, making it one of the more established pub‑style venues on the peninsula.

Current ownership details are not publicly documented in the sources we reviewed.

What are the Dava Hotel’s opening hours?

All‑day dining schedule

Published hours vary across platforms, so we have prioritised the most authoritative and consistent data. AAA Trip Canvas (a tier‑1 travel service) reports the following pattern: lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; dinner Monday to Thursday 5:30–8:30 pm, Friday from 5:00 pm; and continuous hours 11:30 am–8:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These align broadly with TripAdvisor’s listing, which suggests similar split hours on weekdays and continuous weekend service.

Other third‑party sources give different ranges. HappyCow states 11:30 am–2:30 pm and 5:30–8:30 pm Monday to Sunday. Food and Wine with Love cites 11:00 am–8:00 pm daily, while Evendo reports 9 am–1 am – a much longer window that likely reflects bar hours rather than kitchen service. Given these discrepancies, we recommend confirming current hours directly through the official website or a phone call. The hotel’s Instagram account also posts hours and special events.

“The Dava Hotel has both an indoor and an enclosed outdoor playground, which allows families a night out without stressing about the kids.”

— Word of Mouth reviewer

The bottom line: Kitchen hours appear reasonably consistent for lunch and early dinner, but evening drink service on the rooftop deck may extend later. Always call ahead if you plan to arrive after 8:30 pm for food.

What makes the Dava Hotel’s rooftop special?

Port Phillip Bay views

The rooftop deck is often described by TripAdvisor reviewers as the hotel’s signature feature. Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the “unparalleled views of Port Phillip Bay” and describe it as a prime spot for sunset watching. My Guide Melbourne notes it is “a setting to chill out with friends and family,” reinforcing the dual appeal to both social groups and families.

Rooftop terrace experience

According to TripAdvisor, during summer the rooftop operates as a venue for cocktails, beer, share plates, and grazing platters, sometimes accompanied by live music. HappyCow’s single reviewer also mentions the “really good deck upstairs with nice views.” The relaxed, beach‑side atmosphere makes it suitable for a casual drink or a meal. The terrace is not covered, so come prepared for sun or wind depending on the season.

“Well placed to suit families with children, with tables near a playground allowing adults to drink while kids play.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer, January 2019

Why this matters: The rooftop view is the most consistently praised element in user reviews. If you are considering the Dava Hotel purely for a scenic outing, the Deck Bar is the primary draw.

Getting there

The Dava Hotel is located at 614 Esplanade, Mount Martha, Victoria 3934. From Melbourne, take the M1/M11 to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, then follow signs to Mount Martha. The Esplanade runs along the coast; the hotel is on the eastern side of the road. On‑street parking is available but can fill up on summer weekends. A public car park is located a short walk away near the Mount Martha Beach. For those using public transport, a bus service (route 784/785) connects to Frankston railway station, with a stop near the hotel.