The Peninsula Hotel officially opened on Melbourne cup day 1968, (formally known as the Dinosaur Hotel) – “Why it was called The Dinosaur”, in 1966 during the time it was being built, the owner Mr Irwin and a friend flew his light aircraft over the property after the foundations had been poured and from his aeroplane he photographed the foundations when the photos were developed it looked like the shape of a dinosaur. As Mr Irwin at the time was studying prehistoric animals as a interest, he called it the Dinosaur Hotel. 

In order to create a family environment and a totally different image for the Hotel the name changed to The Peninsula Hotel (9 months later).

Since then the complex has undergone a total renovation several times to a very upmarket hotel with an indoor waterfall and glass roofed function centre its design is very fresh and inviting to all with many stand out features including a family friendly atmosphere whether you are dining out on your own, with the children, or celebrating that special occasion with friends, relaxing and enjoying a drink in the cocktail bar or outside in the heated beer garden complete with waterfall and background music.