Visit the beaches of Port Philip Bay, hike through fragrant eucalyptus forests and try fresh local seafood and wines in this stunning region with waterfront restaurants and cafés and lavish cliff-top mansions.
The Mornington Peninsula is a scenic headland just an hour’s drive southeast of Melbourne. The region is widely known for its sheltered beaches, great surf and fine local produce, such as olives, strawberries and cheese. Visit coastal towns and charming country estates to try regional wines and fresh seafood. Browse antique stores and galleries, wander around historic gardens, learn to scuba dive, go fishing or sea kayaking. For a day of pure relaxation visit the Peninsula Hot Springs or book a treatment at a spa.
The town of Mornington has a busy main street and a scenic pier for fishing and watching the ferries cruise in to Melbourne. Continue south to Dromana to see the cheerful colours of painted beach boxes and the distinctive landmark mountain, Arthur’s Seat. Enjoy family-friendly camping in the town of Rosebud. Sorrento, to the east, features a tranquil bay on its Port Phillip side and a roaring ocean beach opening out to Bass Strait. Find Portsea on the very tip of the peninsula, where upscale beach houses and the historic Portsea Pub look out over surf breaks.
Try fresh seafood at the waterfront or visit a pub for local fare in a laid-back atmosphere. The fertile countryside of Red Hill features several wineries. Many of the coastal and inland villages have weekly farmer’s markets selling souvenirs and organic produce.
Explore Mornington Peninsula National Park to discover scenic trails through native forests to breathtaking beaches. Visit Point Nepean to see a former fort. Cape Schanck features a lighthouse, museum and a wonderful walk to the pebbly beaches and rugged cliffs of Bushrangers Bay. See native animals at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park.
The peninsula’s largest city, Frankston, is 55.7 kilometres (34.6 miles) southeast of Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city. Explore Frankston and the peninsula with public transport or your own vehicle. Ferries operate across the mouth of Port Phillip Bay. Enjoy this beautiful coastal region in the summertime or watch the winter ocean mists on Bass Strait from a cosy beach house.
