Morningnton Peninsula

Discover hidden jewels under an endless sky only 90 minutes south of Melbourrne CBD. A region of culinary delights, fresh produce and world renowned wines waiting to be explored. Beach fun on gentle golden sands or in the rugged surf, wander through hidden coves or forests with strange grass trees, discover markets, antiques shops and art galleries. The area's history spans over 150 years as the Mornington Peninsula has long been the beach destination for Melburnians. Get lost in a maze or find true gold in the wine of the area; romance your partner in a truly memorable getaway. Swing into action on one of the many superb golf courses. Today the Mornington Peninsula caters for such a diverse range of holiday interests, its ever growing popularity is no surprise.

Part 1: A journey around the Mornington Peninsula's Port Phillip Bay and ocean coast

Frankston
The gateway to the Mornington Peninsula enjoys proximity to Melbourne, but 20 minutes further along and you are in the fun-filled heart of the Peninsula. The railway opened in 1882 bringing Frankston into easy reach as a seaside destination. One of the largest retail areas in suburban Melbourne today yet the Frankston Arts Centre and the McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park (in nearby Langwarrin) add a touch of class to its commercial heart. Over the ridge of Olivers Hill with beautiful views along the coast, the road leads to Mount Eliza.

Mount Eliza
A bushland beauty was established in the 1920s with many grand old houses from the 1800s still to be found between large gardens and coastal teatree. The township itself offers extremely sophisticated shopping and delightful outdoor cafes, galleries, garden centres worth investigating. Rocky coves and sandy crescent beaches invite the swimmer and the snorkeller. Fishing and the mussell beds are there for the enterprising. On a clear day "you can see forever" - at least all the way to the Melbourne skyline.

Here is where the Mornington Peninsula truly begins...

Mornington
In the 1840s Mornington was a remote bayside village but already then it had a following of sun and sea seekers who enjoyed the tranquil life around Snapper Point. Some of the old hotels of the time have been carefully retsored and give Mornington its character. Today the main road is a buzzing commercial hub. A variety of eateries are found here. Art galleries as well as specialty shops draw their clientele from far and wide. From here the coastal road atop the red bluffs is a must see. The winding tea tree lined road is full of hairpin bends, with breathtaking views 'french riviera style' on your way down the jewel coast.

The view from Arthurs Seat of Dromana Bay

Soon Dromana comes into view in the valley between Mount Martha and Arthurs Seat. Here the well known chairlift climbs to the summit of Arthurs Seat or you can drive the winding route to the top for the highest views on the peninsula looking north over the sweeping crescent shaped shoreline of Dromana Bay.

Heronswood

Many interesting B&Bs close to the sea or up in the rolling hills, call for a restful stay as there is plenty more still to see and do on the Peninsula. Well known vineyards criss cross the north facing hills from inland Dromana Estate all the way back up to Moorooduc, level with Mornington. Heronswood in Dromana, with its glorious established gardens at their prime in Summer, is well known to keen gardeners for its 'Diggers Club' heirloom seed shop and nursery. The property's historic bluestone home is also open to the public on certain days of the year. Or you can stop in just for a light lunch at the organic food cafe which sports an unlikely thatched straw roof. (Visit www.diggers.com.au for more info) Strung along the beach road a few kilometres further on is Rosebud, Rye and Blairgowrie being the traditional family resorts of the Peninsula. In Summer it's hard to find a spot to eat or sleep here, so popular is the area. These bay beaches are dotted with countless piers and jetties, aquatic pursuits are high are high on the list of leisure ativities. All have outdoor markets on Saturday or Sunday with a welcome variety of goods on offer.

Sorrento Ferry Terminal

Sorrento Now as well as in the 1870s Sorrento has mastered a sedent beauty and chic tranquillity. Buildings erected of locally quarried limestone give the seaside town a timeless quality. The cool sea breezes make it a pleasant place to sit in one of the many outdoor cafes 'to see and be seen', or to wander from shop to shop for some retail therapy. Swim with the dolphins or seals, learn to dive or see the Big ones lurking in the Sorrento Aquarium. While away your holiday time in art shows and street markets or take the ferry to Queenscliff skirting safely past the turbulent entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Hire a watercraft or learn to ply the liquid crystal element on a windsurfer. Sit close to the water's edge with good food and a local wine while watching the sun make it's way across the sky to the West. Here dolce fariente (doing sweet nothing) is an art form well known to holiday makers on the Peninsula.

Portsea
A stone's throw down the road is Portsea where Melbourne's most affluent families have long had their summer estates and lavish seaside villas. An avenue of aged, majestic Cypresses leads to the iconic Portsea Hotel, a landmark built in 1927, and refurbished many times since, sits right on the edge of the fine golden sand of this most glorious part of the Peninsula. No busy, sprawling shopping outlets here. The locals prefer a tranquil neighbourhood. Casual visitors too find it interesting to step into a different lifestyle atmosphere here compared to much of the Peninsula.

The Portsea ocean beach, a fantastic surf beach, attracts events such as the Iron Man Challenge to its rugged setting. On the bay beach side, competitions like the Portsea pro am classic Pier to Pub Swim is held and the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race gets underway. Fishing and sightseeing trips can offer daylong fun in the sun or plunge into the whitefoaming surf (strictly in patrolled areas for personal safety).

If history captures your interest Point Nepean has much to offer. Victoria's first settlement, the quarantine station and the defence bastions of Point Nepean can transport you back into a time long past but not forgotten here. (For more information download the Parks Victoria PDF Visitor Guide for Point Nepean)

The Mornington Peninsula National Park runs from Point Nepean all along the ocean coast to Cape Schanck. Back roads, sometimes dusty, lead to various thundering surf beaches along this great stretch of coast where the endless pounding waves continue to shape the land into evermore intricate patterns. Here Nature's might is at its exhilerating best. Saltspray in your nostrils. Walking tracks through dunes and along crests provide views and access to the shoreline. Gunnamatta is the last of the seemingly infinite surf beaches before Cape Schanck. (For more information on Point Nepean and the Mornington Peninsula National Park visit the Parks Victoria webpage)

Cape Schanck
This rugged headland protrudes into the wilds of Bass Strait. Its lighthouse, built in 1857, provided a turning point, a sentinel for the then rare passage of ships along the south coast of Australia. Visible from 50km away, it marks the eastern approach to Point Nepean. From here the views are exceptional. Your eyes can follow the coast to Point Nepean and all the way along Victoria's south west coast to The Otways on the Great Ocean Road. Looking east across the water is Phillip Island.

Walks around the clifftop and down to the water's edge call for you to linger at this special jewel.

Coming Soon -
More pages on other Mornington Peninsula experiences including:
the Inland area, Wineries, Golf and Westernport Coast.