Mornington Peninsula

Winding around the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and taking in vast ocean views and sheltered beaches, Mornington Peninsula is home to quaint coastal villages and hinterland hamlets, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxurious spas and renowned golf courses. It is possible to travel from top to toe of the region within half an hour, passing colourful bathing boxes strung along the beachfronts of Dromana, Rosebud and Mornington, then inland through the rolling hills of the verdant hinterland to orchards, market gardens and wineries. See how the millionaires live in striking homes around Portsea. With everything on the peninsula within easy reach, there's plenty of ways to fill your day, from boutique shopping amid historic limestone buildings in Sorrento and teeing off from the cliff top golf course at Flinders on Westernport Bay. Treat yourself to a soak in Rye's thermal mineral pools, see works of art at Mornington's renowned gallery, or head to the top of Arthurs Seat for panoramic coastal views. Excellent restaurants have sprung up amid the wineries of Red Hill and Main Ridge, where abundant local produce and regional wines share the spotlight with views of the blue waters. Every kind of water activity is available on the peninsula's beautiful sandy beaches, from sailing and surfing to fishing and dolphin swims. The Portsea reef system attracts scuba divers of all levels. There are also majestic coastal walks past dunes, beaches, cliffs and lighthouses. Stay a night in the old Keeper's Cottage at the Cape Schanck Lightstation. For anybody who has ever teed up, the Mornington Peninsula is golfing heaven. Take on the daunting Moonah Links, scenic Flinders, or the acclaimed The Dunes. Mornington Peninsula is an easy hour's drive from Melbourne along the M1, the Eastlink tollway, the Mornington Peninsula Freeway and the Moorooduc Freeway.