Around the Bay Touring Route Leg 2

Leg 2: Sorrento to Melbourne
100km / 79 miles, 2.5hr

Board the ferry across the bay to the Mornington Peninsula.

Cosmopolitan life by the water
Linger in Sorrento where beautiful nineteenth-century limestone buildings house excellent eateries, boutiques, galleries and specialist shops. Surf at Sorrento's ocean beaches, swim with dolphins and seals or take a fishing cruise into the bay.

Stop at nearby Portsea for a drink on the lawns of the famous Portsea Pub with its bay views. Visit Point Nepean and explore the remains of Victoria’s coastal defence at Fort Nepean.

Stunning views and gourmet experiences
Turn north back along the coast to Rosebud and from there cross to the other side of the peninsula, arriving at Cape Schanck to follow boardwalks to lookouts and superb views of the roaring Bass Strait. Take a guided tour of the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse.

Continue along the Westernport Bay side of the peninsula to the nineteenth-century fishing hamlet of Flinders. Flinders offers surf and safe beaches, delicious dining and antique and curio shopping. Make time for a round of golf at the scenic Flinders Golf course overlooking Bass Strait.

From Flinders, travel inland towards Arthurs Seat and its exceptional views that extend from the bay to the city. See the orderly rows of vineyards, orchards and small farms around Red Hill, Merricks and Main Ridge. Stop in at winery cellar doors for tastings and lunch at fine restaurants. Sample seasonal organic fruit and vegetables from farm gates, or stock up on local produce at the famous Red Hill market on the first Saturday of the month.

Returning to the big smoke
After exploring Red Hill return to the beach road and amble back to Melbourne taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery. Cruise through Mornington and have a coffee overlooking the yachts bobbing in the harbour and the colourful beach boxes lining the sand.

Stop on the city's outskirts at Frankston and visit the renowned McClelland Gallery+Sculpture Park. See works by painters Russell Drysdale and Fred Williams, or stroll through the sculpture park for art in a beautiful bushland setting.

An alternative route back to Melbourne is to travel via Hastings, an historic fishing town and a good place to take a fishing charter or a cruise of Westernport Bay before heading back to the city.