Destinations
Mornington Peninsula's coastal villages and hinterland hamlets dazzle you with their concentration of heritage streetscapes, acclaimed food and wine, rugged seascapes, luxurious spas and excellent golf courses.
You could almost be in Mediterranean Europe as you wind around the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay and the vast ocean views and sheltered beaches, but the charm, the laid-back welcomes and the village contrasts are quintessentially Victorian.
The Mornington microcosm
You can travel the region top to toe in just 30 minutes. Pass quaint bathing boxes strung along the beachfronts of Dromana, Rosebud and Mornington, and head inland through the rolling hills of the verdant hinterland to orchards, market gardens and wineries.
In one day you can be boutique shopping amid historic limestone buildings in Sorrento, teeing off from the cliff top golf course at Flinders on Westernport Bay, soaking in Rye's thermal mineral pools, studying works of art at Mornington's renowned gallery, appreciating the soaring views from the top of Arthurs Seat, or picking berries to accompany fresh cheeses and local wine in gastronomic Red Hill.
Coastal pace
You'll be rewarded if you slow your pace. The rugged Westernport Bay villages of Flinders and Balnarring can be perfect for restoring balance and perspective. Stay a night in the old Keeper's Cottage at the Cape Schanck Lightstation and be soothed by the sounds of waves crashing.
Linger over languorous feasts at seaside restaurants in Portsea and Mornington, or tuck in among the vines at any of the five 'chef's hat' winery eateries around Red Hill and Main Ridge.
On the beaches
Discover life on and underwater around Mornington Peninsula's beautiful sandy beaches. Catch the waves at surf beaches, scuba dive around the Portsea pier reef system, encounter stunning sea dragons as you snorkel the underwater trail around Rye pier, and frolic with the seals and dolphins in the waters off Sorrento.
A life of luxury
Set off on the Millionaire's Walk atop the cliffs between Portsea and Sorrento for bird's eye views of the multi-million dollar properties. Soak in thermal waters at the Peninsula's famed spas. Continue the rejuvenation in the quiet gardens of your B&B or imposing historic homesteads. Roam galleries, craft markets or artisan workshops around Red Hill and Main Ridge for perfect keepsakes.