Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Visit the seaside towns Dromana, Rosebud, Portsea and Sorrento
Located an hour south of Melbourne on the eastern side of Port Philip Bay is Mornington Peninsula, a region popular with both Melburnians and visitors.
The Mornington Peninsula has long been a favourite for weekend breaks and summer holidays. Its diverse coastal environments and the activities on offer never fail to draw crowds from nearby Melbourne and beyond.
Mornington Peninsula refers to the eastern arm of Port Philip Bay. Once a remote seaside settlement, Mornington itself is fast becoming engulfed by Melbourne’s encroaching sprawl yet it manages to retain an old-country charm. Some of the original 19th century buildings still line the main streets; The Grand Hotel and Royal Hotel are testament to Mornington being a once lucrative port town and are fine examples of Australian period architecture.
Dromana, Rosebud and Rye
The multi-cultural melting pots of Dromana, Rosebud and Rye are a reflection of the cosmopolitan population of Melbourne. Many second homeowners that frequent the area are Italian immigrants, or of Italian descent, so it’s impossible not to feel the Mediterranean vibe. Everyone seems to know everybody else, which makes for a wonderful friendly atmosphere. In fact, it may sound strange but it’s not uncommon to find that the same people with holiday homes on the peninsula may be close neighbours back in metropolitan Melbourne. The obvious camaraderie makes the Mornington Peninsula a popular and welcoming holiday destination for anyone who visits its shores.
Portsea and Sorrento
Nearby Sorrento and Portsea, on the tip of the peninsula, are where the upper echelons of society prefer to spend their holiday time. Known as the millionaire’s playground, Portsea offers yacht cruises, scuba diving and other water sports. Catch a ferry from Sorrento across the mouth of the bay to Queenscliff if a trip to the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong appeals.
Activities on the Mornington Peninsula
During the summer months the clear, shallow waters of the Mornington Peninsula offer a cooling solution to the often sweltering heat while surfers will delight in the much rougher, and colder, beaches on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula where the International Rip Curl surf tournament is sometimes held.
When people have their fill of beach activities they often turn to the region’s hinterland where cool climate wineries and gourmet food producers abound. Around 40 of the wineries have cellar doors open to the public – only a few are by appointment only – and many of the wineries have fabulous adjoining restaurants where visitors can indulge their taste buds from all angles.
Other popular activities include walking, fishing, golfing and sailing.
Places to Stay
- Bay Play Adventure Lodge, 46 Canterbury Jetty Road, Blairgowrie 3942 Tel: +613 5988 0188
- Rosebud Country Club Fairways Resort, 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud 3939 Tel: +613 5950 2111
- Hotel Sorrento, 5-15 Hotham Road, Sorrento 3943 Tel: +613 5984 2206
- Portsea Hotel, 3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea 3944 Tel: +613 5984 2213
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