Mornington Peninsula Daytrip by Public Transport
Hit Seaside Spots Portsea & Sorrento by Melbourne's Trains & Buses
Oct 1, 2009
A boot-shaped peninsula between Port Phillip Bay & Western Port Bay, the Mornington Peninsula, with its abundance of pristine beaches, has been a favourite summer holiday amongst Melburnians since the 1870's. With the peninsular destinations within one to three hours of Melbourne city, it is also a great spot for a coastal daytrip. Below we explore the Mornington Peninsula's sights, attractions and places of interest reachable by Melbourne's public transport system.
Explore the Beautiful Beaches of Frankston, Mornington & Mount Eliza by Train
Situated on the coast, the peninsula's biggest draw is its neverending attractive beaches and laid-abck beach culture. Frankston Beach marks the beginning of the peninsular area and is the closest beach in this area to Melbourne. Frankston is also home to a great shopping malls, such as Bayside Shopping Centre (Beach St) and Centro Shopping Centre (Karringal Drive). The main street in the town, Beach Street, is a vibrant strip of pubs, shops and entertainment and is just five minutes from Frankston Beach which stretches far and wide. Located just off the beach is the Frankston Visitor Centre which supplies visitors with information on the Mornington Peninsula further south.
Naturally enough, the peninsula's first main town is Mornington. A laid-back coastal town, Mornington is renowned for its village atmosphere, relaxing cafe culture and beautiful beaches. Main Street is the centre of the action, lined with popular surf shops, little boutiques and many cafes for visitors looking to relax with a coffee and cake. Just down from this street lies the seaside. There are two beaches here – the sheltered Mothers Beach is the main swimming beach while Mills Beach is a popular family spot lined with iconic Melburnian beach huts. This carefree, holiday vibe is mirrored in Mt Martha and Mt Eliza further south, both of which have a relaxed beach culture and spectacular scenic views.
These towns are the closest peninsular spots to Melbourne city. As such, they are both the easiest spots for a daytrip and the only ones covered by Metlink tickets (Melbourne's metropolitan public transport tickets). Coming from the city (Zone1) to the Mornington Peninsula (Zone 2) requires a valid Zone 1&2 Metcard. To get to the peninsula, catch the Frankston train line from Flinders St station in the city, alighting at Frankston. From Frankston, the Portsea Passenger Services' buses 781, 784 and 785 run part-way down the peninsula via Mornington, Mt Eliza and Mt Martha. Metcards are valid on these services. Bus 788, which runs all the way to the peninsular tip, also services these towns and Metlink-holders can use this service as far as Safety Beach, which is further south again.
Bus it to Sorrento, the Mornington Peninsula's top Visitors Beach Spot
Beaches are dotted all the way down either side of the peninsula but its seaside highlights lie in Sorrento and Portsea. The first European settlement in Victoria, Sorrento was established by convicts and free settlers from England. A huge tourist attraction, Sorrento also attracts nearby Melburnians who flock to beach houses to relax. It's also a great place to wine and dine, boasting the peninsula's largest range of cafes and restaurants. Once here, all manner of water activities are possible from swimming to surfing. Tours also run from here including Pelperro Dolphin Swims' dolphin-watching cruises ($40) and swimming-with-dolphins extravaganza ($100.) Another popular trip is the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula opposite. Ferries depart hourly and tickets cost $8.
To get to Sorrento, catch the 788 bus from just oFrankston train station which runs all the way down the peninsula's coast. Metcards are only valid as far as Safety Beach. A ticket to Sorrento can be purchased from the bus driver onboard.
Ride the bus Further South to Portsea, the Peninsula's Wealthiest Seaside Spot
At the western tip of the peninsula, Portsea is the land of the rich, with many of Melbourne's wealthiest families owning seaside mansions here. A vibrant beach scene and leisure-centred atmosphere are the main draws here. Portsea's back beach boasts the added bonus of being a great viewpoint for the impressive rock formation 'London Bridge', one of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road, another daytrip in itself.
A wild ocean beach, back beach is a popular place for surfers. While the front beaches are more family friendly and relaxed. Again, the usual water sports prevail but for those looking for more adventure, Dive Victoria runs diving and snorkelling trips and hires equipment.
Public transport to Portsea is the same as Sorrento (see above), passengers simply stay on the bus about 15 minutes longer.
Readers may also be interested in other Melbourne Daytrips doable by public transport, such as Yarra Valley Daytrip by Public Transport and Dandenong Ranges Daytrip by Public Transport.
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