Mornington Peninsula
Tourism Victoria

Highlights

Portsea

Near the north-west tip of the peninsula, this village has long been favoured by Melbourne’s wealthy. It has large houses (some with private boathouses), elegant hotels, B&Bs, good restaurants and a legendary pub. Further west, don’t miss Fort Nepean, once an important defence site, and London Bridge, a rock formation off Portsea Surf Beach.

Sorrento sojourns

The Queenscliff–Sorrento car ferry crosses Port Phillip several times a day, offering visitors a tour of the two peninsulas – Bellarine and Mornington – without a long drive by land. Dolphin cruises, some including a swim with Port Phillip’s bottlenose dolphins, operate in summer.

Arthurs Seat

Just inland from Dromana, Arthurs Seat offers superb views across Melbourne and the bay. The 300 m summit is reached by foot or vehicle – at the top are picnic facilities and a restaurant. Nearby is Arthurs Seat Maze with a series of themed gardens and mazes, including the large Maize Maze each autumn.

Red Hill Market

The small town of Red Hill, in the scenic undulating landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, is famous for its market held on the first Saturday of each month (from September to May). Affectionately known as the ‘grand dame’ of Victoria’s craft market scene, the market has featured exceptional local produce, clothing and crafts for over 30 years. A visit to this much lauded community event is a real treat.

Mornington Peninsula National Park

This park extends along the south-west coast of the peninsula, where the Bass Strait surf pounds windswept beaches and headlands. A 32 km walking track runs from Portsea Surf Beach right down to Cape Schanck, with its historic 1858 lighthouse (offering accommodation).

Focus On: Wineries

The grape came relatively late to the peninsula: the oldest vineyard, Elgee Park, north of Merricks, was established early in the 1970s. Viticulture exploded during the 1980s and 90s; now there are nearly 40 wineries in this cool-climate region, most clustered around Red Hill and many set in postcard-perfect landscapes. The vineyards tend to be small and concentrate on the classic varieties of pinot noir and chardonnay. Stonier, Tucks Ridge and Main Ridge Estate are a few of the names to look out for.