Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Travel Information

Long regarded as the summer playground for Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has evolved into a destination for all seasons.

Just over an hour from Melbourne's CBD, the spectacular ocean beaches have for generations made the Mornington Peninsula a favourite, seaside escape from the heat of summer.

With its emergence as a centre of excellence for food, wine and luxury accommodation, travellers are now being tempted year-round by the allure of sampling fresh locally grown produce, knowing a glass of good wine is never far away. Within the area are cheese makers, pick-your own strawberries and over 30 wineries.

Link to accommodation, cottages & bed and breakfasts on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Another attraction of the Mornington Peninsula is its unique history. Fronting the wilds of Bass Strait, Cape Schanck Light Station has stood unchanged for over 140 years – a reminder of the rugged coastline's treachery. With its fertile soil, the region has also played a key part in Victoria's pastoral history. The Briars Historic Park, the circa 1840 property of Captain James Reid, has links with the French Emperor Napoleon and is a must-see for history buffs.

Whether a sun-worshipper, gourmand or historian, the Mornington Peninsula holds year-round appeal.

Beaches, Bays & National Park

With ninety-six percent of Victoria's coastline public land, tourists have access to excellent swimming and surfing beaches as well as diverse flora and fauna protected within marine parks and reserves. Separating Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, the Mornington Peninsula has a unique geography that not only includes sheltered bays but also rugged coastline fronting Bass Strait.

Although famed for its 260km of unspoiled coastline, visitors can choose from the wild surf of the Mornington Peninsula's ocean beaches or the tranquil sandy bays running from Melbourne to Portsea. The pick of the surf beaches are at Gunnamatta and Kilcunda where the seas of Bass Strait produce waves of a stature that are even challenging for the most seasoned surfer. For those after calmer waters, the Mornington Peninsula also boasts many safe swimming beaches with gentler waves ideal for families.

With Phillip Island to its east and Melbourne to its north, the Mornington Peninsula can be reached from the west via the rather enchanting option of a ferry ride. Accommodating cars and passengers, board the ferry at Queenscliff, then after a short journey – with dolphins often swimming freely alongside – arrive at stylish Sorrento. The ferry is perfect for those wanting to first drive the Great Ocean Road.

Covering 2,686ha, the Morning-ton Peninsula National Park has diverse coastal environments ranging from the basalt cliffs at Cape Schanck to the native bushland of Greens Bush and the roaring surf of Gunnamatta. In terms of its flora, the Park has an amazing variety of native vegetation including coastal dune scrub and grasses, Banksia groves, coastal heath lands, woodlands, forests and swamps.

Just as impressive are the species of animals protected within the Mornington Peninsula Park. With over 200 species of birds, mammals and reptiles, the Park is home to endangered species such as the White-footed Dunnart, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Black Wallaby, Singing Honeyeater, Blue-winged Parrot and Hooded Plover. Take the time to experience the Park on foot with either the Bushrangers Bay Nature Walk that starts at Cape Schanck or the Famsworth Track at Portsea.

Wine, Food & Song

With boutique produce, a burgeoning wine industry and dozens of restaurants and cafes – even some with singing waiters – visitors to the Mornington Peninsula are assured of a fabulous food experience.

A year-round drawcard, the region's reputation for excellent food and wine goes far beyond good restaurant fare.

A farm gate trail comprising growers, vignerons, cheese makers and galleries has been established to provide an opportunity for tourists to speak firsthand with producers. Adding to the overall experience of regional cuisine, the trail educates while creating an appreciation for the flavours and subtle nuances of Mornington Peninsula produce.

The Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm at Main Ridge is a good example of the type of property featured on the farm gate trail. One of Australia's largest producers of strawberries, visitors can pick their own direct from the field between November and April. Out of season, the farm holds just as much interest with a café featuring products such as scones with strawberry jam, homemade ice-cream, as well as fruit wines and sparkling strawberry available for tasting and purchase. Watch an info-video covering the processes involved in strawberry farming before moving on.

With over thirty wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, it's possible to organise a holiday based solely on tour-ing vineyards. A good example of the quality and creativity of the Peninsula's wine industry is found down the road from Sunny Ridge at T'Gallant Winemakers. At the forefront of Pinot Gris production in Australia, winemakers Kath-leen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy have set up their cellar door within their workshop. Enjoy a meal at the winery's La Baracca Trattoria Restaurant where wine, ‘food and song’ combine – meals based on the best in local produce are teamed with T'Gallant wines and served by a singing waiter!

If time is limited but you would like to leave with a sample of regional produce, be sure to drop in to the Red Hill Cool Stores. Showcasing the best in the Peninsula's wine, fresh produce and craft, goods displayed are housed within a lovingly converted apple cool store.

Coastal History

With its prominent coastal position at the entry to Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula has a rich maritime history. The Park at Point Nepean, part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, was Victoria's first quarantine station established in 1852. A stroll through the adjoining cemetery provides a fascinating insight into early European settlement with burials right back to the 1850s linked to quarantine, shipwrecks and defence.

Explore the extensive fortification system built in the 1880s and extended during the World Wars. Interpretive displays and audiovisuals along the way explain the important role Point Nepean played in Melbourne's defence. Either on foot or bicycle (these can be hired), visitors will enjoy learning of the history of Point Nepean against a backdrop of magnificent coastal views.

A short drive away, fully guided tours of Cape Schanck Light Station can be taken. This imposing edifice perched atop a sheer cliff face affords incredible views of Bass Strait. Mount the spiralling staircase of this impressive structure while learning of its light, mechanisms and 140-year history. Afterwards browse through the museum containing artefacts and displays that document the families and history of Cape Schanck and other Victorian lighthouses.

At Mt Martha, one of the Mornington Peninsula's oldest properties, The Briars, has been been donated to the local Shire and National Trust. Housed within its walls are pieces of furniture and other items given by Napoleon to the original builder of the homestead, Alexander Balcombe. Set on 96 hectares, visitors will enjoy the period home with its display of historical photographs, artefacts and information and also the grounds which have been turned into a wetlands reserve.