What is the Mornington Peninsula?
The Mornington Peninsula is a coastal holiday region south of Melbourne, between Port Phillip and Western Port. It is known for beaches, wineries and hot springs.
Bayside towns such as Sorrento, Portsea and Rye have calm beaches, while the ocean side has rugged surf coasts. Many Melburnians spend summer holidays there.
The region has dozens of cool-climate wineries. Peninsula Hot Springs offers natural thermal pools.
History and views
Point Nepean National Park has old forts and a quarantine station. Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared while swimming at Cheviot Beach in 1967.
The Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola gives views over the bay. Ferries link Sorrento and Queenscliff.
The peninsula is about an hour's drive from Melbourne and is popular for weekend escapes. Towns such as Red Hill and Main Ridge are known for wineries, farm gates and berry farms. Bushrangers Bay, Cape Schanck and its lighthouse attract walkers. The coastal Two Bays Walking Track links Dromana to Cape Schanck. In summer, many families camp along the foreshore at Rosebud and Rye.
Did You Know?
Point Nepean fired the first Allied shot of the First World War in 1914.