Located just a stone’s throw from central Melbourne, the boot-shaped Mornington Peninsula feels a million miles from the city. Its lush interior is covered in vineyards while its coast boasts a choice of outstanding beaches. Enjoy a tour of a local winery, soak up the sun on one of the beautiful stretches of sand or explore the restaurants, shops and cafes in the peninsula’s many characterful towns and villages.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Mornington Peninsula
Sorrento – One of the most popular towns on the peninsula, Sorrento boasts a choice of waterfront restaurants, a great selection of independent galleries and boutiques and a picturesque setting. Once you’ve discovered the town’s artistic side, hire a kayak and explore the bay, join a boat trip or diving expedition or take part in a dolphin swimming adventure from Sorrento Pier.
Mornington – Like Sorrento, Mornington is famous for its artistic community and stunning location. Brightly coloured bathing boxes line the waterfront while in the town itself you’ll find a great choice of restaurants, bars and independent retailers.
Mornington Peninsula National Park – See some of the peninsula’s most beautiful natural landscapes in the Mornington Peninsula National Park. A great destination for an afternoon walk, the park encompasses some of the area’s most beautiful stretches of coast.
Portsea - The Peninsula’s most exclusive destination, Portsea is packed full of waterfront mansions, exclusive eateries and famous drinking holes. A fantastic opportunity to see how the other half live, a trip to Portsea will give you the chance to see a different side of the Mornington Peninsula.
Things to See in Mornington Peninsula
One of the most prominent sights is the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is home to a museum, information centre and gift shop and regularly hosts private tours. To find out more about the region’s history, visit Sorrento where you’ll find a selection of historic hotels built to cater to the peninsula’s early tourists in the 1870s. To see the point where the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay and the rough Bass Strait meet, head to the Nepean National Park. Crisscrossed with military tunnels and home to the peninsula’s Quarantine Station, the park is a must see during your time in the region.
Things to Do in Mornington Peninsula
Thanks to the large number of artists that live in the area, Mornington Peninsula makes a fantastic destination for a day of gallery hopping. Sorrento and Mornington are two of the best towns for art and artists, though you’ll also find exhibitions and events in many towns in the region. When it’s time for lunch or when you’re ready for an afternoon drink, visit one of the peninsula’s excellent vineyards or explore the restaurants and bars of Sorrento. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more active day out, kite surfing, fishing, snorkelling and diving are all available in the area. If you want to get a better look at the dolphins that frequent the area, join a specialist swimming tour from Sorrento and see the area from a different point of view.
