Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

Mornington Peninsula is located about an hours drive south of Melbourne, Victoria. While most visitors to the State take in the sights of the City and surrounding areas to the north, east and west, few venture south to the peninsula. That’s a shame because the peninsula has a lot to offer from its pristine beaches to locally owned and operated wineries to great seaside getaways. If you’re looking for a variety of things to do but don’t want to do a lot of driving, the peninsula’s the place for you.

Ferries from Sorrento and Portsea on the south end of the peninsula provide access to Phillip Island and to the Bellarine Peninsula. Taking the ferry will save you a few hours of driving which you can put to better use exploring once on the other side.

Wine Country

The Mornington Peninsula is fast becoming recognized for more than just its magnificent scenery and hospitality. You’ll also find some of Australia’s best cold-climate wines produced there at one of the more than 100 wineries.

Most wineries are open to visitors for tours and tasting. However, some open daily while others open only on certain days of the week or month. If you plan on visiting the wineries, make sure to log on to the Mornington Peninsula Wineries web site beforehand to get more information.

Cape Shanck

A favorite place of mine is Cape Shanck National Park. Situated on the southern most tip of the peninsula, the old lighthouse, buildings and grounds are all part of the national park.

Built in 1857 to warn ships of the treacherous waters around the Cape, the still fully functioning lighthouse, outbuildings, keepers cottage and museum are open to the public offering a glimpse of the past.

Although I'm a big fan of lighthouses, what really draws me is the boardwalk stretching out to Pulpit Rock. As you walk along it, the sounds of the seagulls flying overhead and the waves crashing over the shoreline below will melt away your stresses of modern-day life. There are very few things more therapeutic in life.

Shoreham and Point Leo

Whether you’re walking along Shoreham or Port Leo's soft sandy beaches or just sitting taking in the sites and sounds of the ocean, these have to be the perfect spots for just letting your mind drift to a far away place.

Located within minutes of each other, they are what I’d have to call small slices of heaven.

If you’re an early riser, a stroll along either beach at sunrise is absolutely magical. Other than a few friendly locals taking their usual morning walk along the beach you’ll have the place to yourself.

I'd suggest arriving at either beach right before sunrise, find yourself a nice spot to plant your bum, and wait and watch for the sun to rise over Westernport Bay. This is Mother Nature at her best.

Flinders

Just down the road from Shoreham you’ll find Flinders. Although it has all the essential conveniences of a small town, it does so without losing any of its quaintness.

One of Flinders most famous features is its coastal golf course. Rated as one of Australia’s top 100 courses, you won’t find one more picturesque than this one.

A word of caution, though. If water hazards are your downfall, a round of golf on this course with the ocean less than a few hundred yards off of the fairways may not be your cup of tea. But, if you don’t mind losing a few balls in the water, this is the course for you. There's also a scenic cliff top drive, if that's your preference.

The Flinders pier offers some spectacular views of Westernport Bay and Phillip Island. The beach is on par (pardon the pun) with others on the peninsula, so bring along a deck chair and stay awhile.

Portsea and Sorrento

Two other favorite places of mine are Portsea and Sorrento. My guess judging by the number of domestic and international tourists you’ll find there during the summer months is that a number of people also agree with me.

Both locations are holiday havens and literally thousands upon thousands of people invade the area during summer. Some prime camping spots along the coast typically have a five year waiting list. Motels and hotels book way ahead of time, too.

If you want to explore the area, my suggestion is to find a motel elsewhere on the peninsula and drive to Sorrento or Portsea. Both are within a half an hour’s drive from just about anywhere on the peninsula. You’ll also likely save money at motels away from these "touristy" spots, too.

French Island

French Island is, indeed, an island in the Westernport Bay just off of the peninsula. To get there you will have to take the passenger ferry across to Tankerton. There is no car ferry. Other than vehicles owned by the island residents, cars aren't allowed on the island in order to preserve the pristine environment and to prevent mainland diseases spreading to its wildlife.

Don’t let that stop you from visiting, though. Just arrange a tour with French Island Eco Tours. They’ll pick you up right from the ferry and take you on an informative and fun trip around the island.

The French Island National Park covers over two thirds of the island and is home to more than 230 species of birds and other animals and reptiles. For those of you who love Koala’s -- and who doesn’t -- it has one of the densest Koala population of anywhere in Australia. If you take an eco tour, you’re just about guaranteed a close encounter with a few of them.

If you see Geoff and Patty Molloy (my brother-in-law and sister) on the island's north end, tell them “hi” from John and Linda.

Elsewhere On The Peninsula

As you've probably gathered, these are only a few of the places worth checking out. With thirty peninsula townships, you really owe it to yourself to spend a week or two there so as to really appreciate everything there is to see.

I can guarantee you, once you've experienced the peninsula you’ll keep making regular treks back. Linda and I have visited at least a half-dozen times on extended stays and we still discover something new or different every time.

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