Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula, Vic. Photo credit: Roberto Seba/Tourism Victoria

Mornington Peninsula

Olive groves? Vineyards? Visit Melbourne by the Med.

Mornington Peninsula is only an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Small wonder, then, that Melburnians come here in their droves at the weekend. In summer they can almost double the local population.

They come for stunning beaches, bushland trails and the small towns and vineyards that line the slopes.

Things to do on Mornington Peninsula

Frankston
This is the peninsula’s ‘gateway city’. There’s a thriving arts and theatre scene here. If you’re craving a bit of culture head to the Frankston Arts Centre or one of the numerous galleries. Olivers Hill is a favourite viewpoint overlooking Port Phillip Bay.

Wineries
The south of the region produces fine cool-climate wines such as Pinot Noir.
There are around 60 wineries in the region, most situated around Red Hill, Main Ridge, Balnarring and Dromana. Many have cellar doors open to the public. Some are open for private viewings only which need booking in advance. You can find all of Mornington Peninsula’s wineries here.

Mornington Peninsula National Park
Spread over a wide area, the park runs along the coastline between London Bridge and Bushrangers Bay, and from Stockyard Creek east to Flinders. It also includes the land from Greens Bush southwards to the north of Cape Schanck.

Point Nepean
This former quarantine station and army base formed part of Australia’s defences from the 1880s to 1945. Find it at the very tip of the peninsula.

Beaches
The beaches are good, but can be very dangerous (see sidebar). Always swim within the flags.

Walks
If you have a spare eight hours, we’d recommend the walk from Portsea along the coast to Cape Schanck. There you’ll be able to visit the Cape Schanck Lightstation, built in 1859.

Kangaroos
Heading north from Cape Schanck will lead you to Greens Bush, the perfect place for a bushwalk, bike-ride, and wildlife spotting. If you haven’t caught a glimpse of a kangaroo yet, get up early for your chance to see them feeding.

As with any national park, always check the weather and safety information (eg bushfires) before you travel. You can find current information on Mornington Peninsula here.

French Island
70% of Victoria’s largest island is given over to national park. It’s relatively undeveloped, so being here can give you a wonderful sense of escape. Be aware that that remoteness also means there’s no running water, electricity or medical service.

Koalas
The island is home to Australia’s largest koala community. Unlike their mainland cousins, the koalas here don’t suffer from chlamydia. In fact, excess koalas from this community are being transferred to other areas of Australia to help infected colonies repopulate.

It’s not just a koala haven. There’s lots of wildlife on the island, including hundreds of varieties of orchids.

Cycling
Bushwalking, swimming, and cycling are the order of the day here. You can hire a bike in advance from the French Island General Store. It’s worthwhile booking ahead, as when you do your bike will be waiting for you at the jetty when you arrive. That’s handy, as the store is 3km away.

Touring
A tour is the best way to get the most out of the island in a day. The French Island Bus Tour is the only tour operator on the island. Ask them nicely and they’ll even tailor the tour to your preferences.

McLeod Eco Farm and Historic Prison
This former prison has been converted into accommodation, giving you the chance to sleep in converted cells or officers’ quarters.

French Island Accommodation
The island’s campsite is free but the facilities are very basic. You’d best book too – a couple of weeks in advance at peak times. B&Bs and guesthouses are also available.

Getting to French Island
You can get here on the 30 minute ferry from Stony Point on Mornington Peninsula or via the ferry from Cowes on Phillip Island. Ferry times change depending on weather and the tide, and can be cancelled at short notice.

Arthurs Seat
Mornington Peninsula’s highest peak (300m) offers its best views of Port Phillip Bay. There are walks nearby, Arthurs Seat Maze, a restaurant and picnic facilities.

Golf
You’d never think it, but there are 18 golf courses on the peninsula. Playing them can be a great way to take in the scenery while letting off steam.

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Victoria

The curious case of the missing Prime Minister

There can’t be many countries that have ‘lost’ their Prime Minister.

But that’s what happened at Cheviot Beach in 1967 when PM Harold Holt decided to go for a swim.

The beach is notorious for its strong currents and rip-tides. We can only assume he got into trouble although his body has never been found. Holt was declared presumed dead on the 19th December 1967 after a 2-day search.