Destination - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

With its endless coastline of pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, wineries, hot springs, walking trails and a range of water sports, it's not surprising the Mornington Peninsula has long been a favourite destination for holidays.

The beauty of the Mornington Peninsula is that whatever the weather serves up, there are options galore to explore and entertain, whether you’re a solo traveller, couple, family, or a group.

The Mornington Peninsula offers inland and coastal caravan sites along Port Phillip and Western Port coasts. You can camp with the water just metres away at Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento at one of 1000+ foreshore camping sites. Enjoy the white sandy beaches and shallow swimming water (ideal for kids). Offering both powered and unpowered sites, the facilities are excellent with shower and toilet blocks, grassy areas shaded by large trees, kids’ play areas, barbecues, and boat launching ramps close by and right over the road are coastal villages with supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, sports and fishing gear suppliers and more.

We look at some key things to see and do on the Mornington Peninsula.

Beaches

Feel a million miles away from city life as you dive into the waters of the peninsula's countless beaches.  There are pristine bayside beaches for families and surf coast beaches for the more adventurous, giving you the best of both worlds.

Walk beyond the sandbars into gently lapping waves on the string of golden Port Phillip Bay beaches, with the inlets around Mount Eliza and Mount Martha, and on to the expanse from Safety Beach to Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea.

Take a walk against the backdrop of rocky, sea-battered headlands between Cape Schanck and Point Nepean, epitomising the rugged nature of this famous coastline.

Get your board and tackle the surf crashing in from Bass Strait, ranked as one of the world's most dangerous stretches of water. Test your surf skills at the Gunnamatta, Portsea, Sorrento and Rye back beaches.

Many peninsula beaches are patrolled during peak holiday times, though some surf beaches are not suitable for swimming. Check safety signs and beware of strong rips and reefs.

Golf

For those looking for a round or two of golf, the Mornington Peninsula is a mecca of world-class golf courses, some rated amongst Australia's best.

Tee off to the tune of the thundering Bass Strait in the region known as 'the Cups' for its proliferation of superb courses, ranging from relaxed nine holes to sensational public courses and exclusive private clubs designed by some of golfing's greatest names.

Putt above jaw-dropping coastal views at the Flinders Golf Course, wander through distinctive gnarled Moonah trees at Moonah Links or be challenged at Eagle Ridge or The National.

Play a round on RACV Cape Schanck Resort's unusual course, or at Portsea Golf Club and its cleverly-created 'blind' shots over hills combining turf, sand and natural contours. Don't let Sorrento's benign beauty put you off your game; stay focused on difficult doglegs, awkward stances and lies.

Hot Springs & Day Spas

Don’t miss the naturally heated and healing mineral waters of the hot springs. There are several spa and wellness centres on offer, including the world-class luxury Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, and family favourite Peninsula Hot Springs.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean National Park offers walking or cycling through the rugged coastal landscape with panoramic ocean and bay views. Explore military forts and tunnels and learn about the Quarantine Station. Coastal walks along the surf coast looking out across Bass Strait also offer good exercise with plenty of fresh air and beautiful coastline and beaches.

Wineries

The Mornington Peninsula wineries have come of age in recent years, and they have a strong reputation for the cool-climate wines of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There are several cellar doors with restaurants to make a superb wine and dining experience.

Cruise down the peninsula over the Queen's Birthday break in June to join the fun at the Winter Wine Weekend.

Arthurs Seat

Ascend to the highest viewpoint on the peninsula, Arthur’s Seat, for breathtaking views of the golden beaches, Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas and the Melbourne city skyline, far across the bay. Step inside one of Arthurs Seat Eagle's aerial gondolas and soar above the treetops.

Plus much more...

Get up close and personal with an unforgettable experience at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies cuddle koalas.

And who doesn't love a maze? A very popular one is the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, 25 acres of unique mazes and quality woodland gardens that inspire the senses and celebrate the seasons.

Or, if you are just happy to browse for that little treasure, get lost amongst over 5000 square metres of antiques, retro, vintage and old wares at Tyabb Packing House Antiques. You never know what you might find.

As you can see, the choices are endless. Once you have selected a location on the Mornington Peninsula for your home base, everything is on your doorstep.

Make some memories. Go caravanning - on the Mornington Peninsula.