Western Port Bay & Ocean Adventure
Let's start with a couple of very appealing figures about Frankston: 10km of sweeping foreshore and coastal habitat, and a 17km art and cultural drive. The foreshore features two restaurants right on the beach, while the drive takes in some of the Peninsula's best heritage attractions.
Here are five top tips for your stay:
- Passenger ferries run from Stony Point to French Island and Phillip Island. Phillip Island has those famous fairy penguins, while French Island has Australia's largest koala population. Take an eco-tour to French Island, and you're guaranteed to see koalas in the wild. Or hire a bike and enjoy riding where two wheels rule (no vehicles allowed).
- Cape Schanck is right at the tip of Western Port Bay, and its cliffs are pounded by huge Bass Strait breakers. Visit the Lightstation museum, take the walk to Bushrangers Bay and picnic perched on a rock. What views!
- There's a cluster of excellent wineries from Hastings to just south of Merricks, so set aside a tasting day. A number of wineries have outstanding restaurants and cafes too.
- Play golf on a cliff-top course at Cape Schanck or Flinders – the play is matched by extraordinary views out over the ocean.
- Call into our villages including: Balnarring (a good spot to stock up on Mornington Peninsula produce), Flinders (cafes, restaurants and antique shops), Merricks (another excellent spot for Mornington Peninsula produce) and Tyabb (home of Australia's biggest antique barn, with lots of individual dealers).
Fast Facts
- Australia's national wildlife symbols may be found in many areas on the Peninsula such as Koalas, Grey Kangaroos, Bandicoots and Echidnas.
- Western Port boardwalk is home to the world's most southerly outcrop of White Mangroves