Art and antiques, history and heritage mansions

The first European settlement in Victoria was in 1803 – and it was right here on the Mornington Peninsula.

Military fortifications were first established in Victoria in the 1880s – right here at Point Nepean. Memorabilia and furniture owned by Napoleon Bonaparte is still here, in one of our historic estates.

Australia's largest antique centre is on the Mornington Peninsula, and virtually every village is home to art and craft galleries. Our markets are spilling over with the work of local craftspeople and artisans, along with the edible arts of our gourmet food producers. So if you'd like to indulge in a little browsing and buying during your stay, we have much to tempt you with!

From Napoleonic history to contemporary art.
If you're looking for collectables and beautiful pieces for your home, our galleries stock everything from hand-painted tiles, glassware and ceramics to sculpture, traditional paintings and contemporary works. Antique outlets are filled with fine furniture, sparkling crystal and china, estate jewellery and exquisite antique linen and lace.

If history is your passion, the 'must see' attractions are Point Nepean and its fortifications from both World Wars. The story of Victoria's first European settlement is told at the Collins Settlement Historic Site near Sorrento, while there's plenty of maritime history in the museum at Cape Schanck Lightstation.

But even history buffs need a break.
Let a designer ice-cream melt in your mouth, sip a cool white wine in a bar overlooking the ocean or dine in a winery restaurant overlooking the vines. It's certainly more Mediterranean than Melbourne, but it's all just an hour from the city.