The Mornington Peninsula can lay claim to the most captivating variety of towns and villages of any region in Victoria. From the exclusive seaside holiday resort of Portsea to the tiny rural hamlet of Red Hill; more then 20 towns have their own special character and holiday experience. For example, although we're famous for our beaches, the towns of Western Port Bay (such as Dromana and Flinders) are known for their secluded bays, while the town of Port Phillip Bay (including Hastings, Mornington, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Portsea and Sorrento) have tranquil shimmering waters.
Rye and Rosebud overlook the beach (the café gives you the perfect vantage point for bay watching over a latté), while Flinders, Sorrento and Mornington have delightful main streets leading you down to the beach. Portsea and Sorrento are unique because you can easily walk from their calm "front beaches" to their more turbulent back beaches on Bass Strait.
In the hinterland, it's hard to believe that pretty and peaceful little hamlets such as Red Hill and Main Ridge are just over an hour's drive from Melbourne.
One thing all our villages have in common is their excellent cafés and restaurants - so all you need to decide is whether you'd like a table overlooking the sea, the rolling countryside or a vineyard.
Many villages are known for their shopping too, with antiques and galleries around Tyabb, Mornington, Red Hill, Sorrento and Flinders and boutiques at Portsea and Sorrento. And our markets at Mornington, Red Hill and Balnarring are simply marvellous.
Balnarring
Dromana
Just a few minutes from Western Port Bay, Balnarring combines country, coast, and a laid back lifestyle, with excellent shopping in Balnarring Village (particularly deli items) and at the monthly market.
Arthurs Seat, which rises up behind Dromana, is the town's best known icon.
Also much loved is the Dromana drive-in - come and "re-live" your teenage years or come and discover a new movie experience!
Flinders
Frankston
Flinders is one of those peaceful seaside villages that has managed to escape frenetic - over development and retain its blissfully slow pace of life. There's a spectacular cliff-top golf curse and invigorating coastal walks.
A highly recommended cultural drive starts at the Frankston Arts Centre (look for the route 12 signs) and takes in Ballam Park Homestead, the noted McClelland Gallery, Mulberry Hill Homestead and the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Park.
Mornington
Mt Eliza
There always seems to be something happening in this town with its popular racecourse, weekly Main Street market and monthly racecourse market and food and wine events.
The beach at Mount Eliza has the distinction of being chosen as a setting for the Gregory Peck and Ava Gardener movie The Beach in the 1950s.
Mt Martha
Portsea
Some varied and scenic walks along the boardwalk through Balcombe Creek Wetlands in the Mt Martha Park and Briars Historic Park.
This area is famous for its luxury Cliff-top residences, bathing boxes and hotel with expansive beach-side lawn. It's the closest village to Point Nepean and its magnificent walks.
Red Hill/Main Ridge
Sorrento
Vines now alternate with orchards, farmland and market gardens as you drive through this gentle hill country with many outstanding wineries along with seasonal produce at roadside stalls and farm gates.
Historic limestone buildings and a pier that's the hub of activities and the departure point for ferries to Queenscliff, fishing trips, seal and dolphin watching excursions, sight-seeing cruises, yacht charters and diving trips.
Tyabb
Think antiques, think Tyabb. Main street antique outlets, the Tyabb packing house and a popular craft village set around a village green.
SPECIAL EVENTS January
Frankston Sea Festival on the Bay.
February
Mornington Cup Day. Nine races and fashions on the field.
March
Tyabb Airshow.
October
Mornington Main Street Food.
Leading wine and performing arts festival that celebrates the community and its food, wine and the arts.
November
Carlton Draught Mornington Spring Cup.
The largest local racing event of the year.
PRODUCE AND CRAFT MARKETS Balnarring Racecourse Market: call (03) 5983 2590 for market dates.
Mornington Midweek Market: every Wednesday
Mornington Racecourse Market: second Sunday of the Month.
Red Hill Market: first Saturday of the month, September to May.
There are eight distinct touring themes, each with its own icon, to help you plan a stay to suit your needs.
Download the Mornington Peninsula Touring Map (PDF format)
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