People who fall in love with this coast of the Mornington Peninsula often wouldn't go anywhere else for a beachside holiday. And who can blame them, when this region has so many secluded beaches, such dramatic coastline and such good wineries? Not to mention its quiet hinterland and French Island and Phillip Island just across the water.
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).
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.
ASHCOMBE MAZE & LAVENDER GARDENS
Lose yourself in Australia's oldest & largest Hedge Maze. Explore the Lavender Labyrinth and year round flowering lavender display gardens. Spectacular Rose Maze amidst 25 acres of gardens. Have fun with the Great Gnome Hunt, or just relax in the fully licensed café.
Explore the Lavender Labyrinth and year round flowering lavender display gardens. Spectacular Rose Maze amidst 25 acres of gardens. Lose yourself in Australia's oldest & largest Hedge Maze. Have fun with the Great Gnome Hunt, or just relax in the fully licensed café.
Country style 4 star boutique motel in oasis of flower gardens and palms, close to shops, wineries, markets, beach and attractions.
Lovely guest rooms from spa to self-contained family, barbecue and excellent service!
Set in delightful gardens on a rural property offering a traditional B&B or a 2 bedroom cottage. Property is nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by wonderful bushland.
Explore the Peninsula with the historic Cape Schanck Lightstation as your base. Stay in the spacious, comfortable Lighthouse Keeper's Residence and let the sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep. Daily tours of the Lighthouse.
With your stay at Cape Schanck Lighthouse you can wander through the Museum with all its history and take in the great coastal walks with their breathtaking views, relax and enjoy. Self-contained accommodation available in original Light Keepers Cottages.
Treat yourselves to a break in a stylish self-contained suite for just one couple. Play a game of golf or relax and enjoy the ocean and golf course views. Linger over delicious breakfast on sun-drenched private deck.
Unique contemporary Thai style B&B with full cooked breakfast and Authentic Thai Cuisine, served in your room or poolside patio. All rooms have en suite, large corner spa, air conditioning, gas log fire, TV/DVD player, kitchenette. Surrounded by wineries and close to beaches.
HASTINGS HARBOUR VIEW MOTOR INN & RESTAURANT ONE20SIX
A diverse range of modern 4-star units nestled in the Hastings Foreshore reserve, close to wetland walks, beaches, wineries & antiques.Enjoy relaxed dining at the modern fully licensed Restaurant ONE20SIX.
Gorgeous self contained double storey three-bedroom cottage located 1 km from Balnarring Beach. The cottage has everything you need including a king room; large open fire place and outdoor entertaining deck and is only a five minute walk to the Balnarring Village café and shops.
The 1924 Store has an interesting history and has come to life again as a café, cellar door and produce store with great coffee, fantastic food, homemade cakes, open fire places, bay views and jazz. Open daily 8am.
Self-contained house. Quiet ideal location for fishing/boating. 4 doors to foreshore. Close to marina and shops. Open fire. Dog and cost friendly. One night welcome.
Delightfully different train carriage cellar door with a touch of Indiana - light BBQs, Bollywood dance clinics or an old fashioned cup of tea. Sensational wines, spectacular views, picnic spots available. Child and dog friendly. Limited opening hours.
Charming country cottage nestled in magnificent cottage gardens overlooking bushland with views of Western Port Bay. Traditional B&B gourmet breakfasts, cute alpacas, beautiful sunsets, soak in a spa, laze in a hammock, romantic getaway for couples.
Two recently built mudbrick, spacious self-contained units in an acre of landscaped gardens, wood fires, outdoor spa and barbeque area. Generous basket breakfast provided.
Peninsula Motor Inn is a complete holiday venue with 34 suites (some spa), indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, games room, BBQ facility, situated on five acres gardens.
Enjoy 'hands on' experiences with a large variety of friendly farm animals to feed and cuddle. FREE hay rides, BBQs, tea, coffee. Pony rides $2. Bring a picnic for a relaxing family day at the farm. Suitable for all ages. Open daily 10am-4pm (except Xmas Day) (Extended hours at peak times).
Within 10 minutes stroll of the family-safe Shoreham beach and a great surf break lies "Seagulls", a 2-bedroom cottage nestled amongst the native bush of “old Shoreham”. Offering wood-fired heater, huge main bedroom, covered deck, modern kitchen and bathroom, and large garden.
Relax and refresh! Sit on your private balcony, sipping a glass of local wine and watch the sun set, or cosy up by the huge fire place toasting marshmallows with a hot toddy. Accommodates up to 6 people in total comfort. All rooms present panoramic views of the five acre property
The only Holiday Village in Somers and only 100m to the swimming beach & yacht club, tranquil environment fun for all, cabins, sites, games room & playground, BBQ, (swimming pool May08) only minutes to Balnarring shopping district, wineries & surf beaches.
Set in a peaceful location, Somersand provides a place you can swim in the solar heated pool, have a hit of tennis, relax and unwind on the private deck with a glass of wine, or have a stroll down the beach.
Unique coastal links perched high on the cliff top with spectacular views from all 18 holes. A challenging Par 69 of 5259 metres. An enjoyable round awaits all year round. Visitors welcome.
Celebrating 25 years of winemaking. The striking Stonier winery is home to ultra premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wine. Gourmet cheese platters, winery tours and children's playground.
Contemporary Australian functional and sculptural ceramics, jewellery, glass, wood, textiles and paintings, all individually crafted. Diverse exhibitions and featured artists
together with exciting new work by artists from The Studio @ Flinders collective The Mornington P
Topez offers visitors a unique experience. Topez is home to a selection of multi award winning home distilled liqueurs, Vodka and Schnapps, home made ice cream and chocolates (with Belgian chocolate fountain). The Art gallery features over 100 local works and gift ware.
Australia's largest antique complex and licensed café in picturesque surrounds on 7 acres. You will find everything for the connoisseur & collector. Outside and next to the main building there are 20 specialist shops and kiosk only 50km from CBD. Open 10am-5pm Thursday to Sunday
Unique for rejuvenation: Vastu, town and building placement according to Natural Law, emphasizes true East and North alignment for inner strength and well-being, enhanced by sea to the East - qualities found in Hastings. Increase your ability to enjoy our beautiful Peninsula.
Seniors caravan park. Established for the mature person, in a quiet bushland setting at the top of the Peninsula.
Offering caravan, camping and ensuite Cabins.