Backpack Victoria

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Mornington Peninsula is home to secluded bays, rugged headlands and lookouts with great views, pounding surf beaches and bushland. There are vineyards and orchards and...did we mention beaches? Within easy reach of Melbourne, the peninsula is a great getaway for lovers of food, wine and the outdoors.

Get out on the Peninsula and:

• Scuba dive and explore shipwrecks or corals
• Catch your first wave at a learn-to-surf school
• Swim with Port Phillip Bay's friendly dolphins
• Hike through native bushland in the Mornington Peninsula National Park
• Ride a horse along windswept beaches and foreshores.

Eating and drinking (frequently) are encouraged along the Peninsula. Visit one of the many local wineries for some taste testing, stock up on fresh produce or gourmet snacks at a market or pick your own strawberries, cherries, quinces or blueberries from a local farm. More importantly, the pubs around the region are excellent, with many serving up hearty meals using local produce that complement the beer perfectly!

For a 360-degree view of the bay and surrounds, take a ride on the Arthurs Seat chairlift and survey the Mornington Peninsula's golden beaches, Melbourne’s skyline and the Bellarine Peninsula across the bay.

How to get there
By car
By car the Mornington Peninsula is only 90 minutes travel from Melbourne. There are three main highways to and along the Peninsula. The Nepean Highway hugs the coast from Melbourne via Frankston down to Portsea or, for a faster journey, you can join the Mornington Peninsula Freeway between Edithvale and Rosebud. Alternatively you can travel along the M1 from Melbourne and then take the Western Port Freeway to Hastings on the Western Port side of the peninsula.

On a tour
Tours to Mornington Peninsula and its attractions run frequently – check out the links below or enquire at your hostel.

Public transport
Metropolitan train services run from Southern Cross station in Melbourne to Frankston, with further connections through Hastings to Stony Point on Western Port Bay. Buses travel from Melbourne to all areas and local bus routes operate around each town. For detailed information on timetables and costs please contact Metlink on (in Australia only) 131 638 or visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

There is also an airport bus that operates between Melbourne Airport, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. For more information phone 03 9783 1199 or visit www.fapas.com.au.

Ferry services operate between Queenscliff and Sorrento and also between the Mornington Peninsula and French Island and Phillip Island.

Where to stay
Choose from hostels, caravan parks, camping grounds and beach cottages. If you've got a bit of extra cash to spend there's a range of apartments, B&Bs and even resorts. Contact the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre for more information.