History and heritage – Mornington Peninsula
Take a peek into early colonial days on the peninsula and unlock intriguing discoveries from earliest Aboriginal times to the evocative era of European adventurers, mariners and pastoralists.
Heritage homes
Discover the varying fortunes of the peninsula's earliest residents, with the 1844 shingle-roofed McCrae homestead depicting the modest life of Scottish migrants.
Far grander are the Victorian mansion Coolart and Mulberry Hill, once the residence of artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and his wife Lady Joan, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock.
See the display of Napoleonic memorabilia at the 1840s Briars homestead, established to mark the relationship between William Balcombe and Emperor Napoleon.
Maritime and military
Explore historic gems like Cape Schanck Lighthouse, built in the 1850s to halt the destruction of ships on the treacherous coastline.
Unearth a treasure trove of military and customs history at Point Nepean, a labyrinth of tunnels and fortifications and the site of the gun that fired the first shots in both world wars.
Learn about Lieutenant Colonel David Collins' short-lived effort to build a thriving white settlement at Sullivan Bay, near what is now Sorrento.
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Explore the museum and take a guided tour of the light, which has beamed out its nightly warning to mariners for over 140 years.
Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck
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Visit the place where Lieutenant Colonel David Collins, accompanied by civil officers, marines, free settlers and 229 convicts, landed in October 1803.
Nepean Road, Sorrento
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Walk to the tip of Point Nepean and discover tales of Aboriginal daily life, military defences and Australian political history.
Point Nepean Road, Portsea
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Step back in time and enjoy the ride "like it used to be" on historic steam and diesel-operated locomotives that date back to the late 1800s.
Moorooduc Station, Two Bays Road, Moorooduc
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Open the time capsule inside this 1864 Italianate villa, which preserves the past through its collection of grand, trivial and amusing household items.
Dunns Road, Mornington
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Come for the famous collection of Napoleonic memorabilia at this early pastoral property and discover the park's farming and Aboriginal histories.
Nepean Highway, Mount Martha
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Capture the feel of authentic nineteenth century life and wander the immaculate gardens or explore surrounding wetlands for a myriad of bird life.
Lord Somers Road, Somers
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Enter gardeners' paradise at this historic property with expansive formal gardens, stunning borders and kitchen gardens to inspire cooks and green thumbs.
105 LaTrobe Parade, Dromana
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Witness the early pioneering lifestyle and see how local materials and primitive construction techniques were used to build the home against all odds.
11 Beverley Road, McCrae
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Evoke the adventures of the former residents at this one-time home for delinquent boys, set in a century-old mansion with 50 acres of gardens and vineyards.
2 Sunnyside Road, Mount Eliza
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Explore the 1920s American colonial-style home, artworks and Georgian furniture of artist Sir Daryl Lindsay and his wife Joan, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Golf Links Road, Langwarrin South
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