Mornington Peninsula Guides Attractions Events in Victoria

Red Hill is a beautiful area set in the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland. It is characterised by large gum trees, quiet lanes and gentle rolling hills. Tucked away amid the trees and hills are an abundance of vineyards, orchards and galleries. The Red Hill Market on the first Saturday of every month is famous in the region for selling a great range of high quality local produce.
Visit the Red Hill Cool Stores and sample a great range of regional fruit and vegetables and preserves. For the freshest fruit on the Peninsula, head to Ellisfield or Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farms, where you can enjoy picking your own sun-warmed berries. Those who love their wine will love touring the many local vineyards to taste the renowned local specialties, pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay. Many of the wineries have established their own restaurants to take advantage of the abundance of local produce on their doorstep. Dine out at Max's at Red Hill Estate, which offers fine food and wine as well as sweeping views of the sea, or the acclaimed Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.
There are several festivals held throughout the year showcasing the culinary richness of the region. The Fruits of our Labour Festival takes place at harvest time in March, as does the Cool Climate Wine Show. Settle in with a warming glass of red during the Winter Wine Weekend, held every June.
Explore some of the eclectic local galleries scattered among the rolling hills and valleys. Some of the best include Red Hill Gallery 141, The Art Shed, The White Hill Gallery and The Marion Rosetzky Gallery where you'll find impressive collections and regular exhibitions.
Red Hill is approximately 1.5 hours from Melbourne. Take the Nepean Highway and then the Mornington Peninsula Freeway onto the Peninsula and then turn left onto the Arthurs Seat Road, which becomes the Red Hill Road.

An hour from Melbourne, the coastal resorts of Dromana, Rosebud and Rye are renowned for their safe bay beaches, ocean surf beaches, and great golf courses.
Travelling to Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, on the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula, is a tradition for many Melbourne families each summer. With their carnival atmosphere and safe bay swimming, they provide the perfect opportunity to relax by the sea. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit every holidaymaker, from simply camping on the beach to cosy self-contained cottages, luxury abodes and friendly B&Bs.
Sandbars extending up to 200 metres from the shore create ideal conditions for safe bathing, making Rye a great place to bring the whole family. The beautiful bayside beaches offer clear calm water perfect for exploring The Octopus's Garden underwater marine trail underneath Rye pier. The more adventurous can hire a charter boat or a catamaran and set out into the depths of the bay. If you need to get your surfing fix, head straight to Gunnamatta Ocean Beach for some of the best waves in Victoria. For a great community experience make your way to the Rosebud Family Festival, which is held on the last weekend in November.
Point Nepean Road has a plentiful array of shops, including a large shopping mall, providing everything you'll need for your stay. There are some great wine bars and cafes that reflect the growing vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe in Rye. This area is also home to some of the region's best golf courses, with major resort-style courses such as Moonah Links, home of the Australian Open tournament, on the Dunes Golf course only minutes away.
Gardening enthusiasts will find the area has much to offer. Stroll around the magnificent grounds of Heronswood with its sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. The Heronswood Garden Festival is held in March and November. You could also tour McCrae Homestead, one of Victoria’s oldest country homes.
Rye is approximately one hour from Melbourne via the Nepean Highway and then the Mornington Peninsula Freeway.

The seaside village of Sorrento is one of the most popular and pretty holiday escapes on the Mornington Peninsula. Sorrento’s position at the southern extremity of the peninsula at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay provides a sweeping outlook. The town is known for its historic buildings, cafés, shopping and resident population of Bottlenose Dolphins.

Sorrento’s gentle front beach is an ideal place to while away some time. Have a picnic, go for a stroll, take a cooling swim or keep watch for wild dolphins that play in the clean bay waters. For some surf-pounding action, the back beach on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula is close by. Sorrento offers a long list of other recreational opportunities including golf, bushwalking, sailing, scuba diving, fishing and boating.

In the 1870s, entrepreneur and parliamentarian George Coppin, dubbed "the Father of Sorrento", realised the holiday potential. He encouraged Melburnians to seek respite from the city's scorching summer in an idyllic seaside setting and Sorrento's popularity blossomed.

Most of Sorrento's attractions are within walking distance. The town features historic limestone buildings that contribute to its distinct character. Impressive hotels, excellent eateries, sidewalk cafés, boutiques, galleries and specialist shops add extra appeal to the Sorrento experience.

Popular local events include the Sorrento Art Festival in January and the Salt and Seaweed Sorrento Festival in March which showcases the region's food, wine and arts.

Sorrento is located 112 kilometres south of Melbourne. A year-round car and passenger ferry service connects Sorrento with Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, across the bay.