Southern SUMMERFUN

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne's favourite and most endearing playgrounds.

Located little more than an hour's drive south of the CBD, the Peninsula abounds with natural beauty and a host of diverse recreational opportunities catering for all ages and tastes. From it's miles of bay and ocean beaches, and the myriad of water-based pursuits they afford, to the vineyards, golf courses and galleries, visitors to the region are spoilt for choice with a range of activities and attractions on offer that truly encompass something for everyone.

For many, the beaches of the Peninsula are the main drawcard. There are a host to choose from, with calm bayside beaches, numerous ocean beaches that receive the swells of Bass Strait, plus quiet and sleepy coastal stretches flanking Westernport Bay. Boating, fishing, sailing and surfing are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed, while for others just the experience of soaking in the fresh sea air and sunshine lying on the beach far away from the hustle and bustle of the city can be enough.

FORESHORE CAMPING
Every year many Melburnians make their annual summer holiday pilgrimage to the bayside beaches between McCrae and Sorrento, camping along the foreshore reserves, that from Christmas through to Easter becomes a tent city of family groups. The bayside beaches make a perfect environment for young families, with shallow waters and wide sandy beaches, bound to keep the youngsters amused for hours. And when the kids are tired of the beach, there are a plethora of summer holiday activities to keep them happy with carnivals, mini golf, giant mazes, and horse riding all options.

The Westernport side of the Peninsula is also a great place to unwind and take a vacation with fewer crowds and facilities than the ever-popular bayside beaches but, nonetheless, a popular choice for holidaymakers.

While the Mornington Peninsula has long been regarded as an idyllic summer retreat, there are also plenty of activities and attractions that make it a year-round option for those who are simply looking for an escape from the big smoke.

Accommodation options are numerous and varied with something to suit every budget - B&Bs, hotels/motels, apartments and resorts are all part of the mix. Holiday homes are also plentiful, should you be contemplating a longer stay with a bunch of mates, or you can even shack up in the cottages formerly occupied by the lighthouse keeper at Cape Schanck. Foreshore camping is restricted to the summer months only, but there's plenty of caravan parks to suit those looking for a more grassroots experience.

WINE AND DINE
Recent years have seen a real expansion of the Mornington Peninsula as a winegrowing region. As the number of vineyards has increased over the last decade, so too have the number of restaurants, cafes and fine dining experiences available to visitors. The Mornington Peninsula now boasts around 170 vineyards and 50 cellar doors, where samples of the region's celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, among other varieties, can be taste-tested along with other fine produce including local cheeses, exotic fruits and handmade chocolates to name a few. Even beer lovers are catered for, with a brewery established at Red Hill in the last few years that also serves hearty Bavarian cuisine.

With so much indulgence on offer, one needs to balance consumption with a little exercise and again the Peninsula can oblige. Options include a host of fantastic hiking opportunities with breathtaking coastal scenery or trails through the hinterland that take in stunning vistas of the rolling hills. If hiking is not your thing, perhaps a swim with the dolphins and seals off Sorrento or a bike ride to historic Point Nepean could be the go. This fascinating and only recently declared national park was once the site of one of Victoria's first fortified settlements guarding the entrance to Port Phillip Bay from potential enemy attack and was also used as a quarantine station for migrants.

GOLF COAST
Yet another activity that has grown in status over the last decade or two on the Mornington Peninsula is the range and quality of golf courses. There are about 20 courses for keen golfers to test their skills, most with stunning bay and ocean views. The naturally undulating terrain makes for some challenging courses of world renown, which is why Moonah Links was chosen to host the 2003 and 2005 Australian Open.

Boaties too are spoilt for choice with a number of good boat ramps, yacht clubs and marinas dotted all around the Peninsula coastline. Port Phillip Bay is rich in marine life and good catches of flathead, snapper, whiting, gummy shark and squid are all just a cast away. For those without their own vessels, there's also a number of fishing charter boats available, so everyone can get a feed. Or simply drop a line from one of the many piers to try your luck.

For a complete change of pace, there are also a growing number of art galleries to explore, showcasing the work of many talented local artists. From glass blowing, funky sculptures to more traditional paintings, there's something for everyone. Cultural pursuits also include Beleura House and other historic homesteads such as Heronswood, The Briars Park, McCrae and Coolart, all of which offer windows into the Peninsula's bygone days.

DRIVE-IN MOVIES
Another relic of the past can be found at the Dromana drive-in, one of the few outdoor movie ‘theatres' left in Australia. It's a great night out at the movies and a real nostalgia trip to boot, as projectors whir into life each night at dusk.

If all the activities wear you out, perhaps an antidote is to soak in one of the many day spas or mineral springs, yet another of the Peninsula's growing number of indulgences.

With so much to do and see on the Mornington Peninsula, it is little wonder the region is thriving. Instead of just a holiday destination, the Peninsula is now home to a growing number of permanent residents keen to escape the rat race and enjoy the sea-change lifestyle. It's a beautiful place and the reason I'm now proud to call the place home and revel in such a wonderful backyard.

For more information, visit www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

For more stunning panoramic landscape photography, visit www.stu-artphotography.com