Mornington Peninsula - Victoria

As you drive along the Mornington Peninsula you could be forgiven for thinking that you have left Australia behind. Rolling hills of olive groves and vineyards meet accommodation with sea views, and local produce is served in romantic restaurants and sold at bustling markets. All an hour from Melbourne.

The Mornington Peninsula's hinterland hills and rich, fertile coastal plains produce an abundance of grapes at more than 170 vineyards. This includes 60 wineries with cellar doors that open for tastings. Most are concentrated in the hinterland area around Red Hill, Merricks, Main Ridge, Balnarring, Moorooduc and Shoreham, making touring and tasting easy. Pinot noir and chardonnay are the specialities of the region, complemented by sweeping bay, ocean and hinterland views.

A visit to the area offers more than just the opportunity to enjoy award-winning wines. There is no shortage of restaurants and cafés offering outstanding food and wine served against a backdrop of breathtaking bay and country scenery.

The local produce is also exceptional and available direct at farm gates and roadside stalls. Fertile soils ensure top quality berries, apples and vegetables as well as speciality cheeses, lavender, olives and other delights.

For anybody who has ever teed up, the Mornington Peninsula is golfing heaven. The peninsula’s natural topography is perfect for links-style layouts and includes challenging courses designed by golfing greats Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Robert Trent Jones Jr, Tom Doak and Tony Cashmore.

Tee off at the daunting 6,800-metre Moonah Links, specifically designed for the prestigious Australian Open, or head to The National, arguably the hardest golf package in the country.

Highlights

	Wine Tasting
	Wine tasting at the many vineyards, or have a meal overlooking the vines - Mornington Peninsula celebrates pinot noir as its signature wine and is also recognised for its remarkable ability to produce a wide range of elegant cool climate, maritime region wines. It's been said that the region has more vineyards per square kilometre than anywhere else in Australia.

	Play Golf at Moonah Links
	Tee off at the daunting 6,800-metre Moonah Links, specifically designed for the prestigious Australian Open, or head to The National, arguably the hardest golf package in the country.

	Dolphin Swimming
	Swim with the dolphins in Port Phillip Bay on a guided tour. The gentle front beach is an ideal place to wile away some time, have a picnic, go for a stroll, take a cooling swim or keep watch for wild bottlenose dolphins which frolic in the clean bay waters. For some surf-pounding action, the back beach on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula is close by.

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