Southern Peninsula

The Southern Peninsula is about and hour drive south of Melbourne. It is the holiday playground for Melbournenites.  The sheltered beaches of the bay are excellent for safe swimming, while the ocean side of the peninsula has great waves for the surfers.

There are several little townships scattered along the coast, Safety Beach, Dromana, Rosebud, Tootgarook, Blairgowrie, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea. All have their own charm but the pick is Sorrento and Portsea with old colonial architecture. As they are at the pointy end of the peninsula it is possible to walk from front beach (bay side) to the back beach (ocean side).

There is great surfing along the back beaches although the water is always a little on the chilly side. A wetsuit is recommended even in summer and definitely over winter. If you want to catch a wave check out Gunamatta, Rye, Portsea for some great breaks.

Sorrento has a sheltered rock pool for swimming and at low tide a walk along the rock shelf is a great way to explore the area.  There is also a walking track which winds along the cliff edge and gives a great vantage point from which to take in the rugged beauty of the area.

Dromana beach houses

Over the summer holidays the foreshore is packed with campers.  At Rye they have several show type rides for the masses which adds colour and life to the beach front over the summer holiday period.

If you would like to snorkel or dive Safety beach is a sheltered bay which has rock shelves and cliff areas making for great underwater habitats for fish and other sea creatures.

Fishing is popular on the pires that jut out into the bay.  Most popular fishing piers are Dromana, Sorrento and Portsea. Nothing huge ever appears to be pulled out of the water by the many fisher persons however it is just fun to wet a line and get a nibble.

Rosebud is generally regarded as the shopping hub for the peninsula, however Rye has a large sopping presinct on the beach front as well that services the Blairgowrie to Portsea. Mornington has some great strip shopping and has a lovely atmosphere with cafes dotted along the main strip.

Away from the beaches are the wineries.  There are many dotted around the country side which offer tastings and food. They are generally excellent in both producing food and drink and well worth a visit.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Cape Schanck only 10 minutes drive from Rosebud has the Cape Schanck light house and spectacular boardwalk to the beach and rock area. This area is well worth a visit.

It is important to note that over the holiday periods the national parks ask payment of a small fee upon entry to certain beaches and park areas.  Booths are generally established at popular location of Portsea, Sorrento and Cape Schanck.  Fees are nominal and go towards the upkeep of these areas.

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