Luxury holidays in Mornington Peninsula

Victorians have been chilling out at chic Portsea and Sorrento since the early 1900s, drawn by tranquil bayside swimming and the surf-lashed 'back beaches' on the ocean side of this skinny strand, which curves coquettishly towards the mouth of Port Phillip Bay. These days, 'the Peninsula' is a dream destination for those locked in a love affair with fine wine, boutique breweries and gourmet produce: more than 50 cellar doors showcase hallmark pinot noirs and chardonnays, many with award-winning restaurants.

When to go

A great year-round escape, the Peninsula can get hot and dry in summer (December–February), and nippy in winter (June–August), so dress accordingly. School holidays and long weekends draw smart Melburnians by the 4WD-load, so book ahead or aim for the quieter southern coast, away from hotspots Portsea and Sorrento. Wine festivals take the edge off the chill in winter; swimming is warmer in summer.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Fly into Melbourne's international airport (www.melbourneairport.com.au), north-west of the city at Tullamarine. From here you can pick up a hire car for the drive to Mornington Peninsula.

  • Boats

    If you're coming from the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast or Great Ocean Road south-west of Melbourne, then you can cross the Rip, at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, on the Queenscliff-Sorrento car and passenger ferry (+61 (0)3 5258 3244; www.searoad.com.au). Year-round ferries depart on the hour in both directions, from 7am–6pm, for the 40-minute journey, with later services during peak season. From Sorrento it's just a short hop to Portsea. To the east, Inter Island Ferries (www.interislandferries.com.au) link adjacent French Island and Phillip Island with the Mornington Peninsula's Stony Point.

  • Trains

    Metlink trains (www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au) run from Melbourne to Frankston on Port Phillip Bay. Jump on at any of the city's central Loop stations, including Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations. From Frankston, you can reach Portsea on regular route 788 bus, which travels via Dromana, Rosebud and Sorrento along the bay. For a timetable see Metlink's website or operator Portsea Passenger Service (www.grenda.com.au).

  • Automobiles

    Mornington Peninsula is within easy reach of Melbourne via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway or opt for a more scenic drive along the Beach Road that turns into Nepean Highway. Drive times will vary, depending on whether you're headed for the popular bayside villages, including refined Portsea and Sorrento, deeper inland or south to the ocean coast.

  • Taxis

    For Australia-wide taxis call 131 008; for a reliable local service try Peninsula Taxis (+61 (0)3 5981 2233; www.peninsulataxis.com).