Sorrento, Flinders, Red Hill, Mornington and Portsea are the towns visitors name most often. Visit Mornington Peninsula says its villages and towns are less than an hour from Melbourne and full of personality. Each town below has one clear reason to go.
Sorrento for pier, cliff walk and ferry
Walk Millionaires Walk, about 1.6 kilometres from Lentell Avenue to Sorrento Pier. Sorrento is also where the Searoad ferry runs to Queenscliff, a crossing of about 40 minutes. Visit Mornington Peninsula highlights its coffee scene, and the Sorrento Museum has opened on Saturdays.
Portsea for the tip of the Peninsula
Portsea sits beside Point Nepean National Park. Snorkel from Portsea Pier, or surf at Portsea Surf Beach, which Visit Victoria notes for its consistent breaks.
Flinders for art and rockpools
The official listing calls Flinders a leading art destination. Walk the Cable Station Walk from the pier to the cliff top, and explore rockpools at the nearby Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary at low tide.
Red Hill and Main Ridge for wine and markets
Red Hill is known for cool-climate wine, especially pinot noir. The Hill & Ridge Community Market runs on the first Saturday of the month from September to May. Gordon Studio Glassblowers is at 290 Red Hill Road, and the Red Hill Rail Trail runs about 6.5 kilometres to Merricks.
Mornington for Main Street and Fossil Beach
Pick up a self-guided walking map for historic Main Street from the Court House. Fossil Beach on the Esplanade shows ancient marine fossils. The Mornington Tourist Railway runs on Sundays from Moorooduc.
Rye for pier and family beach days
Rye Pier has a 200-metre self-guided marine trail for snorkellers. Rye Foreshore Reserve has a playground designed for children with disabilities.
Dromana and Mount Martha
Dromana is home to Two Bays Brewing Co and Crittenden Estate. Mount Martha has a village of cafes and South Beach.
Choose by what you want to do
| Want | Go to |
|---|---|
| Wine and markets | Red Hill, Main Ridge |
| Pier, walks, ferry | Sorrento |
| National park and surf | Portsea |
| Art and rockpools | Flinders |
| History and fossils | Mornington |
| Snorkelling and playgrounds | Rye |
Questions people ask next
Which town is best for a first visit?
Sorrento combines a pier, a clifftop walk and cafes within a short stroll.
Which town is best for wine?
Red Hill.
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