Present-day Mornington Peninsula is a favorite of Melbourne city dwellers. Often called “Melbourne’s Playground,” it can be reached by bus or car through the Nepean Highway or Frankston Highway. Upon reaching Frankston, you’ll know that you’re near “The Peninsula” because this suburb is oftentimes called “The Gateway to the Peninsula.” So there’s too much name-calling here. Well, Mornington Peninsula deserves much to love and admire because of its breath-taking landscapes, sea views, and kilometers-long stretches of resort towns, rural lands, and urban areas. Situated on the southeast of Melbourne, Victoria, it is surrounded by three bodies of water namely the Bass Strait, Port Phillip, and Western Port Bay. A major tourist region, Mornington Peninsula is also known for its beaches, aside from many more attractions.

Years before the European sealers, whalers, and explorers set foot on the peninsula, it was occupied by the aboriginal Bunurong people. From the Werribee River to the Andersons Inlet or a total land area of 8,000 square kilometers, the Bunurong community lived in peace with other indigenous groups in the area by respecting boundaries already set by their ancestors. It was when European settlers came that the local culture suffered the effects of land clearing for grazing and farming forcing the natives to live in reserves like in Mordialloc. This led to the spiraling downfall of the Bunurong population because of disease, murder, poisoning, and alcoholism among other things. Descendants of the Bunurong people still live today, though, in their former clan regions.

Holidays in Mornington Peninsula will never be a disappointment. The Point Nepean National Park is one reason why. The peninsula was originally shut down by the government using it as a quarantine station and as a gunnery range for the military. However, it is known to be home to the Nepean Peak, named after Sir Evan Nepean, overlooking Cheviot Bay. The peninsula is also known for the Mornington Peninsula National Park, which is 77 kilometers away from Melbourne. Along Port Phillip Bay, there are holiday spots simply waiting to be discovered. Such places include Dromana, Rosebud, McCrae, Sorrento, and Portsea. Sometimes called “the Playground of the Rich”, it is famous for its really luxurious real estates. 

Point Leo is another destination in the peninsula. Located just at the southeastern side of the area, surfing beaches and a pleasant view of the West Port Bay and Bass Strait can be admired. There is also the HMAS Cerberus with a museum that has tracked down a very long history. Northward, wildlife can be viewed in the conservation park at Pearcedale which usually runs nightly walks for visitors who want a view of the park’s nocturnal animals. Equally worth visiting is Shoreham, a maze of hedges and roses, usually great for leisurely walks any time of the year. If you’re already in Melbourne, check the peninsula. It is truly worth it.