Mornington Peninsula, Australia: Enjoy This Beach Settlement Near Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula is the eastern portion of Port Philip Bay near Melbourne, Australia. In the past, Mornington was a small settlement that was rather remote from the rest of the country. It has retained its local charm over the years, even as the city of Melbourne has grown much larger. As you walk along the main streets of downtown Mornington, you will see some of the first buildings in that area, dating back to the 19th century. Two buildings that should not be missed on a trip to Mornington Peninsula are the Royal Hotel and Grand Hotel. These two old hotels are a good demonstration of the type of architecture that was popular in the 19th century.

Mornington Peninsula, Australia: The Italian areas

There is quite a bit of ethnic diversity in the Dromana, Rosebud and Rye area of Mornington Peninsula because of the large number of Italian immigrants in the region. Many of the area's inhabitants are Italians who have chosen the Mornington Peninsula as a place to purchase a vacation home. Other homeowners on Mornington Peninsula may have their main home back in Melbourne, which adds to the camaraderie you can find when visiting the peninsula. There is a distinct Mediterranean feel to the Mornington region, which meshes well with the native Australians who also travel to the area on holidays.

Mornington Peninsula, Australia: Sorrento and Portsea

As you travel to the tip of Mornington Peninsula, you will see the towns of Sorrento and Portsea. These areas are the upscale parts of Mornington Peninsula, offering such higher priced activities as scuba diving and yacht cruises. There is also a ferry that runs across the bay from Sorrento to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. Many of the upper class residents of Melbourne, Australia choose Portsea as their vacation home destination for the summer.

Mornington Peninsula, Australia: Beaches and surfing

The Mornington Peninsula is quite popular during the summer months as residents from the Australian mainland try to escape the heat. Because of its proximity to the water, Mornington Peninsula is always significantly cooler in summertime, along with offering miles of beaches for visitors to enjoy. The water conditions vary depending on which side of the peninsula you are on. The Bass Strait side of Mornington Peninsula is known for its great surf, but the waves are rougher and the water temperature is lower on this side. The surf here is so good that the International Rip Curl surf tournament has chosen the Mornington Peninsula as its location in past years.