Melbourne and surrounds
Melbourne, the state capital, stands at the crown of this region, with the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas enclosing Port Phillip Bay.
Synonymous with fun and relaxation, Melbourne's Bays and Peninsulas feature beguiling beaches, fine food and wine, chic beachfront towns and a variety of family attractions.
Stylish Sorrento and Portsea, on the Mornington Peninsula, are filled with antique shops, galleries, cafes and numerous walking trails along the ocean-facing coastline. Heading inland, you'll find a number of boutique wineries, where many vineyard restaurants create gourmet dishes to match their individual wines. On the Bellarine Peninsula, the historic town of Queenscliff brims with Victoria-era buildings, fishermens' cottages, and fascinating galleries and shops.
Both Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas offer an assortment of water-based activities. In particular, surfing, sailing, swimming and fishing are widely enjoyed, as is swimming with resident populations of dolphins and seals. The region is also noted for its markets, artist workshops, mazes, year-round events, championship golf courses and fresh produce - you can pick your own strawberries, cherries and other seasonal fruits or buy a range of fruits directly from the farm gate.
Check out some Melbourne Hotels
In the Directory
Photos
- Polo Match - Werribee Park - Photo courtesy of Tourism VIC
- Flinders Street - Photo courtesy of Tourism VIC
- Chateau Fax Winery - Photo courtesy of Tourism VIC