Mornington Vic 3931 (Pop 18 000)

Mornington is a popular seaside town overlooking Port Phillip Bay situated on the Mornington Peninsula’s n-e coast 77 km south of Melbourne. The Peninsula’s principal settlement is almost within reach of the capital’s suburban sprawl but still retains its old fishing port atmosphere. European settlement began in 1850s and the railway (1889) helped establish Mornington as an early holiday destination. Mornington markets every Wed. Mornington Peninsula Wine Weekend (June), Mornington Food & Wine Festival (Oct), Mornington Tea-Tree Festival (Oct/Nov), Mornington Peninsula Carnivale of Wine (Oct/Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Mornington Pier (1850s). Mornington Park (1854) good recreational facilities. Old Post Office Museum, Main St housed within the old post office (1863) has fascinating telecommunications displays, equipment and Victorian memorabilia. Open (2pm-5pm) Sundays/holidays. Closed winter. Historic Mornington includes the old Courthouse (1860), St Peter’s Church (1860s), old Police Station (1860s). Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Dunns Rd specializes in prints and drawings (Dobell, Drysdale, Nolan) and features workshops, lectures and visiting exhibitions. Open (10am-5pm) Tues-Sat. 

Nearby:
Moorooduc (5 km east) small inland rural village of wineries, orchards, horse studs and alternative farming which holds its annual Perfumed Garden Spring Show (Nov). Mornington Peninsula Wine Region over 170 vineyards with the Pinot Week Festival (Mar), Wine Weekend (June) & Cool Whites Festival (Nov).

Accommodation:
Mornington has 3 motels, 4 hotels, a dozen B&Bs, several holiday cottages/apartments and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Point Nepean Rd, Dromana. Tel (03) 5987 3078 or 1800 804 009.