The Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne’s go-to getaway destinations, and once you manage to squeeze in a visit, it’s easy to see why.

The popular strip of coastline is located just an hour’s drive from Victoria’s busiest metropolis and offers visitors that highly sought after blend of bush and beach that’s so hard to find within a quick drive of the capital.

There are some peaceful campsites available at Rosebud Foreshore Reserve and at the Rye and Sorrento campgrounds and a couple of great spots for swimming and surfing at Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta beaches.

This same strip of coastline is also home to some fantastic fishing, with plenty of big snapper caught each year during the spring months, and gummy sharks and Australian salmon being prime targets at other times of year.

STUFF TO DO

4WDING is unfortunately not one of the major attractions of the area, with access to the main campgrounds and attractions all via sealed roads.

SWIMMING is popular at Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta beaches during the summer, however it’s not uncommon for ocean temperatures to be very chilly down here even in the middle of summer.

SURFING is popular at the same beaches mentioned above, with southerly to south-westerly swell almost a year-round proposition down here.

Remember to back a 4mm steamer and a set of booties, as the water is quite cold for most of the year.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: The Mornington Peninsula is located about 80km south of Melbourne and is about an hour’s drive from town.

CAMPING is available at the Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento campgrounds. Camping at all three grounds is very popular during the peak summer season so bookings must be made well in advance.

FUEL is available in Frankston, Cranbourne and along the Nepean Highway.

MORE INFO is available at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au and campsite bookings can be made at www.mornpen.vic.gov.au