Melbourne and surrounds

Yacht Race - Port Phillip Bay - Photo courtesy of Tourism VIC

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

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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

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Articles

Human Dim Sim in space - or how not to use your SMB!Human Dim Sim in space - or how not to use your SMB!

by Ric Mingramm

A useful safety device for most divers is the surface marker buoy. In essence it is an easily seen surface float which is connected to the diver by means of a thin, strong line, usually carried on a reel.
So that's what a remora feels like!So that's what a remora feels like!

by Ric Mingramm

The Rip is the name given to that renowned stretch of water at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, separating Points Lonsdale and Nepean. This area can be one of the most dangerous stretches of water on our continent, but at times can be so peaceful and calm that one could not envisage the hundreds of ships which have been lost in its vicinity.
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