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
In the Directory
Shopfront
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Ocean Geographic
- Ocean Geographic explores the dynamics of our ocean – the source and cradle of all life on Earth, occupying nearly 70.98 per cent of our planet's surface and provides 99 per cent of the Earth's living space.
- From $AU 20.00
Articles
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Well at least I now have a lot of ash trays!
by Ric Mingramm
- For those that live and dive in the temperate water of Victoria we are blessed with an abundance of readily accessible sea food - just waiting to be picked up - abalone, crayfish, scallops.
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What is it with kids ... ?
by Ric Mingramm
- I have now been scuba diving for over 25 years and have a pretty good training record: - 1980 Open water Diver - 1990 Advanced Open Water Diver - 2004 Rescue Diver by this plan I should be an Instructor just under my 90th birthday.
