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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Scuba Divers Guide to Southern New South Wales - Tom Byron
- Describes scuba diving locations from Sydney South to Eden (Fifth Edition now with CD) - now includes Jervis Bay book.
- $AU
Articles
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What the hell is that noise?
by Ric Mingramm
- One of the mantras often espoused by Instructors and Dive Masters is know your equipment - and when (if) you become a Rescue Diver - the same words are drilled into you, know your buddies equipment! ...
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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.
