The Mornington Peninsula is Melbourne's most accessible escape, a long arm of land separating Port Phillip Bay from Western Port about an hour south of the city by car. The bay side has calm, clear water and beaches suited to families; the ocean side faces Bass Strait with surf beaches and dramatic cliff scenery. The peninsula has a well-established wine region specialising in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, with dozens of cellar doors along the Red Hill and Merricks ridges, many with excellent on-site restaurants.
Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal is one of the most popular day-trip attractions in Victoria: natural geothermal waters fill a series of outdoor pools set in landscaped grounds, with views over the surrounding hills. It operates year-round but is most rewarding in winter. The historic townships of Sorrento and Portsea at the tip of the peninsula have beaches on both sides, good restaurants, and dolphin-watching tours in the bay. The Cape Schanck lighthouse at the southern tip is worth the walk down to the ocean platform.