WHERE TO STAY
It would be a pity to travel to the Mornington Peninsula without trying atleast one of the European-style accommodation options. Among them is Villa Mallorca which transports guests straight to Tuscany, for a price starting from $90 per person per night in large groups, or from $220 for couples. For those with a little extra cash to splash around, Ocean Blue Retreat is a luxurious rental home, sleeping up to eight guests. Located on the edge of Mornington Peninsula National Park, this lush tropical-inspired hideaway is more than a home away from home. Prices start from $373 a night.

WHAT TO DO
For history buffs, Sorrento is a must-see as the site of the first European settlement in Victoria in 1803. If that comes as a surprise, you can learn all about it at the Collins Settlement Historic Site. Further afield at Mornington Peninsula National Park; check out the Port Nepean military fortifications which still stand after both World Wars. Further east at Briars Park, discover the 1840s estate which houses the Napoleonic Collection, including memorabilia such as his furniture and death mask. If maritime history is more your scene, then head over to the museum at Cape Schanck Lightstation in the south or, for the more adventurous, dive underwater and discover the shipwrecks at The Rip. If you want to give your mind a break, start knocking around some of the 50 cellar doors, most of which can be found around the Red Hill and Main Ridge area. Good food doesn’t usually fall far from the orchard, and a drive (or horseback ride) through these rolling hills will not disappoint. Check out Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm for everything strawberry, including wines, delicious sundaes or get back to basics and pick your own during summer. For something a little more decadent, then the gourmet Topez will satiate any chocoholic. Work it all off by getting lost in The Enchanted Maze Garden, working through puzzles and brain teasers to find your way out. And if you’re up to the challenge, try Ashcombe Maze - Australia’s largest hedge maze.

WHEN TO TRAVEL
While any time of year makes for a welcomed escape to the Peninsula, the cooler months offer an excuse to come and warm up with local wines and gourmet experiences. May is also when the International Cool Climate Wine Show is held in town, but a plethora of other events throughout the year are sure to make your visit an enjoyable one.

TRANSPORT
Whether it’s by land, air or sea, there’s several transport options to this part of Victoria’s coastline. Metlink trains operate daily throughout the area, as do several buses and ferry operators.