When the Seekers sang ‘MorningTown Ride’ in the 1970′s I imagined a sunny Utopia miles away from anywyere.  After all they did tell us that ‘somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere there is day, somewhere there is MorningTown, many miles away’.  In fact, the Mornington Peninsula is a leisurely ninety minute drive from Melbourne, and a favourite weekend retreat.

Picturesque views of rolling hills covered with olive groves and vineyards.  Vistas of ocean beaches and across the bay.  Local produce sold by the roadside in farm gate stalls.  All reminiscent of an idyllic European Countryside.  There are 60 wineries with cellar doors available for tastings around the hinterland areas of Red Hill, Balnarring and Shoreham.   There is also no shortage of restaurants and cafes serving up outstanding local food and wines, many offering spectacular views across the bay and countryside.  Local produce includes berries, cheese, apples and lavender – a foodie’s heaven.

If you love your golf, the natural undulations of the peninsula provides the perfect terrain for a challenging round.  You can find courses designed by golfing greats such as Greg Norman, Peter Thompson and Tony Cashmore.  Peppers Moonah Links offers a driving range, practice facilities and award winning  courses.  The golfing widow can spend time relaxing with a luxurious spa treatment or massage at the Endota Day Spa.   The hotel rooms and one bedroom suites feature views of either the 18th green of the Legends Course, or the swimming pool and private central putting green.  Other leisure activites include tennis, healthclub, bicycles, volleyball, badminton and croquet.

Weekend markets showcase the best of local craftsmanship and home made produce.  Crowds flock to Red Hill on the first Saturday of the month, except during winter, to visit over 300 stalls and stock up on everything from gourmet treats to intricate handmade leather goods and organic beauty products. 

For a soothing weekend away, there are fabulous hotels with day spa facilities.  The Woodman Estate is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most stunning landmarks.  This gracious country house hotel overlooks a private lake complete with its own island.   Treat yourself at the new Woodman Estate Spa Retreat with treatments ranging from a thirty minute hand massage through to a six hour ‘Ultimate Renewal’ treatment which includes a light lunch and a gift pack of products.  Indulge yourself and stay in the individually designed rooms in the lodge or manor house.  Lakeside Chalets are right on the waters edge and offer penthouse style accommodation – the ultimate in luxury, elegance and privacy!

Drop into the charming fishing village of Flinders and drive right through the middle of the gold course.  Take a trip to Cape Schanck and enjoy the views over Bass Strait.  On the bay side of the peninsula, visit stylish Sorrento with its trendy boutiques and galleries.   Portsea is located right at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula.  Sneak a peak through the roadside high walls and hedges to catch a glimpse of the million dollar mansions belonging to Melbourne’s glitterazzi.  Pop into the Portsea Hotel, grab a quick drink out on the deck and soak in the views.