Overview
The Mornington Peninsula officially starts when you leave Frankston. It's Melbourne's laid-back, wind-blown, sun-kissed promontory, home to golden beaches, wineries, berry farms and some of Victoria's best country cafes and bakeries. Bring your appetite.
Just a slice...
Whether you're driving through Rosebud and Portsea to Point Nepean, or heading in the other direction, down to Red Hill and Flinders, you're never far from a good coffee on the Mornington Peninsula. Locals here take their brunch and baked goods very seriously. We recommend starting with Sorrento's famous Just Fine Food on the main drag. Also known as the 'Vanilla Slice Cafe'. These guys do arguably the best vanilla slice in Victoria, so make sure to stock up before leaving town.
The other bay
While most travellers will stick to the 'front' of the Peninsula, hitting up major tourist sites like Rosebud, Sorrento and Portsea, some of the best cafes, bakeries and fresh produce are found in the hinterland, towards Western Port Bay. No visit to this region is complete without an apple pie from Johnny Ripe in Main Ridge, or a visit to towns like Tyabb, Red Hill and Flinders. For homebaked bread that will change your life, visit Flinders Sourdough on Cook Street. (Just follow your nose.)
Bring the pooch
A lot of open-air cafes on the Mornington Peninsula are dog-friendly, but Miss Drew's in Tyabb takes it to another level. It's the Peninsula's first (and only) dog cafe, full of handmade treats for customers, and strong coffee for the owners of customers. Drooling is actually encouraged here. Woof.
