Around the Bay Touring Route

Touring the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas
233 km/144 miles, about 4 hours

Take in everything from historic villages and beautiful beaches to stunning coastal scenery and local wildlife on a relaxing drive around Port Phillip Bay. Savour farm fresh produce, sample renowned wines, and while away the time in cafes, restaurants and pubs. Begin and end your journey in Melbourne and travel in either direction, crossing the waters of Port Phillip Bay on the Queenscliff – Sorrento Car and Passenger Ferry along the way.

Melbourne to Queenscliff

104 km/64 miles, about 1.5 hours

Head out of Melbourne along the Princes Freeway towards Geelong. Stop at Werribee's historic mansion to gain a fascinating insight into the opulent life of wealthy early settlers.

On arrival in Geelong take a walk along the colourful waterfront and check out the caricature bollards before settling in for a delicious seafood lunch. 

Continue on to Queenscliff to sample local wines at wineries such as Scotchmans Hill, or Jack Rabbit Vineyard, which has a popular restaurant with stunning coastal views. Take a detour to Portarlington and enjoy lunch at one of the many great cafes or buy fresh mussels straight from the pier and barbecue them yourself on the shore.

Next stop is the grand old seaside town of Queenscliff. Explore the historic fort along with the excellent shops, galleries and restaurants. Choose from a wide range of accommodation, including magnificently restored nineteenth century hotels. Queenscliff is also the departure point for the car and passenger ferry that crosses the bay regularly each day.

Take a side trip to nearby Point Lonsdale for a walk to the white lighthouse, the sheltered beach and the fierce waters of Bass Strait. Alternatively, visit Barwon Heads, a tranquil fishing village that was the location for the popular SeaChange TV series, and a great place to fish the calm estuary waters or amble along kilometres of sandy beaches.

Sorrento to Melbourne

100 km/79 miles, about 2.5 hours

Climb aboard the ferry across the bay to the Mornington Peninsula and kick off the second part of your journey.

Linger in Sorrento where beautiful nineteenth-century limestone buildings house excellent eateries, boutiques, galleries and specialist shops. Surf at Sorrento's ocean beaches, swim with dolphins and seals, or cast a line on a fishing cruise out in the bay.

Pause for a few hours at nearby Portsea and enjoy a drink on the lawns of the famous Portsea Pub, which boasts panoramic views of the bay. Take a walk out to Point Nepean and explore the remains of Victoria's coastal defence at Fort Nepean.

Turn north back along the coast to Rosebud and from there cross over to the other side of the peninsula, arriving at Cape Schanck. Follow the boardwalks and take in stunning views of the wild surf of Bass Strait. If you've got some extra time, go on a guided tour of the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse.

Continue along the Westernport Bay side of the peninsula to the nineteenth-century fishing hamlet of Flinders. Have a surf or take the kids to the beach, have lunch in style, and then hit the boutiques for great antique and curio shopping. Make time for a round of golf at the scenic Flinders Golf course overlooking Bass Strait.

Travel inland towards Arthurs Seat with its exceptional views extending from the bay to the city. Drive through Red Hill, Merricks and Main Ridge stopping for lunch and cellar doors tastings. Stock up on seasonal organic fruit and vegetables at farm gates across the region, or pop by the famous Red Hill market on the first Saturday of the month.

After exploring Red Hill return to the beach road and amble back to Melbourne taking in the coastal scenery along the way. Cruise through Mornington and have a coffee overlooking the yachts bobbing in the harbour and the colourful beach boxes lining the sand.

Stop on the city's outskirts at Frankston and visit the renowned McClelland Gallery+Sculpture Park. See works by painters Russell Drysdale and Fred Williams, or stroll through the sculpture park for art in a beautiful bushland setting.

Looking for a different approach? Travel via Hastings, an historic fishing town and a good place to sign up for a fishing charter or join a cruise of Westernport Bay.