Located on Bunurong Country, at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula, this seaside village packs a lot into a small but strikingsetting.
It is where calm bay waters meet dramatic ocean coastlines. Small boutique shops, a cafe, a bistro and a pub make for a charmingvillagestroll.
The cliffs, waves, flora and fauna tell stories rich in history, and theviewsarequiteliterallyunmatched.
Thisisanovernightitinerarycreatedforcouplesandfriendswho enjoy active, social and explorative coastal escapes. For those whoareshortontimebutwanttomakethemostofit.
Portsea is easy to get to, simple to navigate and layered with experiencesthatfeelnew,excitingandmemorable.
Planningyourtripto Portsea
ComingfromMelbourne:
Just over an hour from Melbourne find yourself immersed in the lushsceneryoftheMorningtonPeninsula.
The journey itself is part of the experience. Choose to follow the sceniccoastline,orcruisedownthefreeway
Follow the M1, then Eastlink (M3), before continuing onto PeninsulaLinkandtheMorningtonPeninsulaFreeway(M11).
Crossing Port Phillip Bay by ferry is a relaxed, scenic alternative to thedrive,andachancetoeaseintoyourPeninsulaescape.
SearoadFerries operate vehicle and passenger services between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7 am and 6 pm, every dayoftheyear.
Board the ferry at Queenscliff and settle in on the deck or grabawindowseatandsoakintheviews.
Once you disembark in Sorrento, Portsea is just a short drive awayalongPointNepeanRoad.
Take in one of the region’s most iconic coastlines as you approachSorrentoPier,fromluxuryclifftophomestotherugged beautyofPointNepeanandthePortPhillipHeads.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals, and in winter, even whalespassingthroughtheHeads.
Travel time: Allow 40 minutes for the ferry crossing, plus 6 minutestodrivefromSorrentotoPortsea.
PlanaPauseStop
Turn the drive into part of the holiday. Break it up with a coffee, short walk or a fresh-air stop before the final stretch. TAC Pause Stopsareaneasyinclusionforthisroute.
A coastal stop along Point Nepean Road before reaching Portseavillage
Morning Day1–Divein,settlein, anddigin
Aim to arrive in Portsea early to make the most of the day ahead. How you start is up to you, but the local way is water first, with a steaminghotcoffeeclosebehind.
You can go straight to Portsea Village Resort to leave your car for the day or pull up in the car park in front of Bayplay Adventure Tours,atouroperatorthatalsooffersequipmenthire.
Whether you’re looking for a guided or self-guided experience in the water, you can choose your own adventure between diving, snorkelling,kayaking,stand-uppaddleboardingandbikeriding.
Not sure which way to go? Ask the helpful staff about the conditions of the day. Wind, tides, and visibility can make or break your chosen activity,butfriendly,localadvicewillmakeitaneasydecision.‘
Snorkelling is a great option to admire marine life up close, such as the famous Weedy Sea Dragons, rays, starfish and crabs. But on the right morning,there’snothingquiteasmagicalasglidingalonginakayakorona paddleboard,lookingbackatthecliffsandbeachboxeslininguptheshore.
Grab your equipment of choice and make your way (by foot) across the roadtothecalm,shelteredwatersoftheFrontBeach.
After an hour or two in the water, you can either have a quick rinse out the back at Bayplay, or head straight to LeCapucinfor a well-deserved cup of coffee,madewithlove.
Opendailyfrom8amto3pm,thisbelovedlocalistheperfectplacetoperch up on the sun-drenched terrace with a coffee, freshly baked sweet or savourypastry,baguetteoracookedbreakfastwithaviewofthebay.
Nextstop–lunchbackatthevillage!PortseaHotelisopendaily,withfoodinthe dining room or beer garden served from 11:30am until late. As you enter, you’ll findtheGeneralStore,openfrom8am,whereyoucanalsogetcoffee,breakfast, gelato,andtake-awaybottlesofwine.
But where to enjoy lunch? The grand sun-kissed dining room, with French doors that open out to the lawn and spectacular views of the bay and pier? Or, if the weather permits, the equally stunning Beer Garden for a more laid-back vibe? Thechoiceisyours.
And as for the menu, expect fresh seafood, local produce, woodfired pizzas and elevatedpubclassics.
Priceguide:$$
Time:Allow1to1.5hours
Day1afternooncontinued...
From 2pm, you can drop your bags off, check in and have a little resetatthePortseaVillageResort.
The resort offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments with king beds, full kitchens, laundry facilities and private balconies, plus two heated pools, spa, sauna, gym, tennis and squash courts.
It is an ideal fit for couples travelling with or without friends, who wanttobeinthecentreofitall.
Before or after checking into your accommodation, wandering intotheshopsonthemainstripisamust.
SurLaMer is a wonderful vintage store home to curated fashion pieces,homeandgardendecorandotherlovelytrinkets.
Next door, the AegeanDesignsGallery is owned by artist Allison Ermogenis and hosts fine art by local emerging artists. The gallery often holds exhibitions, workshops and artist talks so be suretocheckthewebsitebeforeyourvisit.
Price:Free
Time:30minutes-1hour
Day1evening
Enjoy a short stroll through village to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and drinks at Pompette Portsea, the local French-inspired bistro with a delectable menuofshareplatesandanimpressivewinelist.
Inside,theinteriorsarestylishandintimate,whiletheatmosphereisbuzzing and inviting. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to late, this is the perfect spot to try something new (hello, escargots bubbling in garlic herb butter) andsettleinforafewlaughsandstoriesoverabottleofwine.
FunFact:PointNepeanNationalParkisaprofoundlysignificantFirst Nationsculturallandscape.Onceavitalareaforbirthingandfishing,it servedastraditionalCountryforBunurongpeopleforover35,000 years.
