MOUNT ELIZA MORNINGTON

Natural beauty is the name of the game for the suburbs beyond Frankston, which shot to prominence many decades ago as the chosen summer playground for wealthy Melbourne families.

Mount Eliza is an area with two distinct personalities. On one side it’s a high-end residential, retail and restaurant destination complete with a chic shopping district and small bay beaches. Inland, the stunning Mount Eliza Regional Park incorporates the former Moorooduc Quarry, where you can take an exploratory looping walk with views across the nearby plains and plenty of flora and fauna, and picnic areas near the lake and playground.

A major destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers, Mornington is a place where the sand on blissed-out Mothers Beach and Mills Beach gives way to a laid-back town with more than 370 retail shops. Drive past the legendary mansions on The Esplanade as it winds around the coast. Explore Main St on foot and check out the huge number of bars, restaurants and cafes, boutique gift and clothing stores, ice-cream shops, and Victoria’s longest-running street market that’s held every Wednesday along the length of this bustling street.

There’s always something happening – if you’re not up for shopping, visit the pier for fishing, dine at the marina or head to the impressive Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, the lively racecourse or travel on the historic Mornington Railway steam train operating most Sundays.

The gorgeous Mount Martha coast is a mecca for swimmers and hikers thanks to the surrounding bushland meeting the beach. The small village has quality shops and eateries, and an all-round mellow vibe that's a nice contrast to some of the larger bayside suburbs. Rocky cliffs with coastal trails are all part of this appealing package, as is the Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk that ends at The Briars, a 230ha park with more wildlife and wide-open spaces to explore.

It’s a part of the world where exceptional shopping, dining, and experiences immersed in nature becomes the stuff of nostalgic summer memories.

Things to see and do in Mornington and surrounds

Go koala spotting and birdwatching at Sunshine Reserve, Mount Martha.

Rain, hail or shine, Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market is the place for foodies to be on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9am-1pm.

If one market isn’t enough, Main Street Mornington Market is held every Wednesday from 9am-3pm.

Head to Mount Eliza Regional Park for spectacular views and plenty of space for kids and dogs to run free.

You must eat out while visiting this area, find some of the best meals around at the top of the peninsula, breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted.