<strong>Mornington Peninsula: </strong>Just 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Melbourne, Mornington recently became the most visited day-trip destination in the state of Victoria.<strong> </strong>The London Bridge, pictured, is the northernmost beach in Mornington Peninsula National Park. It's famed for its stunning sandstone landforms.
Mornington Peninsula: Just 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Melbourne, Mornington recently became the most visited day-trip destination in the state of Victoria. The London Bridge, pictured, is the northernmost beach in Mornington Peninsula National Park. It's famed for its stunning sandstone landforms.
Mornington Peninsula
<strong>Magical destination: </strong>Over the last 12 months, Mornington Peninsula has developed a reputation as being, quite simply, magical.
Magical destination: Over the last 12 months, Mornington Peninsula has developed a reputation as being, quite simply, magical.
Peter Tarasiuk
<strong>New tourism offerings: </strong>A host of new hotels, forward-thinking restaurants, bars, cellar doors and artisan producers have appeared on Mornington Peninsula in recent years.
New tourism offerings: A host of new hotels, forward-thinking restaurants, bars, cellar doors and artisan producers have appeared on Mornington Peninsula in recent years.
Peter Tarasiuk
<strong>Holiday town: </strong>Jutting into Port Phillip Bay and home to around 150,000 people, the cape has traditionally been known for its slow-paced holiday vibe: It's got surf beaches, great wines and weekender cottages.
Holiday town: Jutting into Port Phillip Bay and home to around 150,000 people, the cape has traditionally been known for its slow-paced holiday vibe: It's got surf beaches, great wines and weekender cottages.
Peter Tarasiuk
<strong>Cape Schanck Lighthouse: </strong>Mornington has one of the oldest lighthouses in Victoria. Built in 1859, Cape Schanck Lighthouse is 21 meters high and one of the few lighthouses that still operates as it did in the 1800s.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse: Mornington has one of the oldest lighthouses in Victoria. Built in 1859, Cape Schanck Lighthouse is 21 meters high and one of the few lighthouses that still operates as it did in the 1800s.
Peter Tarasiuk
<strong>Jackalope: </strong>This 46-room hotel is young entrepreneur and filmmaker Louis Li's foray into the hospitality industry. The all-black building is fronted by the seven-meter-tall Jackalope, a sculpture of a rabbit with horns by local artist Emily Floyd.
Jackalope: This 46-room hotel is young entrepreneur and filmmaker Louis Li's foray into the hospitality industry. The all-black building is fronted by the seven-meter-tall Jackalope, a sculpture of a rabbit with horns by local artist Emily Floyd.
by Sharyn Cairns
<strong>Jackalope: </strong>It's just the beginning of the "alchemy" -- the hotel's self-described narrative -- infused into everything from the white and gold Edra Leatherworks chairs in bar Flagerdoot to the 10,000-globe light installation by Jan Flook in fine-dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot.
Jackalope: It's just the beginning of the "alchemy" -- the hotel's self-described narrative -- infused into everything from the white and gold Edra Leatherworks chairs in bar Flagerdoot to the 10,000-globe light installation by Jan Flook in fine-dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot.
By Sharyn Cairns
<strong>Tourism boom: </strong>The increase in tourist numbers has also inspired others in the hospitality industry to experiment with their regional offerings.
Tourism boom: The increase in tourist numbers has also inspired others in the hospitality industry to experiment with their regional offerings.
Peter Tarasiuk
<strong>Peninsula Hot Springs: </strong>A lavish network of more than 20 pools, waterfalls and hammams utilizing the region's mineral-rich geothermal water, the Peninsula Hot Springs recently completed an AU $13 million (US $9.5 million) expansion project.
Peninsula Hot Springs: A lavish network of more than 20 pools, waterfalls and hammams utilizing the region's mineral-rich geothermal water, the Peninsula Hot Springs recently completed an AU $13 million (US $9.5 million) expansion project.
Peninsula Hot Springs
<strong>Peninsula Hot Springs: </strong>The new additions include a Fire and Ice experience (think, saunas and snow caves) and a lakeside amphitheater, where you can soak while watching musicians live on stage.
Peninsula Hot Springs: The new additions include a Fire and Ice experience (think, saunas and snow caves) and a lakeside amphitheater, where you can soak while watching musicians live on stage.
Peninsula Hot Springs
<strong>Port Phillip Bay: </strong>Mornington is a popular destination for dolphin- and whale-watching. Visitors can either book a licensed cruise or a snorkeling tour to see the mammals.
Port Phillip Bay: Mornington is a popular destination for dolphin- and whale-watching. Visitors can either book a licensed cruise or a snorkeling tour to see the mammals.
Searoad Ferries/Searoad Ferries/Visit Victoria
<strong>Moonlit Sanctuary:</strong> Located at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, Moonlit Sanctuary is home to more than 10,000 native Australian trees and plants as well as more than 30 animal enclosures.
Moonlit Sanctuary: Located at the top of the Mornington Peninsula, Moonlit Sanctuary is home to more than 10,000 native Australian trees and plants as well as more than 30 animal enclosures.
Victoria
<strong>Portsea:</strong> Portsea, a seaside village, and its Portsea Pier (pictured) is just one Mornington Peninsula's gems.
Portsea: Portsea, a seaside village, and its Portsea Pier (pictured) is just one Mornington Peninsula's gems.
Victoria