Our Community

Mt Eliza

Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne and also accessible by bus and train, Mt Eliza has long been a popular spot with holidaymakers. The town itself is well served by major and boutique shops and restaurants, and boasts long quiet beaches and a boat club. Other facilities include a number of sports clubs and prestigious schools.

Mornington

Mornington is one of the Peninsula’s major cents, and a bustling town during the summer months. Main Street, which leads down to parklands and secluded beaches, is lined with all types of shops including antique outlets and some excellent restaurants and cafes. Mornington retains some charming reminders of its history, including period buildings in the main street and a nearby historic homestead. There are boat launching facilities, a yacht club and sporting clubs including golf, tennis and bowls.

Mt Martha

About 72 kilometres south of the Melbourne CBD, Mount Martha is at the southern fringe of the Mornington municipality. Mt Martha guards the southern end of Fossil Beach which is one of only two exposed fossil plains in the world and whose remains date back 25 million years.

While Mt Martha is part of a bustling township of almost 16,000, Mornington retains much of the relaxed charm that has made it one of the most enduring and popular peninsula resorts. Mt Martha is within comfortable driving distance of the rest of the peninsula’s scenic attractions and vineyards.

Hastings

Hastings is one of the finest boating and fishing centres on the Peninsula, boasting a number of marinas and giving access to Westernport Bay via a protected harbour. The foreshore area has been redeveloped and is a pleasant place for a meal or coffee, with many pelicans frequenting the piers. Much of the surrounding area is farmland, and the town retains a community atmosphere. There is a small beach, and large coastline reserves including boardwalks through areas of mangroves. Hastings also serves as a commercial port for Melbourne. There is an industrial area nearby.

Merricks

The tiny township of Merricks is popular with holiday makers and residents alike, with its very peaceful rural surrounds and country town atmosphere. Housing is generally low-key, and some original settlers houses remain from the 19th century. Merricks has two lovely beaches, and is connected by a bus line to Frankston and Melbourne. The popular horse riding clubs provide further opportunities for recreation. There is a General Store including a post office and newsagency.

Red Hill

Set in the lovely hinterland of the Peninsula, Red Hill is noted for the many wineries and food producers located nearby. The surrounding area is hilly and treed, and the red clay which gives the locality its name has led to the development of this community as a primarily agricultural area. The monthly market is well-regarded, and is a great opportunity to sample some local wines and other produce. Red Hill hosts festivals based around wine, agriculture, art, gardens, and country music. There is a General Store.

Balnarring

Balnarring is a township located 10 kilometres from the major centre of Hastings. It is served by a supermarket and specialty shops, and has a safe swimming beach. There are scenic walking paths around the creek, and nearby wetlands (an important habitat for waterbirds) include picnic and barbecue facilities. In summer there is a monthly market.

Somers

A quiet town on Westernport Bay, Somers is close to the south-eastern point of the Peninsula. As well as three clean swimming beaches, the yacht club provides an excellent starting point for sailing trips. The Somers foreshore area is interesting and includes rockpools, nature reserves and walking tracks. There is a good General Store and a primary school in Somers. Nearby attractions include Coolart, an 1860s homestead on 87 hectares of grounds with formal gardens and wetlands.

Pt Leo

This is a peaceful town with a rural feel and very little in the way of suburban development. There is a General Store. The beach is one of the closest surf beaches to Melbourne. The Pt Leo foreshore includes picnic, barbecue and camping facilities. Several wineries are located nearby.