Indagare Tours: The Mornington Peninsula

Just south of the city, the Mornington Peninsula, a beautiful countryside retreat, is often compared to the Hamptons. The region is flanked on either side by the much more touristed Great Ocean Road and Prince Phillip Island, and the area, which makes a great day trip, is where Melbourne locals go to escape city life.

The peninsula is especially appealing to oenophiles thanks to its terrific vineyards, including some that offer varieties of strawberry wine. For a day of boating and delicious seafood, head to the charming small towns of Portsea or Sorrento at the tip of the region. Nature lovers should visit Mornington Peninsula National Park, home to the scenic Cape Schank and Pulpit Rock, or to Arthur’s Seat State Park, where visitors can spot kangaroos and echidnas (spiny anteaters) wandering through the crowds.