MAIN RIDGE RED HILL MERRICKS SHOREHAM POINT LEO ARTHURS SEAT

MAIN RIDGE RED HILL MERRICKS SHOREHAM POINT LEO ARTHURS SEAT

If you’re looking for action, activity and enterprise, there’s an area of the Mornington Peninsula that was made for adventurers and adrenaline junkies.

Intrepid travellers can begin with a walk up the 304m granite hill of Arthurs Seat, getting your breath back just before it’s taken away again by the incredible view over Port Phillip. Take a comfortable gondola ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle for an even better bird’s-eye view – it’s the highest point on the Peninsula. The Seawinds ornamental gardens are a must-visit. Be entranced by the kangaroos hopping freely around and choose a walking track through the state park. Kids and kids at heart will love the Enchanted Adventure tree-surfing.

Going inland to Main Ridge provides the chance to rest and sample everything on offer at the wineries, including perennial favourite Ten Minutes by Tractor; orchards including Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm and farmgate; galleries and restaurants; or stay active on the trail at Baldry’s Circuit through the remnants of tall forest.

At Red Hill, work up an appetite by losing yourself in one of many activities – there are dozens of walking tracks, bike paths and horse-riding trails – then pop into establishments such as Red Gum BBQ, Red Hill Brewery, Montalto and Tucks for food you’ll talk about for weeks.

From there, drop by the beach at Point Leo for excellent surfing, body boarding and swimming and a popular camping ground. Shoreham was once an area known for farming, dairy cattle and timber, but it’s now a happy haven for some of Melbourne’s most wealthy residents due to its quiet nature. Ashcombe Maze entreats people to come for the food, stay for the view and get lost in the fun, which is easy to do when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty in the hedge maze and gardens.

At Merricks it's all about the simple pleasures: relaxed mornings enjoying breakfast at one of the many eateries such the Merricks General Wine Store, beach walks with an ice-cream in hand, bicycle rides, a visit to the yacht club, and afternoon hikes looking out to Phillip Island.

When you’ve had your fill of escapades, there’s still time to appreciate the rolling sand dunes, easygoing vibe and beautiful coastal views.