Arthurs Seat, Main Ridge, Red Hill, Merricks, Shoreham, Point Leo

Arthurs Seat dominates the southern Peninsula, a 300m mini-mountain rising sharply from the shore of Port Phillip ‘behind’ Dromana, McCrae and Rosebud. It’s the highest point of the hinterland, which has Arthurs Seat in the north, Red Hill in the east, Main Ridge in the south and Rosebud South in the west.

Arthurs Seat Rd is one of the great drives of the region, nearly 6km of switchback, wellpaved road from Dromana to the peak with four lookouts/car parks with spectacular views plus the summit lookout. For the fit, there’s a walking track from beach to summit as well as other tracks branching off along the way. Also at the summit is the Arthurs Seat Eagle

gondola; close by in Purves Rd is Seawinds ornamental gardens; and a bit further along the road is Enchanted Adventure garden with slides, tree surfing, mazes and more.

The hinterland – Main Ridge, Red Hill and Merricks – is famous for wineries with cellar doors, orchards including Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm and farmgate on Shands Rd, art galleries and award-winning restaurants, plus dozens of tracks for walking, horse-riding and cycling.

At Red Hill South are two roads to Western Port’s coast – Shoreham and Point Leo. At Shoreham’s The Pines Beach, you can park next to the sand – handy for people with children or those with limited mobility. Point Leo has famous surf breaks and camping.