Mornington Peninsula

Posted on 24. Jul, 2009 by View Australia in Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula is located southeast of Melbourne in Central Victoria, Australia. It is surrounded by Port Philip, Western Port and Bass Strait to the west, east and south respectively. The major part of this peninsula is utilized for agriculture and settlements however some is a protected region under Mornington Peninsula National Park. It is considered a tourist region hence the population doubles in summer from the actual number of 135,000.

Geography
The Mornington Peninsula begins expanding in the area between Pearcedale and Frankston for about 40 km at a width of about 15 -20 km. It extends roughly about 15 -20 km in a north-easterly direction and tapers down to 2 -3 km and terminates at Point Napean. Most of the region is flat with the exception of Boneo, Main Ridge, Red hill Tuerong and Moorooduc. The highest point in the region is Arthur point at 1001 ft. The coastline is rocky between West Head and Cape Schank.

Mountains and Hills
The Arthurs Seat, Mount Martha, Mount Eliza, Red Hill, Olivers Hill, Cheviot Hill, Mt. St.Pauls are some of the major mountains and hills in this region. The region experiences minor earthquakes from time to time. The last major earthquake occurred on July 7, 1971 and was of magnitude 5.0.

History
The area was home to the Mayone-bulluk clan and hosted six clans. Under European settlement the area was covered with she – oak forests. The region was home to 100 -500 people before European settlement.

Parklands
Some of the major parklands in this region are the Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Napean National Park, Arthurs Seat State Park, etc. The major golf turfs in this region are Port Turf Club, Sorrento Golf Club, The Dunes Golf links and a few others.

Transport
The Peninsula is served mainly by a network of roads. On the western shores bus service is used pre dominantly.
Road: The Peninsula is easily reached from Melbourne by car via the Nepean Highway. The bus numbered 788 runs throughout the peninsula departing from Frankston Railway Station in Melbourne.
Train: There is a rail service from Frankton to Hastings from where further journey through ferry.
Ferry: Hourly service available from Mornington to and fro from Bellarine Peninsula.

Tourism
It has its peak season in the months of December and January along with holidays like Christmas, Boxing Day.
Accommodation
Many people have constructed their own beach houses. But cheaper motels are available for families. Camping is popular in some parts.
Attractions
Sandy[beach], Arthurs Seat , Point Napean and Fort Napean , Mornington Peninsula national Park and Red hill Market are the major landmarks. Certain Mazes are also popular tourist haunts.
Recreation

Hang Gliding, Surfing, Fishing, Scuba Diving and Sailing are major activities.

Produce
This region is a major producer of wine. It has over 60 wineries. Apples, cherries, berries, cheese, chocolate, chutney, jam, olive oil and organic beef are the other products from this region.

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