The Peninsula Ramble is an Inn-to-Inn accommodated walking holiday. You progress across and along the Mornington Peninsula, walking along beaches and through National Parks from one delightful accommodation to the next. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday is Self-Guided.
Only two hours from Melbourne and yet you are in another world. This walking holiday starts at the peaceful bay beach of Dromana. Colourful bathing boxes (little beach houses) line the shore of this delightful bay.
This area is where Victoria’s first settlement occurred in the 1830s. The route continues up and over Arthur’s Seat from where there are unsurpassed views over the entire peninsula. The Two Bays Walking Track joins the bay side of the peninsula with the more rugged ocean side, where you’ll find long, rugged coastlines with few if any people.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse stands as a lonely sentinel overlooking these tumultuous waters – the site of numerous shipwrecks. The route progresses along the beach and cliff tops to the fascinating wartime relics at Fort Nepean at the very tip of the peninsula.
Location The Peninsula Ramble commences in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, about 2 hours from Melbourne. There are frequent train/coach services from Melbourne.
Grading The walking route includes peaceful bay beaches, dramatic ocean coastline, cliff top tracks, heathlands, sand dunes and a variety of native bush. Mostly moderate terrain with some sections of sandy beach. 60% easy, 35% moderate, 5% more strenuous. Walking days average 4-5.5 hours (can be reduced).
Accommodation Typical accommodation includes comfortable B&Bs, a luxury golf resort and a comfortable cottages - private rooms with ensuite or private bathrooms.
Regional wine & food The area is noted for a great variety of gourmet foods produced by wealthy locals! The Mornington Peninsula is also an outstanding wine-producing region.
Included 7 day itinerary: 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, entry to Fort Nepean, national park fees, luggage transfers, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, walking notes, maps.
Not included Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary, optional tour of Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
The best time to go April and May usually have mild to warm days, perfect for walking. Then it cools down and can get cold and windy over winter – if you like wild ocean weather then this time is for you. By late August springtime is in the air, wildflowers are starting to appear and the days are becoming longer and warmer. By December summer has arrived and the days are usually warm to hot. We do not offer this walking holiday from 18 December through to the end of January as the area is extremely busy with summer holiday-makers. February and March are usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather.
Departure Dates Self guided "INN-to-INN" - any day from 01 February to 18 December, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.
Itinerary guide - 7 days (includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days walking) Day 1: Starts in Dromana after 2pm. Enjoy a stroll on the serene bay beach. Accommodation: Dromana. Day 2: Begin with an introduction to the early history of the region, then ascend Arthurs Seat from where you’ll be able to see the entire week’s walking route. After absorbing the outstanding views from the front of the summit café, head off along the Two Bays Track that traverses the peninsula. Several optional side trips allow you to explore exotic gardens, eucalypt forests and a delightful waterfall. The birdlife here is prolific and there’s an excellent chance of spotting kangaroos along the track. Accommodation: Greens Bush area. Day 3: Continue along the Two Bays Track through native woodlands and revegetated farmland to the first ocean beach at Bushranger Bay. This can be nature at its wildest with huge ocean waves and wind, where you are likely to have the place to yourself. Your walking route changes direction here, from southerly to westerly as you commence following the ocean coastline to Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Tours of this historic lighthouse are available (extra cost). After exploring the extensive boardwalks on this rugged point it’s a short stroll to your accommodation for the night. Accommodation: Cape Schanck. Day 4: The walk continues passing famous surfing beaches like Gunnamatta and Rye Back Beach. On weekends the surf lifesavers might be out on patrol and you are likely to see hardy surfers out there all year round. The route alternates between pristine sandy beaches and coastal heathland tracks. Accommodation: Blairgowrie. Day 5: A day of stunning scenery today, visiting classic Diamond Bay and the fascinating rock formations of the Bay of Islands and London Bridge. From several high vantage points along the cliff top you can see all the way back to Arthurs Seat! Finish the day in the seaside village of Sorrento with its numerous cafes and boutique stores. Accommodation: Sorrento. Day 6: Another exciting walk, and no doubt a favourite with history buffs. Explore the forts, tunnels and gun installations that were initially placed here to protect Melbourne from a perceived threat from the Russians many years ago. See where the first allied shot of World War One was fired and the beach where Australian prime minister, Harold Holt, vanished from. At the very tip of the peninsula you’ll have a birds eye view over The Rip, one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the world. Today’s walk finishes with a stroll along “Millionaire’s Row”, and a sneak look into the backyards of the peninsula’s rich and famous! Accommodation: Sorrento. Day 7: Trip finishes after breakfast.
