Dromana

Dromana is nestled along the Port Philip Bay coast of The Peninsula and geographically speaking, it is around 70 kilometres away from the Melbourne Central Business District and seven kilometers from Rosebud. It is currently under the local government administration of the Shire which was formed thirteen years ago.

Like the rest of the key places in the Mornington Peninsula, starting from 1803 until 1830s, Dromana has been sparsely populated until the 1850s' gold rush drew in more settlers. At first, the area was named Hobson's Flat in honor of a pioneering grazer in the area but it was later changed into Dromana in respect to the digger’s homeland which is Ireland. By the 1870s it became an important export hub.

Dromana can be found in The Peninsula's Hinterland Region, the so-called answer to Europe's very own wine-producing regions. Dromana itself is home to some 22 wineries and vineyards. The famous names associated to the vineyard and winery features of Dromana are the Dromana Valley Wines which is located in Nepean Highway and Pickings Lane, the Hickinbotham of Dromana nestled in Monrington-Flinders road, the Turramura Estate Vineyard in Wallaces road, and the Dromana Estate Winery and the Karina Vineyard in Harrison road.

Dromana Attractions & Activities

The Tourist Information Centre in Dromana Park provides visitors brochures and other information about the places to see in the suburb. Also, it is the starting point for the Echidna Self-drive Tours where they can get to follow signs that will bring them to the rural areas of Dromana. Opposite it is the Historical Society Museum for those who would want to know a bit of the suburb's history. Art critics and fans may also drop by the Piers St. Gallery on Piers Street or for those who want to see Gothic revival house and diggers cottage at Heronswood which also has a two-hectare garden on top of the original plantation.

Arthurs Seat State Park, on the other hand, is the Peninsula's highest point at 300m. It is a 550-hectare sprawl with the hill as the key point of interest. It was officially declared a state park in 1988 to safeguard the bushland of the area. The hill's peak itself is filled with facilities for activities like barbecues, picnic areas, playgrounds and car parking. For those wishing to get a full view of Port Philip Bay and surrounding areas, they can ride the famous Arthurs Seat Chair first. The park also has a tearoom, the Old Viewing Tower, maze, art gallery, souvenir and gift shop.

The park can be reached by car through several routes but visitors may opt to take on a portion of the Two Bays Walking Track. Speaking of this area, it is a 30-kilometer bush corridor that passes through various fern gullies, grass trees, a eucalyptus forest, tea-tree thickets and savanna. It also serves as a connection between Dromana and Point Schanck.

Aside from the vintners, vineyards, mazes and galleries, another key point of interest is the 3-kilometre long Dromana Beach which is mostly visible during the summer.

A safe haven for families and swimming, the beach has pier, boat-ramp, surf lifesaving club as well as boat rental services.