Mornington

Mornington is a suburb that is considered as the primary community of the Mornington Peninsula and is situated in the northern section of the region. It is home to an estimated populace numbering up to 18,000 but retains a village ambiance that first captured the imagination of the first Melbourne vacationers. It is a 52-kilometre drive from Melbourne via the Nepean Highway and takes about an hour to reach. The suburb is set along the coast of Port Philip Bay and boasts a wide array of shops, art galleries and historic buildings.

European settlement first came to Mornington sometime in 1803 but the full flow of migration in the area did not happen until after almost thirty years upon the founding of Melbourne in 1830 with the entry of cattle and sheep herders later on that decade. In 1852, a store was founded which was later followed by the building of several other establishments that would lay the foundations of a developing town. In 1864, what used to be known as Point Schnapper was made into a full-pledged town and renamed Mornington, after the Earl of Mornington. Like the rest of the peninsula, it eventually became a seaside holiday spot as the first railway system was put up in the area in 1889. It is now currently part of The Shire of The Mornington Peninsula, a local government area of the state of Victoria which was founded almost thirteen years ago.

Mornington Attractions & Activities

Mornington's Main Street is home to sidewalk cafes and specialty shops. Point Schnapper on the coast has a boardwalk that lies over the pier and a harbor where one can access a yacht and boat ramp. The nearby Mornington Parklooks out onto the harbor and is equipped with a playground that has sailing ship replicas, barbecues and picnic facilities. The Esplanade or main strip, meanwhile, trails the coastline for a 20-kilometre stretch ranging from Mt. Eliza to Mt. Martha with its string of small bays and beaches.

For history enthusiasts, Mornington in itself is a treasure trove of the place's rich history. From the Briars Historic Park that is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte to old buildings such as St. Peters' Anglican Church, the very first church erected in the area and the Old Post Office Museum. Antique collectors and fans, can satisfy their whims with items on exhibit and sale in the National Antique Center, Collectors Pieces Antiques, and the Bottom Drawer Antique Center.

Artists and art fans are very much welcome at Mornington with the presence of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Manyung Gallery and the Coastal Art Trail. Aside from these things, locals and visitors can visit farms and vineyards in and around the area such as the Morning Star and Mooroduc Estate, and Nedlands Lavender Farms.

Mornington also has annual events for everyone such as the Mornington Racing Cup Carnival every February, Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Weekend every June, Mornington Food and Wine Festival every October and the Racecourse Market occurring the 2nd Sunday of every month.