Mornington by the sea...

The seaside township of Mornington is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Mornington Peninsula – and for many good reasons. The happy blend of seaside village charm and great fashion and specialty stores with colourful displays of stock spilling into the street makes shopping here particularly appealing. The wide sidewalks are punctuated by comfortable benches and you can sit and sip and watch the world go by at one of the many delightful cafes, bars and restaurants that dot Main Street.

But more than just a great shopping strip for the fashion conscious Mornington has a host of other attractions for the whole family.

At the end of Main Street is Mornington Park established in 1854 and overlooking the harbour. This park is a natural focal point for street processions and large gatherings. The park boasts a children’s playground (including a replica of the sailing ship HMS Investigator), jogging track, flag pole and water fountain and also provides shaded picnic tables and barbeque areas.

Continue on to Schnapper Point and the 10 metre high granite obelisk commemorating explorer Matthew Flinders and his work, which contributed towards the early settlement of Port Phillip Bay.

From the boardwalk you will enjoy a fabulous outlook over the Mornington pier and harbour. The pier, first built in the 1850s was an important addition to the commercial wellbeing of the Shire, providing a safe anchorage for ships carrying produce to the busy markets of Melbourne - and for steamships from the city bringing holiday makers to the many guesthouses and hotels of Mornington. Whilst still being a commercial hub for the scallop fishing fleet, the pier is enjoyed by 1000s throughout the year - fishermen line its railings during all kinds of weather, and strollers find it an irresistable attraction.

The adjacent Mothers Beach the main swimming area in the centre of town and aptly named for its shallow waters (suitable for children), is a favourite spot with picnic tables and barbecues under shady foreshore cypress trees.

Fossil Beach - off the Esplanade between Mornington & Mt Martha.

Limestone was mined at this beach in the early 1860s & used to make cement. Remains of the lime-burners’ kilns & works still exist.

A stroll along Main Street will reveal some wonderfully preserved old buildings, each marked by a plaque and fully described in a brochure available from shops and the Information Centre. The buildings spread over one kilometre, reflect life in the town as it used to be:- churches, hotels, banks, stores.

The Post Office Museum, on the corner of Main Street and the Esplanade is open Sundays and public holidays during summer - 2 pm to 5 pm, and the original Court House (pictured above) and gaol on the opposite corner was built in 1860 and is a miniature replica of other public buildings of its time around Melbourne. The Court House is now an information centre.

Mornington is also a treat for collectors of antiques and bric a brac and another highlight is the colourful street market every Wednesday when traders set up footpath stall displaying craft wares and produce from nearby farms and orchards.

WINTER EVENTS

Winter Festival
Snow comes to Mornington Court House Grounds from 12 noon - Bring your warm hats, scarves, gloves and join us in some magic winter wonderland in Mornington.

Wednesday Main Street Craft Market in Main Street every week from 9am - Over 100 stalls of unique quality - not to be missed.

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