Having the good fortune to live amongst the natural splendour of the Mornington Peninsula, I feel almost obliged to share the beauty that I see every day.

During my life I have travelled to many countries and wondered at their charm, though few have grabbed me like the Mornington Peninsula.

All walks offer something unique to themselves, but if I had to choose one out of my four one-day walks, it would be the Cliff-top circuit.

Starting at 10am at Portsea front beach when the sun has warmed away the night time chill and sent its rays twinkling across the famous picturesque bay. Tearing myself away from this wonderful scene, knowing there is more in store, I head towards the ocean and London Bridge. With a gentle off shore breeze blowing, the sea is today inviting, with a number of surfers accepting the generous offer.

The light plays among the waves as a set rolls in and the before still surfers become engaged with the pursuit of the perfect ride. My attention is pulled away from the surf as overhead a hang-glider sails, past, with a view that must be hard to top. I make my way down the ramp to the beach, taking off my shoes to best appreciate the warm sand. Walking along the beach I search for the endangered hooded plover, which makes a nest resembling a large footprint just above the high tide mark.

I see a pair of plovers, hurrying about their business, blissfully unaware of their admirer, for I am just another being sharing their backyard. Moving on, I glimpse back towards the birds, smiling as they continue their daily chores. I have by now reached the Portsea Life Saving Club, where the majority of beach goers make their camp. The smell of sun-screen and fun fills the air as a day at the beach proves as good as expected. Enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean and all it brings with it I near Sorrento back beach. Leaving the beach I head along the cliff top tracks, over looking rock platforms and pools, formed from the often ferocious arctic swells. The tide is very low and the usually covered rocks, seaweed & molluscs drink in the noon sun, awaiting the inevitable rising of the sea & the nutrients it brings.

I leave the beach and climb into the dunes, hidden among coastal vegetation. A view of the old Sorrento Cemetery emerges through the trees, as numerous native birds flitter among the bushes searching flowers for nectar and leaves for insects.

Heading down the main street of Sorrento I have array of nice places to lunch, but today the sun is shining and I prefer a picnic near the rotunda.

After a relaxing sit at the front beach and a bite to eat I am refreshed and begin my return journey to Portsea front beach. Heading off along the bayside ‘Millionaire Walk’ I pass cliff top mansions with private jetties and boats gently bobbing with the tiny waves that tap onto the shore. Out in the bay I see Mud and Fort Islands with Melbourne’s skyline clearly visible on the horizon.

Nearing my destination I enter the remains of Fort Franklin high on the cliff.

The history of the ruins spark my interest as war time here seems out of place. My intimate knowledge of tracks allows me to see more than is ever possible from the car window, including many old homes built from locally formed limestone. Getting back to Portsea front beach at mid afternoon after 12 kms of easy to moderate walking I feel refreshed and alive.

My signature walk is the Coast to Coast Walk. This 28km route is covered over 2 days of moderate walking and takes in the best the Mornington Peninsula hinterland has to offer. This walk begins at the base of Arthur’s Seat and ends at the Cape Schanck Lighthouse. This spectacular walk encompasses grand views from the top of Arthur’s Seat and continues all the way to Cape Schanck – ducking in and out of native bush, including Moonah Woodlands, grass, trees and fern valleys. The bird and animal life is astounding and never fails to amaze me.

This route is the ultimate walking experience on the Mornington Peninsula.

Only 1.5 hours from Melbourne C.B.D., via major highways, I offer 6 days of walking.

Walks are from 12-14 kms and 3 walks have the offer of a short version which are 6-8 kms. Two walks stop at wineries for sumptuous lunches.

I am Sue Dunball of Dunball Walking Tours.

Phone 03 5984 4484 Mobile 0412 135 142 Email : dunball@cdi.com.au www.mornpenwalks.com.au