Travel guide Bays and Peninsulas

Welcome to Doolkoora - a 3-acre garden residence situated at McCrae Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, about one hour's drive from Melbourne. Hidden from public view within a diverse native garden, Doolkoora is only five minutes walk to the beach, and little more to nearby cafes and restaurants. From the house, enjoy sweeping bay views, including the historic McCrae Lighthouse and passing ships. Explore the gardens and marvel at the array of catalogued plants. The garden ambience of Doolkoora is unique. Planted over 50 years ago, the property contains over 300 species of trees, grasses and ferns. Such a large variety of plants is made possible by the large variation in elevation, which creates a number of different microclimates, giving ti-trees up on high ridges, local she-oaks in fl... Read more

Welcome to Doolkoora - a 3-acre garden residence situated at McCrae Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, about one hour's drive from Melbourne. Hidden from public view within a diverse native garden, Doolkoora is only five minutes' walk to the beach, and little more to nearby cafes and restaurants. From the house, enjoy sweeping bay views, including the historic McCrae Lighthouse and passing ships. Explore the gardens and marvel at the array of catalogued plants. The garden ambience of Doolkoora is unique. Planted over 50 years ago, the property contains over 300 species of trees, grasses and ferns. Such a large variety of plants is made possible by the large variation in elevation, which creates a number of different microclimates, such as ti-trees up on high ridges, local she-oaks in ... Read more

The beach is pivotal to our holiday accommodation and inspired the name Sea Eagle Beach House. Located at Safety Beach, the house offers a relaxing seaside holiday with all the luxuries of home. Sea Eagle is decorated with a beach theme, the atmosphere is relaxed and each room offers reminders of the beach, including artwork from local artists unique to the Mornington Peninsula. The house is air-conditioned so guests are kept cool even during the hottest summers. Guests love year-round entertaining using the undercover alfresco eating area with BBQ and table seating 10 guests. This large space is brightly decorated with beach scenes hand designed by local artist. There is an outdoor shower, perfect for rinsing off all the beach sand after a long day lounging at the beach. The garage ... Read more

Sea Eagle Beach House at Safety Beach offers a relaxing seaside holiday with all the luxuries of home. Sea Eagle is decorated with a beach theme and from the genuine leather couches to the calibre of mattresses selected for the beds, the property has been furnished with quality in mind. The atmosphere is relaxed and each room offers reminders of the beach, including artwork from local artists unique to the Mornington Peninsula. Guests have the benefit of either booking linen and towels or bringing their own, to make the holiday more affordable. Doonas, pillows and beach towels are supplied for all bookings. All bedrooms have luggage racks, bedside lamps and tables, mirrors and clothes hanging space. We have towel racks and additional heaters/fans, blankets and pillows in the bedrooms. ... Read more

Sea Eagle Beach House at Safety Beach offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere and each room boasts reminders of the beach, including artwork from local artists unique to the Mornington Peninsula. Families enjoy the 106cm plasma TV, 100+ DVDs, CDs, books, games, puzzles, books and magazines. The kitchen/dining area has a real “heart of the home” feel about it, with a large dining table and adjacent alfresco eating area with undercover seating for 10 guests. The BBQ area is brightly designed with beach scenes crafted by local artist. The property has a full bath, 2 toilets, 2 showers plus garden shower. Outdoors is a family’s dream come true and often evokes squeals of delight from the children. The fully fenced, flat backyard offers a safe play area, playgym, cubby and gat... Read more

This beautifully renovated three-bedroom beach house is a home away from home in the heart of Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula. Whether for a great family holiday or a girls’ weekend away, Rest @ Rye has those extra touches that encourage you to relax, unwind and enjoy the tree-lined garden, spacious deck and beautiful location. The modern lounge room has contemporary and comfortable furnishings plus a TV, DVD player, magazines, a selection of kids and family DVDs, games and toys. In fully-equipped kitchen there is everything a cook could wish for including plenty of crockery, pots, pans, utensils, two toasters, a dishwasher and a microwave. The fully renovated bathroom (shower & bath), separate toilet room and fully equipped laundry with second separate sh... Read more

TakeABreak Awards 2009 Winner, Budget Accommodation: Ebb Tide If your idea of ‘budget’ accommodation involves packing sleeping bags and sharing a bathroom with strangers, you’re in for a shock. The 2009 winner of the TakeABreak Budget Accommodation Award is Ebb Tide, a two-bedroom holiday home loaded with extras in Ocean Grove, Victoria. With attractive prices, a fully fenced backyard complete with private playground, plenty of room for a large family, and even a games room, this property offers value beyond belief. Located just 400 metres from Victoria’s Barwon River, and 1.3km from Main Ocean Grove Beach, Ebb Tide offers families, couples and friends the opportunity to experience a beach holiday with compact accommodation at less than the price of a typica... Read more

"We have three Marine Sanctuaries and a Marine National Park in Port Phillip Bay and each, in i... Read more

"Fishing, sailing, diving, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and waterskiing… when it comes to water sports, Western Port is the perfect place to visit." Taffy Evans, Bays Ranger, Western Port. Western Port is a waterway which forms an extensive tidal bay covering 680 square kilometres. The Bunurong Aboriginal people lived in the area for tens of thousands of years, enjoying the range of shellfish, Mutton birds and plant life with which it abounds. Today, the area has a diverse range of experiences, satisfying both nature lovers and adventure seekers. According to Taffy Evans, a Bays Ranger at Western Port, "it is the best training ground in the world for sailing and navigational training because the islands create a number of arms to the waters of Western Port. Tida... Read more

"Spectacular and often breathtaking coastlines, bushwalking, rockpooling and exploring the rich... Read more