Get a taste of the higher life in Portsea

Imagine strolling along streets lined with elegant mansions after a relaxing day spent reclining on the warm stretches of a pristine beach. Then, you head to the famous beach-side pub for your favourite cocktail and a laugh with some mates.

It may sound like a fantasy taken from the pages of a millionaire's life, but it can be yours for a day or two if you plan a visit to Portsea during your stay on Mornington Peninsula. 

Portsea: Your portal to paradise 

Portsea, located on the tip of Mornington Peninsula, is renowned as an area of wealth and luxury. Visitors enjoy a taste of the lifestyle of the rich and famous as they see the multimillion-dollar dwellings, finely landscaped gardens and incomparable vistas. 

With the splendour of Port Phillip Bay and spectacular ocean beaches always within reach, Portsea has beauty to spare for those who favour manmade masterpieces and natural treasures alike. 

Sites to savour 

Fyodor Dostoevsky, one of Russia's greatest novelists, suggested that beauty will save the world, attributing the idea to one of his protagonists, Prince Myshkin. This mysterious line begins to make sense in a very concrete way when you experience the kind of breathtaking scenery that surrounds you in Portsea. 

With calm, soothing waters and majestic waves to lift your spirits, you'll be equally inspired by the panoramic views of untouched coastal scenery. 

Here are a few highlights to explore when you visit Portsea: 

1. Point Nepean National Park   

Located on the very tip of the peninsula, this park offers both historical relics and picturesque walks for people of all ages. The area played an important role in settling and defending Victoria, so you'll find military tunnels and forts, a memorial, heritage buildings and a quarantine station. As for the views, take in the Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay. Learn more about what you're seeing by using the self-guided audio tour resources, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural setting.  

2. Sorrento Portsea Artists' Trail

This trail contains works of art at the scenic points that inspired them, so you can imagine that you're in for a visual banquet while walking this stretch on Mornington Peninsula. 

Tracing the cliff line between Sorrento and Portsea, there are currently fourteen artworks sprinkled between places like Point King, Sorrento Pier and St Paul's Beach. Even if you don't have time to walk the entire trail, you can drive to some of the scenic points. The Millionaire's Walk, which is about a 1.5 kilometre return from Point King Road in Portsea, gives you a phenomenal tour amidst impressive mansions, private jetties and cliff views.

3. London Bridge 

The spectacular London Bridge is on the northern beach of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Mother Nature spent thousands of years crafting this beautiful sandstone formation, leveraging rain, wind and waves to carve the graceful, dramatic curves we see today. 

There's a beach you can explore, as well, though the lookout's certainly worth checking out even if you just make a quick stop on the way back from Point Nepean or one of the other towns on Mornington Peninsula. 

Experiences to enjoy   

In addition to taking in some of the stunning sites in Portsea, be sure to soak in the local flavour with a few unforgettable experiences. Head on down to the historic Portsea Pub (also known as the Portsea Hotel) to enjoy a drink while overlooking the pier. 

You'll probably also be itching to get into the gorgeous blue water. Portsea is a great place for sea kayaking and scuba diving, with sea dragons and rays populating the close-by reef. You can also dive deep to snag a first-hand look at the HMAS Camberra wreck, as long as you have the appropriate diving experience. You'll see engine rooms, the galley, flight decks and more on this unique adventure. 

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Portsea, you're unlikely to be disappointed. Instead, your journey back to your Mornington Peninsula accommodation will be filled with fond memories, vibrant images and excitement for the next chance to visit.

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