Dromana, Rosebud and Rye

Quick facts

Population approximately 23,000
78 kilometres south of Melbourne
Safe beaches
Excellent golf courses
Gunnamatta surf beach.

Travelling to the coastal resorts of Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, on the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula, is a tradition for many Melbourne families each summer. With its carnival atmosphere and safe bay swimming, it is the perfect opportunity to relax by the sea. As well as camping on the beach, a wide range of luxury accommodation, B&Bs and self-contained cottages are available.

Sandbars extending up to 200 metres from the shore create an ideal safe setting for bathing. A lengthy retail strip on Point Nepean Road, including major shopping centres, provides all facilities for the now largely residential population. An increasing array of wine bars and cafes has helped foster a cosmopolitan atmosphere, especially in Rye. This area also provides the region’s greatest concentration of golf courses, with major resort-style courses only minutes away.

Activities and attractions

Swim at one of the beautiful bayside beaches
Join a fishing charter and explore the deep
Play a round of golf at one of the excellent local golf courses such as Moonah Links, home of the Australian Open tournament on the Dunes Golf course in Rye
Hire a catamaran and try your hand at sailing
Enjoy seaside camping along the foreshore
Surf or horse ride at Gunnamatta Ocean Beach
Visit McCrae Homestead, one of Victoria’s oldest homesteads or Heronswood and enjoy their famous garden with sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay
Dine at a cafe by the beach in Rye
Meet the winemaker at one of the area’s many wineries
Take the kids to Ace-Hi Wildlife Park
Explore The Octopus’s Garden underwater marine trail underneath Rye pier.

Major events