Long the favourite destination for simple seaside holidays, the Mornington Peninsular is also a beguiling blend of elegant waterfront restaurants, commanding cliff-top mansions and majestic historic gardens. There are lively local markets alongside galleries boasting sublime art and antiques, bays alive with every type of water sport, bounded by secluded coastal tracks, ideal for savouring the salt air. An hour from Melbourne, there are also more than 50 wineries with their own restaurants and cafes set amongst the rolling vineyards.