The Mornington Peninsula

You may know it for the wine but this region, an easy hour-long drive south-east of the city, has thrills in store beyond the vines.

The stay

RACV Cape Schanck Resort

CAPE SCHANCK

RACV Cape Schanck Resort (racv.com.au) makes the most of its views at the peninsula’s wild southern end. The resort combines cool design with family comforts, including an indoor swimming pool, games room and an outdoor play area next to the 18-hole championship golf course.

The wildlife

Moonlit Sanctuary

PEARCEDALE

More than 70 types of native animals live at this awardwinning wildlife park (moonlit sanctuary.com.au), where you can wander alongside kangaroos and wallabies.

Take a night safari to meet nocturnal members of the tribe, including pademelons, pythons, quolls and potoroos.

The treat

Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie &

Ice Creamery

FLINDERS

At this chocaholic’s paradise (mpchoc.com.au), you can watch chocolatiers creating handcrafted truffles, sign up for a gourmet tasting session (held three times a day at just $3 per person) or join one of the chocolate-making classes.

The meal

Piazza at Montalto

RED HILL SOUTH

You can’t go to the Mornington without swinging by a winery but try selling that to the kids. Montalto (montalto.com.au) delivers for all, with a cellar door and family-friendly eatery, the Piazza. It’s a bucolic spot that takes advantage of the huge kitchen gardens with a Mediterranean menu (yes, including pizza), plus there’s a Sculpture Trail to explore.

The surprise Enchanted Adventure Garden

ARTHURS SEAT

Get lost in a manicured hedge maze before hitting the highoctane fun of tube sliding and tree surfing. Enchanted Adventure Garden (enchanted maze.com.au) also offers nippers’ courses to introduce kids aged four and up to the treeline obstacle course with the safety of a harness.