Things to do in

Sorrento, Victoria

On board the swift eco boat, cruise by the glorious coast of the Mornington Peninsula. Explore 20-million-year-old sandy cliffs, immaculate holiday homes, and pristine beaches. The coastline is part of the Point Nepean National Park and Port Phillip Bay, home to a variety of wildlife including seals, dolphins, occasional migrating whales, and over 70 different species of seabird. Tour Port Phillip Bay and cruise by the Ticonderoga Bay Dolphin Sanctuary as you look at the cliffs leading to Point Nepean and the original defense forts precinct built to guard the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Known as The Rip, this is where the waters of the bay meet the seas of Bass Strait. Passing by protected marine parks and Ramsar Convention wetlands, you'll enjoy 360-degree views from the open vessel. During the summer months, the migratory shearwater birds congregate en masse with thousands upon thousands of birds rafting together on the water's surface. Australian fur seals, once hunted excessively for their pelts, are now fully protected and enjoy resting on a manmade haul-out platform in the bay. Here the seals get out of the water and rest after days of fishing. Seeing them up close you will be mesmerized by their presence and adore their features. From around June through to August (winter), along the southern coast of Victoria, the waters are home to the migration passages of whales. Sightings of humpback, southern right and killer whales are increasing year on year. Visits into Port Phillip Bay are becoming more frequent and it's possible to gain some amazing sightings.

Depart from Sorrento, the native land of the Boonwurrung people, and the site of the first European settlement in 1803. Pass beneath the 20-million-year-old calcarenite cliffs of the Mornington Peninsula National Park, and in less than 15 minutes start discovering the vast Great Southern Reef beneath the water. Do some snorkeling at three different sites where you'll meet nature's finest temperate marine animals, many that exist nowhere else on Earth. See an array of colorful fish, graceful stingrays, unusual weedy seadragons, and entertaining seals. Swim freely listening to the grunts and clicks of fish working the reef and be mesmerised by the rich colours. In a swift RIB boat, travel quickly between each location, looking out for dolphin sightings as the tour explores the southern end of the peninsula.

Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure, snorkeling with cheeky and cheerful Australian fur seals. Departing Sorrento Pier in Victoria's picturesque Mornington Peninsula, your cruise commences with welcome tea or coffee as you revel in views of the coastline and cliff-top mansions. Arriving at Chinaman's Hat, a structure built just for the seals in Port Phillip Bay, you will take the plunge to swim with these gentle, playful and curious creatures. This sheltered area has a maximum depth of four meters and participants can float on the surface and watch the seals swim freely around them if they wish.

Departing Melbourne after pickup from your inner-city hotel, you will begin your journey to one of Victoria's most attractive destinations, the Mornington Peninsula. The area is well known for its pristine beaches, natural surroundings and massive mansions leaving visitors with little to wonder why so many of the rich and famous choose to reside there. Begin your day by visiting the charming seaside towns of Portsea and Sorrento. Your guide will take you to the best lookouts and clifftop walks such as London Bridge and Millionaires Walk, and see the iconic beach boxes while snapping colorful pictures from atop the cliffs and on the beach. Next, enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay as you take flight on the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola. Then, try your hand picking strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm (only available from November–March and subject to fruit availability), or visit Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie to indulge in some locally produced sweet treats (available all year round). Get dropped back off at your meeting point between 6:15PM and 6:45PM so that you have the rest of the evening to enjoy Melbourne at your leisure.