64-654: Dromana ( / d r ə ˈ m ɑː n ə / drə- MAH -nə ) is a seaside suburb on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne , Victoria , Australia , 57 km (35 mi) south of Melbourne's Central Business District , located within the Shire of Mornington Peninsula local government area . Dromana recorded a population of 6,626 at the 2021 census . Dromana is located in Victoria, south of
128-439: A 3 to 6-month wait. It is estimated that around 30–40% of the houses on the peninsula are not owned by permanent residents reflecting the popularity of owned beach houses. Most of these 'beach houses' are owned by residents of Melbourne . In addition to the national parks and golf courses, other notable tourist attractions include: Some popular activities on the peninsula include: Crime novel The Dragon Man by Garry Disher
192-425: A diverse range of exotic and indigenous gardens. The gardens are used for picnics - with tables, electric BBQs and toilets available adjacent to the car park. Disabled access is available to facilities and walking tracks. A chairlift at Arthurs Seat was built by Czech-born engineer Vladimir Hájek and opened on 21 December 1960. As a Melbourne tourist attraction, thanks to the views over Port Phillip Bay and beyond,
256-423: A favourite holiday destination for residents of Melbourne with 24,000 holiday homes in the area. Mornington Peninsula tourism generates 10 per cent of local employment opportunities and is an important component of the economy. Popular tourism times are long weekends such as Cup Weekend and Queens Birthday, the week involving Christmas , Boxing Day and New Years , with the months of December and January being
320-590: A maze, two restaurants and a car museum. The viewing area near the summit has disrupted views of Port Phillip with the Melbourne City skyline and the You Yangs visible on the horizon on a clear day from some of the lookouts. The summit is connected to nearby Dromana by a winding tourist road which opened in 1929. The road provides access to the Dromana cemetery on the way to the summit. This hill climb in
384-590: A mechanical failure stranded, but did not injure, about 12 tourists on the chairlift and resulted in further media attention. In August 2008 the company pleaded guilty to failing to take care of the safety of non-employees. It was not convicted, but ordered to pay $ 15,000 in costs and ordered to carry out a safety improvement project. This involved a range of works to bring it into line with Canadian chairlift standard Standards Council of Canada Z-98, an audit of safety before it could re-open, and three-monthly reports on compliance with Z-98 for two years. The operator closed
448-699: A more comfortable all-year rides which was not possible in the past. By early 2013, the old chairlift's pylons were removed and the top station was demolished. The Arthurs Seat lookout tower was also demolished after many years of being unsafe to operate due to concrete cancer . In June 2014 Mornington Shire Council approved the plans for the new chairlift in a 5/4 vote. There were 22 letters of support from groups such as, The National Trust; Puffing Billy; Phillip Island Nature Reserve; Tourism Victoria; Victorian Tourism Industry Council; Western Port Tourism Inc.; Tourism & Transport Forum Australia; A group of local residents objected and unsuccessfully appealed against
512-658: A scenic backdrop. Across the road is an attractive foreshore with calm, sandy beaches, including designated camping areas. It is also home to the D.A. Christie Public Barbecue, which started manufacture in the Dromana Industrial Estate in 1974. Points of interest along the coast include the Dromana Pier, the rocky cutting at Anthonys Nose and the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre. Dromana
576-487: A seaside resort. A travel brochure of the time describes it as follows: "Sheltered from the untempered violence of the elements by the lofty ranges by which it is encircled, Dromana presents an air of homely comfort, singularly foreign to the majority of watering places." Dromana was proclaimed a town in February 1861. A major contributor to the development of Dromana was Spencer Jackson. One of his greatest achievements
640-403: A slight lean towards sustainable practices. On 17 December 1967, Prime Minister Harold Holt went swimming at Cheviot Beach on what is now Point Nepean National Park. At the time, however, it was still a restricted area. Holt, who was 59 and had had a recent shoulder injury, plunged readily into the surf. He disappeared from view and was never seen again. Despite an extensive search his body
704-507: A tourist hotspot with 1500 visitors traveling to the town's Main Street via ocean liners in recent years. Wealthier visitors to the peninsula usually own beach houses on large properties or with extensive views or beach access and as a result, there are very few established commercial hotels . There are however, many smaller motels priced to suit families and middle income earners. Large shared beach houses are also popular, although perhaps
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#1732780990254768-485: A west/north-westerly direction and tapers down to a width of about 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) before terminating at Point Nepean . Much of the topography is flat in the north where it connects to the mainland, however moving south-west, it soon becomes hilly, culminating in the central hilly landscapes of Boneo , Main Ridge , Red Hill , Tuerong and Moorooduc . The highest point, Arthurs Seat , located unusually close to
832-527: Is a peninsula located south of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia . It is surrounded by Port Phillip to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, and is connected to the mainland in the north. Geographically, the peninsula begins its protrusion from the mainland in the area between Pearcedale and an area north of Frankston . The area was originally home to the Mayone-bulluk and Boonwurrung-Balluk clans, and formed part of
896-501: Is a seasonal population of around 270,000. On 30 June 2017, the Mornington Peninsula population was recorded at 163,847 people. However, in the peak of summer the population increases to 225,000–250,000 people each year, so that it becomes the most populous coastal holiday area in Victoria, with a larger population than Hobart . The peninsula is primarily a local tourist region, with popular natural attractions such as
960-533: Is crossed by many seismically active fault lines, monoclines, synclines and anticlines; the largest of which is the 100 km long Selwyn Fault which is capable of producing earthquakes of around 7.5 magnitude. The Peninsula experiences many minor earthquakes every year, but most are too small to be felt. The last strong earthquake to rock the Peninsula had a magnitude of 5.0 and occurred on 7 July 1971 at 7:55 am AEST with its epicentre off Flinders , along
1024-443: Is increased interest in organic production, and there are even organic beef producers. The Peninsula not only produces fresh products, with small-scale manufacturers of niche products as diverse as cheese, chocolate, chutney, jam, and olive oil. Local produce is also to be found at markets held around the Peninsula, such as the monthly market at Red Hill . A local organisation, Mornington Peninsula Gourmet, has been set up to support
1088-455: Is known for its number of vineyards. More than 22 separate vintners operate within Dromana, as well as several vineyards. The Dromana 3 Drive-In cinema is a popular entertainment spot for locals and holidaymakers alike. Overlooking Dromana from the south Arthurs Seat , is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula offering panoramic views of Port Phillip, Safety Beach , Mount Martha , Rosebud and Portsea . Dromana's retail environment
1152-518: Is mostly restaurants and take away food shops, present on the main strip is also a drive through bottle shop , it also has a small shopping centre that contains Bakers Delight , Ritchies IGA , café, pharmacy, newsagent and a liquor store. The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League . Mornington Peninsula The Mornington Peninsula
1216-609: Is now the suburb McCrae , and currently to the suburb at the summit of the range. It was named by Acting Lieutenant John Murray when he entered Port Phillip in HMS ; Lady Nelson (1798) in February 1802, for an apparent resemblance to the hill of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh (which was his home city). Captain Matthew Flinders climbed Arthurs Seat on 27 April 1802, noting in his log "The Bluff Mountain on
1280-502: Is reflective of the locations original intention as a holiday destination with 40% of private dwellings listed as unoccupied. Arthurs Seat boasts an expansive network of marked and unmarked walking tracks. The large number of bush tracks and open bushland can make navigating the officially marked tracks confusing at times. The Two Bays walking track runs the length of Arthurs seat state park from Bunurong Track to Waterfall Gully Road. The entire track runs from Dromana to Cape Schanck and
1344-413: Is set in various locations around the Mornington Peninsula. 38°21′04″S 145°03′50″E / 38.351°S 145.064°E / -38.351; 145.064 Arthurs Seat, Victoria Arthurs Seat is a mountainous and small locality on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne , Victoria , Australia , about 85 km south east of Melbourne's Central Business District , located within
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#17327809902541408-501: Is the best vantage point to view the peninsula itself. Due to frequent vandalism the higher view points have had their Carved wooden signage (seen in photo) replaced by smaller metal signage in an attempt to lower maintenance. Resistance from local action groups have stalled multiple projects planned for the summit, putting pressure on existing tourism operations that have been closing and moving interstate to seek more supportive community conditions. The current occupation of housing
1472-513: Is the longest continuous track on the Mornington Peninsula. It was first proposed as a part of celebrating Victoria's 150th Celebrations. Parks Victoria does not recommend visitors attempt the entire track in a single visit, but to instead attempt smaller sections of the walk such as the Arthurs Seat section. The Kings Falls Track & Circuit Walk is a picturesque walk suitable for most levels of walker. The Kings Falls Circuit walk starts at
1536-572: Is via Purves Road a short distance from the summit. Seawinds Gardens encompasses a 34 hectare area at the Summit of Arthurs Seat, 305 metres above sea level. The gardens have views of Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas from the Bay and Northern Lookouts. The combination of indigenous and exotic formal gardens typifies the area. A network of walking tracks guide visitors through
1600-652: The Boonwurrung nation's territory prior to European settlement. Much of the peninsula has been cleared for agriculture and settlements. However, small areas of the native ecology remain in the peninsula's south and west, some of which is protected by the Mornington Peninsula National Park . In 2002, around 180,000 people lived on the peninsula and in nearby areas, most in the built-up towns on its western shorelines which are sometimes regarded as outlying suburbs of greater Melbourne; there
1664-557: The Shire of Mornington Peninsula local government area . Arthurs Seat recorded a population of 414 at the 2021 census . Arthurs Seat is noted for its exclusivity and the general affluence of the demographics which make up the enclave. The Aboriginal Boonwurrung name for the hill is Wonga . It is a major tourist destination, with stately homes, and due to its natural bushland, sweeping views and man-made attractions. The hill rises to 314 m (1,030 ft) above sea level. The underlying rocks are Devonian granite , bounded to
1728-549: The Victorian coast from the Werribee River across to Western Port Bay and Wilsons Promontory . The peninsula may have been home to between 100 and 500 people prior to European settlement. The first European settlement on the Mornington Peninsula was also the first settlement in Victoria, situated in what is now Sorrento. The Sullivan's Bay settlement was a short-lived penal colony established in 1803, 30 years before
1792-487: The McCrae homestead at the foot). It was not until 1853 that a structure was placed on the summit, a trigonometrical station, for survey purposes. The station was burnt down in 1880. In 1883 a new lighthouse was assembled in McCrae making the previously wooden structure redundant, so authorities decided to transport the wooden frame by bullock wagon to the summit for use as a lookout tower where it remained until 1934 when it
1856-483: The capital city, Melbourne, between Mornington and St Andrews Beach. It is located west of Merricks Beach and French Island. Overlooking Dromana from the south, Arthurs Seat is the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. Prior to European colonisation, the area now known as Dromana was known to the Boonwurrung as Kangerrong . It is believed that the name Dromana is of Irish origin and that it came about from
1920-429: The car park on Waterfall Gully Road. Initially, the walk is along a dirt track but this changes in some places to a boardwalk with steps making it easy on the steeper sections. There is a lookout with a view across the valley where the waterfall is visible about 250 metres along the path. Sea winds Gardens is a featured section of the park near the summit maintained by Parks Victoria and volunteers. Access to Sea Winds
1984-407: The chairlift with a view to move the operation to Mt Lofty on Adelaide's fringe, however this project did not reach fruition. In October 2009 Parks Victoria began looking for an operator to design, build, run and maintain a new chairlift. After some delay, Arthurs Seat Skylift Pty Ltd took on the site and submitted proposals for a larger scale development incorporating all-weather gondolas, allowing
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2048-545: The construction of piers around the bay and at Flinders. Farmers were involved with this livelihood and were carting the wood on Bullock drays to Captain Peter Pidoto's Little Angelina to Sheepwash Creek. Many of the grantees of land around the township were at first tenants on Jamieson's Special Survey. (Sources as above plus Rosebud;Flower of the Peninsula.) Dromana's commercial centre is concentrated on Point Nepean Road, with Arthurs Seat and surrounding bushland providing
2112-499: The cool, maritime climate of the Peninsula is particularly noted for pinot noir . Many wineries are open for public tastings and several have quality restaurants. Apples were the staple product of the Peninsula for several generations, with whole trainloads being dispatched to the city and ports. The number of orchards has been dramatically reduced, however there are many other producers on the Peninsula, specialising in berries, cherries, and other fruits, as well as market gardens. There
2176-426: The eastward I estimated at over 1000 feet high, and being near the waterside, possessed a favourable station for observation purposes. I ascend the hill and took an extensive set of bearings from the cleared place to be found on the north western bluff part of the hill." Another notable ascent was in 1844 when Sir John Franklin (former Governor of Van Diemen's Land) climbed Arthurs seat with Andrew McCrae (then owner of
2240-431: The establishment of Melbourne, by Lieutenant-Colonel David Collins (1753–1810). At the time of European settlement in 1803 much of the Mornington Peninsula was covered with she-oak forests. These were quickly cleared to provide firewood for the growing city of Melbourne, and much of the peninsula was then covered with fruit orchards. Nevertheless, much natural vegetation still exists, especially in an area of bushland in
2304-403: The hill were known as Wango , and were a place where corroborees were held. Three Boonwurrung names have been recorded for this hill: Momo , Wonga and Tubberrubberbil , though the latter is possibly confused with Tubba Rubba creek. The term Arthurs Seat was first applied to the mountain range, then to a squatting run, next to the pre-emptive right, then to land allotments in the area that
2368-594: The influx of gold prospectors in the late 1830s. There is a Dromana on the tidal section of the Blackwater River, near Cappoquin, County Waterford in Ireland, and this is the most likely origin of the name. In 1841, Hugh Jamieson purchased 5,120 acres (2,070 ha), or eight square miles, of land from the Crown for £1 an acre under the terms of the short-lived Special Survey regulations. The purchase included
2432-555: The lift rose 225m over nearly one kilometre and operated for more than 40 years under two owners, Dr Hájek and Richard Hudson, before being closed after several safety incidents in 2006. After being closed for a number of years, the chairlift was removed and has now been replaced by a modern Doppelmayr ride called the Arthurs Seat Eagle . On 3 January 2003, a pylon tower supporting the chairlift collapsed, injuring 18. A subsequent investigation found water had got between
2496-411: The lookout tower in 2012. Chief executive Mark Stone of Parks Victoria called for "new modern infrastructure" in 2009 Development of new infrastructure was disputed and subsequently assessed at a VCAT hearing, VCAT allowing the application despite strong local concern put forward by Save Our Seat . Current attractions at Arthurs Seat include Arthurs Seat State Park (including "Seawinds" gardens),
2560-413: The many small producers on the Peninsula. The peninsula is serviced predominantly by a network of roads. Public transport is limited to a bus service which services urban areas on the western shorelines and a train service for the eastern areas of the peninsula. The following methods of transport are available to access various regions of the peninsula: The Mornington Peninsula has a long history of being
2624-581: The most popular form of accommodation lie in the many caravan parks and camping grounds where many visitors own or rent on-site caravans and annexes or camp in tents. Camping is particularly popular on foreshore reserves where camping is permitted. Some visitors continuously book particular sites and many camping grounds have been camped on by the same family for 2 or 3 generations. For the unestablished tourist, these camping grounds must be booked anywhere from 1 to 5 years in advance for foreshore sites, while further inland sites are more easily available with at most
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2688-536: The narrow bay entrance, The Heads or The Rip , and proceeds as a series of gently curved bays defined by small rocky outcrops. From an oceanic perspective, the Mornington Peninsula, together with the Bellarine Peninsula , separate the waters of Port Phillip from Bass Strait , except for a small gap known as The Rip , which also separates both peninsulas. The peninsula also separates the waters of Port Phillip and Western Port . The Mornington Peninsula
2752-504: The northern boundary of the region. The peninsula is one of four biosphere reserves in Victoria , the other three being national parks, and the only one with a resident population that reaches some 250,000 people during the peak tourist season. Some of the major parklands on the peninsula include: Land: Marine: A sewage outlet near Boag Rock, a couple of kilometres up the coast from Gunnamatta Surf Beach, pumps treated sewage into
2816-407: The northern part of the present suburb of Dromana to the east of Safety Beach . The area is known as Jamieson's Special Survey in cadastral surveys. The first subdivision of Crown lands in Dromana occurred in 1854. Dromana Post Office opened on 12 April 1858. The completion of its pier took place in 1872, allowing the shipping of produce to the city markets. In 1881, Dromana was well established as
2880-508: The ocean which finds its way to swimmers and surfers at Gunnamatta during particular tidal conditions. In March 2021, the Victorian State Government blocked a controversial project by energy company AGL to build a floating gas import terminal at Crib Point. The Mornington Peninsula is a notable wine region , producing small quantities of high quality wine from around 60 wineries. While most varieties are grown,
2944-466: The past was used for the historic fathers day hill climb, Local governance has allowed the loss of this not for profit community event to make way for commercial events like bicycle races . Prominent viewpoints from the road include Bowens Point (145 m), Franklin Point (195 m), Murrays Lookout (247m), and Chapmans Point (274 m), Due to overgrowth at the higher Chapmans point, Murrays lookout
3008-435: The peak tourist period. Most visitors to the peninsula are local to central Victoria. However, international visitors from Asian markets such as China have become increasingly attracted to the area with international visitors increasing by 3–4% in 2018. Overall tourism on the Mornington Peninsula has also grown with a 20% increase in overnight trips in 2017, with newly established luxury hotels such as Jackalope Hotel increasing
3072-449: The popularity of the region. 100,000 campers also enjoy the municipality's foreshore camping sites in the summer months for cheaper overnight trips. Short-stay rental services such as Airbnb have also become popular among tourists with 3.7% of the region's housing stock listed on the website. The Mornington Peninsula is also the third most popular tourist destination in Victoria for day-trip visitors. The suburb of Mornington has become
3136-475: The population speak English exclusively, the Mornington Peninsula population can speak other popular languages. 1.0% speak Italian, 0.7% speak Greek, 0.4% speak German, 0.3% speak Mandarin and 0.2% speak French. The peninsula extends from the mainland between Pearcedale and Frankston in a south-westerly direction for about 40 km (25 mi) at a width of about 15–20 kilometres (9.3–12.4 mi). It then begins to extend roughly 15 km (9.3 mi) in
3200-554: The pylon and the concrete base and caused bolts to rust. The chairlift had met the standards required at that time. Safety and testing requirements were subsequently strengthened by the Victorian Government. After the owner spent $ 500,000 on extensive repairs, the chairlift reopened a year later, but on 18 March 2004 a second incident occurred when a chair came loose and a 77-year-old woman suffered two broken legs. A WorkSafe Victoria Prohibition Notice effectively closed
3264-548: The ride until further safety improvements were made. The chairlift resumed operations in October 2004. The owner was charged by WorkSafe under section 22 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act over the 2004 incident. After pleading guilty to failing to carry out adequate maintenance, the company was convicted and fined $ 110,000 in October 2007. This fine was later reduced to $ 60,000 on appeal. On 16 May 2006
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#17327809902543328-494: The shoreline, stands at 305 metres (1,001 ft ) above sea level. The peninsula hosts around 190 km (120 mi) of coastline. Its eastern shorelines meet many mangroves and mudflats in the waters of Western Port before it tapers down to form Crib Point, Stony Point and Sandy Point at the peninsula's most south-easterly point. In the south-east between Sandy Point and West Head, the mudflats give way to sandy beaches which in turn become more and more rocky further south. In
3392-522: The south known as Greens Bush, and the coastal fringe bordering Bass Strait and Western Port Bay. Most large areas of bushland are now included within the Mornington Peninsula National Park . As professional farming has declined, hobby farmers with an interest in the aesthetic and the natural environment have taken over much of the peninsula. This has led to an expansion of natural bushland on private property, and many native species, such as koalas, are becoming increasingly common. The local council also has
3456-444: The south the peninsula meets Bass Strait and the coastline becomes very rocky between West Head and Cape Schanck. The coast between Cape Schanck and Point Nepean consists of a long slow curvature of open-sea surf beaches, many too dangerous to swim in. Its western shorelines form various headlands and bays in the sheltered waters of Port Phillip , hosting many shallow safe beaches. The western coastline facing Port Phillip starts at
3520-494: The southern end of the Tyabb Fault. The Mornington Peninsula is located over 40 km south-east of Melbourne . As of 2016 it has a population of 154,999 which can swell up to 250,000 during the summer months. The majority of the Mornington Peninsula is administered by the local government area of the Shire of Mornington Peninsula , with southern areas of the adjoining City of Frankston and City of Casey forming part of
3584-428: The variety of beaches, both sheltered and open-sea and many scenic sights and views. Other popular attractions include the various wineries, mazes and the diverse array of water sports made available by the diversity of beaches and calm waters of Port Phillip and Western Port. Most visitors to the peninsula are residents of Melbourne who camp, rent villas and share houses or stay in private beach houses . The peninsula
3648-522: The west by the Selwyn Fault . The vegetation consists of dry open forest of mixed eucalypt species, which was extensively burnt during a bushfire in 1973 and again in 1997. The indigenous vegetation on the north-west face has been heavily infested with noxious weed and much of the natural vegetation has been cleared away, although several large stands still remain. Wonga was home to the Boonwurrung prior to European settlement. The lower slopes of
3712-524: Was a much more beautiful building before Lou Carrigg commissioned Howard Lawson to remodel the facade in 1934. There was a racecourse behind the hotel for years, as well as one near the site of the Dromana Secondary College. The Arthurs Seat Hotel, which stood on the west corner of Esplanade and Permien St was destroyed by a fire in 1898. Much of the early work in the area involved cutting, sawing and dressing timber from Arthurs Seat for
3776-497: Was again replaced by another tower. In 1913 the Flinders Shire Council cut and formed a track for vehicles to the summit. In 1929 the track was re-surveyed, widened, reconstructed and continued to link up with Dromana-Flinders Road The summit area of Arthurs Seat was not recognised as separate of Dromana/McCrae until it was subdivided by council in 1930. before this recognition the summit area as we know it today
3840-512: Was built in 1960. This added to the already well-established tourist attraction, with an estimated 100,000 chairlift users in 2002 according to the Mornington Peninsula Tourism Council. In the 1970s, efforts were made to build a quarry in the area but were blocked by a green ban . Tourism at the summit has been in decline since both the closure of the chairlift in 2006 and the closure and subsequent removal of
3904-542: Was formed by the flooding of Port Phillip Bay after the end of the glacial period about 10000 BC. It may have extended into Port Phillip at various times, most recently between 800 BC and 1000 AD when Port Phillip Bay may have dried out. Indigenous Australians of the Mayone-bulluk and Boonwurrung-Balluk clans lived on the peninsula as part of the Boonwurrung People 's territory prior to European settlement. The territory hosted six clans who lived along
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#17327809902543968-876: Was never found. He was officially presumed dead on 19 December 1967. In 2016, 17.8% of people in Mornington Peninsula Shire were born overseas. 8.9% of the total population were born in the United Kingdom being the largest migrant group in the region. 1.4% were born in New Zealand, 0.7% were born in Italy, 0.6% were born in Germany and 0.6% were born in the Netherlands. This was followed by smaller migrant groups from Ireland, United States of America, South Africa and Greece. While 88.9% of
4032-517: Was the facilitation of the construction of a road to the summit of Arthurs Seat in 1929. Dromana's pier was much longer in those days and Dromana shared with Sorrento the ability to accommodate the bay steamers which did much to promote Dromana as a tourist destination. The McKeown and Shaw families ran guest houses for over half a century. One of the oldest buildings that remains is the Dromana Hotel, established in 1862 by Richard Watkin, but it
4096-568: Was titled "Dromana park" or "Arthurs Seat Range" in the southern area of subdivision survey maps from mid to late 1800s displaying the country lands in the parish of Kangerong (now Dromana) The Garden of the Moon opened in 1931 and has brought tourism to the location from the very beginnings of its establishment. It offered attractions such as a dance hall, camera obscura, telescopes, swimming pool, fish-pond, hexagonal kiosk and wishing well. The lookout tower opened in 1934. The 950m long chairlift route
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