Traditional Owners

The original inhabitants of Mornington Peninsula Shire were the Bunurong(*) Aboriginal people.

Settlement history

European settlement dates from 1803, when David Collins' settlement at Sorrento was abandoned after three months. Population was minimal until the 1830s. Land was used mainly for grazing, farming, market gardening, orcharding and timber-getting. Several townships were established in the 1860s. Growth took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s, aided by the construction of the Mornington and Stony Point railway lines and the attraction of the area to holiday makers. Significant development occurred during the post-war years, particularly from the 1960s to the 1980s. Residential growth was aided by improved access and industrial development in the east (around Crib Point and Hastings). The population continued to increase from the 1990s, with much of this growth occurring in Mornington and Mount Martha. Growth is expected to continue, from new 'greenfield' opportunities, development of vacant lots and the conversion of holiday homes to permanent settlement.

Land use

Mornington Peninsula Shire is an urban and rural area, with resort towns, tourist development and some commercial, industrial and port areas. The Shire is one of Melbourne's major holiday and retirement areas. The Shire encompasses a total land area of 723 square kilometres, including over 190 kilometres of coastal boundaries. The majority of the population is clustered along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, between Mount Eliza and Dromana. Many beach holiday resorts are based along the Port Phillip coastline, with the population swelling by up to 30% in the summer months. Much of the rural area is used for farms, orchards and market gardens.

Transport

Mornington Peninsula Shire is served by the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, the Peninsula Link, the Moorooduc Highway, the Nepean Highway, Dandenong-Hastings Road, various ferries and the Stony Point railway line.

Major features

• Major features of Mornington Peninsula Shire include Mornington Peninsula National Park,
• Point Nepean National Park,
• Arthurs Seat State Park,
• Greens Bush,
• Mount Eliza Regional Park,
• Mount Martha Park,
• The Briars Park,
• Mornington Tourist Railway,
• Arthurs Seat Eagle (chairlift),
• Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens,
• Enchanted Adventure Garden,
• Peninsula Hot Springs,
• Boneo Maze,
• Dromana Drive-In Theatre,
• Coolart Wetlands & Homestead,
• Mornington Racecourse,
• Devilbend Reservoir,
• Chisholm Institute of TAFE (Mornington Peninsula Campus),
• HMAS Cerberus,
• Western Port Marina,
• Tyabb Airport,
• The Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry,
• The Western Port Ferry Service,
• The Port Phillip Bay foreshore,
• The Western Port foreshore,
• numerous nature conservation reserves,
• parks,
• beaches and golf courses,
• various camps,
• Merricks - Red Hill Rail Trail,
• The Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail,
• Two Bays Walking Track and many wineries/vineyards.

Included areas

Notes

* - there are variations on the spelling and pronunciation of the name.