Mornington Peninsula hot spots

The Mornington Peninsula is golfers' heaven.

Horseback Winery Tour

With more than 50 boutique cellar doors on the Mornington Peninsula, touring on horseback is a fun way to explore the vineyards. Horseback Winery Tours is located at Main Ridge. They'll take you to wineries, restaurants and attractions such as Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, Tucks Ridge, Red Hill Estate, Mantons Creek, T'Gallant, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Green Olive at Red Hill, Noel's Gallery Restaurant and Red Hill Brewery.

If you've never ridden before, an accomplished Horseback Winery Tours guide and a gentle, well-trained horse will take care of you. If you're an experienced rider, you're in for a memorable three-hour or whole-day experience.

Mornington Peninsula Golf Experience

Prepare for a round at one of Mornington Peninsula's 19 prestigious golf courses, making the most of a landscape that boasts eight of Australia's top 50 courses. Tee off to the tune of Bass Strait in the region known as "the Cups" for courses ranging from a relaxed nine holes to sensational public courses and exclusive private clubs.

Putt above coastal views at Flinders Golf Course, wander through gnarled moonah trees at Moonah Links or be challenged by some of Australia's toughest golf packages at Eagle Ridge or The National.

Play a round on RACV Cape Schanck Resort's unusual course, or at Portsea Golf Club and its cleverly created "blind"shots over hills combining turf, sand and natural contours.

The Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic is an annual event, which will be held in October next year. Golfers play on The National, Portsea, the Dunes and Flinders Golf Clubs over four days, combined with good food and and wine.

IF YOU GO

Best time to travel: Year-round destination.

Getting there: The Mornington Peninsula is an easy 60-minute drive southeast from Melbourne. Fly there with Air New Zealand.

Explore more at: myaustraliapassion.co.nz.