If you’re up for a road trip that shows off some of the best of Victoria and its picturesque bay along with winding country roads, wineries and plenty of great hospitality thrown in for good measure, this is a weekender (or day trip) that absolutely delivers! Giving your Maxxis tyres the chance to roll their way past the city’s boundaries for a day or two, you can do this journey without needing to plan too far ahead, with it also being like a breath of fresh air that’ll get you through the last few weeks of the year feeling like you’ve already been on holidays!
Where we’re heading
After making the drive from Melbourne to Queenscliff, we’ll be boarding the ferry for a spectacular sail across the bay to Sorrento, before disembarking and exploring some of what the beautiful Mornington Peninsula has to offer. Put your sunnies on and let’s get going…
How to get there
Taking about an hour and 40 minutes from Melbourne on the M1 and Bellarine Highway/M10, follow the signs to Geelong and then the Searoad Queenscliff ferry (conveniently situated at 1 Wharf St) – the starting point for a simply stunning 40-minute sail across to sunny Sorrento. While it is advisable to pre-book your crossing online (to ensure availability and that you don’t miss out), bookings can be done at the ferry terminal prior to departure. The extra good news is that campervans and motor homes of many sizes can be driven straight onto the ferry (and off the other side!) so you can make this all part of an even bigger adventure. While you may see a dolphin, whale or even a seal or two, the ferry crossing is also the ideal opportunity to take in the dramatic shoreline and other sights both from historic Queenscliff and as you approach Sorrento.
Best tyres for the ride
Whether your vehicle’s a family wagon, SUV, 4×4 or something super sporty, there’s a Maxxis tyre to suit you exactly where you’re at! From the HP5, engineered to meet high standards of safety, handling and grip to the high performing and ultra-comfy VS5, or the ever popular RAZR all-terrain and muddy 4×4 winner, Maxxis has your tyre needs perfectly covered!
It’s all happening at Sorrento
Wonderfully located, Sorrento is legendary in Victoria for its beaches, fishing, sailing, surfing, arts and crafts, village shops and eateries. An iconic destination for fresh fish ‘n chips complete with sensational water views, you also don’t have to go far down the main street to find an authentic Melbourne coffee and your choice of cuisine!
Sorrento Back Beach (facing the often-boisterous Bass Strait) is a favourite surfing spot, which also reveals amazing rock pools perfect for exploring at low tide. A short walk from here gets you to Coppins Lookout providing an impressive vantage point from where you can see for miles around. Set in prime Mornington Peninsula grape growing country, there’s a summer wine festival happening in November at the Sorrento Pioneer Memorial Gardens showcasing local wines that you won’t want to miss.
More do to do around the peninsula
With Sorrento as your launching pad, the Mornington Peninsula is literally your oyster! Take the short trip to Portsea (4km) for some snorkelling, scuba diving or lazy afternoon pub lunch in the sun. Head to Mornington (42km) for shopping, swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking or wind your way to Red Hill (32km) to explore some of the region’s much-loved wineries. There are also a wide variety of family-fun activities in and around the peninsula such as taking an aerial gondola at Arthur’s Seat (30-minute drive from Sorrento) to the area’s highest point, doing some tree surfing or exploring the Ashcombe Maze and Gardens at Shoreham (35 minutes from Sorrento). And, when you’re ready to make your way back to Melbourne, an easy-peasy drive on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway/M11 will get you back to base in time for tea!
Before you go
As always, it’s important to check those tyres while they are still cool, before you set off, to ensure they are the correct pressure for your vehicle and load (this information is usually easily located on the panel inside the driver’s door). Plus if you need assistance with balancing, fitting, puncture repairs or choosing replacement tyres for your vehicle, our network of friendly Maxxis dealers are conveniently located around the country – just use our online Dealer Locator tool to find the one nearest you. As it is now bushfire season, it’s also vital to download and keep a check on relevant website and bushfire alert apps to ensure where you’re heading is clear and safe and that you’re good to go!
