With its roots planted firmly in European sensibilities, this stretch of the Mornington Peninsula brings continental connections, boating enthusiasts and flathead-seeking fanatics to its captivating shoreline. Here the yachts sail from sunrise to sunset as schools of whiting swim beneath their hulls and stingrays meet and greet at Dromana Pier, cavorting in the blue-green shallows.
This is one of the earliest parts of the Peninsula to be colonised, with the grandeur of Arthurs Seat towering above, its forest skirts splayed down towards Port Phillip. Here, history glistens as McCrae Homestead celebrates Indigenous and first settlement relationships and the McCrae Lighthouse stands strong with its metal arms bracing against the saltwater wind.
Life in Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae and Rosebud through to Capel Sound and Tootgarook is family-friendly yet full of young café-culture adventurers. The industrial zones of Dromana and Rosebud have become a mecca for brewers and distillers. World-class food shops flourish and global eateries open their arms, while inland to Boneo, rural life thrives with exceptional wineries, cellar doors and restaurants serving up paddock-to-palate selections. Some of the tastiest home-grown spuds you’ll find are thrown in for good measure.
Rosebud also offers up some of the best fine dining alternatives with top-end operators settling in the area and sharing their artistry. Coffee, cocktails and cuisine have come into their own in this tucked-away part of the Peninsula, where dedication to all things delicious is steadfast and simply not up for negotiation. The gourmet burger selection is vast, while perfectly pulled pork and haggis get the nod too.
Arc Café Arthurs Seat Eagle Bass & Flinders Distillery Blue Mini - Eatery, Emporium, Events Crittenden Estate Dairy Lane Elements Eatery Hawkes Farm Hickinbotham of Dromana ItsaBurger Jetty Road Brewery La Onda Latin Mex Laneway Espresso Mumma Made Provincia Food Store Rahona Valley Smokehouse Pizza Kitchen Southern Seagreens The Milbri The Peel Thing Torello Farm Veraison Via and Fare Catering