Dromana Beach Holiday

Dromana 

Dromana lies between Safety Beach and Arthurs Seat, approximately one hour from Melbourne‘s central business district, easily accessible via freeway by car or public bus.

It has long been a popular seaside holiday destination, since 1881 in fact, shortly after settlement.

It is sheltered from the elements somewhat due to the natural landscape where the mountain meets the see and a cove within the bay.

Dromana attracts beach goers for its expansive foreshore, colourful bathing boxes, clear blue water, quaint pier, covered picnic facilities, grassed parkland, and of course, lovely clean sand.

Dromana beach is 3 km long, so you’ll find plenty of space to throw down your towel.

It is one of the best beaches for swimming, as it has shallow water and the waves aren’t usually rough. It’s ideal for families with young children.

Water sports

Water activities to enjoy all along the coast include, paddle boarding, canoeing, jet skiing, fishing, yachting, snorkelling, surfing and anything else you wish to do. Rental equipment is available, as are instructors and guides for whatever water sports you wish to partake in. 

You can hire a SUP or kayak from Peninsula Paddle Co in Dromana.

The nearest boat hire from Dromana for fishing or boating is available from Rosebud Boat Hire.

A boat ramp is located at Anthony’s Nose in Dromana.

Dromana beach has plenty of amenities seaside, including a playground, covered picnic facilities, a foreshore park, ample free parking, and Dromana shops across the road, with restaurants, cafes, bars, ice cream shops and more.

Dromana beach is ideal for families, perfect for a day trip.

Accommodation

At Dromana and neighbouring suburbs, such as McCrae, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Mount Martha, you will find all types of accommodation available, if you’re planning to stay a few days or longer.

Different types of rental accommodation are available – big and small homes, apartments, motels, resorts and there are also some caravan parks.

Camping is allowed on foreshores in designated areas on the Mornington Peninsula.

Where to stay in Dromana

Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Dromana itself. All of these places have excellent reviews.

• Soleil Sur La Mer – A lovely house for up to 10 people, close to the sea and with a garden.
• Mountain Meets The Bay – A luxury house sleeps up to 10, on the mountain in Dromana, with sea views and 2 km from the beach.
• Bay Motel Dromana – located 250m to beach, with suites of 1 or 2 rooms, some with courtyards.
• Dromana Beach Motel – Compact apartments across from the beach, with terrace, perfect for couples.
• Coastal Haven – Small  house for 6 people, garden and just 200m from beach.

Where I stayed

My family and I stayed at one of the highest points on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 300m above sea level at a delightful house, with spectacular views of the Bay. The property had a rather long steep, meandering driveway, and it resembled a nature park, with kangaroos frolicking. 

We were able to accommodate 10 people comfortably at this house and friends popped in to stay a night or three!

A magnificent location for a beachside holiday in Dromana.

This large beach house had excellent amenities, including a yard, indoor swimming pool,  hot tub, and huge balconies from which to enjoy the panoramic views. 

Night time views were nothing short of spectacular, with city lights crowning the coastline.

Waking up to this spectacular view in the mornings was like a dream. I really didn’t want to leave the house and would have been quite happy relaxing here the whole time.

And what better way to enjoy the view than with a glass of Australian wine, of course.

Things to do in Dromana and nearby areas

A whole week’s stay gave us ample time to explore attractions in Dromana, other than the beach and water activities. So I really recommend staying at least a few days.

Some of the delightful things to see and do in Dromana are:

1. Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail.
2. Arthurs Seat Eagle chair lift.
3. Arthurs Seat Look Out, the highest point in the Mornington Peninsula.
4. Dromana Market, 4th Saturday every month.
5. Dromana Drive-In Theatre.
6. Dromana has about 20 different vintners/wineries, such as Crittenden Winery, Trofeo Estate, Dromana Estate Winery, and Hickingbotham of Dromana, many with cellar doors and dining.
7. Restaurants & Cafes, such as Penny Lane, Zero 95 Pizza Bar, Two Buoys, and Monkey Business to name a few I personally recommend in Dromana.

In neighbouring suburbs on the Mornington Peninsula there are many more things to explore, which are all just a short drive from Dromana. Some of the best things to do in the region are:

1. Peninsula Hot Springs and Day Spa.
2. Excellent shopping precincts in Main Road, Mornington and Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento.
3. Historical sites at Sorrento First Settlement, Cape Schanck Light House, and Mornington Pier.
4. Many outstanding wineries throughout the Peninsula, such as Main Ridge Estate in Red Hill, Point Leo Estate in Merricks, Montalto in Redhill, and Ten Minutes By Tractor in Main Ridge. 
5. Jetty Road Dromana Brewery.
6. Fabulous restaurants, such as Portsea Pub in Portsea, Itali.Co in Sorrento, The Rocks in Mornington, and Baro Mediterranean Restaurant in Rosebud.
7. Sorrento to Queenscliff Searoad Ferry, boarding from Sorrento Pier.
8. Ashcombe Maze and gardens in Shoreham.
9. Montalto sculpture trail  in Red Hill South.
10. Mornington Market, every Wednesday on Main Road.
11. Over a dozen top Golf Courses on the Mornington Peninsula – Moonah Links, Rosebud Country Club, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, just to name a few.

So if you haven’t been to the region yet, take a drive from Melbourne and come and spend some time on the Peninsula.

I suggest staying a while, either at Dromana, one of my favourite destinations here, or one of the other seaside suburbs nearby, so you can explore some of the awesome things the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.

It really is the perfect getaway from Melbourne.

Many people spend end of year holidays here, Easter or long weekends. Or simply enjoy a day trip to one of the fantastic beaches, a winery or two, or indulge a little at the hot springs.

Whatever you decide to do here, I’m sure you’ll have a truly memorable time.

Bye for now.

Snazzy Trips