Sheltered beaches and campsites fringed by pretty banksias and she-oaks at the foothills of Arthur’s Seat make this town a favourite for laid-back travellers.

Visit the seaside town of Rosebud to enjoy its shallow Port Phillip Bay beaches and a scenic foreshore forested with native vegetation. Named after an English schooner that washed ashore in 1855, Rosebud is an idyllic escape where you can spend days by the beach and nights in atmospheric restaurants, sampling Mornington Peninsula regional wines and beers.

Stroll along Rosebud’s sandy main beach and take in views of Melbourne’s city skyline. Bring a towel and a sun umbrella to enjoy the ambiance of the seaside in comfort. Kids will love splashing in the shallows or peering into the deeper waters off the long Rosebud Pier. Explore the forested foreshore and see gorgeous native coastal flora, such as tea trees, she-oaks and banksias.

Rosebud is a popular town in Mornington Peninsula for its shopping precincts. You can find a busy strip of shops, bars, restaurants and cafés on the coastal Point Nepean Road. Rosebud Plaza and the Rosebud Beach Shopping Centre also offer a diverse range of shops and cafés, as well as Peninsula Cinemas for those rainy days.

Pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs, vintage items and local produce at Rosebud’s weekend markets. The Rosebud Sunday Market is held on the first Sunday of the month on Point Nepean Road.

Take in the stunning bushland surroundings by playing a round of golf at Rosebud’s golf courses or checking out the granite peak of Arthur’s Seat. Located approximately 8 kilometres (4.9 miles) away in Arthur’s Seat State Park, this distinctive hill can be traversed on foot or with a car.

In the evenings, hit the local wine bars to taste regional cool-climate wines from the local area, including Red Hill’s renowned pinot noirs and chardonnays.

Rosebud can be reached within 90 minutes by car from Melbourne. To reach the town via public transport, take a 1-hour train ride to Frankston and connect with local buses.