Dromana is a bayside centre, nestled between Safety Beach and McCrae, and situated at the foot of the towering peak of Arthurs Seat, 66 km south of Melbourne.
Dromana’s commercial centre is concentrated along the coastal boulevard of Point Nepean Road, with Arthurs Seat and its surrounding bushland providing a scenic backdrop to the shops and cafes along this route.
Dromana’s foreshore reserve lines the coast and consists of grassy picnic areas, shelters, walking tracks and designated camping areas. The calm, sandy beaches provide safe swimming and boating opportunities. Points of interest along the coast include the Dromana Pier and the rocky cutting at Anthony’s Nose where a boat ramp is situated.
Heronswood is a historic property situated on an elevated 2-hectare allotment on Latrobe Parade, overlooking the bay. The house and surrounding gardens date back to 1871 and are open for visitors to explore and enjoy. The property includes a cafe which serves organic produce from the gardens and fresh food from local growers where possible. There is a retail shop and nursery, with garden workshops held regularly. Heronswood is managed by Diggers Club, Australia’s largest garden club.
It is believed that the name Dromana is of Irish origin and that it came about from the influx of gold prospectors in the mid-19th century. There is a Dromana on the tidal section of the Blackwater River, near Cappoquin, County Waterford in Ireland, and this is the most likely origin of the name.
Dromana and neighbouring Tuerong to the north, are home to a number of vineyards, some with cellar doors open for wine tasting.
In 1841, Hugh Jamieson purchased 5,120 acres (2,070 ha), or eight square miles, of land from the Crown for ₤1 an acre under the terms of the short-lived Special Survey regulations. The purchase included the northern part of the present suburb of Dromana to the east of Safety Beach. The area is known as Jamieson’s Special Survey in cadastral surveys.
The first subdivision of Crown lands in Dromana occurred in 1854. Dromana Post Office opened on 12 April 1858.
The completion of Dromana pier took place in 1872, allowing the shipping of produce to the city markets. By 1881, Dromana was well established as a seaside resort.
A major contributor to the development of Dromana was Spencer Jackson. One of his greatest achievements was the facilitation of the construction of a road to the summit of Arthurs Seat in 1929. Dromana’s pier was much longer in those days and Dromana shared with Sorrento the ability to accommodate the bay steamers which did much to promote Dromana as a tourist destination. The McKeown and Shaw families ran guest houses for over half a century.
The Dromana Drive-in cinema is a popular entertainment spot for locals and holidaymakers alike.
The Dromana Industrial Estate is home to a range of artisan producers, microbreweries and distilleries making it well worth a visit.
Coffee Safari
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have and the Mornington Peninsula’s coffee haunts are second to none. Check out these when you’re visiting!
Laneway Espresso
167 Point Nepean Road
A much-loved, eclectic space serving coffee made from beans by Odyssey Coffee Roasters alongside cafe favourites. Enjoy brioche french toast or maybe a croissant burger, while you soak up the sun in the laneway.
Little Rebel
22 Collins Road
A boutique coffee roaster situated in the Dromana Industrial Estate. Choose from the house blend, single origin blends, filter, pour-over or cold brew, all made by expert baristas.
Millers Bread Kitchen
116 Nepean Highway
Choose from a mouth-watering array of delicious breads, pastries, cakes, pies, sandwiches and more. We guarantee that you won’t leave hungry.
Pier St Kitchen
19 Pier Street
Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with a Mediterranean twist, Pier Street Kitchen is known for its friendly atmosphere, amazing food and extensive locally-driven wine list.
What to do
There’s always something fabulous to do in Dromana. Head down to the beach with its white sands and calm waters, and then enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants.
Sip amongst the vines at one of the many wineries or taste an award-winning drop at one of the local distilleries.
Check out the peninsulas must-visit Dromana Industrial Estate and the array of producers and hidden treasures to be found there.
Catch a movie at the Dromana Drive-In, or for history buffs there’s plenty to check out at the Dromana Historical Society.
And don’t forget to call into the picturesque gardens at Heronswood Estate, the home of the Digger’s Club.
Photography: Yanni
