Rosebud is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 75 km southeast of the Melbourne city centre. It is a large beach-side town fronting Port Phillip, located between Rye and Dromana, and has a population of 14,381. Rosebud provides safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier which extends about 300 metres into the water.
Originally known as Banksia Point, Rosebud began life as a fishing community in the early 1850s. On 2 June 1855, the cargo vessel Rosebud, owned by one of the colony’s best-known pastoralists Edward Hobson, was washed over the large sandbars and onto the beach. The burgeoning community made off with the cargo of damask and household goods, but the wreck remained for many years as the locals slowly stripped its hull to use in the construction of houses.
It became commonplace to call the area “The Rosebud” in reference to the ship, which was shortened to “Rosebud” as the last vestiges of the ship disappeared.
Initially, Rosebud was difficult to access from Melbourne and surrounding towns. The pier, built in 1888, failed to extend into water deep enough for ferries and passenger ships to dock. A road was eventually constructed between Rosebud and Anthony’s Nose at Arthurs Seat, halfway between Rosebud and Dromana, allowing for easier access.
After WWII, due to the increase in the number of people owning a car, camping at Rosebud over the Christmas-New Year holidays became a tradition for many families. The foreshore area of Rosebud is now one of the largest camping areas on the peninsula. During the summer months, the populations of Rosebud and Dromana can double in size.
A notable feature of Rosebud’s bay foreshore is a lack of commercial development. Most of the area between the coastal route of Point Nepean Road and the beach consists of community facilities, parkland and camping areas within sections of bushland.
A striking landmark in Rosebud is the bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat. It rises up in the distance behind the shops along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed on Rosebud’s beaches.
Rosebud has a temperate coastal climate and is usually several degrees cooler than Melbourne. The annual maximum mean temperature is 19.1 degrees C.
A striking landmark near Rosebud is the bushy mountain peak of Arthurs Seat featuring the ‘Arthurs Seat Eagle’ rising up in the distance behind the shops along Point Nepean Road and provides a scenic backdrop when viewed from Rosebud’s beaches.
The first pub (the Rosebud Hotel) wasn’t built until 1939, however, by the 1960s, Rosebud had become the largest town on the southern peninsula, complete with a shopping centre and extensive sporting facilities.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, together with the state and federal governments, built YAWA which opened to the public in 2021. A $37 million facility featuring a state of the art indoor 50m pool, a learn to swim pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a gym. YAWA is home to the award winning cafe, Elements eatery.
Coffee Safari
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have for weekends. Here are a few places to check out when you’re in this beautiful part of the world.
THE HIDEOUT EAT, DRINK, PLAY
887 POINT NEPEAN RD
Serving Little Rebel coffee and specialising in breakfast, brunch, lunch, great coffee, acai bowls, smoothie bowls and smoothies. Also child and dog friendly with an enclosed outdoor courtyard and cubby.
BLUE MINI CAFE-EATERY
EMPORIUM-EVENTS 2 COLCHESTER RD
A quirky hub of retro style and atmosphere and one of the best places for coffee capturing the essence of everything local. Eclectic breakfasts and seasonal lunches are made from locally sourced produce.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
991 POINT NEPEAN RD
Coffee bar in Woolworth’s foyer serving up gluten free options and delicious sweet and savoury treats.
BUDDIES CAFE
1/7 THAMER ST
Stop in for their popular egg and bacon rolls or burgers and leave with a smile after being served delicious coffee and iced mochas by warm and welcoming staff.
What to do
With a large beach-side centre fronting Port Phillip, Rosebud’s foreshore is a popular camping area. During summer, the foreshore comes alive with holidaymakers setting up their homes away from home.
Rosebud’s commercial centre stretches along one side of about a two kilometre length of Point Nepean Road, with the shopping precinct featuring attractive garden strips, paved areas and several wood carvings of notable local identities from the past.
Enjoy Rosebud’s safe swimming beaches along its continuous stretch of sandy bay coastline, with the focal point being Rosebud Pier, or take part in the various water sports and golf activities just a short drive away.
Rosebud hosts the yearly Peninsula Short Film Festival which brings visitors from all over the peninsula and beyond.
This popular summer holiday destination is the perfect base from which to explore the countless outdoor attractions nearby.
Photos Yanni
