Give yourself a treat in Melbourne

When Melbourne people want to give visitors a treat they often take them to Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula.

This historic beachside settlement is a 90-minute drive along the Nepean Highway.

Sorrento, with its quaint boutique shops, cafes and old stone buildings, has a picture-postcard bay where even the dinghies are brightly coloured.

One of the buildings, built in 1880, is Eastcliff Cottage, the former home of a local stonemason. Restored three years ago, it now offers first-class bed and breakfast.

There are four-poster beds, ensuites and a spa bath. Breakfast can be delivered to the door in a hamper or enjoyed in the cottage garden.

A weekend costs $A396 ($470) for two. An overnight stay during the week costs $A165 ($195).

Contact: ="http://www.babs.com.au/eastcliff/">www.babs.com.au/eastcliff or ph (00613) 5984 0668, fax (00613) 5984 0667, e-mail getaway@eastcliff.com.au