Dromana is a bayside centre, nestled between Safety Beach and McCrae, and situated at the foot of Arthurs Seat; the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. The name Dromana is of Irish origin and local folklore says that it came about from the influx of Irish gold prospectors in the late 1830s.
The first subdivision of Crown lands in Dromana occurred in 1854 and much of the early work in the area involved cutting, sawing and dressing timber from Arthurs Seat for the construction of piers around the bay and at Flinders. Farmers were involved with this livelihood and were carting the wood on Bullock drays to Captain Peter Pidoto's Little Angelina to Sheepwash Creek.
Today Dromana's retail centre is concentrated along the coastal boulevard of Point Nepean Road, with Arthurs Seat and its surrounding bushland providing a scenic backdrop to the supermarket, retail shops and small cafes along this route. On the Port Phillip side of the main road, Dromana's foreshore reserve lines the coast and consists of grassy picnic areas, shelters, walking tracks and a small designated camping area. 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 the bluff known as Anthonys Nose where a boat ramp is situated. The nearby historic 2 acre Heronswood property overlooks the bay. The house and surrounding gardens date back to 1871 and are open for visitors to explore and enjoy. The property features heirloom plants and includes a cafe which serves a menu featuring organic produce from the gardens.
Dromana is approximately a 1 hour 10 minute drive (85 kilometres) south of Melbourne.