Holiday Mornington Peninsula Summer Autumn 2022-2023

It might be just an hour’s drive from Melbourne but it feels like a world away. The Mornington Peninsula blends rugged coastlines and rolling hinterland, vibrant seaside towns and sleepy hamlets, cosmopolitan retail experiences and stunning natural beauty to create a holiday experience like no other.

From Western Port to Bass Strait to Port Phillip, the Peninsula is a holidaymaker’s paradise, and whether you’re here to relax and unwind or looking for adventure, there is something for everyone.

Nature has gifted us a truly bountiful playground. There is almost no end to the walking tracks and bike trails that stretch along the coast and crisscross the hinterland, taking you through mangroves, bush, woodlands and farmland teeming with native flora and fauna and rich in history and Indigenous Culture. There are national and state park trekking paths to take you from Point Nepean through Arthurs Seat, Red Hill and beyond.

Our sheltered bays attract young families to sweeping beaches of golden sand and gentle water, while the power of the Southern Ocean draws surfers keen to accept the challenge of taming the mighty breakers. If your passion is fishing, you’ll have no shortage of spots to try your luck. Western Port is home to some of the best fishing around, while the piers of Port Phillip are popular and productive places to drop a line. Summer sees the water come alive with

yachts, jetskis, sailboards and paddleboards, while snorkellers and scuba divers explore the wonderland below the surface. Surf lifesavers patrol many of our beaches to help you enjoy a refreshing swim in safety, and there are worldclass aquatic centres if you’d rather cool off with a freshwater dip. Take a guided marine tour and meet our resident dolphins and seals, or enjoy a boardwalk stroll through the wetlands to see some of our myriad bird species.

Picnic on the sand in front of the brightly coloured beach boxes or in one of the scores of shady parks and reserves across the Peninsula. Visit a farmgate and take home some of the best and freshest produce imaginable, or seek out a winery, brewery or distillery and discover why our wines, beers, ciders and spirits are acclaimed as world-beaters.

Whether you play off scratch or struggle to even hit the ball, we have gorgeous golf courses for all abilities – and there’s always mini-golf for the kids. Kick off your shoes and enjoy some barefoot bowls, or dust off that racquet for a quick game of tennis. You’ll find skate parks from Mount Eliza to Sorrento, horse-riding and mountain-biking trails along beaches and clifftops and through bushland, and adventure parks with flying foxes, mazes, tree surfing, climbing walls and more to challenge you.

If that sounds too fast-paced, wining and dining on the Peninsula is another level. From quirky cafes to Chef’s Hat restaurants, your choices of eatery are as varied as the fare – from Aussie pub

classics to international cuisine. You could eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your stay and you’d barely scratch the surface of what’s available. And your accommodation options are just as varied, from camping grounds to B&Bs, holiday rental houses to 5-star hotels.

With summer festivals, outdoor movies, live music in parks and pubs, historical homesteads, mansions, lighthouses and railways, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do. Art galleries abound, outdoor markets bubble with energy, hot springs revitalise and gondolas soar.

The opportunities for relaxation, fun in the sun and celebration are endless – and Holiday 2023 for summer/autumn will show you how to make the most of your time with us. It’s current until Easter, after which you’ll be able to pick up edition four, our winter wonderland edition.

It’s time to treat yourself to a holiday to remember on the Mornington Peninsula.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Bunurong and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in our community today.

Our cover features Arthur’s Seat Eagle’s gondolas. Read more on pages 72-73

DROMANA - STEVE BROWN

PUBLISHER, DESIGNER

Lisa Walton DESIGNER

Sinead Fay

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Brown (landscapes)

Amber Gardener

WRITERS

Lisa Walton, Nikki Fisher, Sarah Halfpenny, David Donnelly

CLIENT RELATIONS

Anna Georgiou, Chendelle Kolasa

PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA

Sinead Fay

DISTRIBUTION

Archie Mitchell

ALL ENQUIRIES: 9708 8222

Published by Morn Pen Mag Pty Ltd ABN 55 621 041 512

14/1140 Nepean Highway, Mornington Victoria 3931 Phone 9708 8222 Local publishers for over 16 years.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!

Michelle Brittain shares her fishing tips 5

Admire our Port Phillip Bay dolphins 6-7

Support Local, grab your copy of Eat.Drink 8-9

Guide to summer festivals and events 10-11

Swim at our patrolled locations 12-13 Arts on the Peninsula 14-17

Mount Eliza, Mornington, Mount Martha, Moorooduc 18-37

Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae, Martha Cove 38-41

Dromana’s creatives thrive at the Habitat 40

Locally produced sweet treats 41

Peninsula’s stunning birdlife 42-43

Rosebud, Capel Sound, Boneo, Tootgarook, Rye 44-48

Don’t forget the lifejacket 49 What’s in a name 50

Rye carnival, a summer favourite 51 Blairgowrie, Sorrento, Portsea 52-57 St Andrews Beach to Flinders 58-61 Best books to read this summer 62-63

Somers, Balnarring, Tyabb, Bittern, Hastings 64-67

WE KNOW YOU’LL LOVE IT!

This is the only locally owned dedicated visitor’s guide on the Mornington Peninsula. Winter/Spring out around May 2023 Summer/Autumn out early December.

Subscriptions are available delivered by Australia Post. www.mpmag.com.au/get-a-copy/ Contact us to be in featured in the next edition or if you want copies for your customers. P: 9708 8222 or email: holiday@mpmag.com.au

The museum at HMAS Cerberus 68 So much to see and do in Somerville 69

Main Ridge, Red Hill, Merricks, Shoreham, Point Leo, Arthurs Seat 70-75

Local Knowledge 76, 85

Keep an eye out for the long-nosed bandicoot 77

Frankston and surrounds 78-83

Clean, pristine beaches 84

Accommodation 86-90 Markets 91-93 Map 94-95 Directory 96-97 Pets 98

Michelle shares her passion for saltwater fishing

Taught by her grandfather and father, Michelle Brittain, 38, has been saltwater fishing off the Mornington Peninsula since she was six. “My grandfather was a very relaxed man,” Michelle says. “Through fishing he taught me patience, to be quiet and tune in to what’s around me. As a teenager I’d hire a little yellow boat from Kananook Creek. You didn’t have to have a boat licence; you could just hire them and head out fishing.”

Michelle’s passion for the adventure of fishing continues. In fact, she has become a leader for Women In Recreational Fishing and is inspiring and supporting other women to take up the sport. WIRF was created in 2017 by the Victorian Fisheries Authority. Through its Facebook community, WIRF provides a place for women to share fishing knowledge and discover recreational fishing events. WIRF welcomes women of all skill levels to join.

Through WIRF, 10 women including Michelle have been given the chance to take part in a leadership program scholarship to develop leadership skills and contribute to the future of women in fishing. A network of Peninsula WIRF groups is being created. “Two leaders choose a location to fish and then the leaders guide women with their fishing or the species they’re targeting. We also run events and tackle shop nights. It’s educational and community focused.”

For beginners, Michelle recommends first heading to their nearest tackle shop. “The tackle shop will have a weather report, they know what’s biting and can give you a guide on what you need. The Victorian Fisheries website has lots of information on places to fish as well as information on different species. Make sure you educate yourself before going to an area on what species will be around. Even just walking along the pier and having a look at what people are catching and what they’re using helps.”

When it comes to equipment, Michelle says the quality of fishing line matters. “Good-quality line has good resistance; you’ll be able to catch your fish more easily and it’s not as likely to snap, which is better for the environment too.”

Sustainability is important to Michelle and informs her approach to fishing. “We’re lucky in our local bays that we have the right grounds for a wide range of species to reside. The majority are sustainable; they breed well. Some people try to achieve a bag limit whereas to keep our stocks healthy I promote catching only what you need.”

You can find Michelle on Instagram @shells_saltliving_; to learn more about WIRF, go to @wirfnetwork; and visit the VFA website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au

NIKKI FISHER

Admire our dolphins but please keep your distance

Summer on the Mornington Peninsula is a time for fun, relaxation, and an opportunity to explore wonderful Port Phillip. Our bay is home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life, from tiny shrimp living on pier pylons to our highly mobile resident bottlenose and common dolphins. The dolphin communities that reside in our bay share their home with a growing number of vessels, from large cargo ships right down to kayaks. For the most part, humans and dolphins appear to co-exist in relative harmony. However, the summer holiday season brings with it a marked increase in vessel traffic, which is largely concentrated in the southern areas of the bay. By chance, this also happens to be the time of year that bottlenose dolphin presence increases in this same area, and they often have their new calves in tow. Unfortunately,

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Photos: David Donnelly

whether intentionally or by chance, interactions between vessels and dolphins increase as a result of this overlap, putting dolphins at risk.

Vessel/dolphin interactions have been known to cause displacement of dolphins as well as interfere with vital behaviours such as feeding, mating, and nursing of calves. This is why the Dolphin Research Institute has taken the opportunity to re-launch its Dolphin Distancing program for the 2022-23 holiday season. The aim of Dolphin Distancing is to engage with communities and encourage vessel operators to maintain a safe and respectable distance from

dolphins while at the same time enjoying the privilege of observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Vessel owners who commit to Dolphin Distancing will be joining a growing community of concerned bay users who together can influence a human behaviour change which will see a lowering of risk to our wonderful resident dolphins. All who commit to this program will be sent a Dolphin Distancing sticker to display on their vessel.

You can commit to Dolphin Distancing by visiting

the Dolphin Research Institute website at https:// www.dolphinresearch.org.au/commit-to-dolphindistancing/, so join us in securing a safer future for our bay’s resident dolphins.

Victorian Government regulations prohibit vessels from approaching dolphins closer than 100m, or 300m for jetskis. Please report any observed offences under these regulations to the Office of the Conservation Regulator on 13 61 86.

DAVID DONNELLY, research officer, Dolphin Research Institute

Chief’s Son Distillery

distillery door and have guided tasting of their core range or specialty whiskies also available online or at bottle shops or take an immersive tour with the unique experience being a ‘barrel thief’ ‘steal’ directly from the barrel, taste different stages of production, learn the history of whisky, and head home with your own 100ml bottle of liquid sunshine.

Mercetta

When it comes to food and drink, we’re blessed on the Mornington Peninsula with seemingly endless options of memorable places to eat, drink, and be with friends and family. As well, we have markets and farmgates where you can shop for exceptional quality, locally grown produce and gourmet delights. Where do you even begin exploring?

Well, we’ve made it easy for you with the fifth annual edition of Eat. Drink, our much-loved bible for food and wine-lovers. With more than 120 hospitality venues featured from restaurants and cafes to wineries, distilleries, cideries and breweries, we celebrate the rich and diverse food

and drinks culture of our region – and, of course, the people who make it all happen.

Wine writer Max Allen shares all the news from the 2022 vintage, and there’s a fantastic touring map from Mornington Peninsula Wine featuring 48 cellar doors to discover. This year, Crittenden Estate celebrates 40 years in the wine industry, which is certainly worth raising a glass to. If you’re a lover of art and wine, be sure to put Montalto on your list. Allow time to walk its sculpture trail and see Terestri Anenemi, the sculpture by Tasmanian-based artist Marcus Tatton that recently won the 2022 Montalto Sculpture Prize, as well as the many other works of art.

If you’re a caffeine connoisseur, you’ll

want to take a tour of the Peninsula’s wonderful cafes. But a word of advice: you’ll need to stay a while to get to them all.

For those who love to cook, a trip to Dromana’s Torello Farm or Hawkes Farm in Boneo will have you inspired by the abundant farm-fresh seasonal produce. If you want to treat the kids, head to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm where they can pick their own strawberries. In Mornington there are two must-see destinations: Tully’s Corner Produce Store, and Oasis Mornington. Whether you need everyday supplies such as bread, milk, eggs, coffee and so on, or you’re planning a special dinner party and want uncommon ingredients, fancy chocolates, and delectable cheese, both these stores will impress. And

speaking of cheese, Boatshed Cheese in Dromana’s industrial estate is well worth a visit too.

As for restaurants and vineyards, food writer Richard Cornish beautifully sums up the quality and variety we’re known for: “Choosing favourite food and wine experiences on the Peninsula is like trying to choose your favourite child. An impossible task.”

Grab a copy of Eat.Drink and see for yourself. It’s available at newsagencies and bookshops across the Peninsula and Melbourne for $14.99. And look for us on social media @ eatdrinkmornpen – we’d love you to tag us in your posts when you’re out visiting venues featured in Eat.Drink.

NIKKI FISHER

Enjoy a summer of festivals and events

THE SUNSET CINEMA

Wednesday, December 21-Friday, January 20

The Briars, Mount Martha

Outdoor cinema screening of popular family films and new Hollywood movies. Food trucks, licensed bar, fresh popcorn and snacks. Tickets and times at www.sunsetcinema.com.au/ mount-martha

MUSIC IN THE PARK 2022

Thursday, December 22 Mornington Park

Join Tones and I, Illy, Sam Fischer and more for carols, food trucks and fun; from 1pm. www.tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/0beecf0025fe-4938-adf1-131b5c696333

PENINSULA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sunday, January 1 – Thursday, January 19

A celebration of music in gorgeous venues on the Mornington Peninsula. Program and tickets to various venues at www.peninsulafestival.com.au

SORRENTO ART SHOW GALA OPENING NIGHT

Friday, January 6

Sorrento Community Centre, Morce Ave, Sorrento

Paintings of prominent artists and pottery displays, bubbles from Peninsula wineries, and a sit-down performance by Melba Opera Trust; 6-10pm. Tickets at www.trybooking.com/CDRDC

SORRENTO ART SHOW

Saturday, January 7-Sunday, January 15

Sorrento Community Centre, Morce Ave, Sorrento

Collection of oils, watercolours, acrylics, photographs, ink on paper and mixed media on display and available to buy. New display of ceramics and pottery from Peninsula artists; 10am5pm daily with a $5 donation, children free. www.sorrentoartshow.com.au

MORNINGTON ART SHOW

Friday, January 20-Thursday, January 26 Peninsula Community Theatre, cnr Wilson Rd and Nepean Highway, Mornington

Eight hundred paintings and photographs to view and buy; daily from 10am-5pm. www.morningtonartshow.com.au

PENINSULA FILM FESTIVAL

Friday, February 3-Sunday, February 5 Rosebud

Includes short film festival with up to 20 shortlisted films screened outdoors, judged live. Full program, location and tickets at www. peninsulafilmfestival.com.au

NINCHFEST

Friday, February 10-Saturday, February 11 St Andrews Beach Recreation Club

Sixth year of nurturing Peninsula talent with visiting musicians. Birdz, The Grogans, William Crighton and more.

Tickets and times at www.ninchfest.com.au

THE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL

Saturday, February 18-Sunday, February 19 Frankston Foreshore

Live music, food and drinks, market stalls, rides and amusements, Saturday night fireworks show. www.discoverfrankston.com/the-waterfrontfestival-2023

FLINDERS FRINGE FESTIVAL

Friday, February 17-Sunday, February 19 Festival of more than 30 events held at local venues includes visual arts, performance, music, community, workshops, literature and forage. For map, venues and further information visit www. flindersfringe.com.au

PIER TO PERIGNON

Sunday, February 19 Sorrento Pier

Around 1,000 swimmers swim from Sorrento to Portsea after carnival-like atmosphere proceeds

Portsea SLSC

More at www.oceanfit.com.au/event/pier-toperignon

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 4

The Pig & Whistle, 365 Purves Rd, Main Ridge

Community talent, creatives and game-changers and shakers, wellness activities, entertainment, food, drink and more; 10am-5pm

Tickets and info at www.thepigandwhistle.com.au/ the-shed-theatre

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

Saturday, March 4

Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud, 30 Rosebud Pde, Rosebud

More than two hours of inspirational, educational and entertaining films related to the ocean by independent filmmakers from around the world; 7-10pm

Tickets at www.oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au

STELLAR SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 4

McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin

Premium outdoor film festival showcasing best Australian short films, with food, drinks, art and entertainment; 5-11.30pm

Tickets at www.stellarshortfilmfestival.com.au

COUNTRY BY THE BAY

Saturday, March 4-Sunday, March 5

Long Island Reserve, Frankston Foreshore, Frankston

Australian country artists including Adam Brand, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Amber Lawrence, The Pleasures (Catherine Britt & Lachlan Bryan), Gretta Ziller, Michaela Jenke, Adam Ludewig, Kaitlyn Thomas Music, The Mason Boys, Eddie Rawk Band, Andy Penkows, Kane Vincent, and Maya O’Loughlin. www.regfest.com.au/frankston-event-info

RED HILL SHOW

Saturday, March 11

Red Hill Recreation Reserve, Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill

The 95th show focusing on agriculture and horticulture, with craft and animal exhibits, food, wine, beer and cider, rides, music and entertainment for all ages; 8.30am-5pm www.redhillshow.com.au

PIERS & PINOTS

Sunday, March 12 Flinders Foreshore Showcasing maritime cool-climate pinot noirs and gris; more than 60 wines to taste with a selection of food; live music.

Tickets www.morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au

DARYL BRAITHWAITE

Sunday, March 12

Portsea Hotel, 3746 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea Australian music royalty concludes Portsea Hotel’s summer series; from 5pm Early bird tickets on sale January 2 at www. portseahotel.com.au/daryl-braithwaite

MY MOUNT ELIZA

Sunday, March 19

RUN & FUN FESTIVAL

Mount Eliza Regional Park, Two Bays Rd, Mount Eliza

Multiple myeloma research fundraiser, with 4km, 8km and 12km quarry trail runs, 4km all-paws walk, kids’ sprint, food and drink, and family-friendly activities and challenges. Register at www.mymounteliza.org.au

THE BIG PICTURE FEST

Monday, March 20-Sunday, March 26

Frankston City

Street artists from Australia and around the world transform city buildings and laneways; free walking tours available. www.whatsonfrankston.com

THE BLOCK PARTY

Friday, March 24

Thompson Lane, Frankston

National and local street artists in action, live music, food, craft beer and wine. www.whatsonfrankston.com

BYS EASTER ART SHOW

Friday, April 7-Monday, April 10

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, 2900 Point Nepean Rd, Blairgowrie

Artists from Melbourne and the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas exhibit works in a variety of media. www.bys.asn.au/annual-easter-art-show

MORNINGTON EASTER RACE DAY

Sunday, April 9

Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington

Includes Easter egg hunt, kids’ rides and activities as well as full race card; gates open one hour before first race. www.mrc.racing.com

PARTY IN THE PARK

Sunday, April 16

Cruden Farm, Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Langwarrin

Free activities for kids, information for parents, and music, magic and laughter. www.crudenfarm.com.au

MORNINGTON CUP DAY

Saturday, April 22

Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington

Food trucks, DJ, Neds Garden Bar, Gunnamatta Restaurant, and full race card; gates open one hour before first race. www.mrc.racing.com

SORRENTO WRITERS FESTIVAL

Thursday, April 27-Sunday, April 30

Various Sorrento venues

Author meetings, keynote speeches, panel discussions, business seminar, readings, musical performances, children’s programs, and book club. www.sorrentowritersfestival.com.au

Be beach-safe these holidays

The Mornington Peninsula is home to some of Victoria’s most stunning coastline, and beach days are what summer holidays are all about. While the waterways here are a great place to relax and unwind, Sas McNamara – Portsea Surf Life Saving Club’s director of lifesaving and Life Saving Victoria’s chief lifeguard for the Peninsula – wants beachgoers to remember it’s imperative to do so safely.

“Life Saving Victoria is anticipating more visitors than ever flocking to our coastal locations due to many inland waterways being interrupted by recent flooding,” says Sas, pictured. “The easiest decision you can make for the safety of yourself and your loved ones is to swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location wherever possible, and with 10 patrolled locations and clubs servicing the area, there’s bound to be one near you.”

There were 31 reported drownings across the state last summer, which was five more than the five-year average and 10 more than the 10-year average. “Even one drowning is too many and we want to reverse this trend this year, but we need your help to do so,” Sas says. “In addition to swimming between the flags, remember to always go with a friend, and actively supervise children around water – which means under-5s within arm’s reach and under-10s in your constant and direct eyeline. Know and stick to your limits, and remember that alcohol and drugs do not mix with water.”

Patrolled locations on the Peninsula are:

Seaford Life Saving Club, 10N Nepean Highway, Seaford

Frankston Life Saving Club, 1 Long Island Drive, Frankston Beach

Mornington Life Saving Club, 1a Mills Beach, Esplanade, Mornington

Mt Martha Life Saving Club, Esplanade, Mount Martha

Dromana Bay Life Saving Club, 250 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana

Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club, 55 Western Pde, Point Leo Rosebud & McCrae Life Saving Club, Point Nepean Rd, McCrae

Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, 250 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento

Portsea Surf Life Saving Club, Back Beach Rd, Portsea

Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club, 1000 Truemans Rd, Rye

Head to beachsafe.org to find a patrolled beach and patrol times near you.

ARTS ON THE PENINSULA

Make room for a little art in your life over summer

The art scene is as changeable as the seasons, so you’ll want to be quick to catch what’s on at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery this summer. There are some once-in-a-lifetime exhibitions and events, spanning everything from homegrown artists old and new to a famous contemporary British artist and workshops for kids and adults.

From December 10 until February 19, the third iteration of the MPRG’s Collection+ series pairs the work of Britain’s Julian Opie with that of the late Judith Alexandrovics, of Melbourne. Angie Taylor’s careful curation has drawn together this unlikely combination, finding common threads throughout the work of these seemingly disparate artists. Opie is a contemporary London-based artist whose instantly recognisable work often depicts figures and landscapes reduced to their essential outlines and flat colour fields. Alexandrovics’ oeuvre covers the period from the early 1970s until 2019, the year before her death. The exhibition showcases her detailed etchings and aquatints as well as a selection of her larger paintings, which are often the result of her etching studies.

“Both Opie and Alexandrovics create a snapshot of people in unremarkable moments, such as

walking through the city, making their way to work, waiting for the tram or train, walking or waiting with an anonymous group of others,” Angie says. “It is a fascinating portrayal of being in the presence of a group but not known to each other.”

educator, children respond to works in the current exhibition with a different activity every week, using materials supplied each session. The program encourages fun, experimentation and play through making. At a cost of $10 a child, an arty storytime is included and visitors can also explore the nearby rose garden, playground and duck ponds.

On Monday, January 9, established Peninsula-based artist Catherine Hamilton invites people with a love of music and a passion for drawing to combine the two in an art and music life drawing workshop. Participants will draw the Inventi Ensemble, five featured musicians from the Peninsula Summer Music Festival. After the workshop, there’ll be a concert in the gallery foyer with the drawings on display. There’s no need to be a professional; just have fun with like-minded creatives and see the fascinating fusion of visual art and music.

Running concurrently at the gallery is Front Beach, Back Beach, the culmination of the multi-sited public art project of the same name that commissioned leading contemporary Australian artists to respond to 15 sites and stories that have shaped the Peninsula. After the public art component last November, this exhibition brings together remnants, objects, traces and documentation of the projects, interweaving and overlaying new perspectives from across the Peninsula. The featured artists are Amanda Shone, Anna Breckon & Nat Randall, Geoff Robinson, Gold Santino, Hiromi Tango, James Geurts, Kait James & Jarra Karalinar Steel, LAST Collective, Lisa Waup, Lucy Bleach, Maree Clarke, Rebecca Jensen & Aviva Endean, Shane McGrath, Taree McKenzie, and Vera Moller.

Young and old alike can get hands-on with creative activities at the MPRG this summer. A special program, Young at Art, will run on three dates in December, introducing under-5s to the wonders of art. With the guidance of an early childhood

We may have been waiting a long time for the sunshine and beach days, but there’s plenty of time to put some art into everyone’s summer schedules too.

Peninsula Film Festival returns to Rosebud Village Green this summer

After a two-year absence from its home turf, the Peninsula Film Festival, which showcases some of Australia’s finest talent in film and television, will return to the Rosebud Village Green on Saturday, February 4.

This iconic three-day event starting on Friday, February 3, presented by Lexus of Brighton, will include special screenings, filmmaking workshops and the Short Film Festival featuring 20 short films from local and national creatives, as well as food trucks, local wine and beer vendors, and market stalls.

Legends of Australian film and TV including Dan MacPherson, Lachy Hulme, Michala Banas, Georgina Haig, Chrissie Swan and highly acclaimed screenwriter Shaun Grant will be among the stars supporting the industry’s up-and-coming talent, with opportunities for directors, producers, and actors to showcase their skills and passion with a top prize of $5000.

General admission Peninsula Film Festival tickets start at just $10, with all age groups welcome. Tickets are available to purchase via https://bit.ly/PFF23Tickets

Visitors over the age of 18 can enjoy all the Peninsula Film Festival has to offer in the VIP marquee, including complimentary drinks and food. A limited number of VIP tickets are available to purchase for $150.

For more information, go to http://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/

Photo: Yanni

BEFORE AFTER

Paintings and sculptures for your home

Holidays are a great time to contemplate art options. Many homemakers have come to realise their living and homeworking environments really need an uplift. Surrounded by too many plain white, dull and empty walls can be uninspiring. Have you considered introducing some great Australian contemporary paintings and sculpture to your city home, home office or holiday house?

You may ask, “How and where do I start such a process?” Your solution starts with a visit to one of the four Manyung Gallery sites on the Mornington Peninsula: Sorrento, Flinders, Mount Eliza, or Mornington; there are also galleries in Malvern and Strathmore. Manyung is a family-run art gallery business that has been helping families with their art choices for more than 50 years, and can

present and discuss with you more than 150 artists and about 2000 original Australian paintings and sculptures.

The owners of the Manyung Gallery Group, David and Sharyn Wemyss-Smith, have a philosophy that is simple. “We don’t actually sell artworks to clients,” David says. “Our approach is to assist them with choices and options so they are comfortable in making a decision themselves, always focused on our clients’ needs and providing unparalleled service levels.”

Recent client feedback is testament that this approach works and is appreciated:

• “I never thought my family room could transform into such a welcoming space. Great art made that difference.”

• “I enjoy going into my home office, now that my

new painting is installed.”

• “We wish we had visited Manyung years ago. Their team is phenomenal, and they have made such a difference to our home.”

While you are visiting the Mornington Peninsula, plan to call into a Manyung gallery. Opening times are on their website at www.manyunggallery.com. au, or you can call the gallery on 9787 2953.

MANYUNG GALLERY GROUP

A: 113 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento

A: 6/35 Progress St, Mornington

A: 37 Cook St, Flinders

A: 6-10 Claremont Ave, Malvern

A: 54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza

A: 335 Napier St, Strathmore

T: 9787 2953 (all sites)

W: www.manyunggallery.com.au

MOUNT ELIZA MORNINGTON

Natural beauty is the name of the game for the suburbs beyond Frankston, which shot to prominence many decades ago as the chosen summer playground for wealthy Melbourne families.

Mount Eliza is an area with two distinct personalities. On one side it’s a high-end residential, retail and restaurant destination complete with a chic shopping district and small bay beaches. Inland, the stunning Mount Eliza Regional Park incorporates the former Moorooduc Quarry, where you can take an exploratory looping walk with views across the nearby plains and plenty of flora and fauna, and picnic areas near the lake and playground.

A major destination for day-trippers and holidaymakers, Mornington is a place where the sand on blissed-out Mothers Beach and Mills Beach gives way to a laid-back town with more than 370 retail shops. Drive past the legendary mansions on The Esplanade as it winds around the coast. Explore Main St on foot and check out the huge number of bars, restaurants and cafes, boutique gift and clothing stores, ice-cream shops, and Victoria’s longest-running street market that’s held every Wednesday along the length of this bustling street.

There’s always something happening – if you’re not up for shopping, visit the pier for fishing, dine at the marina or head to the impressive Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, the lively racecourse

Things to see and do in Mornington and surrounds

Go koala spotting and birdwatching at Sunshine Reserve, Mount Martha.

Rain, hail or shine, Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market is the place for foodies to be on the fourth Sunday of every month from 9am-1pm.

If one market isn’t enough, Main Street Mornington Market is held every Wednesday from 9am-3pm.

Head to Mount Eliza Regional Park for spectacular views and plenty of space for kids and dogs to run free.

You must eat out while visiting this area, find some of the best meals around at the top of the peninsula, breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted.

or travel on the historic Mornington Railway steam train operating most Sundays.

The gorgeous Mount Martha coast is a mecca for swimmers and hikers thanks to the surrounding bushland meeting the beach. The small village has quality shops and eateries, and an all-round mellow vibe that's a nice contrast to some of the larger bayside suburbs. Rocky cliffs with coastal trails are all part of this appealing package, as is the Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk that ends at The Briars, a 230ha park with more wildlife and wide-open spaces to explore.

It’s a part of the world where exceptional shopping, dining, and experiences immersed in nature becomes the stuff of nostalgic summer memories.

MOUNT MARTHA MOOROODUC

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

A whole new shopping experience awaits at Oasis

Walking into Oasis grocery and bakery store in Mornington Central Shopping Centre is overwhelming in the best possible way. It’s a feast for the senses. Where to start with so many wonderful ingredients and gourmet offerings?

At almost 700 square metres, the store’s vibrant display of fresh produce, a bakery section wellstocked with Oasis’s famous sourdough, grocery aisles, meat and deli items, a wine store and a whole lot more will appeal to holidaymakers and visitors as much as it does to Peninsula residents.

“One thing we want to be known for in Mornington is that people can come in and find something they’ve never seen before, whether that’s a range, a type of product, a flavour, or an ingredient,” says general manager Troy Kennedy. “As you walk up and down the aisles, you’ll see things hopefully you haven’t seen before.”

Whether you need everyday supplies such as bread, milk, eggs, coffee and so on, or you’re planning a

special dinner party and need uncommon spices, fancy chocolates, delectable cheese, and a fabulous selection of Mornington Peninsula wine, Oasis has it. There’s even a wonderful range of Moroccan homewares to brighten up your table.

If cooking from scratch isn’t your thing or you’re short on time, Oasis has housemade products such as dips, salads and ready-to-eat meals that sit alongside a range of more than 8000 other grocery items and are perfect for picnics and beach days.

And because the prices here are pleasingly competitive with major supermarkets, you can

afford to shop in style every day. What a bonus that is while you’re on holiday.

Oasis is open Saturday to Wednesday 8am-7pm, and Thursday and Friday 8am-8pm.

OASIS MORNINGTON

A: Mornington Central Shopping Centre, Shop 30, 78 Barkly St, Mornington

T: 9026 1300

W: www.oasisonline.com.au

FB: OasisAUS

INSTA: oasis_au

Unique and wonderful treasures to discover at Dove and Lyre

Dove and Lyre in Main St, Mornington, is a shop we believe is sure to impress – a fascinating eclectic mix of unique and wonderful objects that have been collected over many years. To name but a few of the most amazing items for sale is a 120 million-year-old baby dinosaur, Psittacosaurus sinensis, a small herbivore from China; a very unusual three-chambered amethyst cave from Brazil; and antiquities more than 5000 years old.

We have a vast range of gemstones, from the common rose quartz to the obscure petroleum quartz from Pakistan, ranging in price from $4 to more than $10,000. And because we appreciate the cost of living pressures everyone’s facing, we offer the convenience of layby to help spread the cost of your purchase. We are also flexible with the repayment terms due to the large differences in our product prices.

Our extensive range of fossils includes trilobites from Morocco and the US, ammonites from many places in the world, a woolly mammoth lower jaw with teeth, and megalodon shark teeth with a great white tooth to show the size comparison.

We have a range of meteorites including a piece from Namibia called Gibeon, which on impact created Libyan glass (yellow tektite) 600 million years ago. We also have moldavite, the result of a meteorite impact in Germany about 14 million years ago.

We have for sale antiquities from around the

world, from the ever-popular Rome and Viking eras and others dating back several thousand years. You’ll also find jewellery from antique to Art Deco and the latest handmade sterling silver jewellery, earrings and fashion jewellery.

Dove and Lyre have a superb collection of butterflies, moths, bats, spiders and other beasties framed and in glass domes.

Make sure you put Dove and Lyre on your ‘must see’ list when you are out and about in Mornington. From fossils, crystals, jewellery and antiquities to taxidermied butterflies and bugs, discover a world of treasures at Dove and Lyre.

DOVE AND LYRE

A: 93 Main St, Mornington T: 5902 6084

Squires Loft takes fine dining to a new level

From the moment you walk through the doors of this premium steakhouse, you’re whisked away from the bustle of Main St’s casual cafes and into a stylish oasis for a fine-dining experience like no other.

Owners Siller and Deborah Bello reopened Squires Loft Mornington in February 2020. “We bought the restaurant because we loved the food and we loved coming here,” say the Peninsula pair. “We wanted to bring a premium dining experience to the heart of Mornington,” adds Siller. “We wanted to serve excellent but accessible food in a beautiful dining room. We wanted a place we would want to eat at.”

The décor and appointments are impressive. The long room is warm, softly lit, one wall lined with a padded banquette, the other side dotted with American-style circular booths. Good glassware and Brazilian-made steak knives sit ready on the polished Tasmanian oak tables standing on warm terracotta tiles. The comfortable padded Australian ash chairs are made by Siller’s furniture company and have a

pleasing heft.

The bar gantry is lined with premium spirits and the wine wall proudly stocked with wines from the Mornington Peninsula, complemented by a range of Bordeaux, Burgundy, wines from Rhone, Sicily, Spain, and South America. A Coravin system that injects inert gas into the wine bottle allows these fine wines to be poured by the glass. It’s a chance for meat-lovers to enjoy a glass of exceptional wine without forking out for a bottle.

The money shot here is the meat. Squires Loft prides itself on the quality of its steak, much of which is sourced from a combination of Australian pasture-fed and grain-fed beef, predominantly from the lush green pastures of the Gippsland district in Victoria and northern NSW. Squires Loft beef is wetaged for 28 days at strictly controlled temperatures to maximise tenderness and enhance flavour even further.

Siller and Deborah have added another level of super-premium steaks to the Chairman’s steak

selection. This includes 200-days grain-fed Rangers Valley pure Black Angus, 700g ribeye, and 300-days grain-fed pure Black Angus porterhouse. There’s also 500-plus-days grain-fed 100 per cent Ranger Valley pure Wagyu 280g eye fillet, and 300g scotch fillet with marble scores of 5+ and 7+ respectively. These are cooked on a state-of-the-art custom-made gas grill that can reach 400C, searing steaks with perfect bar marks and a juicy, flavoursome interior. Add to this chicken, prawns, calamari, sausages and gourmet burgers and you’ll find a dish to keep every person at the table happy and satisfied.

Squires Loft is open Tuesday-Thursday 5.30-10pm, Friday and Saturday 5.30-11pm, and Sunday noon3.30pm and 5.30-10pm; it’s closed Mondays.

SQUIRES LOFT MORNINGTON

A: 104 Main St, Mornington

T: 5976 8482

W: www.squiresloftmornington.com.au

FB: squiresloftmorningtonpeninsula

INSTA: squiresloftmornington

Vintage and antique paradise

Step off the beaten track and head to Obtainium. Located in an industrial, warehouse-style space on Mornington’s happening

Progress St, this captivating store is filled with an eclectic collection of vintage and antique wares.

Owner Karine’s passion for memorabilia, vintage and antique furniture, clothes, books, crockery, curios and more sees new treasures arriving almost daily.

Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just looking for a unique piece to add character to your home, this is the place to explore. Karine takes care in the presentation of the wares to see here, so set aside plenty of time to appreciate it all.

“I love what I do,” she says. “I like to have something for everyone; that’s why I don’t collect from just one era. The idea is to save pieces from being destroyed over

time and to preserve their history for future generations to enjoy. Every piece has a story.”

Obtainium is open daily from 10am-4pm. When you’ve found what you’re looking for – or what you didn’t know you were looking for – Karine suggests visiting her neighbours Commonfolk coffee and exploring the other Progress St traders. “It’s a great street. There’s more to see here all the time.”

OBTAINIUM ANTIQUES & VINTAGE

WARES

A: 2/15 Progress St, Mornington

T: 5975 3169

FB: Obtainiumantiques

INSTA: obtainiumantiques

2/15 Progress St, Mornington

Frankston

Count on great food and a warm welcome

At the bay end of Mornington’s Main St you’ll find a historic bank building built in 1912 that has been transformed into Counting House, a welcoming restaurant where the focus is on excellent steak and friendly hospitality.

Owners Jana Lipold, Kevin Ko and Arbel El Sharafy have more than 25 years’ experience working in hospitality and are committed to ensuring food, wine and service are all on point, whether you’re in for a date night, group celebration, or a catch-up with friends.

Counting House turned three in 2022. The popular restaurant and bar have developed a solid reputation for carefully sourced, topquality meat from Gippsland that’s grilled to perfection. “We like to pair our food with local

wines and source local produce whenever possible,” Jana says. While steak is a highlight, there are always delicious seafood and vegetarian options too.

At the back of the old-world building is a bar area made cosy with an open fireplace on winter days. In the summer months the deck is the perfect spot from which to watch the sunset while enjoying a beer, local wine or a cocktail or two. Keep an eye on social media for monthly specials, and events with live music and Happy Hour.

COUNTING

HOUSE BAR & GRILL

A: 787 Esplanade, Mornington

T: 5975 2055

W: www.countinghousemornington.com.au

FB: CountingHouseBarandGrill

INSTA: countinghousebarandgrill

Counting House Bar & Grill at

787 Esplanade, Mornington

5975 2055

Casual bar atmosphere with great selection of tapas, wine, beer and quality steaks.

Watch the sunset while enjoying a beer, local wine or cocktails.

www.countinghousemornington.com.au for opening hours & updates

Visit the hens that lay your eggs

The Napolitano family have been egg farmers at Moorooduc since 1979.

They pride themselves on offering the freshest and healthiest eggs.

The hens at Somerville Egg Farm are all happy and content. Their eggs are collected daily so you can be confident you’re buying delicious fresh eggs. There’s

a variety of sizes and price ranges to suit all needs and budgets. Duck eggs are also available. When their emus lay in winter, their ‘eggnormous’ eggs are always a favourite.

Farm-fresh eggs are a vital ingredient for big breakfast cook-ups, so while you’re on holiday visit the farmgate to stock up and you’ll see the happy chickens roaming in the paddocks.

“We like supporting local, and in our shop we stock locally grown potatoes and flowers,” says farmgate manager Linda. “We also like to stock products

from local producers such as honey, chutneys and jams, pasta sauces and pasta made from our eggs.” There’s also a couple of local artists who display their artwork for sale.

Somerville Egg Farm is open Monday to Friday from 8am4.30pm and Saturdays 8am12.30pm; it’s closed Sundays and all public holidays.

SOMERVILLE EGG FARM

A: cnr Eramosa Road West and Binnak Way, Moorooduc T: 5977 5405

FB: SomervilleEggFarm INSTA: somervilleeggfarm

SOME R VILLE

Tired of stale tasting supermarket eggs? Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, cafes, restaurants and other businesses on the Peninsula. Eggs are hand collected 365 days a year so you can be assured you are buying the freshest eggs with the best yolk and flavour from our barn door.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Adventure park fun in a wonderful farm setting

The Big Goose is one of the most popular children's attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Just off Peninsula Link at Moorooduc, The Big Goose is more than an animal farm; it combines oldfashioned farm experiences with the fun of an adventure park.

With the weather finally heating up, we’ve got the perfect place to keep cool during the day. Our splash park is open on all days forecast over 25C and is a massive hit with kids of all ages.

If animals are more your thing, a huge range of farm, native and some slightly more exotic animals all call The Big Goose home. You will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our friendly snakes and lizards as part of our reptile show.

Check out our sheepdog Dusty as she puts on a show rounding up the sheep, cuddle some of the smaller animals in our big red petting barn, and even take a relaxing stroll with the kangaroos and deer in our wildlife park. There’s dingos and wombats too.

All this and so much more is included with your entry. You will need at least three hours to explore the 60-acre (24ha) farm – there is that much to see and do. If that’s still not enough, we even have an 18-hole mini golf course.

The Big Goose really is the place to be.

THE BIG GOOSE

A: 233 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc T: 0459 911 549

W: www.thebiggoose.com.au

FB: funatthebiggoose INSTA: thebiggoose_

Treat yourself at Ideas By The Bay

Fiona Smale has a knack for finding kitchenware, gifts and souvenirs that you don’t see everywhere. Step inside her inviting store, Ideas By The Bay, and you’ll find a diverse range of treasures to choose from. “Discovering unique, beautiful, individual, sometimes quirky, quality treasures and useful items has always been part of the passion of what I do,” Fiona

says. “And if it's Australian-made, all the better.”

Fiona has beautiful handmade artisan gifts ranging from Australian-made flora and fauna garden art to Australian pottery and an array of gifts that celebrate the Mornington Peninsula and Australia alike.

Located on Mornington’s lively Main St, Ideas By The Bay is in a heritage-listed Mornington

landmark building that adds to the charm of this store. “The building suits my style and the aesthetic I desire,” Fiona says. “I hope to continue to make a lot of people happy by offering a store that’s really special.”

IDEAS BY THE BAY

A: 79 Main St, Mornington

T: 5977 0708

W: www.ideasbythebay.com.au

FB: IdeasByTheBay

INSTA: ideasbythebay

David Jones meets Etsy

Artisan’s Alley is wonderful experience – a winding space featuring more than 20 makers, designers and artists displaying their own locally created and unique products. These are carefully curated high-quality items with stories that travel with them to create talking points in your home. Our makers also represent themselves in store, so you can meet the artisans and hear what inspires them, what they are currently working on, and which of the areas is theirs.

We’re next door to Store Fifteen café and opposite the new Grill’d, so look out for our vibrant window to get a taster for what’s inside. There’s lots of room to browse and admire. It has a soothing, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere that is pet-friendly so take your time to explore

each area, with ranges that include homewares, artworks, skin care, jewellery, clothing, candles, and furniture.

There are pop-up spaces that change regularly, with four to five new displays to discover each month. It’s been a hit with emerging artists as well as more established makers, and it means that every visit to the shop is different. This is a fantastic opportunity to both shop local and support local.

Artisan’s Alley is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays 10am-4pm.

ARTISAN’S ALLEY

A: 17 Main St, Mornington

T: 5976 8742

W: www.artisansalley.com.au

E: info@artisansalley.com.au

FB: artisansalleymornington

INSTA: artisans_alley_mornington

Bring your rug back to life with a Samarkand detox

We love rug cleaning. We see them in all shapes and sizes, and all states of wear and condition. Rug cleaning is our speciality. At our rug-cleaning Mornington service, our job is to nurse them back to life by cleaning rugs with expert care and allowing their fibres to breathe freely once more. It’s a real joy seeing a once matted and grimy rug freshly restored to its former glory. We like to think of this as our rug detox.

How do we wash?

Step 1: Colour testing – This is critical to ensure the rug does not bleed.

Step 2: Application of solution – All our cleaning agents are water-based, biodegradable and almost pH neutral. This means your beautiful, treasured rugs are being washed as gently as possible to avoid fibre damage.

Step 3: Traditional scrub and rotary – After your rug has been treated, our men scrub off the solution and wash through the deepest of stains. This is done on a mesh deck to ensure every knot is washed thoroughly.

Final step: Drying – Now the rug is completely washed, we let our world-class drying room do its magic. We finally dry the rug using natural sunlight

to ensure the rug is dry and free of odours. Then we contact you to let you know you’re able to pick up your treasured rug from our Mornington showroom.

We are open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am4.30pm and Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm.

SAMARKAND GALLERY

A: 23 Progress St, Mornington

T: 0416 785 217

W: www.samarugs.com.au

FB: Samarugs

INSTA: Samarugs_Mornington

FUN FUN

Looking for these summer holidays?

Mornington Peninsula Libraries are jam-packed with free events and activities for all ages and interests! Book now to secure your place. Join the state-wide virtual Big Summer Read and go in the draw to win some great prizes! plv.beanstack.org

Your free library membership gives you access to eBooks and eAudiobooks and unlimited movies on Kanopy Kids. Discover more at your local library in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville or online: ourlibrary.mornpen vic.gov.au

The Mornington Peninsula is rightly famous for its stunning coastal beaches, but the reality is so much more. The warmer months are a perfect time to get out and explore. The added benefit is while experiencing our local delights you are meeting local people and supporting local business. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a drive through the rolling hills of the Peninsula’s hinterland, discovering villages on the way. Photo opportunities abound, and you will come across cellar doors, olive groves, apple orchards and market gardens. Pop into a farmgate and pick up your fresh fruit and vegies for the week. Explore the smaller Western Port villages with a stop in at Flinders, Merricks or Balnarring. Or venture further to Tyabb, renowned for its antiques. Most weekends around the Peninsula you will be able to find a local craft and farmers market where you can meet the makers and the growers. If that’s not enough, every Wednesday market stalls line Mornington’s Main St displaying their plants, produce and crafts among the shops and cafes. Don’t overeat before you head to the markets, as you will want to taste some of the delicious homemade treats. However, do take a bag or basket to carry your

purchases home.

Rug up and explore your local area as you enjoy a Peninsula walk. Find a trail that slowly meanders or challenge yourself with a hike through one of the region’s national parks. Got a fur-baby you want to share your walk with? Why not follow the Red Hill Rail Trail from Red Hill South to Merricks. With vineyards alongside the trail and coffee shops at either end, what’s not to love? Or grab something to go from the Mount Martha village shops, then take in the audio trail as you stroll along the sheltered Balcombe Estuary boardwalk to a perfect picnic spot at The Briars.

The Mornington Peninsula is home to award-winning chefs and winemakers who passionately share their love of our local produce in their menus and wine lists. Spend time with family in favourite beachside cafes, take a drive through the hinterland to a scenic winery, or head to our vibrant industrial estates for a brewery or distillery experience.

In fact, there are so many places to explore it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. If you are unsure which market is on and when, pop into your local Visitor Information Centre. They love a chance to share their local Peninsula with you and can help with up-to-date information and the best new experiences to try.

Find more inspiration at www.mpbusiness.com.au/experience-local and share your favourite local experiences #ExploreOurLocal

Red Hill Brewery by Katherine Cooper

SAFETY BEACH DROMANA McCRAE MARTHA COVE

If some fresh sea air and panoramic views across Port Phillip are on your agenda, put the dog on a lead and set off on a 7km two-hour walk at Safety Beach that passes both the pier and the marina.

A few kilometres away is the holiday resort of Dromana, where campers set up during the most popular holiday times on the foreshore reserve with grassy picnic areas, shelters, walking tracks, and retail shops and cafes aplenty. There’s plenty to do and see including places of historic interest such as the Dromana Hotel, Jetty Store, Dromana Pier,

Pioneer Pathway and Heronswood property, which is home to the Diggers Club.

The relatively new waterfront residential estate of Martha Cove – situated at the base of Mount Martha – has 17ha of sheltered harbour waterways leading directly into the bay, making it the perfect prestigious location for mariners. If you love the water there’s plenty of fun to be found, but landlubbers can also admire the view with walks around the marina and Mediterranean-style meals at Martha’s Table.

McCrae – a small coastal village at the foot of Arthurs Seat – was named after 19th century artist

and diarist Georgiana McCrae. The homestead belonging to her and her husband is the preeminent historical structure in the area and is still furnished with their possessions and memorabilia. The foreshore at McCrae forms part of the 28km Bay Trail for walkers and cyclists that ends at Portsea, and there’s also the lighthouse to check out and appreciate the beautiful coastal views.

Revel in the golden sand of gently curving beaches and accessible waterways of this slower-paced part of the Mornington Peninsula that delivers the unexpected and exceeds expectations at every turn.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Find your perfect pearl right here on the Peninsula

Pearls have an exquisite natural beauty and elegance that can’t be compared. They’re timeless jewels found in remote seas, but thanks to Serena Sanders you don’t need to dive to behold their beauty and make one yours.

Serena is a marine biologist and pearl farmer with more than 30 years’ pearling experience. She brings her wealth of expertise to her jewellery business, Sirene Sea Pearls, right here in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.

Serena’s industry experience and longstanding relationships with pearl farmers means she has tremendous knowledge about the origin and quality of the pearls she uses to create her jewellery. Sirene Sea Pearls specialises in all things pearl, including South Sea pearls, akoya

pearls, New Zealand paua pearls, mother of pearl products, and freshwater pearls.

Serena curates a diverse collection to appeal to a range of tastes and price points. There are earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, and strands of pearls that will have you marvelling at their beauty and wondering how you’ll ever choose. You can also select your own setting to add a saltwater or freshwater pearl to. Each South Sea pearl comes with its own ‘birth certificate’, showing its origin and unique characteristics.

For reliable, honest advice about all things pearl, visit Sirene Sea Pearls. Call Serena to shop by appointment seven days a week.

SIRENE SEA PEARLS

T: 0417 987 529

W: www.sireneseapearls.com.au

FB: sireneseapearls

INSTA: sireneseapearls

Creatives thrive in new Habitat

Known for its stunning beaches, grassy picnic spots and idyllic bayside scenery, Dromana is now proudly home to a unique new offering: Dromana Habitat. Mornington Peninsula’s newest collective is an artisanal precinct connecting makers and trades – brewers, candle makers, distillers, surfboard shapers – and crafting adventures close to the source for locals and visitors alike.

Hidden in Dromana’s Industrial Estate, the Dromana Habitat fosters a thriving creative community inspired by the beauty that surrounds Dromana. From fish to candles, coffee to gin, jeans and surfboards to indoor plants, small-batch spirits, cheese, wine and beers, the Habitat’s makers and trades share a love of raw materials, fresh produce, crafted goods and sharing encounters through open doors. The Dromana Habitat adds substance to seaside spirit for locals, day-trippers and inter-region adventurers.

We invite you to discover, connect and encounter as you weave your journey of discovery, pulling back the curtain on the makers and trades of the Dromana Habitat. It presents the opportunity to experience and engage with the purpose, process and passion driving each maker and trade: Bass and Flinders Distillery, JimmyRum Distillery, Red Hill Candle Co, TWØBAYS Brewing Co, Boatshed Cheese, Jetty Road Brewery, Little Rebel Coffee Roastery, Verdant Dwellings, Bass Surfboards, Everwear Denim, MP Cheese Merchants, Peninsula Fresh Seafood, Rahona Valley, Rhino Tiger Bear and The Vegan Dairy.

For business opening hours and encounters, go to www.dromanahabitat.com.au or @dromanahabitat_

DROMANA

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Locally produced sweet treats

One of the joys of the Mornington Peninsula is shopping at farmgates and meeting passionate producers such as John and Felicity Winkels. John has been a beekeeper for more than 25 years. What started out as a hobby with two beehives has grown into a fulltime business producing more than 20 varieties of cold-extracted honey and numerous honey-related products.

Visit the bee-themed gift shop to pick up some beautiful quality Peninsula honey. With so many types available, good luck deciding! The variety depends on the type of plant the bees collect the nectar from. Perhaps try banksia, clover, or eucalyptus, or give creamed honey or 100 per cent Australian manuka a go.

From honey beauty products to honey ice-cream to kits to make your own beeswax candles and wraps, just about anything honey-related you can think of you’ll find here.

During school holidays, kids can learn all about the secret life of bees at a farm talk hosted by Felicity. Book in for a fun and informative session and discover how vital bees are in our natural world, or try your hand at making a crafty natural beeswax candle.

Pure Peninsula Honey is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sundays 10am-5pm; it’s closed Christmas Day.

PURE PENINSULA HONEY

A: 871 Derril Rd, Moorooduc

T: 5978 8413

W: www.purepeninsulahoney.com.

au

Peninsula’s stunning birdlife provides

With world-class restaurants and cafes, awardwinning wineries and breweries, retail outlets to satisfy the most dedicated shopper, and myriad sport and recreation options, the Mornington Peninsula truly is a holidaymaker’s paradise. But that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to our attractions.

The Peninsula is also home to many iconic Australian birds, notably the laughing kookaburra, Australian magpie and superb fairywren, and when you consider the variety of habitats in which they are found – wetlands, shorelines, bush reserves and farms – it can be a really worthwhile experience seeking some of them out during your stay with us.

Max Burrows, from BirdLife Mornington Peninsula,

has compiled this guide on where to find and how to identify some of our feathered residents, complemented by Con Duyvestyn’s stunning photos. Happy birding!

1. Black-shouldered kite

A raptor of snow-white plumage with black wing markings. Most often seen hovering over open paddocks or resting on a dead tree. Areas such as Boneo Park and Coolart Wetlands are known areas for this bird.

2. Australian magpie

An iconic species widely distributed and most often seen on our roadside verges or perched on powerlines.

3. Superb fairywren

This lovely blue wren is seen in family groups on or near the ground. Can be found in areas such as Hastings boardwalk, and Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve.

4. Red wattlebird

Big robust member of the honeyeater clan and can be seen in most areas, including home gardens, reserves and bushlands. Look for fleshy red wattles on the neck and yellow belly. They have a raucous series of calls.

5. Little corella

Small white cockatoo generally seen in large flocks. This bird only came to our area in recent years and is now quite common. Look for these birds at Cranbourne, Frankston and Langwarrin.

another feather in our cap

6. Australian wood duck

Large duck feeds in grasslands and nests in tree hollows. Frequently seen on roadsides and is known for having large numbers of young. Inhabits wetlands throughout the Peninsula, including Devilbend, Seaford, and Balbirooroo at Balnarring.

7. Golden whistler

This is a most beautiful bird of gold and black and inhabits bushland areas. This is one bird you will have to seek out in some of our bushland reserves. It has a whistling call – hence its name – and while the male is colourful, the female is plain grey. Search Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Stringybark Bushland Reserve at Langwarrin, and Woods Bushland Reserve at Tuerong.

8. Straw-necked ibis

One of three ibis native to Australia. It is seen across the Peninsula feeding in large flocks on farmland, sometimes with its cousin the white ibis. They form a V when flying in groups to feeding areas. Look for the straw formation on its neck.

9. Willie wagtail

Cheeky little bird of black and white with a tail that continually wags. Inhabits open areas of

farmlands and grassy paddocks, and is quite often seen on farm fences.

10. Eastern rosella

This colourful parrot inhabits town and bushland areas and is generally seen in pairs. Look for this species at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve and Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve.

11. Rainbow lorikeet

This colourful member of the nectar-eating parrot family has colonised the Peninsula and is seen in most habitats. It is easily found given its penchant for areas close to human occupation.

12. Laughing kookaburra

Distributed across the Peninsula in towns and bushland and can often be seen perching on powerlines.

BirdLife Australia is the premier organisation for bird advocacy in Australia, and BirdLife Mornington Peninsula is one of its branches. It is focused on bird issues throughout the Peninsula and welcomes new members from the region and elsewhere. BirdLife Mornington Peninsula has produced a book titled Where to Find Birds

On the Mornington Peninsula to assist people in their birdwatching pursuits. For further details, visit www.birdlifeaustralia.org.au

ROSEBUD CAPEL SOUND BONEO TOOTGAROOK RYE

With its picturesque sandy bay coastline, safe swimming beaches, excellent fishing off the pier and a 2km stretch of retail heaven, Rosebud is like the quintessential seaside town taken straight from a movie. The iconic foreshore campground is a place of cherished memories for families who have pitched their tents in summer and come back year after year to rediscover Rosebud’s quiet magic. Although there’s plenty to do in the sea – hire a boat, kayak or jetski, for example – a stone’s throw inland is the magnificent Yawa Aquatic Centre. Here visitors can choose to relax in the spa or raise their heart rate in the gym, learn new skills in the pool or practise old ones, and catch up with friends and family.

A short drive away is the Tootgarook Wetland, a vital ecological feature that was once the largest landmark on the southern end of the

Peninsula, stretching almost the whole length between the bay and the ocean. Enjoy the walk around and see if you can find some of the birds, native mammals, reptiles, fish, insects and many indigenous flora species that are still in the area.

Head back to the coast to entertain the kids at the fabulous community-built Ryes Up Playground. It’s securely fenced, has barbecues and toilets, and is right across the road from a plethora of eateries to sate your appetite. It’s also near the 309m Rye Pier, where you can do some jetty jumping or snorkel along the 200m Octopuses Garden Marine Trail, where underwater signs allow you to take a self-guided tour and learn about the area’s sea life. At Easter and over summer, the legendary Rye Summer Carnival comes to life in a burst of colour, fun and laughter.

It’s all about the simple, old-school pleasures in this part of the world.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

GUNNAMATTA - STEVE BROWN

CAPE SCHANCK - STEVE BROWN

YAWA AQUATIC CENTRE - STEVE BROWN

Have fun at Hawkes Farm

A visit to Hawkes Farm will inspire you to cook up a holiday feast and remind you how special it is to know exactly where your food comes from.

The Hawkes family have owned and operated their 56ha farm in Boneo for more than 40 years. They’re proud to provide visitors to their farmgate with top-quality seasonal produce, including onions, carrots, strawberries, radishes, corn and parsley.

It’s their delicious potatoes that everyone talks about. On the weekend, Hawkes’ famous potatoes are hand-cut and thrice cooked in their food truck. If you need a good reason to go food shopping, this is it. In addition to Hawkes’ produce, there’s a wide range of quality produce and gourmet products from other Peninsula growers

and producers that add to the temptations.

When you finish shopping, you can grab a coffee made using ethically sourced beans from local roasters Little Rebel. Bring the kids too; of course they’ll love the hot chips, but there’s also a child-friendly vegie patch to relax by and a fun sandpit.

Hawkes Farm also offers educational group tours, so get in touch for more details. And if you prefer to shop online, there’s a click and collect service available. Hawkes Farm is open seven days from 8am-5pm; it’s closed Christmas Day.

HAWKES FARM

A: 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo

T: 5988 6785 W: www.hawkesfarm.com.au

FB: HawkesVegetables

INSTA: hawkes_farm

New shopping experience for Rosebud

The new redevelopment at Rosebud Square launches in December 2022, bringing a whole new shopping experience to the Rosebud community. Featuring a new Woolworths supermarket and 10 specialty retailers, as well as refurbished amenities and changes to the northwestern carpark, Rosebud Square will cater to all your needs in one convenient location. Improved furniture and fixtures alongside a new welcoming entry statement will add to the ambience and localisation.

Over the next 12 months the centre will continue to invest in the evolution of our offering with the introduction of Dan Murphy’s in 2023 into the existing Woolworths. The focus of the redevelopment is on you, the Rosebud community, and continuing to improve your shopping experience. See you this summer for a full calendar of free in-centre holiday entertainment!

ROSEBUD PLAZA

A: cnr Boneo Rd and McCombe St, Rosebud T: 4435 0100

Artist impression only, subject to change.

W: www.rosebudplaza.com.au

FB: rosebudplaza

INSTA: rosebudplaza

Lifejackets save lives, so make sure you wear one

Nothing beats getting out on the boat over summer, but don’t set off until everyone aboard is wearing a lifejacket.

Maritime Safety Victoria’s manager recreational boating safety Gareth Johnson said a lifejacket can only save your life if you’re wearing it. “If you end up in the water, you are much more likely to survive if you are wearing a lifejacket,” Mr Johnson said. “And when accidents do happen, there is rarely time to put a lifejacket on.

“Lifejackets must be maintained to ensure reliable operation; this includes self-inspection and servicing by accredited agents. There are many types of lifejackets available today that meet the appropriate standards, so find the style that works for you and wear it.”

Life Saving Victoria general manager health promotion and communications Dr Bernadette Matthews said that of all the boating-related drownings during the past decade, 79 per cent of victims were either not wearing a lifejacket, it was ill-fitting, or it was worn incorrectly.

Dr Matthews also urged boaters to always check the weather before heading out, to never head out alone, and to always carry a radio or EPIRB so they can raise the alarm in an emergency.

Enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly this summer so we can welcome you back.

Hot weather sparks water safety warning

Life Saving Victoria is urging all parents and carers to watch children around water over summer. The organisation issued its warning during a recent spate of high temperatures in Melbourne, with many families heading to beaches and waterways or taking advantage of their backyard pools to cool off.

“Twenty seconds is all it takes for a child to drown,” said LSV’s acting operations manager, Kane Treloar. “Further, for every toddler who drowns, another 10 are hospitalised, some left with permanent disabilities. It’s paramount to always supervise children closely around water, with children under five years of age within arm’s reach, and children under 10 years of age within supervisor’s line of

sight. If you have a home swimming pool, make sure you restrict access to water, ensure your pool/ spa fence is compliant, and never leave pool gates propped open.

“If you are taking your children for a day at the beach, make sure you are properly prepared and aware,” Mr Treloar said. “Rips are the No.1 beach hazard for swimmers. Learning how to identify and avoid a rip current is essential for beachgoers. You can learn about rips at beachsafe.org.au

“When you get to the beach, stop to check for rips, look for other dangers, and plan how to stay safe. Consider whether you could rescue your child if they got into trouble. If not, head to a patrolled location or pool with lifeguards instead.”

Safety Beach

It’s hard to believe that Safety Beach, so popular with families, stand-up paddleboarders and canoeists, was once known as Shark Bay.

The earlier name was apparently a reference to the sharks that were attracted to the refuse dumped by an abattoir into a waterway that flowed into the bay. Even after the abattoir had closed and the water was clear – resulting in a dramatic decrease in shark sightings – the name kept swimmers away for obvious reasons.

The decision was made by the Mornington Peninsula Shire to change the name to Safety Beach in a bid to attract swimmers back to the 2.7km of foreshore. It worked. The calm, shallow water of Safety Beach is ideal for families with small children, and there’s also a playground on the foreshore adding to the appeal.

The beach is lined with iconic, brightly painted beach boxes, and while sitting on the sand you can take in the sweeping views to Mount Martha. Safe and scenic, this is a beach where you can sit back, relax and catch the summer breeze.

McCrae

This charming coastal village and popular swimming spot between Rosebud and Dromana takes its name from early settler Georgiana McCrae. Georgiana was born in London and later moved to Scotland, where she met her future husband, Andrew McCrae. Georgiana and her children arrived in Victoria from Scotland in 1840 to be reunited with Andrew, a lawyer, who had come out to Australia ahead of the family.

Before her marriage and move to Australia, Georgiana had already shown her pioneering spirit through her work as a professional portraitist, which was unconventional for a woman of her time. When Georgiana was just 17, she was awarded a silver medal for her portrait of her grandfather, the fourth Duke of Gordon, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. Once she settled in Victoria, however, Georgiana’s painting became something she did for enjoyment only.

In 1844, the McCraes built a homestead called McCrae Cottage on pastoral land. Georgiana made friends with the traditional owners of the area, the Bunurong. One of Georgiana’s noted portraits during her time at McCrae Cottage is of her friend Eliza, a Bunurong woman.

Dromana

The story behind the name of the seaside town of Dromana goes along the lines that in the late 1830s, Irish gold prospectors flooded into the township in search of their fortune, and the name Dromana is a reference to the Irish seaside town of the same name.

Not known for its gold-prospecting opportunities these days – unless you count coastal real estate as gold –Dromana has become a thriving shopping, beach-going and boating area. With Arthurs Seat as its backdrop, it is a picturesque township nestled between Safety Beach and McCrae. The Dromana Pier offers a perfect vantage point to take in the views of the bay and then to look back at Arthurs Seat, the highest point on the Peninsula.

The gold rush days may be over, but Dromana continues to be a favourite for those who love the bay and the beauty of the bushland nearby.

Summer favourite returns to Rye

Summer means ice-cream, days at the beach, road trips, and one of the most popular activities for all ages – carnivals!

Locals and vacationers alike will be thrilled with the news that the annual Rye Summer Carnival is back, bringing some much-needed joy and fun to the foreshore as it comes to life after sunset.

Four generations of the Wittingslow family have been involved in running the carnival since its inception in 1955 to raise money for the rebuilding of the Rye RSL. They’re one of Australia’s oldest carnival families and most respected amusement events companies, creating laughter and magical memories for more than 80 years.

Almost 70,000 people attend the Rye Summer Carnival each year. “It's an institution on the Peninsula,” says owner Michael Wittingslow. “We have people coming from NSW, Queensland, everywhere. There are plenty of locals and Melbourne people whose families have been coming down since my grandfather was here, then when my father was here, and now I’m here with my children running it. It's a generational thing. We have people who first met at the carnival as kids; they got married and brought their kids and now grandkids back. Their eyes light up when you talk about it.”

The Rye Summer Carnival opens on Boxing Day and runs daily until January 30 from 6pm until late. Visitors can expect to get ocean views from a new giant ferris wheel, giggles from the teacups and squeals of terror from a new ghost train, with many other rides as well. It’s the perfect place for families and teenagers to satisfy their thrill-seeking urges this summer.

BLAIRGOWRIE SORRENTO PORTSEA

Whether you’re enjoying fresh oysters at The Conti, exploring a historical site or paddling out in the waves, it’s time to break out the sunscreen because the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula is calling.

Blairgowrie is ideal for a back-to-basics beach holiday, offering small-town charm, plenty of great cafes and shops, and a 200m jetty known as the most popular shore dive site for recreational scuba diving inside Port Phillip. The 5km beach has a continuous foreshore reserve offering an idyllic backdrop for walking, swimming, and water activities. Sign up for sailing lessons at the Blairgowrie

Yacht Squadron or simply admire the view while enjoying a meal.

The calm, crescent-shaped front beach at Sorrento is perfect for a family day out, as is the Sorrento Historic Park on the clifftop above, featuring colourful garden beds, lawns, barbecues, a children's playground, and walking tracks with scenic views. The rugged back beach is for the more adventurous – surf, soak in the scenery at one of five lookouts, or explore enormous rock pools at low tide. The main street shops will satisfy all your cravings, whether it be for art, books, coffee, food, clothing, or one of their famous vanilla slices.

As the Peninsula reaches its pointy

end, there’s glamour, allure and history on display at Portsea. Point Nepean National Park features an intriguing labyrinth of tunnels and forts, built to guard the Heads. At the fascinating Quarantine Station, there are almost 50 heritage-listed buildings that tell the tale of how immigrants spent their first

weeks in Australia. See how the other half live as you take in the upmarket dream homes and private jetties on the clifftop Millionaires Walk, then finish your day at the iconic Portsea Hotel as you wine, dine and take in the ocean views. You’ll definitely feel like you’re on holiday!

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Photo: Jeremy Wright

Treat yourself to a little luxury

The Continental Sorrento offers an array of drinking and dining experiences to rival any on the Mornington Peninsula. Be one of the first to experience the restoration of this iconic seaside destination which delivers a little piece of luxury to everyone.

Celebrity chef restaurateur Scott Pickett’s decadent Audrey’s restaurant received its first hat in this year’s Good Food Guide, with its chef Nicholas Deligiannis winning Good Food’s Young Chef Of The Year – the ultimate accolade for a committed and talented young cook.

Head to The Conti bar for a relaxed lunch with friends and family during the day, or live music and entertainment at night. In a nod to the rich history of the precinct, feast on reinvented pub classics and traditional wood-fired pizzas, as well as a selection of Thai dishes from Melbourne’s acclaimed Longrain restaurant.

For a refined but relaxed experience, try The Atrium, whose all-day dining menu beautifully matches the venue’s light-filled dining room. Day to night it provides the perfect spot for an elegant lunch gathering, afternoon cocktail or light dinner with friends.

The Continental Sorrento precinct also includes The InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, bringing seaside luxury and sweeping views over Port Phillip, as well as the world-class Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.

THE CONTINENTAL SORRENTO

A: 1-21 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento

T: 0400 500 658

W: www.thecontinentalsorrento.com.au

FB: thecontinentalsorrento

INSTA: thecontinentalsorrento

THE CONTINENTAL

Photo: Greg Elms

Much more than a golf course

Mercure Portsea at Portsea Golf Club is located on the scenic Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD.

The multi-million-dollar facility is perched high with balconies overlooking Port Phillip and the golf course. Set in the grounds of the iconic Portsea Golf Club, it is within walking distance of the famous Portsea back beach, the Quarantine Station at Point Nepean National Park, and Portsea Village.

The fully integrated complex comprises 24

boutique rooms, each with Foxtel, airconditioning, king suites and outdoor areas, making it a superb destination for those seeking to get away, relax and explore the region.

Hosting a bar and bistro, an 18-hole championship golf course and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology as part of the wedding, conference and function centre, Mercure Portsea at Portsea Golf Club has three private function rooms all with ceiling-to-floor windows and private balconies that afford breathtaking views of the course and the bay.

Mercure Portsea at Portsea Golf Club is the ideal location for conferencing, weddings, functions, and of course corporate golf days. And if it’s a great getaway you’re after, it simply can’t be beat.

Check out www.Portseagolf.com.au to find out more.

PORTSEA GOLF CLUB

A: 46 London Bridge Rd, Portsea T: 5981 6100

W: www.portseagolf.com.au

Things to see and do

The Point Nepean Quarantine Station and its heritage-listed buildings are open daily between 9am-4.30pm for visitors to explore, including the brick boiler house, hospital and disinfecting complex. The nearby beach is also a great place for a picnic. You may even see some dolphins in the bay.

Fort Nepean guards the entrance to Port Phillip. Above and below ground you will find gun emplacements, barracks, tunnels, ammunition magazines, an engine house and even a bomb-proof room. The site has stunning views of the Rip, where the calm water of the port meets the Southern Ocean.

Gunners Cottage is a great starting point to explore the park on foot or enjoy a picnic. Surrounded by moonah woodlands, walks in this area offer a perfect setting to enjoy the indigenous flora and fauna of this coastal environment. A gentle 600m walk to Observatory Point is rewarded with gorgeous views of the bay. Walks are a major drawcard for visitors to Point Nepean. Many of the tracks merge, so choose your distance and route and start walking. There are a variety of tracks on offer through different landscapes. Take the Range Area Walk through coastal vegetation to Cheviot Hill, where you will experience stunning ocean coastal views. A walk along the Narrows offers ocean views on one side of the road and bay views on the other.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

POINT NEPEAN IMAGES - STEVE BROWN

Take Millionaires Walk

Taking a walk anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula is a joyous experience, but the Millionaires Walk along the clifftops from Sorrento to Portsea is simply thrilling. Besides being gobsmacked by the awesome views across Port Phillip and beyond, one gets to step into the backyards of the Peninsula’s rich and famous.

As well as marvelling at their beautifully landscaped gardens, you’ll get an insight into how Melbourne’s elite spend time at their summer mansions with their private jetties. The 2km walk is relatively easy and usually takes about two hours.

Start your walk at the Sorrento Beach rotunda and stroll along the Esplanade towards Portsea.

You’ll pass the old stream train terminals before mounting the clifftop and ambling through the millionaires’ gardens.

On a clear day you can see Queenscliff on the other side of the bay and you’ll also observe

the Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry coming and going.

You’ll even see the millionaires out in their leisure craft.

Sorrento was the location of the first white settlement in Victoria.

Just before you finish the walk in Portsea, you will come across a white trig station and a stone monument. This is the place where, on March 9, 1802, Acting Lieutenant John Murray, commander of HMS Lady Nelson, took possession of Port King, which was later renamed Port Phillip, for the British Crown.

He marked the spot by hoisting the Union Jack.

If you’re thirsty after the walk, you can always drop into the Portsea Hotel for a refreshment or two.

Millionaires Walk isn’t the only great walk in the Sorrento area; there are plenty of others.

For more information, contact the Beachside Visitor Centre on 5984 1478.

Sorrento then and now

For tens of thousands of years before Sorrento became the seaside holiday destination it is today, it was home to the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung People who are the traditional owners of the land and waterways.

European settlers arrived in the early 1800s but abandoned their settlement and headed to Tasmania. By the mid-1800s, wealthy Melburnians took an interest in the coastal area as a holiday escape.

Parliamentarian Sir Charles Gavan Duffy bought land at Point King in 1963 and built a holiday house. It was Duffy who gave Sorrento its name after the coastal town of the same name in Italy.

In 1870, Sorrento Park was established and is a popular place today for picnics overlooking the bay and for children to play on the extensive wooden playground on top of the park’s grassy hill.

The iconic Continental Hotel was built in 1875 by George Selth Coppin, who was a dynamic, entrepreneurial character. The updated Continental Hotel maintains the historic limestone façade, as does Stringers and Hotel Sorrento. Come walk the streets of Sorrento.

ST ANDREWS BEACH TO FLINDERS

Located on the Bass Strait side of the southern extremity of the Mornington Peninsula, the delightful suburb of St Andrews Beach offers long stretches of pristine beach coupled with wild nature. Its unique topography creates an ideal environment for golf courses; it’s also known for good surf and is home to the St Andrews Beach Brewery, making for an intoxicating combination.

Drawing visitors from across the state is the tiny town of Fingal, home of the Peninsula Hot Springs, where visitors take in the tranquillity of the bush while soaking in one of the many geothermal heated pools dotted throughout.

For the more adventurous, Gunnamatta is a place of high-energy and action, being the home of Gunnamatta Trail Rides, with gentle horses traversing beautiful coastal bushland and spectacular beaches. For water activities, the beach itself stretches 3km and is exposed to strong westerly wind and big waves, with the best surf breaks around. Deep rip holes, reefs and rocks offer excellent fishing opportunities, but swimming is hazardous with strong rips close to shore.

Perched on rocky cliffs, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse was built in 1859 using Peninsula limestone and features a rare spiral staircase made from stone. Take a tour then follow the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track to see some of the best

coastal scenery. Time your visit for low tide so you can venture down to the beach to explore the marine life. For a touch of luxury, head to the RACV Cape Schanck Resort and National Golf Club –they’re regarded as the heart of the community.

For beach-lovers who prefer holiday destinations that commercial development seems to have forgotten, Flinders fits the bill, with numerous historical buildings complemented by antique shops and several art galleries. Dine out at popular gastro pub The Deck at Flinders Hotel or devour authentic Italian fare at Donna Maria.

Check out the region for yourself and you’ll soon see why residents choose it over the hustle and bustle of busier beach towns.

A general store, and a whole lot more

Since 1866, locals and visitors to Flinders have relied on Flinders General Store for everything from daily essentials to special treats. The store has always been and continues to be the heartbeat of this coastal village.

From the outside, the unassuming weatherboard building looks like a typical general store selling bread, milk, and ice-creams. Inside you discover what’s more like a firstclass food hall with fresh produce, quality meat, a delicatessen, and every ingredient imaginable on the grocery shelves. The bottle shop is well stocked with many local and international wines to tempt everyone.

Locals, day-trippers and holidaymakers shop side by side. They take time to stop at the coffee bar that not only serves fabulous

coffee but is also the place to pick up a snack on the way to the surf or golf course. There are freshly made baguettes, muffins baked daily, Ivan’s gourmet pies, and a dedicated cabinet with gluten-free treats.

Opening daily from 7am-7pm, Flinders General Store offers modern convenience with old-fashioned service; there’s also a post office at the side of the store. It’s easy to see why it’s stood the test of time and continues to be a hub for community, good food, and wine. Online ordering and delivery is available in the local area Monday to Friday. Click and collect is also available.

FLINDERS GENERAL STORE

A: 48 Cook St, Flinders

T: 5989 0207

W: www.flindersgeneralstore.com.au

FB: flindersgeneralstore

INSTA: flindersgeneralstore

7am – 7pm, 7 days a week

Discover a world of dinosaurs and adventure

This summer, Boneo Discovery Park has been transformed into Jurassic Park where visitors can see sand-sculpted dinosaurs and life-size robotic dinosaurs. Prepare to be amazed!

DINO In Sand is the first new exhibition to be held at Boneo Discovery Park in three years.

Two and a half thousand tonnes of sand have been used by a team of international professional sand sculptors to create captivating dinosaur sculptures in intricate detail.

There’s a lot to learn at DINO about fossil formation, rock formations, the age of the Earth and its changes over time. Ideas around evolution and extinction can be explored. Kids of all ages will see the natural world in a whole new way. A ticket to the open-air exhibition also gives you access to 11ha of wetlands, mazes, gardens, a jumping castle, and giant games.

If you want to spend longer at the park, buy tickets for the pedal boats or bungy tramp. Both are lots of fun. Or you can book the kids in for a session on the new tadpole rope and zipline adventure course. This is suitable for four and fiveyear-old children accompanied by a paying adult; children aged 6-12 can climb the course on their own.

Younger kids can enjoy the perfect introduction to treesurfing as they climb and balance their way through the trees on Adventure Island, and at the end of the course the flying fox awaits. The 45-minute session includes the ropes course, zip line, and rock wall. Bookings are essential and can be made online.

The lakeside café is licensed as well as serving great coffee and delicious café fare made using local produce. Take a seat on the deck overlooking the lake or grab an ice-cream and wander along the wetlands boardwalk. The jumping castle is positioned perfectly, in sight of the café so the kids can jump and you can relax.

For more information and bookings, go to www. boneodiscoverypark.com.au

Relax and enjoy these

CLARKE

Holly Throsby Fiction $33

Each resident of the regional town of Clarke is haunted by their own small mysteries. Clarke is a tale of missing women and broken families, unlikely connections, and the comedy of everyday life. This is a warm and compelling story of Australian family life.

MURDER IN WILLIAMSTOWN

Kerry Greenwood Mystery $33

A delightful romp with all the trademark elements of a Phryne Fisher mystery – extravagant house parties, flirtatious dalliances, mysterious goings on, enterprising young people and of course the travails of Dot and Hugh.

SEEING OTHER PEOPLE

Diana Reid Fiction $33

Charlie and Eleanor are very different sisters living in Sydney, both trying to work out how to be a good person. When Charlie’s beautiful housemate Helen enters their lives, the two find their relationship stretched to breaking point.

WILLOWMAN

Inga Simpson Literary Fiction $33

Allan Reader is keeping the family business of Reader Cricket Bats alive in a small workshop in Melbourne. Allan decides to make a Reader bat for Todd Harrow, a gifted young batter, selecting the best piece of willow he’s harvested. But can Allan’s fledgling renaissance carry on after Harrow is stricken by injury and a strained personal life?

THE SOULMATE

Sally Hepworth Domestic Thriller $35

Pippa and Gabe have just moved to a beautiful cliffside cottage in Victoria that harbours a dark secret: it is a common suicide spot. Gabe becomes a town hero when he talks several people off the brink, but when he fails to save someone, Pippa starts to ask questions.

THE SEVEN SKINS OF ESTHER WILDING

Holly Ringland Fiction $33

The last time Esther Wilding’s sister Aura was seen, she was walking towards the sea. Esther travels from Tasmania to Copenhagen looking for answers, embarking on a haunting and magical journey of sisterly love, grief, and joy.

FANATIC HEART

Tom Keneally Historical Fiction $33 John Mitchel is an Irish patriot, politician, lawyer and journalist. When he is charged with treason and transported to Van Diemen’s Land and then to the US, what ensues is a conflicting but entertaining study of the life of a man with devout beliefs and a supportive family.

THE PASSENGER

Cormac McCarthy Fiction $45 (hardback)

Bobby Western is a scuba diver and mathematical genius called to a strange job – a submerged jet with nine bodies intact, but missing the black box, the pilot’s bag, and the 10th passenger. This is a thrilling mystery that weaves together science, maths, philosophy and theology in examination of what it is to live, love and die.

DEMON COPPERHEAD

Barbara Kingsolver Fiction $33

Inspired by David Copperfield, Demon Copperhead follows a young boy born into rural poverty who faces unbearable hardship in the derelict foster care system, and fights to make a better life for himself.

LUCY BY THE SEA

Elizabeth Strout Literary Fiction $33 Lucy by the Sea follows the heroine of Strout’s My Name is Lucy Barton through the early days of the pandemic, where Lucy finds herself living with her ex-husband in a coastal house in Maine.

THE LAST CHAIRLIFT

John Irving Literary/Political Fiction $50 (hardback)

Over the span of 80 years, we follow the life of Adam Brewster, son of a would-be skiing champion. Equal parts humour and heartbreak, Irving brings us wrestling, comedy clubs in the 1960s and the evolving nature of sexual politics.

THE BOOK EATERS

Sunyi Dean Fantasy/Horror Fiction $33

Devon is a book eater. For her family, books are food and they retain a book’s content after eating it. Devon learns that real life doesn’t always come with happy endings when her son is born with a darker kind of hunger: not for books, but for human minds.

top reads during summer

FOREVER HOME

Graham Norton Fiction $33

Quietly heroic Carol has at last found happiness with a man much older than her. Yet when illness strikes, she unwillingly finds herself in the midst of family drama in this Irish, dark comedy, cosy mystery novel.

LESSONS

Ian McEwan

Historical Fiction/Coming-of-age $33

Difficult relationships with his parents and complex influences of women in his life render Roland Baines a seeker of the next thing, a scarred psychology in need of something but not quite knowing what. Baines’ life is a fascinating telling of 20th century events in this epic new semi-autobiographical novel.

THE BULLET THAT MISSED

Richard Osman Mystery $33

The third outing for the Thursday Murder Club gang sees them investigate a young TV reporter’s death from 10 years ago.

THE TILT

Chris Hammer Thriller/Mystery $33

Newly promoted detective Neil Buchanan returns to her hometown to a decades-old murder mystery. Set against the backdrop of the Murray River, Hammer weaves together history, espionage and family intrigue.

DAY’S END

Garry Disher Mystery $33

Hirsch is used to dealing with problems that beset small towns. While helping Janne, whose backpacker son disappeared during lockdown, a burnt suitcase is found containing a body, and the tension ramps up.

MINDS

WENT

WALKING: PAUL KELLY’S SONGS REIMAGINED

Claire G. Coleman, Jock Serong, Mark Smith & Neil A. White Music $33

In this tribute to Paul Kelly and his music, a group of revered Australian authors use his lyrics to tell stories that will transport you – but also keep you coming back home.

MY DREAM TIME

Ash Barty Sport $50 (hardback)

Ash Barty’s memoir is about tennis, family, teamwork, purpose, perspective, gratitude, disappointment, doing what you love, being your best, winning and more.

THE WORLD

Simon Sebag Montefiore History $65 (hardback)

A magisterial history of humanity viewed through the lens of its most powerful dynasties. This is world history told on both the most grand and intimate of scales.

THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN

Peter FitzSimons Military History $50 (hardback)

By far the deadliest battle for Australian forces in Vietnam, the Battle of Long Tan has a proud place in the annals of Australian military history. FitzSimons reveals the horror, the bravery, the wins and the losses that faced our soldiers.

SURRENDER: 40 SONGS, ONE STORY Bono Music $50 (hardback)

From his youth in Dublin to his expansive career with U2 and his passionate activism against the global issues of poverty and AIDS, this memoir is a no-holds-barred affair written with a poetic finesse.

Note: All are paperback unless stated otherwise Provided by Farrells Bookshop, 143 Main Street Mornington. P: 5975 5034. www.farrells.com.au

FOR EVERY FOODIE

Grab a copy of the 2023 edition of Eat.Drink for the ultimate foodies guide to the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston. Includes Mornington Peninsula Wine map and over 120 delicious restaurants, cafes, wineries, breweries and more. Available at newsagents and bookstores across the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne or purchase online. www.eatdrinkmp.com.au

mornington peninsula

from earth to sea, abundance for all to share

SOMERS BALNARRING TYABB BITTERN HASTINGS

Western Port may not be as talked about as other Mornington Peninsula regions, but it’s filled with historical sites and dramatic scenery.

Start your exploration inland at Balnarring, once bestowed with the award for the cleanest beach in Victoria. Be captivated by the bushy headland around Cliff Rd offering spectacular views. Wind your way down to the beach, where racehorses are trained early in the morning in preparation for racecourse action. A selection of quality wineries are located in the rural areas, so drop in for a tipple and a meal.

Somers is a semi-rural seaside town looking towards Phillip Island. Its safe swimming beach runs east to Sandy Point, with tidal mudflats and

mangroves north of the Point. The area is known for its substantial koala population, pleasant foreshore walks, and the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead, where visitors can tour the Victorian mansion, its beautiful gardens and wetlands.

HMAS Cerberus, the navy’s premier training establishment at Crib Point, has had almost half a billion dollars spent on an upgrade for future training needs, and the public are invited to its first open day in many years on Sunday, March 19.

The opening of the railway line from Frankston to Crib Point in 1889 saw the formation of Bittern, which has its own national park, Warringine Park. Start a walk at Jack’s Beach over the mangroves via boardwalks and end at Hastings, where you’ll find the safest, most protected small boat harbour on

Western Port.

The extensive waterfront foreshore area is a combination of native bush, mangroves and large grassy areas, with a playground, walking and cycling tracks, picnic and barbecue areas, a waterfront café, and an aquatic centre. The pelicans at the jetty will keep you entertained with their fish-eating antics.

Tyabb is known for its antique stores, which range from small shops to enormous packing houses that were once cool stores for fruit growers who created one of Victoria’s first orchard areas here. The café scene is as good as anything you’ll find in Melbourne, so stop in at Mitch & Co. or Prodigal Coffee Roasters to taste for yourself as you wrap up your visit to Western Port.

Community ensures the preservation of Hastings’ rich history

In the 1860s, Hastings was a thriving fishing village. The historic Fish Shed at the pier was built in 1866. Fishermen stored their fish on ice in the cool room until it was taken to market by horse and cart.

One hundred and twenty years later, the Fish Shed was under threat of demolition due to poor foundations and timber rot. In 1988, three local men, all descendants of original fishing families, voluntarily restored the old building to retain the Hastings landmark. These men removed the building, restored it in the backyard of one of the old fishing shacks in Skinner St, replaced the foundations then hauled the completed building back, rolling it into position using large logs. Commercial net fishing was banned in Western Port in 2007. When the selling of fresh fish from the Fish Shed ceased, the doors of the old building were locked shut.

In 2016 the building lay idle and Western Port Tourism, newly reestablished after a hiatus of several years, secured a lease from Parks Victoria to open the building as a visitor information centre. In the tradition of supporting the

community, the restoration needed internally was undertaken by a keen band of local volunteers. These were not old fishing families but a new community contributing to enhance and maintain the history and opportunities of the area.

And continuing the tradition, the visitor information centre in the iconic building is run by a team of volunteers. Visit the centre to see what items of interest they have: maps, places to go, things to see. Over the road at the Hastings Historical Society museum, John Woolley, from the team of men who restored the building in 1988, continues to contribute. Here you can follow the history of the town and families in more detail.

If you would like to join either of the friendly teams of volunteers, please drop in and pick up some information. Email hwphs@outlook. com or phone the Hastings-Western Port Historical Society on 0490 132 011, or email enquiry@visitwesternport. com.au or phone the visitor information centre on 0425 739 567.

HASTINGS-WESTERN PORT HISTORICAL

T: 0490 132 011

E: hwphs@outlook.com

W: www.hwphs.org.au

SOCIETY

FB: Hastings-Western Port Historical Society Inc.

Come and discover for yourself what Hastings and the Museum can offer. A large family history file can be found with information on the pioneers and families of Hastings and surrounds.

There is something for everyone.

Museum located cnr Marine Parade and Skinner Sts, Hastings

Open Sundays 2-4pm and Wednesdays 10am-noon

There is a 40 pounder Armstrong Gun, the fishing boat Johanna and many other interesting artifacts as well as a photographic display. A great model of the ship Myrtle Burgess created by members of the Society. www.hwphs.org.au

Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, months of July and August

Adults $5, Pensioners $3 and children free.

The Hastings-Western Port Historical Society Inc was established in 1973 – 50 year anniversary in 2023

Fabulous Korean fare in two great locations

The Geonbae team were the first to bring Korean food to the Mornington Peninsula at their Frankston restaurant. Two years ago they opened in Hastings, bringing a memorable cultural experience to the Western Port dining scene.

Lunch or dinner at these authentic Korean restaurants is a feast for the senses. From the moment you arrive you’ll be captivated by the aromas emanating from the sizzling barbecues that are built into each table, a traditional feature of Korean dining.

Why not kick things off with a soju

cocktail, a rice wine that’s the drink of choice in Korea. You can order a soju paddle to find your favourite or try a fruit-based soju cocktail. A good range of Korean beers and Australian wines are also available to complement your meal.

Prime cuts of beef, pork or chicken are hand-cut with precision then cooked to perfection right in front of you. Served with small side dishes called banchan, the bold flavours and vibrant colours of salted and fermented vegetables make for a taste sensation.

Korean food is designed to be shared, so go with friends, order an array of dishes, and enjoy. Friendly

staff who know their stuff are on hand to guide you in your choices.

Both restaurants are open 11am-11pm daily, including public holidays; they’re closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Check the websites for further details.

GEONBAE KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT

A: 27 Marine Pde, Hastings

T: 5916 1688

A: 4 Kananook Creek Blvd, Frankston T: 7023 4144

W: www.geonbae.com.au

FB: GeonbaeHastings

FB: GeonbaeFrankston

INSTA: geonbaehastings

INSTA: geonbaefrankston

Out with the new and in with the old

What’s old is new again, and with more than 60 curated stalls, The Vintage Shed is a true vintage department store. We have a wide range of antiques, retro pieces, reproductions, Art Deco treasures, pre-loved clothing, framed pictures, industrial vintage pieces, old-school toys, nautical goods, Men's Shed items, and beautiful new homewares. Introducing a historical, heirloom, antique, or vintage piece can quickly change the mood of a room, imbuing it with depth and a focal point.

Across from the main shed is our little sister, Seeking Vintage. This is a carefully curated store with beautiful one-off pieces, and it also specialises in vinyl records, farmhouse antiques, antique tools and curios, vintage coastal and boho items, Scandi and Mid-century fashions and accessories, and a dedicated vintage garden room.

Follow us on Instagram @vintageshed and @ seekingvintagetyabb, and on Facebook @ vintageshed.tyabb, where you can also find details of The Vintage Shed’s regular Shop and Social days –when the champagne flows, the music plays, and all

the stalls offer sensational discounts.

The Vintage Shed is open Mondays from 11am-4pm and Thursday to Sunday from 10am-5pm, as well as public holidays.

THE VINTAGE SHED

A: 93 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb

T: 5977 4195

W: www.thevintageshed.com.au

FB: vintageshed.tyabb

INSTA: vintageshed

INSTA: seekingvintagetyabb

With over 60 curated stalls

Across from the main shed is our little sister Seeking Vintage Opening Hours

Monday 11 – 3 Thursday to Sunday 10 – 5 Public Holidays

Follow us on Instagram @vintageshed @seekingvintagetyabb and Facebook Vintage Shed

Navy’s training base opens its doors to the public

There are some exciting changes afoot at Crib Point. HMAS Cerberus Commanding Officer Captain Ainsley Morthorpe CSM RAN has invited the public to the base’s first open day in many years on Sunday, March 19, from 10am-4pm, giving everyone the chance to see the base after almost half a billion dollars was spent on its upgrade for future training.

HMAS Cerberus is the navy’s premier training establishment, covering more than 1500ha at Western Port’s Hanns Inlet. About 6000 personnel are trained there annually, with about 800 trainees on board at any one time. It’s also home to the HMAS Cerberus Heritage and Learning Centre, which is currently closed for renovations but will reopen in February in time for the open day so people can see the reimagining of the large naval heritage collection of artefacts, photographs and memorabilia.

The theme of the free open day is An Adventure And A Career Like No Other. “From the day of my enlistment I have been on a great adventure, which has taught me to be a better person

and has taken me all over the world,” Capt Morthorpe said.

All training areas and schools will be open, with officers and sailors available to answer questions about life, work and study at HMAS Cerberus. The museum and many buildings will also be open, and visitors can wander at their leisure, take a guided tour, or hop on a shuttle bus to be transported around the base. There will be vintage aircraft displays, RAAF fly-overs, Navy Band Melbourne concerts, Navy Drone Racing Club, interactive displays, and much more.

The open day is expected to attract up to 25,000 people. Registration is required for everyone aged over 16. For more details, go to www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmascerberus

For those who want a dose of naval history before then, Rosebud Library currently has an exhibition featuring historical artefacts from HMAS Cerberus, including training manuals and books that you can flip through.

So much to see and do in Somerville

If you find yourself growing weary of the summer holiday crowds on the Peninsula, take the short drive over to Somerville and you’ll find an uber cool township that’s on the move. Sitting midway between the bays of Port Phillip and Western Port, Somerville combines a relaxed rural feel with a wealth of top-class restaurants, cafes, breweries and distilleries, excellent retail outlets, family-friendly activities, and a fascinating history.

The Yaringa Boat Harbour at the top of Western Port is a great place to begin your visit. Some say it offers the best fishing on the Peninsula, and there are coastal bushwalks to explore and picnic areas in which to relax and take in the area’s natural beauty. When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a table at Cptn Jack’s, a stunning waterfront restaurant.

If someone in your family or friends group has an interest in brewing or distilling – or simply enjoys a tipple – the Somerville Industrial Area is sure to satisfy. It’s home to Chief’s Son Distillery, Original Spirit Co, Smart Brothers Brewing on FrankstonFlinders Rd, and Port Phillip Brewing.

If you’re holidaying with a four-legged friend, you’ll be happy to know Somerville is home to some

excellent gated dog parks. Clarendon Reserve, at 114 Clarendon Drive, is a large, grassed reserve with an off-leash area about 50m from a playground, so kids and dogs can have lots of fun without getting in each other’s way. While there is a bin near the playground, there’s no water tap so you might want to bring a bowl and some water to keep your pet hydrated. Meanwhile, at 70 Grant Rd you’ll find the huge Grant Road Reserve, which has bins and water taps at both its eastern and western entrances, as well as off-street parking at the eastern entrance. There is lots of space for your dog to run and explore, and because it’s so popular he or she should be able to find some canine company to interact with.

History buffs will be in their element at Fruit Growers Reserve at 328 Jones Rd. In years past, the fruit growers of Somerville and Tyabb were involved in almost every facet of their communities’ projects; they were instrumental in bringing electricity and water to Somerville and Tyabb and influenced train timetables, mail times and telephone connections.

In her book She's Apples: A History Of Fruit Tree Nurseries, Orchards & Cool Stores 1853-1994, Leila Shaw writes that the Somerville Fruitgrowers’ Association was the district’s unofficial progress association, involved in such diverse matters as

herd-testing cows, tobacco growing, an angora rabbit industry, butter factories, swimming pools and a roller-skating rink. For almost half a century from 1895, the association ran annual fruit and agricultural shows at the reserve that were advertised as the largest in the southern hemisphere and attracted dignitaries including prime ministers and governors-general, as well as trains full of visitors from Melbourne. In 2018, a display shed was built at the reserve to house historic fruit harvesting and processing machinery. The reserve now hosts the Somerville Family Fun Day each Labour Day weekend with rides and market stalls.

Another area with a rich history is the Gordon Rolfe Bushland Reserve & Wetland at Iluka Rd. It takes its name from Somerville resident William Gordon L’Oste-Rolfe (1910-2004), who developed the site of the Yaringa Boat Harbour by digging a channel to access deep water in the 1960s and built a boat ramp, mooring jetty and caravan park. These remained untouched for about 20 years before they were further developed to cater for fishers and yachties.

With its rich history and myriad present-day attractions, Somerville is well worth adding to your holiday itinerary.

MAIN RIDGE RED HILL MERRICKS

If you’re looking for action, activity and enterprise, there’s an area of the Mornington Peninsula that was made for adventurers and adrenaline junkies.

Intrepid travellers can begin with a walk up the 304m granite hill of Arthurs Seat, getting your breath back just before it’s taken away again by the incredible view over Port Phillip. Take a comfortable gondola ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle for an even better bird’s-eye view – it’s the highest point on the Peninsula. The Seawinds ornamental gardens are a must-visit. Be entranced by the kangaroos hopping freely around and choose a walking track through the state park. Kids and kids at heart will love the Enchanted Adventure tree-surfing.

Going inland to Main Ridge provides the chance to rest and sample everything on offer at the wineries, including perennial favourite Ten Minutes by Tractor; orchards including Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm and farmgate; galleries and restaurants; or stay active on the trail at Baldry’s Circuit through the remnants of tall forest.

At Red Hill, work up an appetite by losing yourself in one of many activities – there are dozens of walking tracks, bike paths and horse-riding trails – then pop into establishments such as Red Gum BBQ, Red Hill Brewery, Montalto and Tucks for food you’ll talk about for weeks.

From there, drop by the beach at Point Leo for excellent surfing, body boarding and swimming and a popular camping ground. Shoreham was once an area known for farming, dairy cattle and timber, but it’s now a happy haven for some of Melbourne’s most wealthy residents due to its quiet nature. Ashcombe Maze entreats people to come for the food, stay for the view and get lost in the fun, which is easy to do when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty in the hedge maze and gardens.

At Merricks it's all about the simple pleasures: relaxed mornings enjoying breakfast at one of the many eateries such the Merricks General Wine Store, beach walks with an ice-cream in hand, bicycle rides, a visit to the yacht club, and afternoon hikes looking out to Phillip Island.

When you’ve had your fill of escapades, there’s still time to appreciate the rolling sand dunes, easygoing vibe and beautiful coastal views.

MAIN RIDGE DAIRY/BILLIES

GORDON STUDIO GLASSBLOWERS RED HILL

SHOREHAM POINT LEO ARTHURS SEAT

Lots to love at Hart’s Farm

Tucked in the enchanting hinterland between Western Port and Port Phillip you’ll find boutique accommodation and a farmgate filled with gourmet delights at Hart’s Farm.

Owners Penny and Graeme Hart have created a peaceful and stylish haven for a getaway, as well as producing award-winning olive oil and ciders from produce grown on their 10ha property. Their olive grove consists of more than 1100 trees – Tuscan varieties that suit the growing conditions of the Mornington Peninsula – while their apple and pear orchard of heritage cider and perry varietals stands at 325 trees.

The Harts were inspired by their travels in Europe to create their own traditionally made cider. Their range includes five delicious varieties that

you can sample during a tasting at the farmgate. There’s a dry cider, medium dry, spiced cider, and quince, pear and apple cider, and two specialties: cidre noir, a fusion of cider and pinot noir; and cidre de glacé, the Harts’ take on Normandy ice cider. Cidre de glacé is a rich, sweet, still cider with crisp acidity that’s perfect to enjoy after dinner instead of the traditional ‘sticky’ wine.

You can book accommodation online and stock up on cider and olive oil from their online shop or visit their farmgate. See website for opening hours.

HART’S FARM

A: 300 Tucks Rd, Shoreham

T: 0414 238 158

E: info@hartsfarm.com.au

W: www.hartsfarm.com.au

FB: hartsfarm. morningtonpeninsula

INSTA: hartsfarm

Family farm built on passion and an appreciation for quality, the farmgate is a destination in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula for cider tastings and sales.

Hart’s Farm are producers of naturally fermented traditional ciders (and a few with a new twist), extra virgin olive oils & cider vinegars. Commercial enquiries welcome.

Tradition and quality are at the forefront of what we do.

Opening hours: 11am-4pm weekends & public holidays (or on-line) extended hours over summer holidays. 300 Tucks Rd, Shoreham www.hartsfarm.com.au

P. 0414 238 158

Soar in style

There’s always something on at the Arthurs Seat Eagle, where you can spend summer soaring the heights of the Mornington Peninsula with scenic views across Port Phillip towards Melbourne, the coast and beyond.

In recent years the Eagle has become known for its seasonal festivals and events. With extensive interior renovations complete, it’s time for the exciting Eagle Summer Festival to begin. From December 26 until January 26, you can enjoy a varied schedule of fun-filled family-friendly activities running every day.

Eagerly awaited by locals and holidaymakers alike, the Summer Festival showcases the best of the Peninsula in a magnificently breathtaking setting. Partnering with local businesses and community groups, the Eagle has put together a program that features local talent and creative collaborations.

From yoga and kung fu sessions to kids’ dance programs and magic shows, there’s something on for everyone these holidays.

At the summit station, enjoy a quality, casual dining experience at the newly refurbished Eagle Café. With amazing views from nearly every table and an expansive outdoor deck, there’s plenty of room to sit with a coffee and a snack or even a local wine or beer while the kids enjoy a holiday crafting session or roving musical performance. Alternatively, order a gourmet picnic to be enjoyed in one of the many shady picnic areas before visiting the revamped beachy base station for other outdoor activities and a touch

of whimsy.

The new renovations are a true marriage of old and new, with historic nostalgia merging effortlessly with streamlined, contemporary design. The addition of a retail store at the summit, as well as an original chairlift from the 1960s, is creating a well-deserved buzz.

Gliding quietly through the sky in the present-day, state-of-the-art Eagle gondolas, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported a million miles away rather than one hour’s drive from Melbourne. With uninterrupted views framed by swaying gum trees and birdsong, grazing kangaroos and the trace of distant coastlines, you are immersed in a truly majestic Australian landscape.

Named in honour of the wedge-tailed eagle, indigenous to the area and revered in local Aboriginal lore, the Eagle gondola experience is one of flight through an area steeped in history and surrounded by nature. Soaring above and past the trees, you ride inside comfortable, all-weather and fully accessible cabins. It’s an aweinspiring journey as you ascend quietly over Arthurs Seat State Park.

Arthurs Seat Eagle is open from 9am until 6pm every day of the Summer Festival. To book tickets and see the full Summer Festival events schedule, go to www. aseagle.com.au

ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE

A: 795 Arthurs Seat Rd, Dromana

T: 5987 0600

W: www.aseagle.com.au

FB: ArthursSeatEagle

INSTA: arthursseateagle

Sweet summer memories are made at Rocky Creek

Nothing says summer like the heady, sweet scent of juicy, ripe strawberries. At Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm, hidden in the Peninsula’s beautiful hinterland, you have the chance to immerse yourself in fields of these delicious red berries and pick them yourself. One of the main attractions here is the ‘u-pick’ season that runs from November to April. It’s a wonderful activity for the whole family, and memories will be made in the rows of strawberries where the young and young at heart experience the joy of seeking ripe strawberries to pick.

Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm was formerly known as Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. This much-loved Mornington Peninsula destination is back in the hands of the original owners, the Gallace family.

Strawberry farmer Matt Gallace’s grandparents bought the farm in 1964, and after many successful

strawberry growing seasons the family sold it in 2016. At the end of 2022 the Gallaces had the chance to buy it back and jumped at it.

The Gallaces have been breeding new varieties of strawberries for more than 20 years. Their efforts to develop the perfect strawberry continue. The colour, flavour, firmness and yield are key elements.

“My father’s been growing strawberries for almost his whole life,” Matt says. “What he doesn’t know about growing strawberries isn’t worth knowing.”

A visit to Rocky Creek is a great day out for the whole family. If you don’t feel like picking your own strawberries, there are plenty of punnets filled with freshly picked strawberries for sale at the farmgate.

The other highlight here is morning or afternoon tea at the café. As you’d expect, strawberries are the star of the menu. Every item contains strawberries. Devonshire tea with freshly baked scones, housemade strawberry jam and fresh local cream is a classic favourite. A simple strawberry smoothie

is elevated to new heights with farm-fresh, handpicked strawberries grown in the field outside the door.

Strawberries dipped in Belgian couverture chocolate are a sensation, as is the signature Strawberry Temptation dessert: farm-fresh strawberries, strawberry ice-cream and cream piled high in an old-fashioned sundae glass. “We’re bringing back all the old favourites,” Matt says.

There is a lovely selection of local gourmet delights to enjoy at home, including jams, freezedried strawberries, and chocolates.  Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm is open 10am-5pm daily. See the website for details.

ROCKY CREEK STRAWBERRY FARM

A: 244 Shands Rd, Main Ridge

W: www.rockycreek.com.au

FB: rockycreekstrawberryfarm

INSTA: rockycreekstrawberryfarm

Local Knowledge: Carissa Nyalu

Singer-songwriter Carissa Nyalu grew up in Balnarring and is a proud Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung woman. Carissa expresses her stories through singing in language as well as taking you on a journey to a place where you can feel her deep connection to her ancestral roots. From surfing to bushwalking, Carissa makes the most of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula natural world. Here are Carissa’s top four summer favourite things to do and see.

1. Meaning 'home by the sea', Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings is an Aboriginal gathering place where people can come together for a range of programs to increase a sense of belonging and cultural strengthening. Visit the Bush Nursery, which specialises in local indigenous plants and is open to the public, or check out their programs online to see what events are happening.

2. Surfing Western Port. It's no secret we have some absolutely stunning beaches on the Peninsula. I love to surf the bay beaches, as they are a bit calmer and cruisier than the back beaches. Perfect for beginners too. A great place to purchase all your surf gear needs and get advice is Trigger Brothers Surf Shop Point Leo. Always very helpful.

3. Check out some original live music at the Pig & Whistle in Main Ridge in the Shed Theatre, which is a quirky and rustic old machinery shed where they hold some great gigs. Head to their website to see what's on over summer.

4. And of course, our beautiful bushwalks. We have such a variety of walks down here. One of my favourites would have to be Baldry's Crossing in Main Ridge. You can choose to do the shorter circuit walk (great for the little ones), which takes you along the creek and around amongst the grass trees, or go even further to the Bushrangers Bay walk. And if you have learnt about the local bushtucker from visiting Willum Warrain, you will find that it is all around you through this walk.

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Photo: Amy Sayle Photography

Keep an eye out for long-nosed bandicoots

The Mornington Peninsula is known as a destination for nature-lovers because of its diverse landscape, ranging from the wild ocean coastline to the magical hinterland. And of course the landscape provides habitat for a range of wildlife to keep your eye out for.

Long-nosed bandicoots on the southern Peninsula have made the news this year because they’ve been seen in increasing numbers. This has delighted Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network’s newsletter editor Greg Holland. “It was getting very close to long-nosed bandicoots completely disappearing from the Peninsula,” he says.

Greg says long-nosed bandicoots are important to our environment because they’re classified as ecosystem engineers. “They spend a lot of time foraging. They scratch around and shove their nose into the ground, sniffing to see if there’s any bug or

insects. If they smell an insect, they dig a little hole to get to it. Those holes stay around for quite a while, so they’ve opened the ground below to oxygen and extra water filtration. The ground is covered with leaf litter and bits of old trees. They’re continually scrambling that around and eventually that gets buried in soil and composts down, cultivating the soil.”

Through Parks Victoria’s biennial camera monitoring program Signs of Healthy Parks, the population trends of long-nosed bandicoots and other small mammals in the Point Nepean and Mornington Peninsula national parks are mapped over time. Camera evidence this year shows long-nosed bandicoots have dispersed over 10km to the southeast. “Not only has their range increased, but they have increased in numbers too due to good habitat conditions providing places for them to hide from predators, providing good food and good

habitat to raise kids in.”

The main two predators of the long-nosed bandicoots are foxes and cats. Mornington Peninsula Shire has a 24-hour cat curfew in place. Despite this, the camera monitoring program confirmed sightings of cats out at night. In support of long-nosed bandicoot protection, Parks Victoria’s Southern Peninsula team has secured three years of federal funding to target fox and cat predation through Sorrento, Blairgowrie, and west Rye.

“All ecosystems are interconnected,” Greg says. “Humans are part of the ecosystem and we often forget that. If you unbalance the ecosystem, which humans have been pretty good at doing, then the ecosystem becomes unstable and species die out, and other species you don’t want to grow in number – like foxes and cats – start to multiply.”

NIKKI FISHER

Things to see and do around Frankston

Take a wander along the Kananook Creek walking trail, starting near the Frankston Yacht Club. Climb Olivers Hill at sunset and take in the 180-degree view over Port Phillip. Enjoy the pop-up food and ice-cream vans.

Venture to McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery for an arts adventure. Let the kids have a run and a play at George Pentland Botanical Gardens.

Shop ‘til you drop in Frankston’s bustling retail precinct whilst you take in the street art. You simply must get to this amazing beach, Frankston or Seaford, take your pick.

FRANKSTON

As a finalist in the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for 2022, Frankston City is proving it’s no longer just the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula but a destination drawcard in its own right. With its picturesque blend of city, bush and bay, it’s now a place to collect memories and Instagrammable moments.

First stop – the streets of the CBD, where the annual Big Picture Fest sees national and international street artists painting large-scale murals in public spaces. Get more of an art fix at the stunning McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery in Langwarrin, featuring more than 100 sculptures set in 16ha of native bushland and a gallery with 2600 artworks. Just

down the road are the tranquil gardens of Cruden Farm, once the residence of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. From there, soak up history at the 1855 French-style Ballam Park Homestead and 1920s American Colonial mansion Mulberry Hill.

Head to the glistening bay and award-winning beaches for sunbaking, swimming, diving, boating and water activities, or sit at Olivers Hill enjoying fish and chips, coffee or cocktails by the bay while the sun sets in spectacular fashion.

There’s plenty of free family fun too, with regular markets, festivals and workshops held from Seaford to Karingal, Langwarrin, Carrum Downs and Frankston.

Immerse yourself in nature at one of Frankston’s many beautiful flora and fauna sites, including Kananook Creek, Sweetwater Creek, Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve, the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, or the Yumarrala Wetlands just a short drive away in Somerville.

For a trek of a different kind, try the Beer and Spirits Trail. Start at Dainton Brewery, with six more stops including That Spirited Lot, Frankston Brewhouse and The Hop Shop. The restaurants and nightlife are next-level, with St Kilda’s Hotel Lona opening a new Frankston venue, and The Deck still providing good times.

If it’s been a while, drop into Frankston and expect the unexpected.

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Rain, hail or shine, Sk8house is the place to be this summer

Are you looking for great value family fun this summer? Sk8house is the answer. Rain, hail or shine, Sk8house is open with general sessions, birthday parties, private functions and skate classes too.

With cost-of-living pressures on the rise, it’s great to know that a day out doesn't have to break the bank. Sk8house general session entry is just $16 a person, with discounted group passes available for just $50 for four people, plus $4 skate hire if required. You can also grab a Super Summer Pass to get five general sessions for the price of four.

If classes are more your speed, they also offer five classes for the price of four with the great value 5 Class Super Pass. On top of that, you can add on selected general sessions to your skate class for just $5 extra. This gives you up to six hours of skating fun from

just $20 a person, including skate hire.

Sk8house is not only a fantastic place for a family-friendly day out, they also have an awesome skate shop on site and online. Gift vouchers are available and free delivery is available Australiawide for orders over $99.

Visit www.sk8house.com.au for all session and class details, and visit their online Sk8shop to support this wonderful, family-owned local business today.

SK8HOUSE

A: 3/2 Amayla Cres, Carrum Downs T: 9773 6799

E: info@sk8house.com.au W: www.sk8house.com.au

Family fun and fitness for all at award-winning PARC

Looking for a cost-effective fun day out for the whole family? Need a great local gym while visiting the Mornington Peninsula? Or need a little ‘me time’ to unwind or reinvigorate? Then the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC) is the perfect place for you.

Located in the heart of Frankston, PARC provides a welcoming and inclusive place to connect, get active and be happy. PARC was recently awarded Facility of the Year at the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards. These awards recognise outstanding commitment to the aquatics and recreation sector, and celebrate PARC’s leading health club, aquatic spaces, and importantly, its friendly and supportive team.

For families, PARC provides a great day out for everyone. Visit PARC for the best pool party on the Peninsula, with fantastic pools and activities for kids of all ages. You and the little ones will be entertained for hours with PARC’s AquaPlay aquatic playground, a multi-level water attraction that includes jets, valves, spray nozzles, a spinning water wheel and a giant tipping bucket. The excitement continues with PARC’s amazing green waterslide. Take a turn down their famous Constrictor raft slide, a 114m waterslide that can swallow a single or two-person raft into its depths, down a series of spine-tingling

spirals with tight, high-banking turns.

Away from the pools, visitors are welcome to take advantage of PARC’s health club and enjoy the Centre’s fully equipped gym as well as group exercise timetable. The team at PARC are passionate about helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Whether you are new to exercise or you’re a seasoned athlete, they are 100 per cent focused on supporting you along your wellbeing journey, so why not come on in for a workout and release those endorphins?

PARC is also home to a warm water pool area, complete with sauna, steam room and spa, so come on down for a float and get those holiday feels. With on-site parking, a café with lots of delicious options to choose from, a crèche, a retail store and free Wi-Fi, every trip to PARC is a fun and convenient one.

So whether you’re after some fabulous family fun or some solo time in the gym, pool or spa, PARC has something for everyone. Make a splash; the team can’t wait to welcome you!

To visit PARC or for more information, go to visit www.parcfrankston.com.au

PENINSULA AQUATIC RECREATION CENTRE

A: 16N Cranbourne Rd, Frankston

T: 9781 8448

W: parcfrankston.com.au

FB: parcfrankston

INSTA: parcfrankston

New art space invites creative connections

People talk about silver linings and what can come from challenging times. For a father and daughter duo, it has been the new creative space they have established in the community. One thing that Steve and Melissa have committed to over the past year is bringing art back to the centre of their worlds. “Dad and I have always been dreamers and talkers,” Melissa said. “We have had so many ideas for projects and we finally found one to bring to reality.”

Along the journey, like-minded people have been connecting to help build up this unique art space. Dr Brigid Burke has joined the team and plays a crucial role bringing both talent and a wealth of

experience to the Teal House scene. There are a variety of contributors who run workshops and hold events, as well as many talented artists who exhibit their works. Whether you are an admirer, an artist or looking for something a bit different, The Teal House Gallery invites you to visit and indulge yourself in making creative connections.

THE TEAL HOUSE GALLERY

A: 6-8 Skye Rd, Frankston

T: 0432 147 108

FB: Tealhousegallery

A community focused gallery, supporting both established and emerging local artists.

The Teal House Gallery offers a creative space to exhibit works. Also, available for events such as sip & paint art for healing, meditation, life drawing classes, fabric collage workshop, music events, sale / marketing & mentoring workshops.

Starting in the new year will be lessons with contemporary landscape & sea scape oils on canvas – stay tuned.

Opening hours: Friday 2pm–5pm | Saturday 2pm-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pm www.thetealhousegallery.com | facebook.com/Tealhousegallery

The Teal House Gallery, 6-8 Skye Rd, Frankston

HOLIDAY Mornington Peninsula & Frankston

Seaford café makes everyone feel right at home

A newcomer to Seaford’s café scene, 18-EightyEight is all about bringing the community together to stop and appreciate the sweeter moments in life. 18-EightyEight is serious about coffee – the liquid gold that gets us through the day –and it’s made here with love using Naked Espresso coffee beans and your choice of milk: full-cream, skinny, lactose-free, Bonsoy, almond, oat, or hemp milk. The café walls are adorned with art for sale by local artists, and to add to the community support vibe, customers have embraced 18-EightyEight’s Pay It Forward

Hanging Coffee campaign.

Now for the sweet part. Whether it’s a loaded milkshake, a beautifully presented slice of cake or an icecream sundae, there are plenty of treats. In case you haven’t a clue what a loaded milkshake is, prepare for sensory overload. It starts with a creamy delicious milkshake and then all manner of toppings are piled high, from biscuits to lollies to caramel popcorn.

If you’re in the mood for something savoury, 18-EightyEight’s jaffles are a hit. Gluten-free and vegan diners are happily catered for.

With a dedicated kids’ corner featuring toys, puzzles, games and a monthly colouring competition

all designed to keep the little ones happy while you enjoy your coffee, 18-EightyEight is a true family-friendly café. That includes your dog, which is invited to sit down to a puppycino and treats from The Paw Grocer at the new outside dining area.

If you’re looking for a café that feels like home away from home, 18-EightyEight is that place. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 5.30am6.30pm, Friday and Saturday 5.30am7.30pm, and Sunday 5.30am-5.30pm.

18-EIGHTYEIGHT

A: 5 Station St, Seaford

T: 8774 5374

W: www.1888seaford.com.au

FB: 1888seaford

INSTA: 1888seaford

Delicious Desserts

Boutique espresso & dessert bar

A selection of amazing, sweet treats to suit everyone. Including gluten free, nut free, dairy free, vegan desserts.

Best Coffee

We know our coffee, we source our beans from Naked Espresso. Also serving Naked Espresso’s Mega Choc blend and decaf.

Range of Milk

We’ve got you covered

Food To Enjoy

Not only are we a dessert bar, but we have savory options to suit as well. Head to our website to see our jaffle and snack menu.

Keep our beaches clean and pristine

OK, so the heat is on and the beach is packed, and at the end of the day what are we left with besides salt-encrusted skin and a thirst for something cold and golden? Litter. Unfortunately, as the summer holidays roll on, the amount of rubbish left behind increases. Apart from picking up the litter you see straight away and either putting it in a bin or taking it home to pop in either your rubbish or recycling bin, why not join the ever-growing group of residents across the Mornington Peninsula who are taking matters into their own hands and become a member of a Beach Patrol group.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire supports seven Beach Patrol groups, including Dromana/Safety Beach, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Rosebud/McCrae, Rye and Tootgarook, whose members remove huge amounts of waste from our coastline.

There’s also a Litter Stopper phone app that has been developed by Beach Patrol and Love Our Streets and allows groups of ‘rubbish busters’ to collect data about litter and share it with likeminded people in a quest to influence policymakers to enforce change. It’s simple to use and means a record of just how much rubbish is clogging up our beautiful waterways can be viewed on the server at any time. You can download a manual recording sheet if the app is not for you.

All Mornington Beach Patrol groups have a Facebook page with relevant dates and times for beach cleans and general information regarding looking after our environment. Keeping the beach and water clean is not rocket science, people. Don’t litter in the first place, but if you see litter, pick it up and put it where it should be — not in our water nor on our beaches. Log on to www.beachpatrol.com. au/Litter-Stopper to find out more.

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Local Knowledge: Alice Zaslavsky

Award-winning author and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky is famous for her enthusiasm when it comes to telling the world how wonderful vegetables are. Her acclaimed book In Praise of Veg has kindled passion for cooking and eating more veg all over the world. The book has been published in 11 countries, winning the 2021 ABIA for Best Illustrated Non-Fiction as well as picking up medals and accolades in Germany, The Netherlands and the UK. Her new book is called The Joy of Better Cooking. Alice calls the Mornington Peninsula home, which makes sense because we all know that’s where the best vegetables are grown, and here she shares four of her favourite things to do and see on the Peninsula.

1. At the risk of adding to the queues, I’m putting this one right at the top of the list: grabbing the best chips in Victoria from Hawkes Farm in Boneo. They’re growing the spuds, then triple-cooking them for the crispiest crunch and the softest, sweetest innards. It’s almost irresistible to grab a couple of trays of a Sunday morning, and perfect for frying up with a couple of eggs and some feta the next day for leftovers.

2. Grabbing some unshucked oysters on the Flinders Pier to take home and scoff – along with some mussels from the other side, which we’ll happily steam with some herbs and any splashes of bubbles left over from the oysterfest.

3. We love the produce on the Peninsula – whether it’s from Torello Farm, Hawkes, Peninsula Fresh or our soon to be regular members’ box from Barragunda Collective. If you’re a Ninch local, you might like to get on board too.

4. The main drag in Sorrento is where we can happily get a bit of a shopping hit should we be running low on linen pants and European kidswear. Capped off with a play at the terrific Sorrento playground and some coffee and cake from Flat BLK, of course. If we’re especially hungry, a visit to Hotel Sorrento for their excellent zucchini chips and other fare is sure to satisfy. If you’re sensing a ‘chips’ theme here, then you are entirely correct.

ACCOMMODATION

A place to stay for every holidaymaker

We all want something different when we get away. One person’s idea of holiday heaven is pitching a tent on the foreshore and waking up to the bay breeze. Another person won’t leave home unless there’s a million-dollar view and 5-star amenities waiting for them.

One of the best things about the Mornington Peninsula when it comes to accommodation is that we have it all. From camping to farm stays to B&Bs, resorts, hotels, and clifftop mansions, there’s a perfect place to stay for all budgets and wish lists.

Not only is there a variety of accommodation styles to choose from – including pet-friendly – the locations all have something different to offer too. With the magic of the hinterland so close to the beauty of our bay and ocean beaches, if you want to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean or to wake up in a forest to the trill of birdsong, you have the option to choose.

Whether you’re here for the weekend or the whole summer, there’s a place to stay that’s perfect for you and your holiday crew – a place where memories will be made to last a lifetime, and on the drive home you’ll say: “Let’s stay here again next year.”

HOLIDAY SHACKS

WILINDI ESTATE

Airbnb income without the headaches

Using your second property or holiday home for Airbnb rentals has high appeal because of the great financial returns often available, but the hassles and extra efforts that come hand in hand can really taint the picture. Yes, you can manage the rentals yourself, but experienced and licensed property managers are likely to be your fastest route to more money and fewer headaches. That’s something we all definitely want in our lives. Holiday Rentals Australia steps up for many owners to do just that – generating better returns for you with less work

from you. Amateur managers promise but professional managers deliver.

Focused on building trust with owners through commonsense advice and complete dependability, they succeed by doing ordinary things extraordinarily well and get rave reviews from owners and guests alike. Wouldn’t you want hands-on managers like them on your team?

To talk holiday rentals and find out more about their unique, personal approach, contact Stephen on 0435 768 514.

HOLIDAY RENTALS AUSTRALIA

T: 0435 768 514 W: www.holidayrentalsaustralia.com.au

ATTENTION HOLIDAY HOME OWNERS

Whether you already use it for holiday rentals, managing it yourself or through an agent, or are considering holiday rentals for the first time, we’d love to talk with you.

We pride ourselves on helping holiday home owners make the best possible returns with the least hassle, whilst keeping their properties in perfect condition to get glowing reviews.

Call Stephen today on 0435 768 514 for a friendly no-obligation chat and appraisal of your property.

www.HolidayRentalsAustralia.com.au

We’re looking for you and your holiday house or apartment!

One-of-a-kind luxury farm stay

Wilindi Estate owner Miriam Heatherich has created a unique farm stay. Not only is Wilindi Estate a place to relax and experience peaceful farm life, it’s also home to registered charity Herd Harmony.

Miriam’s experience working with vulnerable children and animals informs her mission with Herd Harmony to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned and neglected animals. Miriam aims to educate the community and seeks to strengthen the humananimal bond. The Wilindi Estate

farm tour provides an up-close animal experience for her guests.

Through Herd Harmony, Miriam has successfully rescued horses from the slaughter pipeline and others who have been abandoned. A team of qualified equine vets, dentists and farriers provide integral support in nurturing each horse back to full health so the horse can then be eventually rehomed.

The story of how Herd Harmony was created has provided inspiration for a children’s book, Farmer Mim to the Rescue, the

inspiring and amusing rhyming story of animal-lover Mim and how rescuing a pony changes her life.

Wilindi Estate has two twobedroom cottages and a studio cottage, each with its own private, fenced garden. The property also has a heated pool, games room and a trampoline.

WILINDI ESTATE

A: 15 Alden St, Tyabb

T: 0410 419 245 W: www.wilindiestate.com

FB: Herd Harmony

INSTA: wilindi_estate

WILINDI ESTATE WELCOMES YOU TO A UNIQUE FARM STAY

wilindiestate.com

15 Alden St, Tyabb | 0410 419 245

Taking holiday accommodation to the next level

Welcome to Holiday Shacks’ beautiful portfolio of curated accommodation across Victoria’s stunning southeast coast from Frankston to Portsea. We offer complete peace of mind when you are ready to book your next getaway or list your luxury property with our professionally managed services and concierge guest experiences. Our concierge service can look after booking wine tours, custom guest experiences, in-house chefs, babysitting or a personal driver. Let us know your needs and we can accommodate them.

Whether you are planning your next family holiday, a retreat for couples or friends, or you’re looking for the perfect accommodation for your wedding group, then speak to us today.

Why Holiday Shacks?

We have 15 years of professional experience behind us and pride ourselves on our customer loyalty and a trusted track record.

We provide 5-star accommodation with luxury and unique villas in which to relax and unwind – our reviews are testament to this.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our homes, and our owner reviews speak volumes.

Each one of our properties has a charm of its own, but all have one thing in common: they all offer luxury. Contact us on 1300 161 780 or visit our website at www. holidayshacks.com.au

HOLIDAY SHACKS

T: 1300 161 780

W: www.holidayshacks.com.au

FB: holidayshacks

INSTA: holidayshacks

BOOK THE HOLIDAY YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF

Quality interiors, amenities, space and exclusive privacy — our homes are available year round, for both short and extended stays, on the stunning Mornington Peninsula, Vic.

LUXURY ESTATES & BEAUTIFULLY STYLED HOMES

ACCOMMODATING YOUR DREAMS.

Holiday rentals without the hassle

Better than a Peninsula-produced pinot noir is ease of mind when either making your holiday booking or listing your short-term rental.

Ready Set Stay clients get countless bookings and their 5-star reviews reflect the professional, sincere service they receive. Whether it is a change of scenery for people working from home or a weekend getaway among the vines, the team at Ready Set Stay provide hasslefree, knowledgeable experiences to both owners and guests.

The business is run by Tammy and Jade, who alongside their skilful team are proud to offer an experienced, full-management service focusing on efficient service and the ability to provide unparalleled specialty accommodation.

They provide their expertise in short-term property management and holiday rentals as well as offering their skills in interior design, staging, marketing, inspecting, urgent maintenance and booking management. By dedicating a

property manager to your home, this ensures all communication with owners remains their No.1 priority, and having area housekeepers maximises the safety and care of your home.

Consider the potential of turning your furnished Peninsula property into a booming holiday rental. The best bit is it costs nothing to come on board.

Ready Set Stay is your hassle-free passive income partner.

READY SET STAY

T: 9111 9966

E: info@readysetstay.com.au

The perfect place for your Peninsula escape!

OUR MARKETS

Craft markets a mecca for savvy shoppers

RED HILL

Come one, come all to the jewel in the craft markets crown. If you like wandering for hours, observing the beautiful things handcrafted by skilled artisans, you’ll love Red Hill Community Market. When you arrive and are guided to your carpark, you’ll get a sense of what hundreds of market stalls actually look like. Snaking around the oval and beneath the trees, inside pavilions and back out again, are stalls as far as the eye can see. Strap on your best walking shoes and get here early before the good stuff is gone.

Red Hill Community Market: first Saturday of the month 8am-1pm. December and January markets from 8am-2pm. Parking $5 with small surcharge for electronic payments. Please, no dogs.

PORTSEA

If you looked up the dictionary definition of ‘picturesque’, you’d just find an image of Point Nepean Portsea Market. Our stallholder family set up barely a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. Take a walk through the trees and be sure to follow every deviation in the path to discover more wares for sale and eateries to sustain you. With views over the bay and out to sea, this is a shopping experience like no other.

Point Nepean Portsea Market: Sunday, January 22; Saturday, March 11; Saturday, April 8; Saturday, June 10; 9am-2pm. Parking $5 with small surcharge for electronic payments. Please, no dogs.

MORNINGTON

Those who have been coming to Mornington for a while know just how many treasures there are to discover at Mornington Racecourse Market. If you love a good market shop as the weather warms up, this one’s for you. You’ll find a glorious assortment of market favourites: clothing, homewares, stationery, condiments, chocolate, coffee, alcoholic tipples, cuisines from around the world, and those ‘just because’ purchases that are sure to catch your eye and make your day.

Mornington Racecourse Market: second Sunday of the month (except January), 9am-2pm. Parking $5 with small surcharge for electronic payments. Please, no dogs.

MOUNT MARTHA

Take a walk on the wild side at this beautiful nature reserve. At our Mount Martha Briars Market you’ll find plenty of soul and a whole lot of heart, and it all gets poured into every lovingly handmade item you’ll see on display around the grounds of the beloved Briars. Stop for a chat with the stallholders and discover something new as you journey through the market. And keep an eye on the natural world around you too; you might spy a faunal friend.

Mount Martha Briars Market: 9am-2pm. Check the www.craftmarkets.com.au website to see when the market is running. Small surcharge applies for electronic parking payments. Please, no dogs.

OUR MARKETS

BALNARRING

Emu Plains Market: Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring Racecourse, Balnarring; 9am-2pm; see www. emuplainsmarket.com.au for dates

BITTERN

Bittern: Bittern station, FrankstonFlinders Rd; every Sunday 8am-1pm; 70+ stalls; see Facebook @profile. php?id=100027974785628

BONEO

Boneo Community Market: 572 Boneo Road, Boneo; third Saturday of month April-September 8am-12.30pm; October-March 7.30am-noon; www. boneomarket.com

Boneo Lions Club: Rosebud foreshore opposite Fourth Ave; first Sunday of month, 7am-1pm

CRIB POINT

Crib Point Community Market: Crib Point Community House, 7 Park Rd; second Saturday of month, 9am-1pm

DROMANA

Dromana Community Market: Dromana Community Park, Point Nepean Rd; fourth Saturday of month, 8.30am-1.30pm; family-friendly with fresh and seasonal produce and locally crafted products

FRANKSTON

Little Beauty Market: Beauty Park, Frankston; 9am-2pm; see www. littlebeautymarket.com.au for dates

Frankston Market: Sherlock & Hay carpark, Young St; every Sunday 8am-1pm;

Sunset Twilight Market Series: Frankston Waterfront, Pier Promenade; 3-8pm, see www.tpp. events for summer dates

HASTINGS

High St, Hastings; 9am-1pm; 40+ stalls, everything homemade, home-grown & crafted

MOOROODUC

Moorooduc Station Market: 460 Moorooduc Highway; 10am-2pm; 60-stall boutique handmade maker and street food market at historic Moorooduc station; great family day; www.unrivalledevents.com.au/ moorooducstation-market

MORNINGTON

market; see www.craftmarkets.com. au/mornington for dates

MOUNT ELIZA

Mt Eliza Farmers’: Mount Eliza Village Green; fourth Sunday of month except December, 9am-1pm; wwwmtelizafarmersmarket.com.au

MOUNT MARTHA

Mount Martha Briars Market: 450 Nepean Highway; 9am-2pm; see www.craftmarkets.com.au/mountmartha for dates

RED HILL

Red Hill Community Market: Red Hill Recreation Reserve; first Sunday of month, 8am-1pm; see www. craftmarkets.com.au/red-hill for dates ROSEBUD

Rosebud Community School: old carnival site, Nepean Highway; second Saturday of month

RYE

Rye Foreshore Market: 2307 Point Nepean Rd opposite from Rye Post Office; 7.30am-1pm; www.rosebudryerotary.org.au/ ryeforeshore-market

SHOREHAM

Shoreham Market: cnr Byrnes and Cliff roads; third Sunday of month, 9am1pm; hand-grown, made and gathered and music; www.shorehammarket. com

SOMERVILLE

Somerville Saturday Market: 2a Eramosa Rd West; second Saturday of month except January, 9am-1pm; crafts, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants and vegies

TOOTGAROOK

Food Yard Night Market: 1000A Nepean Highway, Mornington (carpark access via Yuilles Rd); 5-8pm first Saturday of month June-September, third Saturday of month in summer; see www.unrivalledevents.com.au/ food-yard for dates

Main St, Mornington: between Cromwell and Albert streets; every Wednesday 9am-3pm

Mornington Racecourse Craft Market: Racecourse Rd; 9am-2pm; 300+ stalls with animal farm and face painting for the kids; occasionally held as twilight

Mount Martha South Beach Market: Mount Martha House lawns; see www.unrivalledevents.com.au/southbeach-market for details

PEARCEDALE

Pearcedale Market: 710 BaxterTooradin Rd; third Saturday of month, 8am-noon; see Facebook @ Pearcedale-Market-162557333819466/

PORTSEA

Point Nepean Portsea Market: Portsea Quarantine Station, Point Nepean National Park; 9am-2pm; see www. craftmarkets.com.au/portsea for dates

Tootgarook Market: Tootgarook Primary School, 7 Carmichael St; fourth Saturday of month, 7.30amnoon; handmade crafts, local and fresh produce, gourmet foods, plants, bric-a-brac

TUERONG

Soul Night Market: 555 Old Moorooduc Rd, Tuerong; 5-9pm; 60 boutique street food & drink trucks, handmade makers and live soul music; see www.unrivalledevents. com.au/soul-night-market for dates

OUR MARKETS

Peninsula’s go-to crafty shopping destinations

Looking for the very best crafty shopping experiences on the Mornington Peninsula? You’ll find them both indoors and outdoors from the creators of Untold Events Co. Here is their go-to list:

Discover the Emu Plains Market. Unlike any other market you have ever seen, the EPM offers a festival-like atmosphere featuring an amazing array of food, live entertainment, fun for the kids, and of course more than 250 of the very best makers and creators Melbourne has to offer. Catch these iconic markets every month from October to April. www. emuplainsmarket.com.au

Visit the prettiest market around. Little Beauty Market has quickly become the creative hub of Frankston, showcasing more than 100 talented makers handpicked for their uniqueness. To experience all the sights and sounds this beautiful market has to offer, visit us on the fourth Saturday of the month at Beauty Park. www.littlebeautymarket.com.au

The coolest new kid on the block, Albert & Daphne’s Interest Store of Curious Goods in the heart of Main St, Mornington, is a curated collection of unique finds. A haven for men’s and women’s beautiful clothing, accessories, one-of-a-kind homewares, shoes, artwork and of course special gifts. It’s a mustvisit destination this summer. www.albertanddaphne. com.au

ART • RETAIL

Craft Markets Australia

Craft Markets Australia

Dove And Lyre

Emu Plains Market

Flinders General Store

Handmade Afghani Rugs

Hawkes Farm Gate

Ideas by the Bay

Little Beauty Market

Manyung Gallery Group

Manyung Gallery Group

Manyung Gallery Group

Manyung Gallery Group

Mornington Chamber of Commerce

Mt Eliza Chamber of Commerce

Oasis Bakery Mornington

Obtainium Antiques & Vintage

Somerville Egg Farm

The Teal House Gallery

LONDON BRIDGE

SORRENTO

MORNINGTON

THE BLOWHOLE

83 18-Eighty Eight Espresso Bar 5 Station Street Seaford P: 8774 5374 72 Arthurs Seat Eagle 1085 Arthurs Seat Rd Dromana P: 5987 0600

33 Artisan’s Alley 17 Main Street Mornington P: 5976 8742 98 Beds For Tails 130 Hendersons Rd Bittern P: 0476 248 243 61 Boneo Discovery Park 698 Limestone Rd Fingal www.boneodiscoverypark.com.au 29 Counting House Bar & Grill 787 Esplanade Mornington P: 5975 2055 93 Craft Markets Australia The Briars Mt Martha www.craftmarkets.com.au 93 Craft Markets Australia Mornington Racecourse Mornington www.craftmarkets.com.au 93 Craft Markets Australia Point Nepean National Park Portsea www.craftmarkets.com.au 93 Craft Markets Australia Red Hill Recreation Reserve Red Hill www.craftmarkets.com.au 23 Dove And Lyre 93 Main Street

Mornington P: 5902 6084 93 Emu Plains Market Balnarring Racecourse Balnarring www.emuplainsmarket.com.au

90 Fairways Resort 207 Boneo Road Rosebud P: 5950 2111

59 Flinders General Store 48-50 Cook Street Flinders P: 5989 0207 63 Farrells Bookshop 143 Main St Mornington P: 5975 5034 66 Geonbae Restaurant 4 Kananook Creek Blvd Frankston P: 7023 4144 66 Geonbae Restaurant 27 Marine Parade Hastings P: 5916 1688 2 Getaway Property Management 33/1140 Nepean Highway Mornington P: 1300 131 129 35 Handmade Afghani Rugs 23 Progress Street Mornington P: 0416 785 217 71 Hart’s Farm 300 Tucks Road Shoreham P: 0414 238 158 36 Hastings Library 7 High St Hastings www.ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au 65 Hastings-Western Port Historical Society 7 Marine Parade Hastings www.hwphs.org.au 45 Hawkes Farm Gate 661 Boneo Road Boneo P: 5988 6785 87 Holiday Rentals Australia www.holidayrentalsaustralia.com.au P: 0435 768 514 89 Holiday Shacks www.holidayshacks.com.au P: 1300 161 780 32 Ideas by the Bay 79 Main Street Mornington P: 5977 0708 67 Kidz Shed 222 Marine Parade Hastings P: 5906 5900 93 Little Beauty Market Little Beauty Park Frankston www.littlebeautymarket.com.au 27 Locked In Escape Rooms 2/2 Carbine Way Mornington www.lockedinescaperooms.com.au 28 Loosies Diner & Bar 97 Beleura Hill Rd, Mornington P: 5976 4806 17 Manyung Gallery Group 6/35 Progress St Mornington P: 9787 2953 17 Manyung Gallery Group 113 Ocean Beach Rd Sorrento P: 9787 2953 17 Manyung Gallery Group 1/37 Cook St Flinders P: 9787 2953 17 Manyung Gallery Group 54 Mt Eliza Way Mt Eliza P: 9787 2953

20

Mornington Chamber of Commerce 103A Main Street Mornington 36 Mornington Library Vancouver St Mornington www.ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au

37 Mornington Visitor Information Centre 359B Point Nepean Rd Dromana P: 5950 1579 14 Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Civic Reserve Dunns Rd Mornington P: 5950 1580

100 Mt Eliza Chamber of Commerce 70 Mt Eliza Way Mt Eliza 19 Oasis Bakery Mornington 78 Barkly St Mornington P: 9020 1300

26 Obtainium Antiques & Vintage 2/15 Progress Street Mornington P: 5975 3169 32 Paint Your World 15/1140 Nepean Highway Mornington www.paintyourworld.com.au

80 PARC Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre 16N Cranbourne Road Frankston P: 9781 8448 15 Peninsula Film Festival The Village Green Rosebud www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au

54 Portsea Golf Club 46 London Bridge Rd Portsea P: 5981 6100

41 Pure Peninsula Honey 871 Derril Rd Moorooduc P: 5978 8413 90 Ready Set Stay www.readysetstay.com.au P: 9111 9966

75 Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm 244 Shands Rd Main Ridge www.rockycreek.com.au

47 Rosebud Country Club 207 Boneo Road Rosebud P: 5950 0800 36 Rosebud Library McDowell St Rosebud www.ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au 46 Rosebud Plaza Cnr Boneo Rd & McCombe St Rosebud www.rosebudplaza.com.au 28 Rudys Fried Chicken Next to Wowee Zowee Mornington www.rudysfriedchicken.com.au 39 Sirene Pearls www.sirenepearls.com.au Dromana P: 0417 987 529 79 Sk8house Unit 3/2 Amayla Cres Carrum Downs P: 9773 6799 28 Slims Hot Pizza 19 Ranelagh Drive Mt Eliza P: 9787 9400 30 Somerville Egg Farm Cnr Eramosa Rd West & Binnak Way Moorooduc P: 5977 5405 36 Somerville Library 1085 Frankston-Flinders Rd Somerville www.ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au 24 Squires Loft Mornington 104 Main Street Mornington P: 5976 8482 31 The Big Goose 233 Mornington-Tyabb Road Moorooduc P: 0459 911 549 53 The Continental 1-21 Ocean Beach Road Sorrento P: 5935 1200 82 The Teal House Gallery 6-8 Skye Road Frankston P: 0432 147 108 39 The Valley 10 Country Club Drive Safety Beach P: 5981 0100 67 The Vintage Shed 93 Mornington-Tyabb Road Tyabb P: 5977 4195 52 Tom Katz C/O Sorrento RSL, 1/3 Hurley St Sorrento www.tomkatz.com.au 88 Wilindi Estate, Herd Harmony 15 Alden Street Tyabb P: 0410 419 245 28 Wowee Zowee 35 Main Street Mornington www.woweezowee.com.au 48 Yawa Aquatic Centre 90-100 Besgrove St Rosebud www.yawa.com.au

PETS

Pets love holidays too

We understand that pets are part of the family, so it makes perfect sense that you’d want to bring them with you on your holiday. Fortunately, there are many great pet-friendly accommodation options on the Mornington Peninsula and in Greater Frankston. If you want your pet to be looked after nearby, book them into one of the Peninsula’s boarding kennels and catteries.

Pets are welcome in our summer paradise but it’s important to know there are some regulations that Mornington Peninsula Shire and Frankston City Council have in place to make sure it’s a happy holiday for everyone. The diverse natural environments on the Peninsula are home to a vast array of wildlife. More than 400 native animal species have been recorded here and they need to be safe from pets. Councils require cats to be confined to the property at which they are staying at all times. Dogs need to be confined too unless you’re out for a walk together, and they must be on a lead in public places except in one of the many leash-free parks or beaches.

Dogs are banned from the Mornington Peninsula National Park in keeping with wildlife protection; they are also prohibited from most Shire beaches between 9am-7pm during the daylight saving period, and from Frankston City Council beaches

between 9.30am-7.30pm from December through to March. Outside these times you can walk together on the beach as long as your dog is on a leash. Read the signs at the entrance to our beaches or parks for leash-free regulations.

There are more than 30 roam-free parks and reserves in Frankston City. At Ballam Park in Karingal your dog can have fun at the dog agility park while you enjoy a picnic. There are barbecues and picnic tables for your convenience.

When out walking, remember to bring bags with you to clean up after your dog. There are on-the-spot fines of more than $100 if you fail to do so.

If your pet gets lost while you’re on holiday here, you can call Mornington Peninsula Shire on 5950 1050 during business hours or 1300 850 600 after hours, and Frankston City Council on 9702 8055 weekdays between 1-6pm and weekends from 9am-12.30pm.

All-year leash-free beaches

Flinders Beach, Flinders: Long sandy beach between Dodds Creek and Manton Creek; steep access track.

Fosters Beach, Mornington: Access via walking track opposite No.630 The Esplanade; limited off-street parking.

Royal Beach, Mornington: Down steep stairs to pebble and sand beach opposite the Royal Hotel.

Hawker Beach, Mount Martha: Enter via steep fire access track down to beach opposite Helena St.

Tassells Cove, Safety Beach: Small sandy beach between Martha Cove entrance and Bruce Rd; limited parking.

Somers Beach, Somers: 200m of sandy beach east of the ‘100 steps’ access track; off-street parking at top of 100 steps.

Mornington Peninsula Shire leash-free areas: mornpen.vic.gov.au/leashfree

Frankston free-roam areas: www. discoverfrankston.com/visitor-info/ pet-friendly

We hope you have a tail-wagging good time.

Boutique dog boarding facility set on acreage in a tranquil, rural area.

Beds for Tails offers short and long term stays and doggy day care. We like to think we are the best home away from home option for your much loved dogs.

BOUTIQUE DOG BOARDING

Please contact us on 0476 248 243 for bookings or to arrange a visit to meet us and see our wonderful premises. We look forward to meeting you and your dogs!

Personal care and attention is taken to ensure your dog has a wonderful holiday and is safe, relaxed and happy. 130 Hendersons Rd, Bittern 5983 6772 | 0476 248 243 | www.bedsfortails.com.au

Gods Kitchen

all the outdoor sun-lovers; and the Beer Garden that can also host and cater for private events. When comes to tipple, Gods Kitchen has

growing grapes, Garry had his horticulture background to draw on, but winemaking he had to learn from scratch.

“Looking at the region now, it’s easy to think there are lot of winemakers to ask for assistance,” says son Rollo. “But when Dad started out, he was one of only few. Dad set about working out what worked for him and refined the process constantly with support from other early vignerons in the region.” Garry and his wife Margaret raised Zoe and Rollo on the vineyard. The current Wine Centre was once the family

Off Nepean Highway between Mornington and Frankston

Photos: In Photography by Michelle Pragt