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.