Holiday Mornington Peninsula Winter Spring 2023

Mornington

For curious, contemporary visitors

1. Gift Vouchers may be used for payment of accommodation only at Getaway Property Management properties. 2. Gift Vouchers are for use only on a booking with a minimum stay of three nights or more and are subject to the availability of the requested property. 3. You must notify the Getaway Property Management at the time of your booking that you are redeeming your Gift Voucher. 4. Gift Vouchers are NOT transferable. 5. The Gift Voucher must be presented at check-in. 6. Gift Vouchers may not be redeemed for cash. 7. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, only one voucher is redeemable per booking. 8. Gift Vouchers are not replaceable if lost, stolen, or destroyed, photocopied, or altered in any way and will not be accepted by Getaway Property Management or be otherwise redeemable. 9. Not redeemable during peak or super peak season. Valid until 01/11/23.

For many of us, winter is our favourite time of the year. It is still and quiet; some weekends are busy with festivals and winter wine celebrations, but on the whole this is a time for reflection, when we take in the glory and beauty of our stunning part of the world without the hustle and bustle of the summer crowds.

It is a time for beachcombing, mushrooming, truffle hunting, and sitting in front of a cosy, warm fireplace with a glass of our best pinot. When the sun emerges from behind the clouds, everything is bathed in a golden winter light. From coastal and hinterland bushwalks bursting with flora, fauna and Indigenous Culture to the dramatic dunes rolling towards the Southern Ocean where surfers gravitate, this is a place for pleasure-seekers to meet and greet.

Winter and spring bring a different dimension to your holiday experience. Take in the wide vistas and endless horizons, go whale watching, and look south for the aurora australis after dark. Put on your winter woollies and take a boardwalk stroll through the wetlands to see some of our myriad bird species; wander through the Montalto or McClelland sculpture parks or check out some of the historical monuments and stunning outdoor

artworks dotted throughout the area. We have gorgeous golf courses for all abilities – and there’s always mini-golf for the kids. You’ll find skate parks from Mount Eliza to Sorrento; horse-riding and mountain bike trails along beaches, clifftops and through bushland; and adventure parks with flying foxes, mazes, tree surfing, climbing walls and more to challenge you.

Check out the dozens of markets and farmgates for 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. Find quirky antique and vintage stores in village after village. Delve into our history and relive the stories of our Indigenous peoples and our pioneers at McCrae Homestead, Nepean Historical Society, Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Mulberry Hill, Cruden Park, The Briars, and the Mornington Courthouse.

Take your tastebuds on a journey from cafes and lunch spots to pizzerias and fine dining establishments. Every culture is celebrated at the hundreds of eateries on offer. With our pristine environment and the market gardeners, fishers, farmers, cooks and chefs who call it home, the Peninsula has always been a place where people come to eat, drink and celebrate life. It is just what

we love to do here. 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 B&Bs to holiday rental houses to 5-star hotels.

With winter and spring festivals, 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.

Holiday 2023 for winter/spring will show you how to make the most of your time with us. It’s current until December, when our fifth edition for summer will be out. Treat yourself to a holiday to remember on the Mornington Peninsula. You’re all welcome here.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Bunurong and Boonwurrung peoples 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 TEAM

PUBLISHER, DESIGNER

Lisa Walton

DESIGNER

Sinead Fay

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Brown (landscapes)

Amber Gardener

WRITERS

Lisa Walton, Mike Hast, Sarah Halfpenny, David Donnelly

CLIENT RELATIONS

Anna Georgiou, Molly Mitchell

PUBLISHING MANAGER

Belinda Timmerman

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 17 years.

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-June

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

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!

Your own private winery at Tucks

Established in 1985 and acquired by Montalto owners John and Wendy Mitchell in 2017, Tucks is one of the most breathtaking vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula, with undoubtedly the most spectacular views.

Opened last month and for a limited time only, Tucks has installed a state-of-the-art, all-weather heated marquee specifically designed to host exclusive events throughout the cooler months so you can enjoy the photographer’s dream that is the Tucks property. The arrival of this popup space means capacity for events is now an impressive 100 for sit-down and 150 for stand-up events.

With hospitality and event management spearheaded by the award-winning team at Montalto, this is your last chance to hold events at Tucks in its current form before it announces future plans for the

property. In between all the private parties, Tucks will continue to pop open for pop-up events.

The next one is Pork & Pinot Festival on Sunday, June 11, as part of Winter Wine Weekend. From 11am-5pm you’ll enjoy a day of pork and pinot, with plenty of fire pits to keep you warm and live music to keep you entertained. The new heated marquee means this is a guaranteed all-weather event.

This year’s menu is curated by Montalto’s culinary creative director Matt Wilkinson, with noted food writer Richard Cornish, and Andrew Gray from Raw Materials. Get info and tickets at Tucks’ Instagram @tuckswine

Images this page Griffin Simm, front cover image Karon Photography

Have a whale of a time on the Peninsula this winter

Winter on the Mornington Peninsula is a fantastic time for land-based whale watching. The back beaches offer amazing views of Bass Strait from beautiful vantage points nestled in native bush. The best places to search for whales along the Peninsula are any high vantage point – of which the Peninsula boasts many. Cape Schanck is the highest open coastal point on the Peninsula and offers expansive views of Bass Strait, perfect for whale spotting. Whale season on the Peninsula commences around the King's Birthday long weekend but some whales may be sighted as early as April. The humpback whale is the most commonly sighted whale in our region during winter. Humpback whales are characterised by their contrasting grey and white colouration; prominent, elongated pectoral fins; and raised 'bumps'

called tubercles on the head. They can reach a maximum length of about 16m and weigh up to 35 tonnes. Typically, sightings of this species involve the animals casually passing by the Peninsula's open coast back beaches, slowly making their way east. Occasionally, these whales may venture into Port Phillip, sometimes making their way to the top of the bay. While humpbacks are relatively easy to see along the Peninsula during peak season, they are not the only large whale in this region during winter; the critically endangered southern right whale may also be sighted along our coastline. Southern right whales visit our coast for calving and mating, mainly in the state's west. This whale species is larger than the humpback, measuring up to 18m in length. The distinguishing features of the southern right whale are its large/robust appearance, black colouration, lack of a dorsal fin, square-shaped pectoral fins, and white/yellow patches called callosities on its head. For the keen observer, you may also notice the distinctive V-shaped blow when the animal surfaces to breathe.

In recent years we have learnt much about whale movements through interacting with keen whale watchers –citizen scientists – along our coastline. If you'd like to contribute to the

conservation and understanding of these magnificent animals, there are two ways you can do so:

• Report sightings of whales and dolphins to the Dolphin Research Institute's Two Bays Whale Project through PodWatch at www. dolphinresearch.org.au/research/ report-sightings/

• Support the Dolphin Research Institute at www.dolphinresearch.org.au/ research/adopt-a-whale/

To learn more about whales and dolphins in our region, visit the Dolphin Research Institute website at www. dolphinresearch.org.au

DAVID DONNELLY, research officer, Dolphin Research Institute

Humpback whales off Mount Martha and Cape Schanck (inset). Photos: Dolphin Research Institute, taken under permit

Rescued animals find hope and healing at Panorama Wildlife Sanctuary

Escape into a world of natural wonder and hidden treasures at the Panorama Wildlife Sanctuary and Secret Gardens, where memories are waiting to be made.

Privately owned by Annemaree Van Rooy and Nick

Smith, the property is a 22ha oasis of tranquillity in Boneo boasting panoramic views for more than 100km across Bass Strait and Port Phillip.

When the couple bought the property 26 years ago, their focus was on creating 10ha of manicured gardens – a task that took more than 18 years to

complete – with more than 20,000 plants in 19 distinct displays, as well as lakes, streams, waterfalls, wetlands and rainforest.

Annemaree’s passion for animals saw her and Nick launch the sanctuary and rescue arm of Panorama 15 years ago, and it’s now home to more than 50 animals. Visitors will find all manner of native wildlife roaming free, including rare albino kangaroos, a large red kangaroo, emus, pademelons, wallabies, echidnas, possums, sugar gliders, blue-tongue lizards, turtles, and tawny frogmouths.

It's not just exotic creatures that reside here; the couple also rescue farm animals such as alpacas, cows, and sheep – the only animals they confine to paddocks.

Caring for their menagerie is a job that requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Annemaree can often be found giving three-hourly feeds to juvenile animals and investing significant time regaining the trust of animals previously neglected.

Tours are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am and start in the nursery, where visitors interact with the animals in care before wandering the rest of the grounds, viewing the wildlife from a distance, and relaxing in the stunning gardens. Admission is $30 a person, $20 for children under 15, and free for children under 5. Plan for a maximum of three hours to enjoy the entire property. Book online at panoramagardenestate.com.au

ARTS ON THE PENINSULA

From On The Beach to magic to Cloudy Day

The Greater Frankston and Mornington Peninsula regions inspire creatives and invigorate their souls. There are so many talented artists who have called these regions home or home away from home. Musicians with smash hits include Tones And I, Australian Crawl, Gotye, and Mark Seymour from Hunters & Collectors. Inspired to put pen to paper are authors Garry Disher, Paul Jennings, and Greg Sugars. Paul Mercurio and Hugh Jackman also call the region home, as does award-winning magician Cosentino. For actors, authors and artists, this area is both inspirational and a mecca for all things creative. Television shows and films have frequently taken advantage of the eclectic and spectacular scenery across the area since 1959, when On The Beach, starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner, was partly filmed in Frankston. Nevil Shute, who wrote the novel on which the movie was based, lived in the area. Also in Frankston you’ll find Mulberry Hill, the historic house and estate that was the home of painter and printmaker Sir Daryl Lindsay, who was knighted in 1957 for his services to Australian art, and Lady Joan Lindsay, an artist and writer best known for her novel Picnic At Hanging Rock.

Hit the pavement to experience the area that’s inspired so many, and check out the Peninsula’s many galleries. A visit to Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is a must. MPRG will host the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour from mid-September until early November. As the only Victorian host of the tour, the gallery is expecting to draw tens of thousands of art-lovers to the display of 57 finalist works, including Clown jewels, Andrea Huelin’s Packing Room Prize-winning portrait of New Zealand comedian Cal Wilson. Tickets for the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour go on sale on July 1 at mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Don’t forget to check out what’s on at Frankston Arts Centre and the adjacent Cube 37, where you’ll be able to enjoy festivals, music, theatre, exhibitions and all forms of the performing arts. Go to fac.com.au to see what’s on during your stay.

The Manyung Gallery Group has been exhibiting an inspiring collection of affordable art and sculpture since the 1960s. With galleries in Strathmore, Malvern, Mount Eliza, Sorrento and Flinders, as well as a warehouse in Mornington, Manyung is where you can find more than 2000 amazing pieces to enhance your home and your life. What better way to make your winter holiday even more memorable than taking a piece of the Peninsula back home with you.

Find paintings by Darren Doye at Manyung Gallery.

Clown jewels, Andrea Huelin’s portrait of New Zealand comedian Cal Wilson, won the 2023 Packing Room Prize.

Arts writer Andrea Louise Thomas interviews comedian Ross Noble about his love for the Peninsula, performing at Frankston Arts Centre and why he welcomes audience interactions.

Imagination is British comedian Ross Noble’s superpower. He’s an improvisational wizard. Unscripted, he deftly bounces from one topic to another with seemingly effortless ease. Though his delivery is stream of consciousness, he never loses the thread. His shows evolve organically using the audience as muse and springboard. No two shows are ever alike, which keeps it fresh and interesting for Ross and his audiences.

Having free rein is one of the things Ross likes best about his craft. “I like the freedom of comedy. If I want to create a situation, I don’t have to ask permission. I just do it. I get to do what I want because I’m the writer, director and performer all rolled into one. With stand-up, the comedian is 100 per cent responsible for whether it goes well or badly. That feedback is instant. Comedy is the most in-the-moment art form.” It suits him perfectly.

Ross is unflustered by hecklers; in fact, he welcomes them. He expects his audiences to participate in his shows, not just passively observe. “Sometimes I think audiences don’t know just how important they are. My expectation is that the audience will bring it. The show is a fun time. I want to be there just as much as the audience does. If I bring the audience along with me, it’s all good; if not, it’s self-indulgent.”

Mutuality is the name of the game.

Performing at the Frankston Arts Centre is always fun, Ross says. He really likes the mix of people in the audience – not just Frankston residents but people from farther down the Peninsula too. He never knows what is going to come up with such an eclectic crowd. Ross finds Frankston a very interesting suburb. The world-class waterfront juxtaposed with the unpredictable social landscape is a source of amusement and amazement, but he views Frankston as “on the up”.

Even if it’s in a broad Geordie accent, Ross can speak about the area with some authority because he lives in the region and loves it. “Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula have everything you could ever want in a place to live. It feels like the country, but it’s got all the facilities. It’s so diverse, with beaches, bushland, forests – and the arts, of course.”

Jibber Jabber Jamboree is Ross’s 21st solo stand-up show. He started stand-up at 15 and although he’s branched into television, radio, stage and film, he’s never lost his enthusiasm for being a one-man show. For an insight into what rolls around in Ross’s head, come see his latest show at Frankston Arts Centre on Saturday, July 22, at 8pm.

Discover the vibrant community at Dromana Habitat

An industrial estate may not seem like an obvious choice, but it's precisely where you'll find a vibrant community of 14 local makers and mongers, each with their own unique offerings. Indulge your tastebuds with the exquisite brûléed goat's cheese at Boatshed Cheese, accompanied by a refreshing sip of meticulously crafted JimmyRum rum, Bass & Flinders gin or TWØBAYS Brewing Co. Dive into the world of Japanese denim or scented soy candles. And that's just the beginning.

The birth of Dromana Habitat was driven by a mission to firmly establish this thriving corner of the Mornington Peninsula on the map. It stands as a testament to the diverse range of artisans and producers who have made it their home. As you enter the transformed industrial estate, you'll be surprised to discover the hidden collective of talented makers and artisans right before your eyes.

While the 'Ninch' – renowned for its stunning beaches, wineries, and restaurants – has always been a popular destination, Dromana Habitat alone is reason enough for a delightful day trip or a chance for locals to delve into the treasures of their own backyard.

Prepare to be captivated by the enticing aromas that fill the air at Little Rebel Coffee and lose yourself in the lush green haven of Verdant Dwellings, where it's impossible to leave empty-handed. Don't miss the opportunity to savour the award-winning vegan cheeses at the Vegan Dairy, and unwind with a glass of fine wine at Rhino Tiger Bear or Rahona Valley's inviting cellar door.

With its unexpected charm and an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered, Dromana Habitat promises an unforgettable journey through creativity, flavour, and local craftsmanship. Explore this hidden gem and let your senses be enthralled by the extraordinary talents that call it home.

MOUNT ELIZA MORNINGTON SOMERVILLE

There’s a reason Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha have become boom towns: lifestyle and amenities. Sophisticated restaurants and cafes, boutiques and unique retail stores, art galleries and public gardens, wineries and produce stores, and beaches and tracks for winter walking adventures abound.

Mount Eliza started life as a holiday retreat for affluent Melburnians. In 1924, housing boomed with the release of Ranelagh Estate, designed by US architect Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin (the first licensed female architect in the world), best known in Australia for designing Canberra.

The village has many cafes, good restaurants, interesting shops, and day spas, and it’s home to Manyung Gallery and Baluk Arts, an urban Aboriginal community arts centre. Close by is Mount Eliza Regional Park and a quarry walk; Emil Madsen Reserve, with its floodlit skate park; and a historic steam train that runs to Mornington on many Sundays.

The thriving town of Mornington, established in 1854, has a spectacular pier; the region’s main art gallery and several others; a busy racecourse; historic cemetery; botanical rose gardens; and a long, cosmopolitan main street packed with interesting shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and the long-running Wednesday street market. Free parking is an asset.

Mount Martha has the famous Balcombe

Estuary boardwalk, The Briars conservation park, cafes and restaurants, and of course more of the beautiful beaches that decorate this part of the coast.

Inland are the towns of Moorooduc and Tuerong, offering produce at farmgates, a honey farm, flower and plant farms, wineries and more.

Somerville is another thriving town here and boasts excellent shopping. Most of its public amenities are clustered around the railway station, including Fruit Growers Reserve and Mechanics Institute. Somerville is becoming uber hip with residents and visitors flocking to sample and buy locally roasted coffee and awardwinning whisky and gin. While you are in Somerville, grab some takeaway and head to Fruit Growers Reserve in Jones Rd, where there is plenty to do for all ages.

Things to see and do

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

Rain, hail or shine, Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market is the place for foodies on the fourth Sunday each month from 9am-1pm. Mornington’s street market is every Wednesday in Main St from 9am-3pm.

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

Mornington Railway operates trains pulled by a heritage diesel or K class steam locomotive every second Sunday between Moorooduc and Mornington.

MOUNT MARTHA MOOROODUC TUERONG

Adventure park fun with a farmyard feel

The Big Goose is one of the most popular children's attractions on the Mornington Peninsula, combining oldfashioned farm experiences with the fun of an adventure park. With a huge undercover playground, indoor café, petting barn, covered shows and even a tractor ride with a roof, The Big Goose is fun in any weather.

If animals are your thing, we’ve got a huge range of farm, native and some slightly more exotic animals. 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 dingoes and wombats too. All of this and so much more is included with your entry to The Big Goose. You will need at least three hours to explore the 24ha farm, there is so 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_

Trading

233 Mornington-Tyabb road Moorooduc

Just off the peninsula link!

www.thebiggoose.com.au

www.lockedinescaperooms.com.au

GREAT MORNINGTON LOCATION

HEATED ROOMS

5 DIFFERENT SCENARIOS TO CHOOSE FROM

“Mornington's Locked In Escape Rooms are so clever and extremely exciting to solve. I have never seen such well put together puzzles, which both used your mind and were thrilling to figure out. Locked In has several varieties of puzzles that are super engaging and we really loved our time here. We really cannot wait to come on back and challenge ourselves with another room!”

HOLIDAY BOREDOM BUSTING FUN

Fresh free-range eggs direct from the farm

The Napolitano family have been egg farmers in Moorooduc since 1979. They pride themselves on offering the freshest and healthiest eggs at Somerville Egg Farm, handcollecting them daily so you can be confident you’re buying the best.

There are various sizes and price ranges to suit all needs and budgets, and duck eggs are available too. The farm also has emus, whose ‘egg-normous’ eggs are always a favourite when they lay in winter.

The family are passionate about raising happy, healthy, free-roaming chickens that lay nutritious and flavourful eggs to nourish your family. When you visit the farmgate to stock up, you’ll see their chickens wandering in the paddocks. They also

have goats and alpacas on the farm, so you may see them too when you pop by.

“We like supporting local, and in our shop we also stock locally grown apples, potatoes and flowers,” says farmgate manager Linda. “We also like to stock products from local producers, including honey, pasta sauces and pasta crafted with our eggs.”

Somerville Egg Farm is open Monday to Friday from 8am-4.30pm and Saturdays 8am-12.30pm; it’s closed Sundays and public holidays.

SOMERVILLE EGG FARM

A: 220 Eramosa Road West, Moorooduc

T: 59775405

W: www.somervilleeggfarm.com.au

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.

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, and the décor and appointments are impressive. The bar gantry is lined with premium spirits and the wine wall proudly stocked with wines from the Mornington Peninsula and around the world. A Coravin system that injects inert gas into the wine bottle allows these fine wines to be poured by the glass.

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 wet-aged for 28 days at

SQUIRES LOFT MORNINGTON

strictly controlled temperatures to maximise tenderness and enhance flavour even further. It’s cooked on a 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, Boerewors sausage and gourmet burgers and you’ll find a dish to keep every person at the table happy and satisfied.

SQUIRES LOFT MORNINGTON

A: 104 Main St, Mornington

T: 5976 8482

W: www.squiresloftmornington.com. au

FB: squiresloftmorningtonpeninsula INSTA: squiresloftmornington

Delicious cakes, bread and pastries without the gluten

The Good Food Bakery is a destination locals and travellers alike seek out for the best gluten-free cakes, bread and pastries. With accreditation from Coeliac Australia, this specialty bakery has become a trusted destination for those seeking high-quality and tasty cakes, biscuits, pies, tarts, and sausage rolls.

The team have spent years perfecting their gluten-free recipes to create a range that is not only delicious, the texture is fantastic and every item they bake and create tastes fabulous. They are dedicated to creating food that satisfies the appetites of coeliacs and non-coeliacs alike, and they love testing new recipes and products.

Drop in for a casual lunch inside or grab a spot at a picnic table outside for a relaxed dining experience. You’ll find an extensive range of focaccias, lasagne, frittatas, pies and pastries. Then finish off lunch with sweet treats like a fluffy doughnut, fruit-filled danishes and strudels, slices, scones, tarts and biscuits.

Gluten Free Bakery & Providore. Pies, Pastries, Coffee, Cakes.

YES, everything is Gluten Free!!

Shop 3&4/209 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington

Mon-Fri 7am-5pm • Sat 8am-4pm • Sun 8am-3pm

5925 9322 www.thegoodfoodbakery.com.au

If you’re after gluten-free sweets for your next event, you’ll find whole cakes including their best-selling vegan chocolate cake, sponge cake, baked cheesecakes, apples pies and flourless tea cakes. There’s also a fully stocked pantry brimming with quality gluten-free products.

THE GOOD FOOD BAKERY

A: Shop 3-4, 209 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington

T: 5925 9322

W: www.thegoodfoodbakery.com.au

FB: The Good Food Bakery

INSTA: thegfbakery

Paradise for lovers of vintage wares and antiques

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

Bring your rug back to life

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 10.30am-4.30pm and Sunday from 10.30am-2.30pm.

SAMA RUGS

A: 23 Progress St, Mornington T: 0416 785 217

W: www.samarugs.com.au

FB: SamaRugs

INSTA: Sama_rugs

So much to see and do in Somerville

If you find yourself growing weary of the 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.

Tyabb is tops

It is thought that the name ‘Tyabb’ was derived from an Aboriginal word describing waterholes or a mudhole. Tyabb is situated on flat country that was prone to swampiness, and its waterholes were a natural feature carefully noted by pastoralists and farmers.  Tyabb township was proclaimed in 1861.

Since the 1970s, the character of Tyabb has been enhanced by the conversion of an old cool store to an antiques market, making a quirky addition to its shopping area with many craftspeople setting up workshops in its grounds. Tyabb is also dotted with shops dedicated to selling antiques, collectables and vintage wares to tempt you. You will also find some uber cool cafes where you can wet your whistle between shops. Pictured: Mitch & Co Tyabb.

McCrae Lighthouse was renovated in 2022 and is lit up for special occasions. It was erected in 1883 and its light could be seen from the entrance to Port Phillip 25km away

The special places of McCrae

McCrae on the coast between Dromana and Rosebud has two special historical places –McCrae Homestead and an 1883 lighthouse.

Victoria’s oldest timber house, McCrae Homestead holds a unique place in the story of European settlement of the region and is one of few colonial properties on the Peninsula open to the public. The homestead at 11 Beverley Rd, McCrae, was built in 1844 on Arthur’s Seat Run, the largest lease in the colony at 8296ha (20,500 acres or 33 square miles).

Its value is enhanced by diaries, music books and paintings left by the homestead’s designer and original resident, Georgiana McCrae. She wrote that the family had a mutually respectful relationship with local Bunurong/Boon Wurrung families, who camped nearby.

The homestead is an amazing time capsule and was donated to the National Trust in 1970, one of three trust homestead properties in the region –the others being The Briars Park at Mount Martha and Mulberry Hill at Langwarrin South.

McCrae Homestead is open on Saturdays from 11am-3.30pm; closed in July and August. Entry is $10, concession $7, children $4.

Meanwhile, McCrae Lighthouse is looking like a new pin nowadays – a big pin admittedly, as it’s Victoria’s tallest lighthouse at 33.5m. Built in 1874 in the UK of riveted steel plates, shipped to Port Phillip and erected in 1883, it was renovated last year at a cost of $1 million from Heritage Victoria. The light guided ships into and out of Port Phillip for 111 years. It was decommissioned in 1994 when new navigational aids were installed.

Heritage-listed in 1998, it is lit at night to commemorate occasions such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day as well as in colours for Autism Awareness Day, Red Nose Day, Blue Ribbon Day and Pink Ribbon Day.

The lighthouse is closed to the public but there is a long-term plan for tours. It is in Lighthouse Reserve, 676 Point Nepean Rd, McCrae. Nearby is a good beach, parking, picnic areas, and restaurants and cafes.

McCrae Homestead’s kitchen, left, is separate from the house in case of fire.

McCrae Homestead was built in 1844 with drop slab walls of local timber and chimney bricks brought down from Melbourne by sea.

Giddy-up between the bays

The Peninsula has long been a place for horses. The commercial side includes racing facilities such as Mornington’s racecourse and training centre, with trainers occupying properties close by. There’s equestrian centres and stud farms.

Recreationally, the region is dotted with riding trails including through bushland around Arthurs Seat, with spectacular views as a bonus.

Beaches for riding include St Andrews and Gunnamatta beaches near Cape Schanck, and Rye Ocean Beach.

There’s a range of riding activities to suit preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, you can find guided rides and lessons to suit.

Two riding destinations are The Ranch at Boneo and Arthurs Seat Trail Rides.

The Ranch (formerly Ace Hi) offers trail rides through rolling hills with spectacular views of Bass Strait. For intermediate riders there’s the Bush ’n’ Beach ride to St Andrews Beach. Riding your charge through bush trails opening out to magnificent stretches of pristine beach can be a life-affirming experience.

Arthurs Seat Trail Rides in Purves Rd, Main Ridge, offer two-hour sessions catering for everyone from beginners to the highly experienced. There’s a get to know your horse session before riders venture out on a guided 90-minute ride through spectacular Greens Bush, the Peninsula’s largest remnant bushland and a haven for wildlife. On weekends, the session starts at 9.30am and by appointment on weekdays.

A new experience is riding through beautiful coastal bushland and on spectacular beaches followed by immersing tired bodies in the thermal pools of Peninsula Hot Springs at Fingal. Bliss.

Our family trail rides have been operating out of main ridge for 39 years.

As seen on postcards channel 9 2023

What we do:

A 2 hour session, the first part is getting connected with your horse then you will get a brief western style riding lesson and then you will go on a 1 hour and 30 minute trail ride through the beautiful greens bush national park.

I encourage beginners to take advantage of my quiet, well educated horses to learn to communicate with their horse while riding. There are opportunities for riders to have a canter during the trail as well. Also available are 4 hour trail rides that include light refreshments.

www.arthursseattrailrides.com.au

FEATURED ON MAP

SIPS AND LOCAL BREWS for you to enjoy

Whatever your drop, we’ve got the lot

The Mornington Peninsula has long been known for its award-winning wineries, but in recent years it’s also become the destination for discerning drinkers seeking great beer, cider, gin, whisky, brandy, rum, vodka and more. So we thought it was time to shine the spotlight on the talented producers who have taken up residence here in wine country and showcase their breweries, cideries and distilleries that turn out first-class products. Whether you love a thirst-quenching beer, a refreshing gin, a smooth whisky or a crisp vodka, we know you’ll have a good time visiting these welcoming venues and finding the drink that’s just right for you. Read on to plan your brewery and distillery adventure.

Banks Brewing in Seaford is a small, family-owned brewery run by a passionate group of beer-lovers, with Chris and Penny Farmer leading the charge. Named after their family dog, Banks Brewing’s core values are balance and deliciousness while always striving for excellence, great beer and good times.

If you’re looking for a gin masterclass or high tea, head to Bass and Flinders Distillery. It was founded in 2009 with a taste for adventure and a desire to create a range of high-quality, artisanal gins, brandies and liqueurs that truly reflect home and heritage. Find Bass and Flinders at Dromana Habitat. Biersal Brewery and Beerhall in Seaford makes traditional German beers under the mantra ‘open small and stay small’, but there’s nothing small about the taste. You can enjoy a bevvy or two at one of the long tables in the casual, medieval-style beerhall, and take some home in reusable bottles. There’s live music on weekends, and you’re welcome to raid the board game library.

Winning awards year after year, Chief’s Son Distillery sure knows how to make a cracking

whisky – and now vodka’s been added to the menu too. This distillery was built on a powerful story of chance, risk and passion, but also history, love and family. You can buy Chief’s Son whisky and vodka at outlets across Australia, but the Somerville tasting room is well worth a visit.

Dainton Brewery and Taphouse in Carrum

Downs was created by a father-and-son team and is always humming with a happy crowd eager to sample the latest beer on tap. Dainton believes everyone has the right to stand apart and be themselves, and the brewery crafts innovative beers for those who choose their own path. Pop into the taphouse for a fun day or night out. There’s great food, and on Friday nights there’s live music too. Escape Brewing’s custom-built taproom allows you to enjoy a great beer while looking across to the working brewery. As well as a range of its own beers, Escape has a selection of Peninsula wines, ciders and spirits. Have a game of pool, relax in the beer garden, and sample the menu filled with tasty treats. It’s open Thursday to Sunday off Boneo Rd in Capel Sound – and it’s kid and pet-friendly.

Frankston is the gateway to the Peninsula, and it’s also home to Frankston Brewhouse. This microbrewery and restaurant is owned and run by a group of beer-loving friends who want you to share their appreciation of a fine brew. The inviting venue features modern, luxurious aesthetics while evoking a casual, sociable feel. All beers are brewed on site, and there’s a menu that changes regularly and features approachable yet sophisticated dishes.

There’s a good time waiting to be had at Jetty Road Brewery, where great brews are cold and ready for the tasting. Part of Dromana Habitat, Jetty Road is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, so bring the whole family – the dogs too – and grab a paddle of craft beer that’s delicious, delightful and a little daring.

The best vodkas and ciders emerge from the best ingredients, so it’s little wonder that Mr Little Cider has picked up multiple awards for its delicious ciders made from top-quality apples and pears grown on the Peninsula. Mr Little Cider has a cellar door at Dromana Habitat where you’ll discover what success tastes like.

Original Spirit Co has won international awards for its gins, ginfusions and spirits. Being able to hold its own among the best gins in the world is quite an achievement for this small family distillery whose gins and spirits are made right here on the Peninsula and enjoyed throughout Australia and around the globe.

Penni Ave Distillery in Rye is one of the few dedicated vodka distilleries in Australia. Walter, as its copper still is called, transforms fermented grain into wonderfully smooth vodkas flavoured with sustainably sourced native botanicals for a real taste of Australia. With tasting paddles, great coffee, and meals from the ever-changing food trucks on site, Penni Ave Distillery is a great place to visit and will change the way you think about flavoured vodka.

That Spirited Lot in Seaford is a fully operational distillery where you can learn from the experts how to improve your own distilling efforts, or just chill out with a high-quality gin or vodka, a cheeky cocktail or specialty coffee. The jaffles are lip-smackingly good too. That Spirited Lot is open Friday to Sunday.

TWØBAYS Brewing Co is Australia's first dedicated gluten-free brewery and taproom and creates modern beer using ancient grains, inviting you to explore a new world of flavour. The craft beer taproom is open on weekends, serving a range of nine gluten-free beers including pale ales, IPAs and lager as well as many speciality brews. You can also enjoy a wine or cider along with gluten-free pizza to boot. Find TWØBAYS at Dromana Habitat.

SIPS AND LOCAL BREWS for you to enjoy

Banks Brewing

12 Hi-Tech Place Seaford www.banksbrewing.com.au

Bass & Flinders Distillery 40 Collins Rd, Dromana www.bassandflindersdistillery.com

Biersal Brewery 27 Hartnett Dr, Seaford www.biersal-brewery.com

Chief's Son Distillery 25/50 Guelph St, Somerville www.chiefsson.com.au

Please refer to Directory and Map, pages 30-33, for locations and more contact details.

Dainton Brewery & Taphouse 560 Frankston-Dandenong Rd Carrum Downs www.dainton.beer

Escape Brewing 2/12 Suffolk Street, Capel Sound www.escape.beer

Frankston Brewhouse 10 New Street Frankston www.frankstonbrewhouse.com.au

Jetty Road Brewery 12-14 Brasser Ave, Dromana www.jettyroad.com.au

Mr Little Cider 20 Brasser Ave, Dromana www.mrlittlecider.com.au

Original Spirit Co

Unit 4/26 Speedwell St, Somerville www.originalspiritco.com

Penni Ave Distillery 2/43 Peninsula Avenue, Rye www.penniave.com.au

That Spirited Lot Distillers 4/42 Hartnett Drive, Seaford thatspiritedlot.com.au

Two Bays Brewing Co Unit 1, 2 Trewhitt Court, Dromana www.twobays.beer

That Spirited Lot Distillers is a family-owned craft spirits distillery that has operated out of the Seaford industrial area since 2019. The company was founded by two sets of siblings from the Mornington Peninsula in their quest to work together on a project combining their loves for flavour, food, travel and good times. Their motto is they are ‘Proudly and stubbornly independent’ and they are delighted to be ‘made in Seaford’.

Their premises at 4/42 Hartnett Drive consists of a Victoria Tourism Industry Council-accredited distillery door where customers can visit to taste and purchase spirits and which also features their 200-litre

still named Doris. The spirits distillery prides itself on its sustainability and is a destination for locals and visiting tourists within the municipality.

That Spirited Lot Distillers is open Friday from noon-6pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon-5pm, and Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.

THAT SPIRITED LOT DISTILLERS

A: 4/42 Hartnett Drive, Seaford W: www.thatspiritedlot.com.au

FB: thatspiritedlot

INSTA: thatspiritedlot

Banks Brewing is a small, familyowned brewery in Seaford that takes great pride in offering something for everyone. The Banks team share a genuine love of beer and are dedicated to having fun while ensuring the highest quality product hits the lips of discerning drinkers.

Central to the Banks line-up of topquality beers is an easy-drinking core range and boundary-pushing limiteds, complemented by exclusive taproom beers. If you’re feeling a little peckish, the tasty pizza and takeaway menus will satisfy that hunger. The taproom is open Thursdays from 2-9pm, Friday

2-9pm, Saturday noon-9pm, and Sunday noon-7pm.

And keep an eye on socials for a diverse range of events.

BANKS BREWING

A: 12 Hi-Tech Place, Seaford

T: 9786 9905

W: www.banksbrewing.com.au

E: info@banksbrewing.com.au

FB: banksbrewingco

INSTA: banksbrewing

Family-owned distillery is fiercely independent

Bank on Banks for a great-tasting beer

Wise up to the wonderful world of

As Ben Franklin said: “In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.”

It’s a hard life sipping wine in front of open fires. While your friends are swanning around warmer climes, you’ve stayed to help keep the country running. And what better reward for your sacrifice than partaking in a few nice drops at the Peninsula’s annual Winter Wine Weekend?

It’s been running since the 1980s on Queen’s Birthday long weekend –hang on, make that King’s Birthday from now on. The main event is on Saturday, June 10, from 11am-4pm –an exhibition and tasting in Red Hill Showgrounds pavilions, 184 Arthurs

Seat Rd, where 40 Peninsula wineries will exhibit 120 premium wines. Tickets start from $93 and include a Riedel tasting glass, all tastings, tasting book and three entrée-size dishes.

On the Sunday and Monday you are free-ranging – visiting cellar doors, heading to that special restaurant for lunch and taking in some of the sights of the region. MP Vignerons Association’s website at morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au is home base for planning places to stay, dine and sip, visit and play.

Some good cellar sellers

If you’re on the lookout for some well-priced drops on the Peninsula, try Crittenden Estate in Dromana,

and Wine Lovers Warehouse with outlets in Dromana and Hastings. The Crittendens have been growing grapes and making wine for 40 years. Garry Crittenden’s son Rollo is now at the helm and his sister Zoe is the marketing whiz. Drop in to the wine centre at 25 Harrisons Rd, Dromana. Phone 5987 3800 or go to crittendenwines.com.au as well as Facebook and Instagram.

Wine Lovers Warehouse has something for all wine-drinkers at competitive prices. Peninsula resident and wine expert Joseph Sofia has been running his family business for 18 years and has relationships with local, national and international wineries. Wine Lovers is at Unit 5/3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana. Phone 9596 4878 . The new store is at 2080 FrankstonFlinders Rd, Hastings. Phone 9596 4278.

Nazaaray Estate is Mornington Peninsula’s southernmost winery, with sweeping views, wildlife and superb sunsets. For a cellar door experience like no other, meet winemaker Paramdeep as he guides you through his latest releases of pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and syrah. You can also enjoy wines coupled with Indian food. Two restored vintage 1930s train carriages add a whimsical note to your experience.

Nest on your list should be the small family-run Elan Vineyard & Gallery in Balnarring. You can sit and sip in the rotunda overlooking the

Peninsula wines

vineyard while your children enjoy themselves in the playground. You’ll find small quantities of special wines that have been estate-grown and handcrafted. Stunning artwork by Russell Scott can be admired at the gallery.

One of the oldest wineries, Dromana Estate is near Peninsula Link exit 19 in Tuerong. Its rich past is evident in the stunning period home where you can taste the winery’s premium wines or enjoy a meal, coffee or snack. Expert staff at the cellar door are eager to guide you through an intimate and educational wine-tasting experience. In an immaculate garden setting with sweeping lawns, this winery has three labels – Dromana Estate, Tuerong Park, and Mornington Estate – that are all estate-grown and made.

On the hop

Mark Saturday, November 18, on your calendar – it’s the Peninsula VineHop Festival, a bus tour of eight Peninsula venues to taste 40 wine, spirit, spritzer, craft beer and cider brands, with food trucks and live music or DJs at each location. For details and bookings, phone 1300 793 008 or email info@vinehopfestival. com.au

ORIGINAL ARTWORKS FOR SALE (AND HAND PAINTED HANDBAGS TOO)

Nazaaray is a small secluded vineyard & winery.

Cellar Door options : Wine tasting – 5 wines $15pp (available 11 – 3.45pm)

Wine tasting + tasting plate – taste 5 wines plus an Indian food selection consisting of pakora, samosa, lamb kebab & tikki – $45pp (available 12pm – 3pm)

Explore current release wines paired with fusion Indian foods – Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken Wings, Seekh

Kebab, Vegetable Pakoras, Mushroom Puri or Amritsari

Fish & Chips – $20 per plate (available 12pm – 3pm)

Open Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment

Mondays 11am – 4pm

Current details www.nazaaray.com.au

Bookings info@nazaaray.com.au or 0407 391 991

Visit Nazaaray at 266 Meakins Rd, Flinders, 3929

Every weekend 11am - 5pm, 17 Turners Road, Balnarring www.elanvineyardgallery.com.au

Top-quality wines for all tastes and budgets

As the name suggests, Wine Lovers Warehouse is well stocked with an impressive selection of wine to appeal to all palates from novice to sophisticated. The focus here is on offering something for all wine drinkers, whether you prefer sparkling wine, red, white, or rosé, all at very competitive prices. Think $5 to $15 a bottle for Mornington Peninsula wines and regional heroes from around Australia. Mornington Peninsula resident and wine expert Joseph Sofia is the owner of this family business that’s been operating for 18 years. Joseph has built relationships with wineries locally, nationally and internationally to bring customers the best deals in wine. “We don’t sell cheap wine; we sell good wine cheap,” he said. Joseph opened his first store in Dromana eight years ago and was excited to open the flagship store – all 550 square

metres – in Hastings in December 2022. Go with plenty of time to the new Hastings store so you can peruse the range and chat with the team about what’s on offer. Wine tastings are all part of the shopping experience at Hastings. Whether you’re buying wine to go with a special meal or need a drop while bingeing the latest TV shows, you will find it at Wine Lovers Warehouse.

WINE LOVERS WAREHOUSE HASTINGS

Wine tastings, bottle and case sales Tuesday-Saturday

A: 2080 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings

T: 9596 4278

WINE LOVERS WAREHOUSE DROMANA

Bottle and case sales only Thursday-Saturday

A: Unit 5/3 Trewhitt Court, Dromana

T: 9596 4878

W: www.winelover.com.au

Enjoy good wine & food at Dromana Estate Winery

555 OLD MOOROODUC RD, DROMANA DROMANAESTATE.COM.AU

Our Price $10

HASTINGS RETAIL STORE

WINE TASTINGS, BOTTLE AND CASE SALES

2080 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Hastings

HOURS:

Tuesday to Saturday

10am to 6pm

P. 9596 4278

DROMANA WAREHOUSE STORE

BOTTLE AND CASE SALES ONLY

Unit 5, 3 Trewhitt Crt, Dromana Industrial Estate

HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm

P. 9596 4878

RRP

Our Price $10

Our Price $12

Price

Viscosi Redhill Shiraz

$49.95

T’Gallant Pinot Grigio RRP $16

Wolf Blass Chardonnay RRP $24

T’Gallant Sparkling Rose RRP $16 Our Price $10

Viscosi Redhill Pinot RRP $49.95 Our

$12

JUNE

Taste Sorrento: June 1-30; after a seven-year hiatus, Taste Sorrento is being re-imagined as a month-long festival celebrating and promoting all that Sorrento has to offer in gourmet food, quality produce, wine, bespoke spirits, craft beers, and cider; details: https://www.tastesorrento.com.au/

Looking for the fun day out? Habitat Fest is a free event Saturday June, 10 11am-5pm is the place to be, with something for everyone! Enjoy live music, art installations, delicious food pop-ups, and fun kids’ entertainment. Fire pits will be stoked, and cheese fondue sets ready to welcome you. You can explore all the amazing makers and trades, including Red Hill Candle Co, JimmyRum, Two Bays Brewery, Boatshed Cheese and more! And don’t miss out on the chance to win some incredible door prizes or take part in our scavenger hunt! All for free! 40 Collins Ave Dromana.

The Winter Wine Weekend: June 10-12; Kick off the Winter Wine Weekend on Saturday, June 10, at Red Hill Showgrounds; explore more than 140 wines from 40 Mornington Peninsula wineries; information at https://bit.ly/3MpxMvY

Mornington Winter Music Festival: June 9-12; Mornington heats up over the King’s Birthday long weekend with a full program of live music in more than 20 venues and three days of street entertainment; https://morningtonmusicfestival. com.au/

Melbourne Street Food Awards Five qualifying heats, followed by a Grand Final, featuring each of the heat winners, will be staged at the Food Yard in Mornington from June until November on the 4th Friday of the month. Each night will see up to 5 Main Street Food Trucks/Stalls, representing the continent of the origin of their food, doing battle to win the votes of Melbourne Foodies in a “You Eat, You Vote” scenario. More on social media @ foodyardmornington

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

JULY & AUGUST

Walk on Country and Yidaki led meditation Sunday, July 9 and August 27 11am to 1pm . Be guided through the Wildlife Sanctuary by Lionel Lauch and Hudson Fraser from Living Culture. Experience an in-depth connection with country by learning about the land and indigenous culture and traditions. Then join Lionel in the Chechingurk Birdhide for a special Yidaki led meditation. Numbers are strictly limited. The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha

SEPTEMBER

Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour: September 15 –November 5; Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will welcome enthusiastic art lovers for the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize 2023 with an extraordinary display of 57 portraits, featuring figures and cultural identities from all walks of life, reflecting the stories of our times; mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

OCTOBER

Mount Eliza Art & Design Show. Opening Night Friday 27 October, and open daily 28-29 October. Mount Eliza North Primary School, 6 Moseley Drive Mt Eliza The Mount Eliza Art & Design Show is an annual community event, hosted by Mount Eliza North Primary School. Running annually since 1978, the weekend is a celebration of our local creative community. Browse a wide range of art from local artists available for sale, alongside creative work by our talented young students.

NOVEMBER

Vine Hop: Saturday November 18; Wine, Beer, Cider, Spirits, Music, Food Trucks, DJ’s. A craft drinks tour on a festival scale. 8 Mornington Peninsula Venues, 40+ Beverage Brands, Bus between venues;www. vinehopfestival.com.au

For more go to our sister magazine whats on section www.mornpenmag.com.au/whats-on

New waterside venue for VineHop 2023

Peninsula VineHop Festival is back for its sixth running this November, adding a new venue at the Hastings foreshore, eight new craft drinks brands, and a new hub-to-hub shuttle.

A multi-venue craft drinks tour on a festival scale, VineHop 2023 will showcase about 40 craft beverage brands including beer, cider, spirits, wine and seltzer.

The newest VineHop venue – the festival hub at the foreshore in Hastings – joins Dromana Estate, Hickinbotham of Dromana, Stumpy Gully, Mock Red Hill Cider, Bayview Estate, Block Party at Brasser Avenue and the festival hub at The Briars as one of eight venues. Food trucks, DJs and live music at each venue keep the festival vibes high throughout the day.

Shuttle buses transport attendees between locations easily and safely during the festival, with three shuttle routes available. The new hub-to-hub shuttle will travel between the two festival hubs, making it a great option for people wanting to spend longer in just two locations while enjoying a wide range of drinks, entertainment and food trucks.

Private bus options are also available, allowing personalised itineraries and dedicated transport. They’re a great option for larger groups, including end-ofyear celebrations, hen days and milestone birthdays.

Tickets are available at www.vinehopfestival.com.au

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THE BOOKBINDER OF JERICHO

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REBEL GARDENING: A BEGINNER’S HANDBOOK TO ORGANIC URBAN GARDENING

Alessandro Vitale Home and Garden $55

This is the ultimate beginner’s guide to establishing and tending an organic kitchen garden in any urban space, no matter how small, written by YouTuber and TikToker known as Spicy Moustache. “A wonderful source of inspiration, ideas and knowledge, especially for those with limited space and time” –Charles Dowding, author of No Dig

5 INGREDIENTS CAMPING

The Australian Women’s Weekly Cooking/Travel $24.99

Camping takes you out of your busy life, away from work and responsibilities, and gives you the time to relax in the great outdoors. But what about dinner? These ingenious fiveingredient meal ideas deliver you breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

WALKS OF THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Ken Martin Travel $24.99

Descriptions, maps and colour photos for 63 walks.

THE 20-KILO CHALLENGE: SMALL DAILY HABITS FOR BIG WEIGHT-LOSS GOALS

WeightWatchers Health/Cooking $39.99

WeightWatchers is the world’s leading sustainable weightloss program with more than five million members. With an approach based on the latest nutritional and behaviour-change science, WeightWatchers has helped millions of members lose weight and keep it off.

5 INGREDIENTS MEDITERRANEAN

Jamie Oliver Cooking $55

“Easy, achievable and delicious; Oliver has created another failsafe cookbook for families and those of us who are stretched for time” – Daily Telegraph. “Jamie has a way of inspiring us with new takes on old classics. There wasn’t a recipe we didn’t want to make” – Independent

OUTLIVE: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF LONGEVITY

Dr Peter Attia Health/Personal Development $35

A groundbreaking manifesto on living better from the world’s top longevity expert. This is the ultimate manual for longevity. For all its successes, mainstream medicine too often intervenes with treatments too late, prolonging lifespan at the expense of quality of life.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA JIGSAW PUZZLE 1000 PCE

Wendy Straw Puzzles $39.99

1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Includes facts and info about the area (incl The Book Barn!).

Lime-burners set the (s)tone

Early European settlers of Melbourne made do with wattle and daub for their first buildings, but by the late 1830s lime was needed to make mortar for brick and stone buildings and render coating, and much of it came from the southern Mornington Peninsula.

It was made in simple kilns by burning shell deposits, including Aboriginal shell middens, and limestone dug out of ancient sand dunes.

The first lime-burners operated at Portsea, Sorrento, Rye and Tootgarook using dune limestone and local wood, decimating the region’s extensive she-oak woodlands and banksias, which were replaced by tea-tree. By 1858, when Melbourne was one of the world’s wealthiest cities due to the gold rush, about half of Victoria’s lime kilns were on the Peninsula.

Traces of this first industry still exist. There’s a replica kiln on the Rye foreshore at White Cliffs. Nepean Historical Society’s museum has a lime kiln model and information display. The museum at 827 Melbourne Rd, Sorrento, is run by informative volunteers and opens Saturdays 10am-1pm or by appointment. Phone 5984 0255. Entry is $5.

Plenty of lime was made on the southern Peninsula, but the best building material of the time was hydraulic lime, which was made at Fossil Beach at Mornington from 1861-63, although the venture ultimately failed during a recession in Melbourne and lack of raw material in commercial quantities.

Traces of the Fossil Beach cement works still exist, including the partial foundations of a large kiln and a road from the Esplanade down to the seawall, now a walking track.

Visitors can find where the artist stood or sat to paint this scene at Fossil Beach in 1872. Image: Rosamond Scott (1858-1909), Near Schnapper Point, 1874. Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery collection; gift of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, 1999

Mornington & District Historical Society has the Fossil Beach Interest Group, which installed four signs that tell the story of Aboriginal use of the area, the 1860s cement works, and the fossils embedded in clay that are up to 12 million years old.

For more information, visit mornpen.vic.gov.au and search ‘Fossil Beach’.

A replica kiln on the Rye foreshore road was built by members of Rye Rotary and Rye Lions clubs in 1988.

The remains of a lime kiln at the Quarantine Station, Point Nepean National Park, at the end of Point Nepean Rd. Photo: Nepean Historical Society

Local Knowledge: Peta Murphy

Welcome to the wondrous world of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula as seen through the eyes of Labor MP Peta Murphy, who became the first woman to represent the federal seat of Dunkley after her election in 2019. Before entering Parliament, Peta worked in the Victorian justice system, volunteered at her local community legal centre, was a solicitor advocate, a senior public defender at Victoria Legal Aid, and a barrister and team leader at the Victorian Law Reform Commission. These days, when she’s not in Canberra, she shares adventure, laughter, and labradors named Bert and Ernie with her husband, Rod, in their home in Frankston. Here are her top five favourite places.

1. I like to kick off our weekends with a leisurely stroll along the Frankston foreshore boardwalk with Rod and our labradors, Bert and Ernie, in tow. If it’s off-peak season, we take the furry duo on to the beach. Bert, the connoisseur of all things repulsive, is on a never-ending quest for his next culinary delight (read: something disgusting), while Ernie turns into a fearless fish hunter in the shallows on his extended lead. Once we reach the car park at Olivers Hill, it's mandatory to refuel with a coffee from Little Olly's. Meanwhile, Bert competes with the seagulls in his never-ending quest for any scraps of food he can find. The struggle is real!

2. McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery is an artistic haven and a national treasure. I've been strolling through this magical place for years, but the thrill of discovering sculptures old and new amid the native bushland never fades. My personal favourite – like everyone else on the Peninsula, it seems – is the mesmerising Tree of Life. And when I've had my fill of artistic inspiration, Harry's Cafe makes a great coffee.

3. If I’m craving Italian food but don’t want the hustle and bustle of Lygon St, I head to Frankston’s hidden gem – Vero Pasta + Wine in Beach St (pictured). The freshness and perfectly balanced flavours of this incredible food puts those Carlton restaurants to shame. Their drinks menu is fantastic too.

4. When we feel like giving Bert and Ernie the time of their lives, Rod and I head down to the Flinders dog beach. Sandy paws and wagging tails are guaranteed. And what comes after a day of doggy escapades? We usually choose from two options: we either park ourselves outside at the Flinders pub, where we can watch the world go by as we sip our drinks, or we opt for Thai takeaway and find a quiet spot in the park.

5. The nostalgic memories come flooding back when I think about Tonic and Squash Gym in Dromana. Just a few years ago, when I had boundless energy and well-honed squash skills, this was my go-to spot. The adrenaline rush, the satisfying ‘thwack’ of the ball hitting the wall, and the subsequent victory dances (have you seen me dance? I’m told it’s not great) were unbeatable. Sadly, my squash-playing days are behind me, but Tonic and Squash Gym still stands tall as the only squash court still operating on the Mornington Peninsula.

SAFETY BEACH MARTHA COVE DROMANA McCRAE ROSEBUD BONEO

The coast road from Mount Martha drops down to sea level at Safety Beach and near-neighbour Martha Cove, a house and marina development linked to Port Phillip via what was once a creek that now runs above the road. Here is the start of a 22km stretch with seven distinctive seaside towns. Martha Cove has houses and apartments, marina berths, parks and playgrounds, and a public boardwalk.

Wrapping around it is Safety Beach, a holiday destination for more than a century that became much more popular when its name was changed from Shark Bay.

Dromana is a historic town with modern amenities and a wonderful foreshore with picnic tables, free gas barbecues and quiet shady spots. Here is an award-winning supermarket; restaurants, cafes and hotel; historic Heronswood and its heirloom seed outlet; and a multiscreen drive-in. The town’s industrial area is home to breweries, distilleries, vintage stores and homeware outlets.

The fount of all tourism knowledge is Dromana Visitor Information Centre on Point Nepean Rd – on the way to McCrae, best known for McCrae Homestead, built by pioneers soon after European settlement in the 1840s, and its historic lighthouse, recently restored.

Rosebud has a busy commercial centre with three malls, restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets, and a multi-screen cinema.

Your local produce hub. Open 7 days a week. Cake, pies and coffee every day. Famous hot chips Sat & Sun!

Between McCrae, Rosebud, Capel Sound, Tootgarook and Rye is about 12km of foreshore camp sites – almost 1000 sites among shade trees where generations of families have made holiday memories beside

DROMANA

sparkling waters. Servicing this visiting population are countless food and clothing shops and other places offering life’s necessities.

Things to see and do

You can walk almost the entire 22km of coast on paths and/or the beach, stopping for meals and refreshments at dozens of places.

Want to run or walk just 5km with someone? Try Rosebud parkrun on the foreshore every Saturday at 8am. Meet at the end of Rosebud Pde. Find details and register at parkrun.com.au/rosebud

Take the Tootgarook Wetlands Walk at the end of Tern Ave, Tootgarook, a hidden treasure.

Boneo has farmgate produce along Boneo Rd and a beaut market on the third Saturday each month. There are also markets at Rosebud, Tootgarook and Rye. See markets on pages 80-81.

Yawa Aquatic Centre in Rosebud has three pools as well as an ‘aqua play’ area for children, a café and a 24-hour gym.

Winter protection for your skin

Luxurious handmade olive oil skincare products are waiting to be discovered at Olieve & Olie’s boutique factory shopfront in Rosebud. Let your senses explore their extensive variety of all-natural body butters, soaps, scrubs, and creams. You’ll be easily converted to try their shave gel, bars, sanitiser, lip balms and hand and body wash too. Candles, reed diffusers and stylish twin packs complete the collection and offer luxe gift ideas for all.

Their entire range is made with Australian-grown olive oil. Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, olive oil helps restore skin smoothness and offers antiageing benefits.

This winter, why not try their Body Oil Bar? It’s ideal for the cooler months for skin exposed to harsh weather conditions and indoor heating that can dry out skin. It’s also incredible for very dry skin and helpful for conditions such as psoriasis and tough areas like knees, elbows, and dry skin around nails.

Main photo by Willow Creative

Community hub dedicated to regenerative practices

The Revillaging Project invites people to experience, via classes, workshops and special events, what it takes to create a sustainable future on the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

“We are looking at the intersection of personal well-being, family well-being, and environmental well-being, with a focus on finding a new and hopeful way forward, guided by Indigenous wisdom that can support (re)learning how to care for each other and Mother Earth,” said co-founders Josh and Narelle Melnick. “We are grounded in mindfulness, community building, regenerative farming and land preservation, recognising the urgent need for a more resilient model that can support families around connection to land, food, spirit and sustainability.”

Located in UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Wetlands, The Revillaging Project hosts seasonal festivals, various workshops and special events, from meditation and Indigenous Culture to regenerative farming and beekeeping.

Weekly classes are offered for families with young children, including nature-based early-childhood programs, mum + bub yoga, as well as yoga, meditation, and breathwork are open to the public.

Join the mailing list at www.revillaging.com.au to keep up to date.

THE REVILLAGING PROJECT

A: 182 Browns Rd, Boneo

T: 0408 390 032

W: www.revillaging.com.au

INSTA: the_revillaging_project

Boardwalk

The Peninsula has very few creeks that run into either bay, but one of the best is at Mount Martha – Balcombe Creek, which has an estuary with reserves totalling 53ha including a 3.5km walking track/boardwalk. The estuary is the largest and most intact on the eastern side of Port Phillip. Starting right beside Mount Martha village, the wetland sanctuary is beloved by locals and visitors alike, and the boardwalk offers an all-weather adventure that is just as wonderful in winter as on a warm summer’s day.

The boardwalk and a series of paths meander along the south side of the creek from the coastline to The

a top destination for all seasons

Briars historic estate on Nepean Highway.

There are minor diversions to decks and viewing points on the creek where you might see the occasional angler.

This easy walk enables people of all abilities to soak in the tranquillity of frogs croaking and an abundance of birdlife with the chance to spot the occasional shy echidna.

The boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and dogs are allowed on leash. There is a leash-free area near where the boardwalk goes under the highway at Uralla Rd opposite The Briars.

Other features of the reserves include three car parking areas (Mirang Ave, Ferrero Reserve and Uralla Rd), barbecue and picnic areas (including two undercover, once pavilions for the old camping and caravan area), toilets, playground and the Yellow Robin Audio Trail.

The Boon Wurrung/Bunurong members of the Kulin Nation, the Mornington Peninsula’s traditional owners, called Balcombe Creek area Tji’tjin’garook – the voice of frogs.

Friends of Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group has been looking after the area for almost 45 years. Details: 0447 160 288 (no SMS, please) or email info@berg.org. au

• Balcombe Creek Estuary tracks and boardwalk, 16A Mirang Ave, Mount Martha. MIKE HAST

Images from left: The Balcombe Creek Estuary boardwalk offers an all-weather adventure for all abilities and ages; the common fringe lily is one of dozens of beautiful plants in the estuary reserves; the estuary and surrounds attract a wide variety of birdlife. All photos courtesy of Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group

A natural place of Aboriginal, quarantine and military history

Point Nepean Quarantine Station, right at the end of the Peninsula, offers a glimpse into the early European history of Victoria – and an insight into the lives of the original people, the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung, who walked lightly on the land for thousands of years.

The station was established in 1852 when the plague-ridden ship Ticonderoga arrived at Port Phillip; it closed in 1979. By the 1860s there was a jetty, hospitals, disinfecting centre, bathhouse, washhouse, staff quarters, morgue and cemetery. In the late 19th century the station received livestock and a jetty was built at Observatory Point.

Fort Nepean was a critical part of Australia’s defences from the 1880s until 1945. The first shot of the British Empire in World War I and the first Australian shot of World War II were fired from the fort.

The army used the quarantine station from 1952 to 1998. In 2004 the federal government handed the 90ha precinct to the state government and a 17.5ha section to Mornington Peninsula Shire.

In 2009 it became part of Point Nepean National Park.

Winter or summer, visitors can explore

nearly 50 heritage-listed buildings and the artefacts of 150 years, then walk or cycle through rugged coastal landscape with panoramic ocean and bay views, and inspect military forts and tunnels. A shuttle bus runs between the park entrance, quarantine station and Fort Nepean and is the only passenger-carrying vehicle in the park.

The precinct is a paradise for walkers. The best trails include Adrian’s Trail (7km), London Bridge Lookout and Fort Nepean via Cheviot Hill (17km), Coles Track (10km), Wilsons Folly (4.5km), and London Bridge Lookout via Coppins and Farnsworth Track (11km). A new activity is the Discovery Tents campground, where canvas tents are already set up for visitors.

MIKE HAST

Almost 50 buildings at the station are heritage-listed.

TOOTGAROOK RYE BLAIRGOWRIE SORRENTO PORTSEA

The ‘pointy’ end of the Peninsula has been a tourism playground for 150 years when visitors came from Melbourne by paddle steamer.

Nowadays it’s about an hour and a half by car, and the gateway to the region is Rye, with its pier with scuba diving platform; a long, wide foreshore with car parking, children’s adventure playground, free gas barbecues and picnic areas; a good shopping centre with lots of takeaway and eat-in food options; a hotel; and plenty of accommodation from fancy to budget.

Blairgowrie, the next town along, also has a good shopping centre, a pier and marina, and ocean beaches across the narrow peninsula, where you will also find St Andrews Beach and Fingal, famous for golf courses, surf beaches and hot springs.

Sorrento and Portsea have fabulous beaches – on the rugged Bass Strait side, 35km from Portsea to Cape Schanck, and on mostly tranquil Port Phillip.

Sorrento’s pier is also the terminal for the ferry to Queenscliff, and a wide main street has shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants and three good hotels.

Millionaires Walk is a 1.5km public clifftop path from Point King Rd in front of splendid mansions and private jetties. You don’t have to be rich and famous to enjoy the splendour of this coast.

Portsea has world-renowned Point Nepean National Park with walking and cycling tracks, lookouts, beaches, old quarantine station, historic cemetery, defence forts from two world wars, and a monument to prime minister Harold Holt, who disappeared at Cheviot Beach in 1967.

Things to see and do

Take to the fairways at Moonah Links (18-hole championship course) or The Dunes, Eagle Ridge, St Andrews Beach and Truemans Road.

St Andrews Beach is good for off-beach ocean fishing, and piers at Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea for bay fishing.

Take the walking trail from Cape Schanck to Bushrangers Bay (5.4km return trip, two hours, sandy narrow paths with steep stairs in some areas).

Walk and surf Gunnamatta beach (two car parks, several surf breaks for experienced surfers only).

Take a day trip to Queenscliff on the ferry that leaves from Sorrento pier on the hour.

Winter comes alive at Tom Katz

As well as honouring our veterans on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day each year, the not-for-profit volunteerrun RSL has a major role to play in the community and is a strong supporter and driver of fundraising appeals for floods, droughts and bushfires. It also has a long association with live music. In the 1970s, Tom Katz was a hugely popular music venue at the RSL where such heavyweights as AC/DC, Masters Apprentices, and Max Merritt & the Meteors played to packed houses. In January 2018, the RSL began putting on weekly live Sunday music shows promoting local talent. Then a year later, the RSL reinvigorated the Tom Katz brand from the ‘70s.

Since then a new stage and beer garden have been added, and construction of a new outdoor undercover entertainment area has recently been completed along with a billiard room.

So head along to Tom Katz every Sunday from 4-7pm and support live music on the Peninsula while having a rockin’ good time. Russell Morris and Normie Rowe are among the top acts that have recently performed at Tom Katz.

For gigs and ticket sales, go to TOM KATZ@ Sorrento-Portsea RSL

TOM KATZ

A: 1 Hurley St, Sorrento

T: 5984 2886

SCAN THE CODE TO SEE ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS OR VISIT

W: www.tomkatz.com.au

SCAN THE CODE TO ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS OR VISIT TOMKATZ.COM.AU

TOMKATZ.COM.AU

FB: tomkatzlive

Connie Sorrento proves it’s cool to be kind

Like many destination shops, just off the main street is where you’ll find Sorrento’s premium pre-loved consignment boutique, Connie. Once you have shopped at Connie you will find yourself drawn up the hill each time you visit Sorrento. Customers come in and are excited by the fun, unique and one-off pieces.

The joy of shopping at Connie comes from the knowledge that you are not only finding those special pieces that are just right for you but also making a sustainable and conscious choice. Connie aims to shift people’s mindset and show that new is not necessarily better, encouraging people to let go of their once-loved items and pass them on to someone else, giving them a new lease on life.

This is a treasure trove of pre-loved, mid-high-end clothing, accessories and homewares. And the Sorrento address is just perfect. “Many locals and visitors have amazing wardrobes,” said owner Sarah Davis. “There are endless items that are unique, handmade and designer. A lot of my consignors travel the world so you can often pick up a piece that was bought in New York, Paris or beyond.”

Stylish Sorrento is a popular weekend and holiday destination, so opening Connie here was a dream come true for Sarah. What is really refreshing is the shop is such fun, not overly commercial, and is closely engaged with the community. Every time you

come you will have a new experience. “There is new stock every week so if you see something, buy it, as there is only ever one to choose from,” Sarah said. These pieces have lived a life, travelled far, and brought joy and endless beauty.

Connie is a welcoming place, a destination to explore a thoughtfully curated range of quality garments, accessories and homewares as well as delightful sensory products. Expect to see brands such as Zimmermann, Scanlan Theodore, Lucy Folk, Bassike, Husk, Isabel Marant, P.E. Nation, Missoni, Ganni, Rixo, Pippa Holt and much, much more. It is a must-visit store in Sorrento.

CONNIE SORRENTO

A: 58 Kerferd Ave, Sorrento

W: www.theconniecollector.com

FB: theconniecollector

INSTA: theconniecollector

Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Tuesday: CLOSED * Open 7 days during summer

Much more than just a golf course

Mercure Portsea at Portsea Golf Club is located on the scenic Mornington Peninsula, little more than 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 within 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, 18-hole championship golf course and state-of-theart 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 offer guests breathtaking views of the course and the bay.

The Mercure Portsea at Portsea Golf Club is the ideal location for conferencing, weddings, functions, and of course corporate golf days – or just a great getaway.

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

MERCURE PORTSEA AT PORTSEA GOLF CLUB

A: 46 London Bridge Rd, Portsea

T: 8416 8000

W: www.portseagolf.com.au/cms

FB: ThePortseaGolfClub

INSTA: portseagolfclub

FLINDERS BALNARRING SOMERS BITTERN HASTINGS TYABB

The Western Port side of the Peninsula is a bit of a secret compared with the busier Port Phillip side. From the southern Peninsula, take Boneo Rd at Rosebud to Flinders. It’s only 25km and 25 minutes if you rush, but Western Port is a world away.

Start at Flinders, famous for surfing, hang-gliding, beach walks, its jetty and historic links golf course (very Scottish) as well as a main street full of art galleries, cafes and restaurants, and quirky shops. For dog owners, there’s a huge leash-free beach open year-round, accessed from a track at 1 The Esplanade near Dodds Creek.

Balnarring has a bustling but welcoming shopping centre with a good supermarket, food shops, post office, medical centre and more. Nearby, Somers on the coast has a general store, yacht club and Lord Somers Camp, which since 1931 has hosted thousands of children each summer.

Bittern has a weekly Sunday market and the one-way road to Crib Point (home of HMAS Cerberus) and Stony Point, end of the train line from Frankston 31km away and terminal for the pedestrian ferry to French and Phillip islands (one-way $15, kids $7).

Hastings has a large shopping area. It began life as a fishing village in the 1840s and then, together with nearby Tyabb and Somerville, became a fruit-growing and farming area. Attractions include a jetty and marina, huge foreshore (with a dog off-lead section), aquatic centre and boat launching ramps. Tyabb has several antique shops and an airfield while Somerville is growing rapidly and has several busy retail precincts.

Things to see and do

Explore galleries and boutiques in Flinders before taking refreshments at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Walk or cycle the 6.5km Red Hill rail trail, a grade three hike of about 2.5 hours (dogs permitted); a great beach walk from Somers’ 100 Steps east to Sandy Point, near HMAS Cerberus naval base; or the 26km Western Port Bay Trail from Somerville to Balnarring.

Visit the bush nursery at Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association in Hastings to learn about indigenous plants.

The good old days

Western Port district has good museums at Balnarring (Balnarring and District Historical Society), HMAS Cerberus (Crib Point), Hastings (Hastings-Western Port Historical Society) and Somerville (Somerville, Tyabb and District Heritage Society). Entry may require making an appointment.

Tour the award-winning wineries of the area to experience Peninsula hospitality.

Wander around Coolart Wetlands at Somers to see incredible birds and nature.

Beaut bush, light fantastic, pier pressure

Autumn and winter on the Peninsula is a great time to ‘go for a drive’, in the timehonoured Aussie tradition, and visit some of the region’s outstanding sites and sights. Here’s three beauties, one in the hinterland and two on Western Port.

Greens Bush

Greens Bush near Cape Schanck is the Peninsula’s largest remnant bushland. Surrounded by farmland, the native forest island is a wildlife haven set aside 100 years ago, recognised by the National Trust for its conservation value in 1974, bought by the state government in 1975, and expanded in 1986 when a public appeal raised $1.3 million.

It's ideal for walking, picnicking, and observing nature. Access a one-hour short circuit walk from a car park at 210 Baldrys Rd, Main Ridge.

You’ll find peppermint, messmate and manna gum plus kangaroos, wallabies, wrens, honeyeaters, parrots and eagles. A long loop is part of the 26km Two Bays Trail from Dromana to Bushrangers Bay.

Cape Schanck

Lighthouse

Next to Mornington Peninsula National Park, the lighthouse is a 21m limestone tower built in 1859, the second in Victoria.

Inspect the lighthouse and museum, and walk to the end of Cape Schanck to volcanic Pulpit Rock and Devils Desk. The car park has toilets and marks the start of the 2.6km Bushrangers Bay Track.

Fingal picnic area on the road in has free electric barbecues.

• Cape Schanck Lighthouse, 420 Cape Schanck Rd. Book tours at Janice@ theladyofhistory.com.au or search lighthousecapeschanck on Facebook.

Flinders pier was saved from demolition last year through a community campaign, supported by Sir David Attenborough, to protect the home of the weedy seadragon.

Flinders pier

Flinders pier is home to the state’s marine emblem, the extraordinary looking weedy seadragon, the favourite animal of Sir David Attenborough who helped locals save the ageing wooden section from demolition last year.

You’ll have to dive or snorkel to see weedy, but other activities here include walking and fishing on the 330m pier and nearby beaches with their rock pools.

There’s a barbecue and picnic area, playground and toilets, a leash-free dog beach, lookouts and ocean vistas. Photographers love Flinders for its sunsets and sunrises. The southern aurora has been a star attraction this year on clear, moonless nights.

The town has a wonderful collection of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, artisan shops, parks and the famous golf course.

ARTHURS SEAT MAIN RIDGE RED HILL MERRICKS SHOREHAM POINT LEO

Arthurs Seat dominates the southern Peninsula, a 300m mini-mountain rising sharply from the shore of Port Phillip ‘behind’ Dromana, McCrae and Rosebud. It’s the highest point of the hinterland, which has Arthurs Seat in the north, Red Hill in the east, Main Ridge in the south and Rosebud South in the west.

Arthurs Seat Rd is one of the great drives of the region, nearly 6km of switchback, wellpaved road from Dromana to the peak with four lookouts/car parks with spectacular views plus the summit lookout. For the fit, there’s a walking track from beach to summit as well as other tracks branching off along the way. Also at the summit is the Arthurs Seat Eagle

gondola; close by in Purves Rd is Seawinds ornamental gardens; and a bit further along the road is Enchanted Adventure garden with slides, tree surfing, mazes and more.

The hinterland – Main Ridge, Red Hill and Merricks – is famous for wineries with cellar doors, orchards including Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm and farmgate on Shands Rd, art galleries and award-winning restaurants, plus dozens of tracks for walking, horse-riding and cycling.

At Red Hill South are two roads to Western Port’s coast – Shoreham and Point Leo. At Shoreham’s The Pines Beach, you can park next to the sand – handy for people with children or those with limited mobility. Point Leo has famous surf breaks and camping.

Merricks has a general store, and nearby is Merricks Beach, where you can walk your dog off-lead – with the water on one side and fenced bushland on the other – towards Balnarring or Point Leo.

Things to see and do

Take in the picturesque setting while walking or riding the Red Hill Rail Trail from Red Hill South to Merricks.

Head to Shoreham, Point Leo or Merricks beaches at low tide and explore rock platforms.

For a bird’s-eye view of Port Phillip and the southern Peninsula, step aboard the Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola.

Venture to Seawinds Gardens at the summit of Arthurs Seat. Enjoy magnificent views, indigenous and exotic gardens, the resident kangaroos at dusk, and sculptures by William Ricketts.

Create your own gourmand tour, stopping at the many farmgates, wineries, breweries and distilleries of the area.

Take the tree-lined Kings Falls Circuit Walk in Arthurs Seat State Park, with its grade three rating for most ages and fitness levels. The track starts at that car park on Waterfall Gully Rd off Purves Rd.

House and garden and so much moreish

Beleura House and Garden is the jewel in the crown of Mornington, the bustling bayside town that lends its name to the Peninsula. Nestled on top of Beleura Hill in the north of the town beside Port Phillip, Beleura House was built in the 1860s in the Italianate style. It was once the holiday home of Melbourne’s George Tallis, an owner of J C Williamson, the global theatrical empire. George left the property to his son John in 1948, and the garden became John’s all-consuming passion.

Nowadays people come from all over the world to walk in the extravagant, eccentric, 5ha garden; inspect the house, which has remained almost untouched since John died in 1996 at age 86; attend concerts and recitals in the John Tallis Pavilion, with its 108-key Stuart & Sons piano; take refreshments in the Melba Room, named after Dame Nellie, a friend of George who visited frequently; and marvel at the 25,000 objects in collections, including homewares, antique furniture, paintings, other artwork, books, and three vintage cars.

More recently, Beleura built two other collections – fine musical instruments, including a rare cello and three 19th century pianos; and a treasury of ceramic art by 20th century Melbourne ceramicist Klytie Pate.

John Tallis left Beleura to the people of Victoria through the National Trust, of which he was a founding member and which runs it in conjunction with the Tallis Foundation, and it opened to the public in 2006.

Coming concerts include performances by Tony Gould and Paul Grabowsky, Australian National Academy of Music, Slava and Sharon Grigoryan, Melba Opera Trust, Argyle Trio and Andrea Keller. On June 28 there’s an exploration of the music of Italian composer Ennio Morricone.

For details about house and garden tours, concerts and more, phone 5975 2027 or go to www.beleura.org.au

MIKE HAST

Top far left: Beleura Garden became the all-consuming passion of its final owner, John Tallis, who left the house and garden and thousands of possessions to the people of Victoria in his will. Top left: Beleura House was built in the 1860s in the Italianate style and is open to the public via booked tours.

Above: Beleura Garden hosts regular tours, and you might be lucky enough to see head gardener Richard Smith wandering around.

FRANKSTON AND SURROUNDS

Visitors driving through Frankston to the Mornington Peninsula on the Nepean Highway get just a glimpse of one of the city’s best attractions: its long, clean beach and waterfront reserve with a popular children’s playground. On the freeways you see even less, but the biggest ‘town’ in the region has a multitude of delights. There’s a boardwalk from the playground to nearby Olivers Hill and its several lookouts. Visit the worldfamous McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery and dine at its classy café. Spend a few hours exploring George Pentland Botanic Gardens and Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre with awesome water slides for every age.

The city’s arts centre hosts performances of all kinds that come down from Melbourne.

The CBD is packed with street art, murals and sculptures, and you can take a guided or selfguided tour. Cafe culture is strong in Frankston and there’s some good restaurants and hotels, including on the foreshore.

Other attractions include Beauty Park, Jubilee

Park, Seaford Wetlands with several bird hides, Kananook Creek trail, Sweetwater Creek Reserve, Frankston Reservoir conservation reserve with its many walking and cycling trails, and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm.

Historic buildings in Frankston and surrounds include Ballam Park Homestead, Mulberry Hill, Mechanics Institute, and Frankston Oval’s gates from Old Melbourne Gaol.

Things to see and do

Canoe or row a hire boat along peaceful Kananook Creek, or walk along the beautifully lit Frankston boardwalk and pier.

Climb Olivers Hill at sunset and take in the 180-degree view of Port Phillip and the city.

Venture to McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery for an arts adventure.

Let the children run and play at George Pentland Botanic Gardens.

Shop ‘til you drop in Frankston’s bustling retail precinct.

Discover the thrill of cycling on the water with Waterbikes Australia and embark on a unique adventure on the stunning Mornington Peninsula.

Break away from the ordinary and venture into uncharted waters. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula. Glide along pristine coastlines, discover hidden bays, and encounter captivating marine life. Get up close to dolphins, seals, and an array of vibrant seabirds. Book your waterbike tour or hire today and get ready for an unforgettable journey on the water.

Experience the magic of the Mornington Peninsula from a whole new perspective. Discover the freedom, thrill, and joy of Waterbikes Australia. Book now and make waves with us!

Get your skates on for fabulous family fun

Are you looking for a burst of good old-fashioned family fun while holidaying on the Mornington Peninsula? We have the answer.

Sk8house is a great destination for a fun-filled day out with family and friends. This popular roller-skating rink has been freshly renovated and offers a range of activities for all ages, including DJ music, games, dance competitions, and more. The fantastic staff are always ready to help visitors with anything they need and make sure that everyone is having a great time.

Feeling peckish? The Sk8house café has you covered, with a great selection of hot and cold food, including freshly made sandwiches and wraps. And if you need a caffeine hit, enjoy a velvety smooth barista coffee while the kids burn off their boundless energy.

Sk8house is the perfect place to spend a day out during your Peninsula holiday. With a friendly atmosphere, great food, and a range of activities available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not grab your skates – or you can borrow some of theirs – and head down to Sk8house for a day of fun and excitement. You won't be disappointed!

Visit www.sk8house.com.au for session times and book now.

SK8HOUSE

A: 3/2 Amayla Cres, Carrum Downs

T: 9773 6799

E: info@sk8house.com.au

W: www.sk8house.com.au

Character-filled café dedicated to freshness and flavour

If you’re looking for a café with style and substance, One Pear Tree has all that and more. Located in a beautifully renovated weatherboard house, this light-filled space will have you immediately feeling at home. The black and white décor gives it a smart edge, and there’s original art, homewares, jewellery and giftware for sale, enhancing the character and charm.

Whether you’re here to grab takeaway or settle in for brekky or lunch, you’ll be welcomed by the friendly and attentive team. The queue at the courtyard coffee window moves smoothly and dogs are made welcome at the outdoor tables.

The menu changes seasonally, and the focus is on freshness and flavour. Breakfast is served all day and there are daily lunch specials. From eggs to pancakes to burgers or hearty salads, it’s delicious, honest fare. If morning or afternoon tea is what you’re after, the well-stocked display of homemade cakes will delight. Their best-selling classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a firm favourite.

One Pear Tree is fully licensed, so meeting friends for drinks is an option too. There’s a lot to love. It’s open Monday to Friday 7am-3.30pm, and weekends 8am-3.30pm

ONE PEAR TREE

A: 372 Nepean Highway, Frankston

T: 9781 0077

W: www.onepeartree.com.au

FB: onepeartree

INSTA: onepeartree

See the sights from Seaford’s walking trails

Seaford Foreshore Walking Trail

On leaving the Keast Park car park or casual entry points scattered along the Nepean Highway, the meandering 4.6km Seaford Foreshore Walking Trail is nestled behind the dunes and will allow you to explore 50ha of coastal vegetation. Heading south, many tracks branch off and lead you to secluded sections of the bay beach; alternatively, when you reach the Seaford Life Saving Club you can walk along the pier and admire the turquoise bay, or grab a coffee, ice-cream or meal from the nearby shops. Barbecue facilities are perfect for a packed picnic, and don’t forget to walk beneath The Hermitage (pictured left), a Jacki Staude installation near the club that pays homage to an enigmatic hermit who died in 1917. If you’re feeling energetic, continue south to Frankston Pier and the Mile Bridge for more great views.

Kananook Creek Trail

The 7.5km Kananook Creek Trail is an alternative starting point when venturing to the foreshore. From Eel Race Rd, it adds only a kilometre to your walk as you take in the meandering Kananook Creek and, if fortunate, the sounds of vibrant rainbow lorikeets. A detour on to the Seaford Foreshore Walking Trail is possible from the Nepean Highway; otherwise the trail and stairs will take you all the way to Gould St, where you can dip your toes in the water at the Frankston foreshore.

Peninsula Link Trail

Swans, spoonbills, sandpipers and other soaring seabirds can be seen from the Seaford Wetlands’ Austin Rd lookout, which is the perfect starting point and one part of the Peninsula Link Trail that avid runners are taking in their stride. Heading 2.5km north you’ll find saddle-maker Harry Downs’ heritage homestead off Old Wells Rd, where a community farm with toilets is also springing to life. A quick dovetail to the west will take you along Eel Race Creek for 800m to Patterson River Secondary College, where the trail loops back to where you started at these internationally recognised RAMSARlisted wetlands.

CAMERON HOWE, camhowe.com

Suburban Seaford has some wonderful walking trails that are perfect for taking in the stunning views and spectacular flora and fauna of Greater Frankston’s beaches, creeks and wetlands. So slip on a pair of comfortable shoes and let’s go.

Seaford Wetlands lookout

Seaford Foreshore Walking Trail

Long walk starts with 100 steps

The phrase ‘best kept secrets’ is usually overdone, but not when it comes to the long beach walk from 100 Steps at Somers eastwards to Sandy Point. It’s a low or mid-tide walk, though, as the 10km return journey will take about two hours without stops and it’s inaccessible at high tide, so plan your expedition.

Over the years, Sandy Point has been enhanced by tides and waves sweeping in new sand. On a sparkling clear day at low tide, you look across to Tortoise Head on French Island from the end of the

sand spit and feel you could almost wade across. It’s an optical illusion – it’s 3km distant.

At the point, you can pull a boat up right next to the sand and jump on to the beach where the tide has scoured a deep section.

The walk is heaven for dogs – off-lead all year round, lots of smells, and plenty of shallow water along the way for swimming.

The first part of the walk is beside rocks that give way to sand alone. People can swim here, but avoid taking a dip at the actual point because the current is too strong.

The 100 Steps staircase starts in the car park at the corner of Belvedere and Miramar roads, Somers. The staircase is for relatively fit people, although you can access the beach further west at the end of South Beach Rd.

About 1.7km into the walk, you will see HMAS Cerberus naval base signs, including ‘Danger – Military Range Boundary – Live Firing’. From here on it’s called Navy Beach and you must not go above the high-water mark, as inland was a small arms firing range.

Sandy Point supports a large and varied bird population, including woodland species. You can fish off the beach.

MIKE HAST

The walk from Somers to Sandy Point is heaven for dogs and their owners.

Sandy Point at near-high tide with French Island in the background. Photo: Peninsula Aero Club

Boutique to quaint, all options catered for

Whether you’re visiting the Mornington Peninsula for a weekend or longer, part of the attraction is the diversity of locations and accommodation styles to choose from.

Beautifully appointed boutique hotels and apartments are perfect for a romantic getaway. You’ll find something magical in the hinterland, some with views over the vineyards the region is famous for. If sea views are more your idea of holiday heaven, that’s the beauty of the Peninsula – it’s all here. One moment you can be in bush surrounds and then just down the road you can overlook the ocean or bay at a luxury resort or 5-star hotel.

For those getting away with family or a group of friends, the options of holiday homes to rent are limitless. From humble cottages to clifftop mansions with tennis courts, pools and everything in between, there’s something ideal to suit your needs. Many are even pet-friendly!

Modern bed and breakfasts or farm stays are popular for the couple searching for an intimate weekend away. There are also bountiful holiday homes that are ideal to sleep an extended family or two. Resorts, hotels, and motels offer an extra touch of convenience, with a wide range of options to suit all budgets.

Winter isn’t the season for pitching a tent and foreshore camping is closed, but there are still affordable options to be found in some of the modest motels dotted around Frankston and the Peninsula.

Do your homework and find a cosy abode with a fireplace. You won’t want to leave.

Stay locally with locals who really know their place

If you’re on a quest to find the ideal base from which to begin your Mornington Peninsula holiday, you’ve found it. Quest Frankston is locally owned and is staffed by Nellie and a passionate team of Peninsula residents who know this region inside-out and can point you in the direction of the best sights, retail outlets, eateries and other attractions.

With the beach, Frankston Arts Centre and Bayside Shopping Centre all close by, you have plenty to keep yourself busy when in town, but if you want to explore further afield you can leave your car and hop on a train to easily get to Melbourne CBD. If you’re touring the coast, Frankston is perfectly situated for a ramble down the Peninsula, where you can enjoy some of our world-class restaurants, wineries and bars, and for excursions to Phillip Island or the Dandenongs.

Quest Frankston has 67 spacious serviced apartments, including studios, one and twobedroom options. Not only are they ideal for singles, couples and families on holiday, they’re the accommodation of choice for the ‘bleisure’ traveller – those looking for a bit of leisure while doing business on the go.

Location is everything when you choose to stay at

Stay Close…Stay Local

QUEST FRANKSTON

A: 377 Nepean Highway, Frankston

T: 8796 1000

W: www.questapartments.com.au

FB: QuestApartmentHotels/ INSTA: questapartments

Quest Frankston.

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

Taking the hassle out of holiday rentals

Looking for a stress-free holiday rental experience? Look no further than Ready Set Stay. With a focus on professional, sincere service, this team of experts provides knowledgeable, efficient experiences to both owners and guests.

Led by Tammy and Jade, Ready Set Stay offers an experienced, full-management service with

unparalleled expertise in short-term property management, holiday rentals, interior design, staging, marketing, inspecting, urgent maintenance, and booking management.

With a dedicated property manager assigned to your home, you can rest assured that all communication with owners remains their No.1 priority. And with area housekeepers on hand, you can trust that your home is in safe and caring hands.

Transform your furnished deluxe property into a booming holiday rental and enjoy the benefits of passive income with Ready Set Stay. Best of all, signing up is completely free. Choose the hassle-free way to maximise your rental potential – choose Ready Set Stay.

READY SET STAY

T: 9111 9966

E: info@readysetstay.com.au

NOW SEARCHING FOR LUXURY HOMES!

Boutique accommodation in the heart of Blairgowrie, directly opposite the beach and marina, a short walk to cafes and shops and 5-minute drive to Sorrento and Searoad Ferries.

Perfect for a romantic getaway, family holiday or business trip.

Our Best Price Guarantee assures you receive the best rates when you book directly with us!

Enjoy Dame Elisabeth’s legacy

Cruden Farm is an internationally famous property consisting of manicured lawns, stunning gardens and majestic trees, all surrounded by a rural vista. Created by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the place offers calmness and restoration as you wander among the gardens she planted and tended for more than 80 years. Dame Elisabeth left her precious garden to the people as a place of recreation, and now more than ever it provides solace and serenity as well as visual splendour.

It is a place of lushness and greenery with hundreds of roses and a variety of other scented and radiant flowers to enjoy. The original driveway is flanked by more than 120 lemon-scented gum trees that smell wonderful and create an iconic image of arrival. And when you kick off your sandals, the rich, grassy turf feels truly fabulous underfoot.

Winter brings a quieter time in the garden, as well as frosts and fog.

There is a meditative stillness to Cruden Farm in the colder months; the sculptures in the garden are more obvious, as are the massive stone walls, the stables and the chimneys. Yellow tones abound among huge carpets of daffodils and the laden lemon and grapefruit trees. The garden and the farm meld into one vast space at this time of the year and the lake appears to be twice its normal size. Textures too become more easy to identify, be it the lichen on the trees’ bark or the actual structures of the trees that, now leafless, reveal their architectural bones.

Spring makes every corner of the garden burst with growth and blooms and the air is filled with noises from the many types of birds who live at Cruden

Farm. The purple of the famous wisteria covers the front of the house and there is a sense of renewal across every part of the garden. Healthy clumps of fresh new green foliage appear everywhere as the spring-flowering plants do their work.

There is a real contrast between the manicured turf around the house and the tall rural grasses growing out in the farm areas beyond. Throughout spring, roses, sweet peas, alstroemeria and clematis bloom and once again fill the garden with terrific colour and heady scents.

Feel free to bring a picnic and your camera and spend a relaxing time among nature, enjoying

Cruden Farm’s diverse birdlife, lakes and dams, wellestablished trees, luxurious flowers and interesting sculptures.

Cruden Farm is generally open Monday to Friday and once a month on a Sunday. It’s also a working farm, so no pets are allowed.

To avoid disappointment, you need to book.

CRUDEN FARM

A: 60 Cranbourne Rd, Langwarrin

T: 9789 1676

W: www.crudenfarm.com.au

FB: CrudenFarm

INSTA: crudenfarm

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; find on Facebook

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;

HASTINGS

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

MOOROODUC

OUR MARKETS

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

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

I Wore It Once fashion market: 9.30am-12.30pm, Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington; $2 coin entry, www. instagram.com/i_wore_it_once

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

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

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

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

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

Markets are a regular feature on the Mornington Peninsula and are enormously popular for their fresh produce and wonderful crafts. It’s where gourmet food producers can be found creating an atmosphere of character and culture reflecting the area.

Head to Mornington any Wednesday between 9am-3pm and you’ll find the town bustling with the chatter of stallholders and locals enjoying a day out at the weekly market. Started in 1979, the Main Street Market has stood the test of time and is now Victoria’s longest-running weekly street market. Even after 44 years the market continues to delight locals and visitors alike with the home-baked, handmade and home-grown goodies on offer at more than 60 stalls throughout Mornington’s Main St.

“We want to encourage our local community to shop for their fresh produce every Wednesday at the market, much like in the European villages,” said Bec Davis, the market manager with the Mornington Chamber of Commerce. “It’s even more important these days to support our local farmers and local artisans with their handmade crafts stalls, cutting down our mileage in search of fresh produce.“

From 9am every Wednesday, the market runs rain, hail or shine. You will find a variety of stalls ranging from fresh produce to handmade jewellery, fashion, crafts, baked goods and home décor. The market encourages

shoppers to come to their local village weekly for farm-fresh produce, baked bread, jams, and of course homemade hot food to enjoy, from gozleme to dim sims. Each market stall is independently owned and operated and offers an eclectic mix of unique goods. You can find fashions and accessories for adults, handmade outfits for the little ones, crafted toys, and so much more as well as mountains of fresh produce. From eggs, bread and vegies to fruit, cakes and more, the Main Street Market is the place for your weekly shop.

The combination of stalls and boutique businesses in Main St make this the perfect shopping destination.

Another amazing market is the Mount Eliza Farmer’s Market on the fourth Sunday of every month.

The Mount Eliza Farmers' Market is a great place to pick up the freshest

local food and produce, meet friends

and enjoy Mount Eliza's friendly village atmosphere. Grab a fine coffee to sip as you browse the high-quality seasonal produce from genuine farmers and specialty makers.

On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Dromana Community Market provides growers, producers and merchants with a unique outlet from which to sell direct to the public while promoting the benefits of fresh and nutritional foods to consumers and creating an environment in which to appreciate the culture and character of the Mornington Peninsula. Find this market in the Dromana Community Park behind the Mornington Peninsula Information Centre on Point Nepean Rd, Dromana.

4TH SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH

2023 Market Dates:

24 June 8.30-1.30

22 July 8.30-1.30 (Christmas in July)

DROMANA RECREATION RESERVE

359B POINT NEPEAN RD, DROMANA

Run by the Dromana Rotary Club, the Dromana Community Market is on the 4th Saturday of every month. Stallholders always welcome!

As are our locals and holiday makers!

www.dromanamarket.org.au

26 August 8.30-1.30

23 September 8.30-1.30

28 October 8-1.30

25 November 8-1.30

23rd December 4-9 (Twilight Market- carols by candlelight)

For all stallholder and general market enquiries contact Chris Booth on 0408 880 816 or chrisbooth@bigpond.com

For all Rotary Club general enquiries contact 0481 487 895

PETS

Peninsula places for pooches

Ah, it’s a dog’s life in autumn, winter and spring on the Peninsula. Pooches know their keen owners will take them out at least once a day, rugging up and walking quickly to get warm. All the beaches are fair game after the ending of time restrictions during daylight saving. And there are a growing number of hospitality and accommodation venues that allow dogs in attached outdoor areas – it’s good for business.

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with about 40 per cent of households having at least one dog. And we all know what happened during the pandemic lockdowns – an explosion of dogs!

Victoria’s food standards code is much tougher than places like the UK – where you see dogs inside public places such as pubs – but venues are making allowances for people and their pets. Businesses can allow dogs into outdoor areas not used for food preparation, but they’re not allowed in enclosed areas – places substantially or completely closed by ceilings, roofs, windows or walls. There are several websites that list dog-friendly food and accommodation places, including Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism’s website, official websites such as VisitMelbourne.com and VisitMorningtonPeninsula.org, and commercial ones like Dogs on Holidays.

Selected places for your dogs (and you)

• McClelland Sculpture Park, Langwarrin.

• Ballam Park in Frankston for its fully fenced dog agility park – hurdles of different heights, weaving poles, beams and tunnels.

• Winey Cow and Mornington Peninsula Brewery, both in Mornington.

• Miss Drew’s Bakery and Dog Cafe, Tyabb.

• Green Olive, The Epicurean, and Mocks, all at Red Hill.

• Red Hill Brewery and Red Hill Cellar and Pantry.

• Morgan’s Beach Shack and Mr Morce, Sorrento.

• Georgie Bass Cafe, Flinders.

Good leash-free walking spots

• Two off-leash parks in Dunns Rd, Mornington.

• Briars Community Forest, Nepean Highway, Mount Martha (opposite Balcombe Grammar) – all year.

• Camerons Bight, Blairgowrie – outside daylight saving times only.

• Flinders Beach, access via the track at 1 Esplanade –all year but check for very high tides.

On-leash places

• Balcombe Estuary boardwalk, Mount Martha.

• Millionaires Walk, Sorrento – clifftop walk between Portsea and Sorrento.