July 2024

Mornington Peninsula

Tucked away just an hour's drive from Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is a coastal paradise that beckons travellers with its breathtaking natural beauty, charming towns, and an abundance of things to do and see. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a wine connoisseur, this stunning region in Victoria has something for everyone. Here's your guide to exploring the best of Mornington Peninsula.

Beach Bliss

With over 100 kilometres of pristine coastline, Mornington Peninsula is a beach lover’s dream. Visit the iconic Sorrento Back Beach with its dramatic cliffs or enjoy the family-friendly shores of Dromana Beach. Our personal favourite is the tidal rockpools at Bushrangers Bay, which is a fairly easy 40-minute walk from Cape Schanck Lighthouse car park to the beach. Once you have emerged from the track, you will see a vibrant landscape of crashing waves and rocky headlands. Start walking to the left of the track towards the headlands but be careful of the slippery rocks. These low-tide rockpools are the perfect secluded spot to relax with a view.

Bushrangers Bay Rockpools

Wine and Dine

Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its wineries and vineyards. Take a wine tour and savour the region’s cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pair your wine with gourmet food at renowned cellar doors or indulge in a culinary journey through the charming villages of Mornington, Red Hill, and Flinders. Our personal favourite includes the Rare Hare at Jackalope which is a casual dining experience, allowing you to snack on dishes such as whipped burrata and pork belly whilst sipping on Rare Hare wines and taking in the stunning vineyards. Another one of our favourites is Point Leo Estate which is also known for its dramatic grand-scale sculptures. Whether you may be indulging in the three-course menu in Point Leo’s restaurant or relaxing on the wine terrace, these abstract sculptures are in the background of your dining experience making this a memorable event.

Point Leo Estate Wine Terrace

Natural Wonders

Explore the diverse landscapes of the region by hiking in the Arthurs Seat State Park. The summit provides spectacular views of Melbourne’s city skyline, the You Yangs and Mount Macedon. For a bird’s eye view, hop on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a gondola ride that offers panoramic vistas of the entire Peninsula. Another gem is hiking along the coastal trails of Cape Schanck but of course, you first have to get up close and personal with the lighthouse built in 1859 which also offers a lookout point that overlooks stunning geological formations and spectacular ocean views.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Lookout

Art and Culture

Immerse yourself in the Peninsula’s vibrant arts scene. Visit the Peninsula’s many galleries, including the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and the Elan Vineyard and Gallery or the Beleura House and Garden and Point Leo Estate for contemporary art and stunning outdoor sculptures.

Point Leo Estate Sculpture Park

Wellness Retreats

Recharge your body and soul with spa treatments and wellness experiences at the region’s world-class wellness centres and day spas. The famous Peninsula Hot Springs offers everything from access to the thermal hot springs to private bathing and spa treatments. Looking for something different? Try the bathhouse at Aurora Spa where you can follow a ten-step bathing ritual pathway that encourages blood flow, helps your body get rid of toxins and aids aches and pains.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Stay in Style

Choose from a variety of accommodation options, including luxury resorts, boutique Airbnbs, and seaside cottages, to make your stay in Mornington Peninsula truly unforgettable. We stayed in a bungalow and it was perfectly styled whilst having a homely and cosy feeling. You can book it here

Bungalow Airbnb

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Book Review: I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

Jolene is riddled with anxiety and depression and hates her coworkers. The less she knows about them, the better. So when a catastrophic IT f*ck up grants her access to all of their emails and private messages, she’s initially horrified. That’s until with job cuts looming, she realises the power this new-found knowledge gives her.

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