Mornington Peninsula

THINGS PLACES TO DO TO GO

visitmorningtonpeninsula.org MORNINGTON PENINSULA

2 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org MORNINGTON PENINSULA

CONTENTS

Find Your Way 4 Stylish Villages 6 Arts and Culture 8 Adventure and Attractions 14 Transport and Tours 23 Nature and Walking 24 Marine Activities 26 Spa and Wellbeing 32 Food and Wine 38 Advertisers’ Index 56 Region Map 57

#morningtonpeninsula 3 FIND YOUR WAY

There are hundreds of ways to discover the Mornington Peninsula. And, with just a little help from us, you’ll find your own unique way. Maybe it’s tippling and tasting on the Wine Food Farmgate trail. Slipping into slow mode in a spa. Diving to the depths of the ocean or the tree tops. Walking beaches, wandering villages, watching wildlife. Just come and find your way.

4 findyourway.com.au FIND YOUR WAY DAYBREAK TO DUSK DISCOVERIES Sip an early morning coffee from local roasters and plan your day. If you’re up with the birds and want a unique wildlife experience, find your way to Greens Bush where kangaroos feed in the wild at dawn. Then it’s time to stock up on your own provisions: follow the Wine Food Farmgate trail and discover a busy local market, a gourmet village store or a farmgate selling just-picked produce.

You could easily spend days exploring this trail, with golf courses, walk dramatic cliff tops or stroll through its orchards, vineyards, chef’s hat restaurants, cool award-winning sculpture parks and historic gardens. cafés, cooking classes and more than 50 cellar doors. The water’s so fresh and clear too – you can revel with Breweries, distilleries and cideries are expanding the seals and dolphins, kayak along a coastline or hook drinks list too, with a distinctive regional twist. your own catch of the day. Other trails criss-cross the Mornington Peninsula: horse At dusk, it’s time to slip into naturally heated mineral rides wind their way around bridle trails, cyclists hit waters. Float in a private outdoor pool sculpted from mountain bike and bitumen trails, walkers tackle the local limestone, or luxuriate in a hilltop pool and watch 100km Mornington Peninsula Walk, art lovers follow stars emerge in the sky. the coastal arts trail. And if you’re loving the fresh maritime air, there are plenty more ways to enjoy it. Tee off on some of ’s top

Highways all the way All roads lead to the Mornington Peninsula …you’ll be here in just an hour.

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 5 THE VILLAGE VIBE

Roam around colourful villages right along the coastlines and in the hinterland. It’s a way of life that’s delightfully lazy and full of unexpected finds.

6 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org STYLISH VILLAGES WHAT’S OLD IS NEW Around 30 villages with traditional main streets and little retail squares reveal your kind of shopping…cafés with cred, boutiques with style, artists’ studios and galleries, food stores packed to the rafters with local produce.

If you’re into vintage and antiques or love the quaint Then there’s the continuous shopping spree right along and quirky, Tyabb is your kind of town. Marvellous Bay, from Frankston through Mt Eliza, markets dotted around the Peninsula are the best Mornington and Mt Martha, to the family villages places to unearth handmade treasures, along with of Dromana, McCrae, Rosebud and Rye. Sorrento is super-fresh produce. Standouts are Red Hill’s monthly serious sophistication, then you can relax with a drink at market (spring to autumn) and the Wednesday Main the end of the day at Portsea and the Peninsula’s most Street market which stretches almost a kilometre in famous beachside hotel. Mornington. Next day, drive over to Bay: Balnarring The big food and wine focus is up in the hinterland, and Merricks are edged with vineyards and boast lots of especially around Red Hill and Main Ridge. You can tick local produce, and Flinders makes its mark for dining, off fine dining restaurants, gourmet stores, farmgates, boutiques and antiques. olive groves and tipples from breweries, distilleries, cideries and cellar doors.

Home is where the art is…Mornington, Red Hill, Mt Eliza, Sorrento and Flinders have your style.

#morningtonpeninsula 7 INSPIRED! ARTS, CULTURE AND EVENTS

If it’s creative, inventive and fun, you’ll find it here.

8 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org ARTS AND CULTURE LOOK, LAUGH, LEARN AND LISTEN You’ll find an event calendar that can get as busy as a pop diva’s diary. Summer sand sculpting and carnivals, garden tours, art and cooking just for kids, sports events, theatre, music and twilight markets. And it’s just as busy along the Wine Food Farmgate trail, with a Pinot Noir celebration, regular cooking classes, wine dinners and picnic race meetings.

Then there are the galleries and studios where you Two of the Peninsula’s most famous heritage features can watch artists at work – including world class are best combined with fabulous coastal walks: the glass blowers and ceramicists. Check out the fine art military installations and the old Quarantine Station in exhibitions, wander around outdoor sculptures and National Park, and the maritime history fossick in markets for local crafts. of the 1859 Lightstation. The history is just as absorbing, as ’s first European settlement was established near Sorrento in 1803. Many strands of this story are woven together by tiny museums, simple heritage homes and richly furnished mansions.

#morningtonpeninsula 9 LANDS OF IMAGINATION

Let your imagination ignite this summer, as childhood dreams are brought to life in over 3,500 tonnes of sand.

From Boxing Day 2016, guests are invited into our wildest, whimsical and most extraordinary sand sculpting exhibition yet. Walk amongst towering giants, journey through Candy Land, turn back time and join our dinosaurs in Prehistoric Valley, explore the Enchanted Forest and head down the rabbit hole to visit Wonderland. Visitors can wander the exhibition and learn about the art of sand sculpting through talks, workshops, sand art and bottles, while kids can let loose their Did You Know! imaginations in the This is the largest Sand gigantic sand pit. Sculpting exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere! Find out more on page 12

10 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org ARTS AND CULTURE

#MPRG At the centre of the Peninsula’s artistic pulse, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is renowned for exhibiting outstanding Australian art.

Australia’s most well-known artists have long been romanced by the history and picturesque scenery of the Mornington Peninsula including Arthur Streeton, Louis Buvelot, Eugene von Guérard, Fred Williams and Albert Tucker. Located in the heart of the region, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery embraces this history and presents traditional and contemporary art in all its forms. MPRG-curated exhibitions often explore the distinctive coastal environment and feature works by Australian artists with a connection to the Mornington Peninsula. The Gallery also showcases its outstanding collection, which focuses on the cultural heritage of the Peninsula and contemporary Australian works on paper. 2017 exhibition highlights include Birds: Flight paths in Australian art, 2 December to 12 February, TextaQueen: Who’s here? Between You and Me, 24 February to 30 April, Max and Olive: The Photographic life of Olive Cotton and Max Hans Heysen, Rover Dupain, 12 May to 9 July and Constance Stokes, 21 July Thomas, Fiona Hall, Ben to 17 September. Quilty, John Wolseley, Wendy Sharpe. Find out more on page 12

Henry Rielly Mount Martha – From Dromana [1875] (detail)

#morningtonpeninsula 11 ARTS AND CULTURE

GORDON STUDIO GLASS BLOWERS we

T: 03 5989 7073 Experience the colour and excitement of a working hot glass 290 Red Hill Road, studio. From the security of the gallery, watch internationally Cnr Dunns Creek Road, renowned glassblowers create artworks by traditional hand Red Hill VIC 3937 blown methods. www.gordonstudio.com.au View a gallery of magnificent contemporary art glass and stunning gifts made by the Gordon Family and local artisans. f Open – 7 Days, 10.00am to 5.00pm. MAP REFERENCE Q13

MARION ROSETZKY GALLERY

T: 03 5989 2557 The Marion Rosetzky Gallery is located in a peaceful bush M: 0401 505 215 gully in the heart of the Red Hill hinterland. 650 White Hill Road, Red Hill VIC 3937 It is here that Marion creates a timeless patterning [email protected] reminiscent of Persian rugs on her hand painted tiles. marion.infotile.com.au Enjoy unique craft works, great espresso coffee and native birdlife, in a gallery surrounded by natural bushland. f t i p y MAP REFERENCE O13

McCLELLAND SCULPTURE PARK + GALLERY we

T: 03 9789 1671 Australia’s leading Sculpture Park and Gallery is set among F: 03 9789 1610 16 hectares of serene bushland, lakes and landscaped 390 McClelland Drive, gardens in Langwarrin. Explore over 100 outdoor sculptures. Langwarrin VIC 3910 Be inspired by the best in contemporary art. Enjoy wonderful [email protected] food and wine in the McClelland café overlooking the www.mcclellandgallery.com beautiful lake and works of art. Engage with the collection and exhibitions through a free guided tour. f t p MAP REFERENCE T4

MORNINGTON PENINSULA REGIONAL GALLERY – EXPLORE ONE OF VICTORIA’S ‘MOST EXCITING GALLERIES’ T: 03 5950 1580 MPRG is the region’s major cultural facility and is supported Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, by Mornington Peninsula Shire and other partners. Visitors Mornington VIC 3931 can enjoy tea and coffee in the Gallery café, guided tours [email protected] at 3pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, talks, mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au workshops, children’s activities and picnicking in our Find out more on page 11 picturesque parklands. Visit website for information on f t i p exhibitions and events. MAP REFERENCE P8

SAND SCULPTING AUSTRALIA we

T: 03 5986 6684 Lands of Imagination 510N , Sand Sculpting Australia presents annual exhibitions on the Frankston VIC 3199 [email protected] Frankston Waterfront – showcasing 3,500 tonnes of sand www.sandsculpting.com.au transformed into life sized sand sculptures that will amaze Find out more on page 10 all ages. Open daily from 10am, 26 December 2016 to 25 April 2017. For further details and to purchase tickets visit our website. f i y MAP REFERENCE R4

12 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org #morningtonpeninsula 13 50 SHADES OF GREEN

Get out amongst it…great golf courses, grand gardens, crazy hedge mazes. And you can hop on a horse for a bush ride, or handfeed the wildlife.

14 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org ADVENTURE AND ATTRACTIONS GREAT IDEAS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS With magnificent landscapes to explore and the sea almost surrounding us, the Mornington Peninsula has about as much adventure as you can take. Discover a wealth of fun activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Entertaining the kids on the Mornington Peninsula is Ever been horse riding? If not, this is the perfect place also very easy. Let ‘em loose in adventure gardens, treat to learn. There are rides through native bushlands, over them to a pony ride and introduce them to super cute the sand dunes to a dramatic ocean beach, all-day baby farm animals. There’s mini golf, tree surfing, a new excursions for experienced riders and romantic twilight gondola ride at Arthurs Seat, the annual sand sculpting rides along the beach. exhibition on Frankston waterfront and some very Just after twilight, take a lantern-lit tour of endangered puzzling mazes in huge historic gardens. wildlife that emerges only after the sun goes down. These gardens put on a show right through the year, Daytime highlights include little wallabies that love to with blossoms and bulbs in spring, acres of rose be handfed, and many rare Australian creatures. gardens in summer and hills of lavender flowering year- round. Garden cafés are the best spot to admire it all.

A neat package Have we got a deal for you! Golf touring with accommodation, horse riding with hot springs, or a beach ride followed by lunch.

#morningtonpeninsula 15 BEAUTIFUL BONEO MAZE Down a secret path, through Lantasia is Back! a mysterious hedge and over Stunning silk lanterns a charming boardwalk there is sculptures inhabit the an outdoor wonderland for families park during summer to explore. evenings.

Boneo Maze is a happy place of outdoor adventure, nature connections and family fun. Leap for joy in the adventure zone with bungee trampolines, climbing walls and zorb balls or putt a hole-in-one in the Mini-Golf course. Or you can explore the wetlands in a peddle boat, unearth treasures on a scavenger hunt, challenge your friends to a giant board game or grab a ride on the vintage carousel. When you’re feeling peckish, there’s a healthy snack and treats in the café overlooking the wetlands and gardens as the birdlife show you their home.

Find out more on page 19

16 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org ADVENTURE AND ATTRACTIONS

‘A’ = ACTION, ANIMALS AND ADVENTURES! Three things kids can’t resist: farm animals, an adventure park and fun activities. So let The Big Goose take your little brood under its wing.

If kids are having fun, parents are happy. Particularly if they can relax with a coffee while the kids explore the petting barn, tackle the tyre maze or hit the adventure DID YOU KNOW? playground. And if the mini golf, tractor rides and pony You’d never catch an ostrich rides don’t exhaust them, the giant jumping pillow – they can run up to 70km certainly will. per hour! Another fun fact: The Big Goose specialises in hands-on experiences and guinea pigs are born fully excitement. Kids are encouraged to learn how to handle developed. and feed guinea pigs, chickens, baby goats and lambs. When they take a tractor ride, there’s a close up view of cows, camels, ostriches, goats and many more animals in their natural environment. Pony rides led by staff are safe and fun, and exclusive animal encounters are a special treat. GET MUDDLED IN THE MAZE The tyre maze is one of the biggest in Victoria, and it’s a challenge for sharp little minds. Mini golf is fun, as well as a test for hand-eye coordination over 18 holes of easy to moderate play. The adventure playground is packed with action, including three slides, a rock climbing wall, speed boat, a truck with operational windows and steering wheel, sandpit and cubby house. And the colourful, trampoline-like jumping pillow is guaranteed to keep kids entertained for as long as their energy lasts. Naturally, this is a great place for a kids’ party, as there’s a party room, all the entertainment of the park plus tours to see all the animals. Find out more on page 20

#morningtonpeninsula 17 ADVENTURE AND ATTRACTIONS

“Just a leisurely drive from will take you to a whole new world of experiences.” Get Up & Go Magazine

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ACE-HI RANCH e

T: 03 5988 6262 Ace-Hi is a western themed adventure park set on 200 acres 810 Boneo Road, of rolling hills with panoramic ocean views. Cape Schanck VIC 3939 [email protected] We offer log cabin accommodation, horse riding and www.ace-hi.com.au adventure activities – perfect for family holidays, group bookings and events. f i MAP REFERENCE L16

ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE we

795 Arthurs Seat Road, Board a state-of-the-art gondola and fly to the highest Arthurs Seat VIC 3936 point of the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Enjoy [email protected] breathtaking views across the bay to the city as you soar www.aseagle.com.au high above the trees. The all weather Eagle carries passengers between the Base Station in Dromana to the Summit Station at Arthurs Seat, soaring over the beautiful State Park. Passengers can board f t i y at either station. MAP REFERENCE M13

ASHCOMBE MAZE & LAVENDER GARDENS

T: 03 5989 8387 Australia’s oldest and largest hedge maze, the world’s first 15 Shoreham Road, circular Rose maze, a lavender labyrinth and beautifully Shoreham VIC 3916 themed gardens. Set on a magnificent property, the maze and [email protected] internationally acclaimed woodland gardens create delightful www.ashcombemaze.com.au sensory experiences that changes with every season. Open 7 days a week (excluding X-mas Day) 9am to 5pm. f i MAP REFERENCE Q15

BONEO MAZE e

T: 03 5988 6385 Boneo Maze is a magical place to discover the outdoors, 695 Boneo Road, where kids can roam nature and adults can remember that Fingal VIC 3939 the world is a playground. Explore the hedge mazes, roam [email protected] the boardwalks, float on the wetlands, play giant board www.boneomaze.com games and mini-golf, leap, climb and spin in the Adventure Find out more on page 16 Zone and relax with a picnic in the gardens or treats from our onsite café. School holiday programs for kids. f i y MAP REFERENCE L16

ENCHANTED ADVENTURE GARDEN & TREE SURFING we

T: 03 5981 8449 Our 22 acre adventure park features more than six tricky F: 03 5981 8699 Mazes, five thrilling downhill Tube Slides, 20 creatively 55 Purves Road, themed gardens, Brain Teaser Puzzles and a Sculpture Walk. Arthurs Seat VIC 3936 The Enchanted Adventure Garden is also home to Tree [email protected] Surfing – a high ropes obstacle course including Zip Line www.enchantedadventure.com.au experiences. Suitable for families, friends and couples daily 10am to 6pm (Except Christmas Day). f i y MAP REFERENCE N13

#morningtonpeninsula 19 ADVENTURE AND ATTRACTIONS

HORSEBACK

T: 03 5989 6119 Discover the Peninsula with family and friends by horseback, 356 Shands Road on one of our award-winning Horseback Winery Tours – the Main Ridge VIC 3928 best way to see the views and taste some of the magnificent [email protected] wines in this must-visit region. www.horseback.com.au Horseback is the benchmark for everything equine and now provides lessons, education programs and more. f i y Open daily (except for Tuesdays) from 10am. MAP REFERENCE O15

MOONLIT SANCTUARY WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK wxe

T: 03 5978 7935 Melbourne’s award-winning wildlife park, explore our 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, bushland, meeting endangered species, feeding kangaroos Pearcedale VIC 3912 and wallabies and enjoying encounters with koalas, [email protected] colourful birds, reptiles, dingoes and many other animals. www.moonlitsanctuary.com.au Daily wildlife show. At night, Moonlit Sanctuary comes alive with world-famous lantern-lit tours. Gliders swoop around as endangered quolls and bettongs forage for food. f t i p y MAP REFERENCE V6

THE BIG GOOSE we

T: 0459 911 549 A new, exciting and unique innovation to the Peninsula, 233 Mornington-Tyabb Road, combining farm animals with an Adventure Park. Moorooduc VIC 3933 (entry off Stumpy Gully Road) The Big Goose has many attractions to keep children happy [email protected] for hours including tractor rides, meet and greet over 25 www.thebiggoose.com.au different animals, explore the petting barn, play mini golf, Find out more on page 17 get muddled in the tyre maze, climb around the adventure playground and bounce on a giant jumping pillow. f MAP REFERENCE S9

MORNINGTON PENINSULA GOLF TOURISM

M: 0439 396 617 The Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail – 14 clubs and PO Box 111, 15 outstanding courses (nine are ranked in Australia’s Top Rosebud VIC 3939 100). Avid golf enthusiasts and social golfers are discovering [email protected] that the combination of courses, their accessibility, their www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au variety and the sheer number of them provides a golfers’ Find out more on page 21 paradise that is hard to resist. The Golf Trail should be on every golfer’s ‘Bucket List’. f PENINSULA WIDE

20 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org ADVENTURE AND ATTRACTIONS

NINE GOLF COURSES RANKED IN AUSTRALIA’S TOP 100 These are the numbers that really add up for golfers on the Mornington Peninsula. Fifteen golf clubs with 18 outstanding courses. And nine of them are ranked in Australia’s top 100.

Many of the courses have been designed by prominent golf architects including Tom Doak, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Jnr and Thomson Perrett. BE REWARDED FOR PLAYING THE GOLF TRAIL Players who tackle seven of the participating courses on the Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail receive a free polo shirt and cap. The Golf Trail starts just one hour from Melbourne and all courses are within an easy 30 minutes drive of each other. Find out more on page 20

Hot Deals How to find the best play at the best prices? Just check out Mornington Peninsula Golf Tourism’s Hot Deals.

#morningtonpeninsula 21 “The daily choice of ocean adventure or bayside leisure is a luxury.” Australian Gourmet Traveller

22 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org TRANSPORT AND TOURS

NEPTOURS

T: 03 5981 1277 Locally owned and operated small bus company M: 0400 053 449 specialising in wedding transfers, conference transfers F: 03 5981 1477 from both airport and city, winery tours and ticket and bus Factory 1, 7 Jennings Court, packages to theatre and concerts in Melbourne. West Rosebud VIC 3940 [email protected] All drivers are mature aged and have second to none local www.neptours.com.au knowledge. f MAP REFERENCE L14

SEAROAD FERRIES wxde

T: 03 5257 4500 Experience the beauty of Melbourne’s Port Phillip on Sorrento Pier, The Esplanade, Australia’s favourite car and passenger ferry. between Sorrento VIC 3943 Sorrento and Queenscliff, the 40 minute crossing is a [email protected] great alternative to the drive around the bay. Good coffee, www.searoad.com.au awesome views, dolphin spotting, free WiFi. Find out more on page 29 Ferries depart every hour on the hour every day 7am to 6pm. Easy drive on drive off facilities. All weather. f t i MAP REFERENCE G13

This brochure was designed and produced by Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Artwork, Advertising Sales and Project Management Stieven Taylor + Associates – T: 02 6056 4500 Printed using vegetable based ink on Silk Art paper sourced from sustainable forests. Both Paper Manufacturer and Printer are ISO14001 Environment Management System Certified.

Disclaimer: Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism including its officers, agents and contractors (Publisher) has made every endeavour to ensure that the details appearing in this publication are correct at the time of printing, but accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy or mis-description, whether by inclusion or omission, nor does the Publisher accept any responsibility for subsequent change or withdrawal, of prices, details or services shown which are subject to alteration without notice.

#morningtonpeninsula 23 WALK IT, CYCLE IT, HORSEBACK RIDE IT

The rolling hills and endless coastlines are beckoning you to come and explore. Who could resist?

24 findyourway.com.au INSPIRATIONAL WALKS CLIFFTOP RAMBLES AND COUNTRY LANES If ever a region was made for walking, it’s the Mornington Peninsula. Take a beach stroll along a white sandy beach on Port Phillip Bay, or brave the breezes and wild surf along an ocean beach. Up on the cliffs, walking tracks bring the bonus of spectacular views, especially around Sorrento and Portsea.

Clifftop rambles and country lanes Trail tactics Super fit and want a challenge? Take the 100km Hire a bike, and you never know who you’ll meet: Mornington Peninsula Walk through the countryside and fellow cyclists, walkers, horse riders, runners or locals along the coast. Love history? There are the dramatic walking their dogs. wartime relics of Point Nepean to explore on foot, while There’s lots to discover, including little villages, local Cape Schanck has one of Victoria’s oldest light stations history, famous old bathing boxes, bushlands and perched high above . seascapes. Mountain bikers love the Red Hill to Inland, it’s all green, quiet and shady, with bird-filled Merricks rail trail, cyclists spin along the 17 km Bay Trail wetlands and grand gardens. And you can walk-and- from Dromana to Sorrento or the 26 km Western Port shuttle between wineries. End the day with a walk at Bay Trail from Somerville to Balnarring. Arthurs Seat, the Peninsula’s highest point, with bays curving right along the coastline below you. (If you stay on till evening, the villages become part of a huge patchwork of pretty lights.)

DID YOU KNOW? The Mornington Peninsula has long been a muse…take the Sorrento-Portsea Artists’ Trail or the Coastal Arts Discovery Trail at Frankston.

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 25 MARINE MARVELS

It’s another world down here, where seals swim, dolphins dive and all sorts of curious sea creatures can be spied.

26 findyourway.com.au MARINE ACTIVITIES SPLASH OUT ON AQUATIC ADVENTURES Port Phillip is one big adventure that’s just waiting to happen. So come and meet your new playmates: the wild bottlenose dolphins and the fur seals that provide endless entertainment when you snorkel down to join them. Operators provide all the gear you need, along with comfortable boats for non-snorkelling partners.

Scuba divers have the ultimate experience: diving along wakeboarding? Instructors are ready and waiting, and steep walls, shallow reefs and some of the 60 shipwrecks there are sea kayaking tours to the dolphin sanctuary off that have gone down since the 19th century. Snorkellers Point Nepean National Park. have just as much fun, with the 200m Octopuses’ Port Phillip is renowned for fishing, so come and Garden Trail at Rye pier. Weedy sea dragons are the main hook your own ‘catch of the day’. There are enough attraction, but watch for pygmy seahorses hiding in the varieties here to make a seafood chef go misty eyed… seaweed, octopuses in the sand, as well as sponges, sea King George whiting, snapper, shark, garfish, calamari, stars, fish and rays. flathead and more. Just make sure you’ve got a bottle There’s just as much action on top of the water – ever of Mornington Peninsula wine nicely chilled. been sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or

From coast to coast Just across Port Phillip Bay is historic Queenscliff. Pop over for a day visit from Sorrento – the ferries run every hour, on the hour.

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 27 OPEN YOUR EYES TO ANOTHER WORLD Good To Know Polperro was the first Open your eyes to the wonders dolphin-swim operator down under in Port Phillip, where in Port Phillip, and is an generations of wild dolphins and internationally renowned Ecotourism operator. seals have swum with Polperro for 30 years.

The antics of fur seals and bottle nose dolphins are legendary, and snorkelling amongst them in the pristine waters of Port Phillip is the best way of exploring their world. The family- owned Polperro business has been operating the same classic wooden boat for 30 years, so these wild creatures feel comfortable being around it. All snorkelling gear is provided on daily tours. Non-swimmers have a great view of the action from Polperro’s deck and can learn about the marine environment and conservation from the experienced, qualified crew. Find out more on page 30

FAMILY FRIENDLY FISHING

Timeout Fishing Charters welcome families on board for a morning or afternoon’s fishing. They’ll even clean your catch ready for dinner!

Freshly caught fish and a bottle of Mornington Peninsula wine are the perfect end to a family-and-friends fishing day. Timeout take up to 12 novice and experienced anglers for 4-hour morning and afternoon trips on their new 11m boat, with twilight trips over the Christmas holidays. Senior citizens, kids as young as five and all ages in between will be kitted out with rods and Good To Know given expert angling tips as ‘Bojangles’ captain Peter heads ‘Bojangles’ is now out for the most productive wheelchair friendly fishing grounds. Excursions bookings essential. are relaxing, with light Private charters refreshments included. designed to your needs also available. Find out more on page 30

28 findyourway.com.au MARINE ACTIVITIES

High Tea on the High Seas CROSSING THE BAY IN Indulge on selected sailings with exquisite sweet and 40 MINUTES OF FUN savoury treats, sparkling wine, coffee or tea. The scenery is spectacular, but it’s the unexpected sights such as playful dolphins or whales in winter that add even more fun to ’ trips across Port Phillip.

The 40-minute crossing between historic Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula and Queenscliff near the Great Ocean Road is the start of a great day trip. Ferries run on the hour, every hour from 7am to 6pm daily, so there’s plenty of time to explore Queenscliff’s Victorian-era streetscapes before returning to Sorrento. The trip features views of the multi-million dollar clifftop mansions of Portsea, the dramatic coastline of Point Nepean National Park, the vicious Rip that claimed many ships in the 19th century and the war-time fortifications of Queenscliff. There are often sightings of wild bottlenose dolphins which love to frolic near the ferries and, in winter, migrating whales are sometimes seen in the Bay. ARE WE THERE YET? The large ferries are designed to keep everyone happy, with a children’s play area and colouring corner, binoculars for dolphin and whale spotting, a licensed café with a barista on every sailing, comfortable lounges with huge viewing windows, lift access and plenty of deck space with seating for sunny days. Relax and sip on a regional wine, cider or ale as the magical scenery slides by. Searoad Ferries take cars as well as foot passengers, so for visitors heading to or from the Great Ocean Road, this is a relaxing alternative to the 200km drive right around the bay. Find out more on page 23

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 29 MARINE ACTIVITIES

BAYPLAY ADVENTURE TOURS & PADI DIVE RESORT wde

T: 03 5984 0888 Stay and Play by the Bay 3755 Point Nepean Road, • Snorkel or Dive with Seadragons Portsea VIC 3944 [email protected] • Dolphin Sanctuary Sea kayak Tour www.bayplay.com.au • Sailing, Seals and Catamaran Charters • SUP, Kayak and Bike Hire – Explore Pt Nepean • Beach Cottages and Group Lodges f i • PADI Five Star Dive Training Centre MAP REFERENCE F13

JOE FARR FISHING CHARTERS e

M: 0488 229 752 Prepare for adventure and some of the best fishing Victoria Sorrento Boat Ramp has to offer! Joe takes specialty small group fishing trips by Appointment bay and ocean fishing from Sorrento by appointment. [email protected] Beginners and experienced anglers welcome. Learn to fish, www.joefish.com.au target certain species or just unwind amid breathtaking views and wildlife. Private charters available, family friendly and plenty of fishing space for all. f i MAP REFERENCE G13

POLPERRO DOLPHIN SWIMS e

T: 03 5988 8437 Ecologically sound and internationally renowned, come M: 0428 174 160 aboard for the marine adventure of a lifetime. Put on a Departs Sorrento Pier, mask and snorkel and look a dolphin or seal in the eye or Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3942 stay dry and enjoy the marine wonders on offer from the [email protected] deck. Join our experienced and qualified crew and open www.polperro.com.au your eyes to another world. Safe and fun for all ages. Find out more on page 28 “So sublime is this experience that it is almost too good f i to share”, Paul Pottinger, The Australian Magazine. MAP REFERENCE G13

TIMEOUT FISHING CHARTERS e

M: 0400 440 705 Come join us on our Family friendly 36 Foot Fishing Charter Rye Pier, Rye VIC 3941 Boat, included in charter is all use of our fishing gear, light [email protected] refreshments, toilet on board. Fish can be cleaned should timeoutfishingcharters.com.au you wish. All your private charter needs can be catered for. Find out more on page 28 Licensed to carry 12 passengers. Wheelchair access by arrangement. f i MAP REFERENCE J14

30 findyourway.com.au MARINE ACTIVITIES

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 31 SIX DEGREES OF RELAXATION

For some, it’s a brisk and breezy walk or 18 holes of golf. For others, it’s ‘me time’ at a luxurious spa or private mineral pool. What’s yours?

32 findyourway.com.au SPA AND WELLBEING IT’S BODY BLISS You’ll find quite a few miracle workers on the Mornington Peninsula. A walk on a deserted beach, with the rhythm of the waves and fresh sea air, is one. So is the naturally heated mineral water which flows into private spa pools. Just lie back, let go and put life on hold for a bit.

Treatments at day spas certainly fall into the miraculous If boosting your wellbeing involves a little more exertion, category. Just an hour of body bliss is all it takes, with think bush walks, cycle trails, golf courses, horse rides, therapists using western, eastern and Aboriginal massage surf breaks and aquatic adventures. techniques. Add a facial and foot treatment, scrubs, Feeling better already? masks and wraps with organic ingredients, and you’re well on the way to a new you. Outdoors you’ll find a choice of mineral water pools, warm water exercise classes and yoga. Then there’s a reflexology walk, Turkish steam bath, underground sauna, hand and foot baths and cold plunge pools.

Did You Know? That local Shiraz grapes can be transformed into a luxurious antioxidant balm, which is applied during a soothing and calming massage.

#findyourwaymorningtonpeninsula 33 THE WELLNESS MANOR

Immerse yourself in six star luxury and celebrate ‘Your Time’ at the Peninsula’s Your Place, most exciting spa and wellness facility. Your Space, With a commitment to personalised service, The Wellness Manor embraces the latest in Your Time. alternative natural therapies as well as clinically proven treatments for face and body. Free skin consultations by qualified therapists promote medically aesthetic treatments that leave you feeling gorgeous both inside and out. Set in beautiful private gardens, you’re encouraged to go slow, enjoy a bathe in the outdoor pools and take time out to re-connect in the lux relaxation rooms post treatment.

Find out more on page 36

34 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org SPA AND WELLBEING

WORLD’S ‘BEST MINERAL SPRINGS SPA’ WINNER More than 20 globally-inspired bathing experiences set in a beautiful natural environment have won Peninsula Hot Springs the Worlds Best Mineral Springs Award in 2014,2015 & 2016

Peninsula Hot Springs grew from the vision of founder Charles Davidson, who spent more than 10 years searching for naturally heated spring waters near Rye after discovering Japan’s outdoor hot springs during a snowy winter. And the World Luxury Spa Awards say he’s created a global winner. While influenced by the best international spa traditions, Peninsula Hot Springs is true to its own natural environment. Subtle landscaping follows the natural contours of sand dunes, and healing hot water cascades down the hillside through bathing pools to a lake. There’s the magic of sunrise or sunset from a hilltop pool with 360° views to local landmarks and across the bay to Queenscliff. Natural thermal pools are sculpted from local limestone, framed by indigenous vegetation and softly lit at night. Charles Davidson has also captured more than 20 of the world’s best experiences in the social Bath House including hydrojet pool, a traditional Turkish hamam, reflexology DID YOU KNOW? walk, sauna and cold plunge pool. Healing, naturally heated In the luxurious Spa Dreaming Centre with its tranquil mineral waters bubble spaces and private pools, treatments embrace Indigenous up from 637m below the practices and ‘Peninsula Senses’, a new range of exclusive ground, flowing into pools products featuring local botanicals and ingredients and private baths. including Manuka honey. Two dining options complete your spa experience from early morning to early evening: the Spa Dreaming Centre Café and the Bath House Café. Find out more on page 36

#morningtonpeninsula 35 SECTION HEADING

PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS we

T: 03 5950 8777 Peninsula Hot Springs is Victoria’s first thermal mineral 140 Springs Lane, springs and day spa centre. Enjoy over 20 globally-inspired Fingal (Rye) VIC 3939 bathing experiences in our social Bath House including [email protected] a Turkish steam bath and cave pool or indulge in a spa www.peninsulahotsprings.com treatment in our Spa Dreaming Centre reserved for guests Find out more on page 35 16 years and older. Two cafés serve breakfast and lunch daily and dinner f t i y Thursday to Saturday. MAP REFERENCE K16

RED HILL SPA w

T: 03 5931 0088 A luxurious boutique day spa, located in the heart of the F: 03 5931 0066 Peninsula’s wine region. A space where you can rest and 1012 Mornington-Flinders Road, refresh your mind, pamper and rejuvenate your body, Red Hill VIC 3937 awaken your senses and expand your spirit. [email protected] www.redhillspa.com.au Utilising the finest organic products for Facials, Massages, Body Treatments – scrubs and wraps, Beauty Services, Spa Ritual Packages. f i Online Gift vouchers available. Open 7 Days. MAP REFERENCE O13

THE WELLNESS MANOR

T: 03 5976 8791 At The Wellness Manor, everyone’s unique beauty is 1 Ross Street, honoured and enjoyed. No Expectations. No impossible Mornington VIC 3931 standards, just personal respect. The retreat offers massage, [email protected] steam, scrubs, yoga, refreshments, giftware and full access www.thewellnessmanor.com to pools, sauna and relaxation room with every treatment. Find out more on page 34 Ask about a free aesthetic skin consult with our medically qualified therapists. Gift vouchers also available. f i MAP REFERENCE P7

36 visitmorningtonpeninsula.org SPA AND WELLBEING

#morningtonpeninsula 37 WINE FOOD FARMGATE

How delicious is this? Come and discover the many places to eat, forage, sip, shop and learn on the Wine Food Farmgate trail. More than a dozen trail maps show you where and how.

38 winefoodfarmgate.com.au FOOD AND WINE 4 SEASONS, SO MANY REASONS TO EXPLORE

Everything changes with the seasons. The fruits and vegetables from farmgates. Restaurant menus inspired by what’s fresh and local. Summer delights like cherry picking, winter adventures like truffle hunting.

Just follow the Wine Food Farmgate trail map, and it vegetable gardens, hen coops and beehives. Want to all unfolds …market gardens, farmgates and farmers’ know more? The ‘Learn and Grow’ trail lists cooking markets. Artisan food producers, restaurants, cafés and classes and produce-growing workshop. The ‘Tour cooking classes. Around with a Local’ trail highlights local tour operators There are special interest trails too. Start your next lunch who have an abiding passion for food and wine. or dinner party with a new talking point – just follow The ‘Great Indulgence’ trail winds a delectable route ‘That’s the Spirit ...and Cider and Ale’ trail and meet between cheese and chocolate producers. The ‘Berries the new wave producers who are really shaking up the and Cherries’ trail yields luscious summer fruit – just pair it cocktail lists. with house-made ice cream and dessert is on the table. ‘Gourmet Stores and More’ will tick everything off your And check out the ‘Wine and Dine’ trails where you’re shopping list…from dukkha and olive oils to jams and staying, such as Red Hill/Main Ridge, around Port Phillip pickles, honey and chocolate to spices and locally and from Merricks to Flinders along Western Port. roasted coffee. ‘Down on the Farm’ pinpoints all those farmgates where everything has come from the paddocks, orchards, Download The Wine Food Farmgate trail maps at www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org, and look for the Wine Food Farmgate logo on your travels.

#winefoodfarmgate 39 HERE’S KNOCK OUT FOOD!

Rosebud’s old bowling alley has been reborn as the quirky and inventive Blue Mini Café, with emporium, children’s area and dog-friendly garden.

An old Blue Mini car is just part of the imaginative mix of up-cycled, industrial, modern and vintage elements in this big and eclectic space. It’s a fun place to eat, meet, relax and shop, with casual dining on restyled bowling lanes, a kids’ play area nearby and a huge emporium with art, sculpture, homewares, retro and lifestyle gifts sourced from local artisans. Art, creativity and great food extend to the dog-friendly Creativity to a ‘T’ garden. The menu philosophy is simple: all day breakfast Blue Mini blends its own and lunch with freshly range of delicious teas. prepared, great tasting food Staff will also pack lunches at reasonable prices. and picnics to take exploring. Find out more on page 46

WHERE WINES TAKE FLIGHT Good to Know Behind the impressive doors at the rear of the The Crittendens, the Peninsula’s ‘first family Wine Centre is the Private of wine’, have opened the region’s first Tasting Room. This can Wine Centre featuring ‘flights’ chosen from be booked to host up to 26 fine wines. 10 guests for your own Like father, like son…and daughter. Garry Crittenden private Wine Master Class. founded his first vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula in 1982, and became an Australian pioneer in Italian wine varieties. Siblings Rollo and Zoe Crittenden were early adopters of the enticing styles of regional Spain, but the family maintains its tradition of fine French varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their latest innovation is an impressive new Wine Centre, where visitors sit in comfort and choose a ‘flight’ of five wines from the wine menu, guided by knowledgeable staff.

Find out more on page 46

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SCULPTURE, FOOD, WINE, GARDENS AND WETLANDS Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove reflects the finer things in life: food, wine, sculpture collection, olive groves, kitchen gardens, wetlands and secluded spots for private picnics.

John and Wendy Mitchell and their daughter Heidi have, in little more than a decade, created a beautiful and bountiful estate. It’s so generously shared with visitors Count to 12 that it’s sometimes difficult to know where to start... Since opening in 2002, A glass of Montalto wine and meal in the casual Montalto’s fine dining outdoor Piazza Café or in the much-awarded restaurant? restaurant has won 12 A stroll between the vines to the wetlands? A wander Chef’s Hats for exceptional through the permanent sculpture collection of 25 works, food, wine and service. or around the abundant kitchen garden which supplies fresh produce for the chef? The Mitchells want visitors to feel rewarded for time shared, so it’s best to allow a few hours here. Wendy’s produce gardens cover two acres, with vegetables, herbs and an orchard. Any excess is transformed into the Pantry Range which, along with olives, olive oil and Montalto’s fine wines, is sold at the cellar door. WHITE TABLECLOTH PRIVATE PICNICS The sculpture collection has grown from the acquisitive Montalto Sculpture Prize, launched in 2003, with works displayed throughout the estate. Also dotted around the estate are five secluded spots where sumptuous private summer picnics can be booked. But probably the best place to take in all that is Montalto is through the glass walls in the restaurant, with their rural view of vines, olive groves, sculpture, wetlands, pastures and a glimpse of the ocean. Find out more on page 49

#winefoodfarmgate 41 Putting fresh, local FROM THE PATCH and seasonal treats on your plate at Flinders TO THE PLATE and hands on cooking classes to inspire you. Georgie Bass Café & Cookery is all about fresh, regionally-sourced produce, drawing seasonal inspiration from our very own vegetable garden.

Boasting an all-day dining menu, the Café is open daily serving delicious food with a healthy twist. House made artisan delights and savoury options are available to take away, or maybe you prefer dining alfresco alongside the herb garden. Offering ‘hands-on’ cooking classes led by award winning chefs and cooked with premium Miele equipment, you’ll learn tricks of the trade at our scheduled classes. Or plan your own private class for up to 12 people.

Find out more on page 48

RELAX, STAY, DINE

Portsea Hotel An ideal place for a relaxing stay, dining, weddings, Whether you are celebrations, meetings or enjoying a few drinks out overlooking the bay or in the beer garden. sitting by our fireplaces, Elegantly situated overlooking the bay and Portsea Pier, the your stay at Portsea will Portsea Hotel is an iconic landmark of the Mornington be rewarding. Peninsula. Portsea is southern Australia’s most prestigious seaside township. The views from Portsea Hotel are spectacular, surrounded by Port Phillip Bay’s tranquil southern shoreline. Portsea Hotel is open for lunch and dinner daily with the hotel’s bistro offering a contemporary menu complemented by local and popular Australian wines and craft beer. Country style accommodation is available with rooms to suit all budgets.

Find out more on page 51

42 winefoodfarmgate.com.au FOOD AND WINE HOW SWEET IT IS

The bees at Pure Peninsula Honey are very busy indeed, creating 20 varieties of honey plus bees wax candles, cosmetics, honey ice cream and more.

After moving to a farm on the Mornington Peninsula 25 years ago, John Winkels discovered two feral beehives. It was the start of his hobby as an apiarist, which grew into a full time business at Pure Peninsula Honey. There’s a bee-themed gift shop with a huge range of cold extracted honey, honey straws, honey cider, honeycomb, cosmetics made from Manuka Manuka honey honey, candles and free honey Did you know Australia tastings. And there’s honey has the largest variety of ice cream to enjoy while Manuka (Tea-tree) species watching bees at work behind in the world? Come and a glass beehive as they build taste some Australian honeycomb, collect pollen and produced Manuka honey. produce honey.

Find out more on page 52

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FOCUS Thirty seven years is a long time to explore two Exclusive Club varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But the Stonier’s Single Vineyard accolades certainly justify Stonier’s focus. Barrique Club gives Founded in 1978 by Brian Stonier and his family, members exclusive offers, this pioneering winery has never wavered from its including limited-quantity much-rewarded obsession for outstanding cool climate single vineyard wines. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery, resulting in distinctive wines defined by their site. Designed by renowned Melbourne architect Daryl Jackson, the combined cellar door and winery enables visitors to sample wine (including some outstanding single vineyard releases), enjoy local produce platters and watch the workings of the winery.

Find out more on page 53

#winefoodfarmgate 43 “With more than 50 cellar doors as well as cafés, restaurants and farmgates selling fresh produce, you’ll want to return again and again.” Australian Good Food Magazine

44 winefoodfarmgate.com.au Farm-made ice creams SUCCULENT STRAWBERRIES Sunny Ridge’s own ice creams There’s nothing more succulent than the 40 tonnes and sorbets have won multiple of strawberries visitors pick between November awards in the Royal Melbourne and April at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm. Show Fine Food Awards. Freshly picked strawberries have an irresistible aroma and tantalising taste. Even when it’s not the U-pick season, Sunny Ridge’s dessert café and shop are redolent with strawberry fragrances, because almost every imaginable strawberry product is sold there. Top picks in the dessert café include the strawberry and Belgian chocolate fondue, Devonshire tea with house-made jam, strawberry kebabs and a tasting plate for two. The shop is full of take-home goodies, including jams, preserves, syrups, freeze dried strawberries, strawberry candies and wine.

Find out more on page 53

CHEERS TO THE CUPS!

The Fisicaro family’s Cups Estate is a little slice of heaven, where food is matched to estate wines and designed to be shared amongst friends and family.

Inspired by their Sicilian heritage and European travels, the family established The Cups Estate with a philosophy of sharing… seasonal and local produce are celebrated, along with single vineyard, cool climate wines that express the unique, coastal location of ‘The Cups’. In a remarkable setting amid sand dunes between the bay and Bass Strait, the cellar door and restaurant have a glorious view over the dunes, Dine and Bathe olive grove and vineyard. Peninsula Hot Springs is right next door, so slip into the naturally heated mineral springs then wine and dine at The Cups. Find out more on page 54

#winefoodfarmgate 45 FOOD AND WINE

BLUE MINI – EATERY, EMPORIUM & EVENTS wxde

T: 03 5981 2520 Welcome to Blue Mini; retro café and eatery a Peninsula 2 Colchester Road, favourite! Open year round for all day breakfast, great Rosebud VIC 3940 ‘Di Bella’ coffee and delicious lunches made with fresh [email protected] locally sourced produce. www.bluemini.com.au Find out more on page 40 Local artists and creatives works blend with a vintage range of quirky giftware in the ‘emporium’. The perfect space for events, special occasion or just a f t i casual catch up with coffee. See you soon. MAP REFERENCE L14

YOUR WINERY IN ROSEBUD ON TOP OF THE WORLD wde

T: 03 5986 6560 Undoubtedly, the best views overlooking Port Phillip and M: 0419 553343 Bass Strait. This family run boutique winery now offers 155 Gardens Road, the complete ultimate package – food, wine and luxury Rosebud VIC 3939 accommodation. [email protected] www.bluerangeestatewines.com.au Open for Lunch and Tastings 11am to 4pm weekends, Public Holidays and daily from 27 December until the end of January. f MAP REFERENCE M14

CRITTENDEN WINE CENTRE we

T: 03 5987 3800 Enjoy seated tastings in our wine centre where 25 Harrisons Road, knowledgeable staff will guide you through carefully Dromana VIC 3936 prepared wine flights. A range of alternative and traditional [email protected] wines can be sampled in a format that is innovative and www.crittendenwines.com.au makes tasting wine an experience in itself. Find out more on page 40

f t i y MAP REFERENCE P12

DOOT DOOT DOOT AT JACKALOPE wxe

T: 03 5931 2500 At Jackalope Hotel’s fine dining affair, a respect for the 166 Balnarring Road, feast is effortlessly offered with disrespect for the familiar. Merricks North VIC 3926 Produce from the hotel’s expansive kitchen garden [email protected] champions a menu showcasing seasonal, regional eating www.jackalopehotels.com at its highest standard, paired with a unique selection of limited-release, single vineyard wines, curated from some of the world’s premier small-batch producers. f MAP REFERENCE P18

FLINDERS HOTEL DINING wxe

T 03 5989 0201 A boutique culinary, accommodation and conference Cnr Cook & Wood Streets destination in the heart of the coastal village of Flinders. Flinders VIC 3929 [email protected] The Deck Bar & Bistro, open 7 days a week for lunch and www.flindershotel.com.au dinner with dining options inside or out on the deck. Dining by design in Terminus, available for private functions and corporate events. ‘2 Glasses’ and Top 3 Best Pub Wine List in Australia 2016 f t i – Gourmet Traveller Wine MAP REFERENCE P18

46 winefoodfarmgate.com.au “With so many delicacies sprinkled throughout its hills, valleys and shores, the Mornington Peninsula is the place to indulge.” Royal Auto Magazine

#winefoodfarmgate 47 FOOD AND WINE

GEORGIE BASS CAFÉ & COOKERY wxde

T: 03 5989 0031 Open daily from 7am till 3pm, with extended trading hours 30 Cook Street, over the summer months. Casual alfresco dining available. Flinders VIC 3929 [email protected] ‘Pop Up Patch’ dinners – bookings essential. Seasonal cooking georgiebass.com.au classes in our state of the art Miele kitchen – bookings Find out more on page 42 essential. Create your own hands on or masterclass cooking experience. f t i Bring your kids, your bike and the dog! MAP REFERENCE P18

GREEN OLIVE AT RED HILL wxde

T: 03 59 89 2992 All day tapas menu with matching wines from our olive 1180 Mornington-Flinders Road, grove, vineyard and sustainable farm on the Mornington Main Ridge VIC 3928 Peninsula. While you are enjoying the view of our [email protected] picturesque farm children are welcome to jump on the www.greenolive.com.au olympic size trampoline, with plenty of space to play and enjoy the fresh farm air. Open 9.00am to 5.00pm everyday. Closed Christmas Day f t i y and Boxing Day. MAP REFERENCE O14

HERONSWOOD GARDEN AND DINING wde

T: 03 5984 7321 Famous Garden fabulous Food. Visit Heronswood and 105 Latrobe Parade, experience one of Australia’s finest gardens with magnificent Dromana VIC 3936 borders of unusual flowers, heirloom fruit and vegetables, [email protected] nestled below mature trees with sweeping sea views. www.diggers.com.au Shop in our Garden Shop for Diggers heirloom seeds and plants and enjoy casual coffee outside. Entry to the garden and historic house restaurant $10, kids under 16 years and f t i p y Diggers members free. Bookings for restaurant advised. MAP REFERENCE M13

MAIN RIDGE DAIRY we

T: 03 5989 6622 A farmhouse cheese factory and goat dairy, Main Ridge Dairy 295 Main Creek Road, provides a true paddock to plate experience. Our beautiful Main Ridge VIC 3928 milk is made into a range of award winning cheeses right here [email protected] on the farm. www.mainridgedairy.com.au Open for tastings, platters, wine and coffee: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-4.30pm. Public holidays 12pm-4pm. Open everyday through January. f i Groups welcome by prior arrangement. MAP REFERENCE O14

MAIN RIDGE ESTATE wxe

T: 03 5989 2686 The Peninsula’s original winery, established in 1975. M: 0438 296 449 Renowned estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 80 William Road, The Sexton family continue the Main Ridge Estate traditions Red Hill VIC 3937 of high quality winemaking and friendly cellar door service. [email protected] Sundeck overlooking the vineyard and extensive gardens. mre.com.au Weekend light lunches and special events, see website for details. f i Weekends 11.00am to 5.00pm, weekdays 12.00pm to 4pm. MAP REFERENCE 013

48 winefoodfarmgate.com.au FOOD AND WINE

MAX’S AT RED HILL ESTATE we

T: 03 5931 0177 Established for over 20 years, highly awarded and 53 Shoreham Road, positioned to capture the extraordinary vineyard and coastal Red Hill South VIC 3937 views, Max’s is a Peninsula experience not to be missed. [email protected] Our team deliver local, seasonal produce with a modern www.maxsrestaurant.com.au twist and professional service with a smile. Relaxed platter menu available on the lawn during summer. Lunch 7 days, dinner Friday and Saturday. f t i p MAP REFERENCE P15

MONTALTO VINEYARD & OLIVE GROVE we

T: 03 5989 8412 Visitors to Montalto will experience a unique offering of 33 Shoreham Road, restaurants, wine, kitchen gardens and orchards, sculpture Red Hill South VIC 3937 walk and wetlands. There’s fine dining in the Chef’s Hat [email protected] rated restaurant or a more casual option in the Piazza Café. www.montalto.com.au Sample our award winning wines at the Cellar Door and Find out more on page 41 explore the permanent sculpture collection on display across the Estate. f t i y MAP REFERENCE P15

MOOROODUC ESTATE

T: 03 59718506 Established in 1982, Moorooduc Estate has built an F: 03 59718550 enviable reputation for fine wine. 501 Derril Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 Winemaker, Richard McIntyre has never been afraid to [email protected] push the boundaries in his quest for delicious wine that www.moorooducestate.com.au expresses where it comes from as well as the variety it is made from. Wild yeast fermented Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Open every day 11am to 5pm f t i excepting public holidays. MAP REFERENCE R9

MORNING STAR ESTATE wxe

T: 03 9787 7760 Morning Star Estate is a historical venue located in Mt Eliza. F: 03 9787 7160 The property boasts age old architecture dating back to the 2 Sunnyside Road, 1867 and has a unique charm. Mt Eliza VIC 3930 [email protected] Visitors can enjoy fine food and wine whilst dining at the www.morningstarestate.com.au Estate Restaurant and explore the extensive gardens with over 700 varieties of ornamental roses and acreages of vines. f t i p On-site accommodation is available for guests. MAP REFERENCE P7

MORNINGTON PENINSULA BREWERY wxde

T: 03 5976 3663 Come and visit one of Australia’s top craft breweries for a 72 Watt Road, true experience. Enjoy award winning beer, amazing pizzas, Mornington VIC 3931 and local wines while admiring the working brewhouse [email protected] or relaxing in the beer garden. Live music every Sunday www.mpbrew.com.au afternoon. Open Thursday to Friday 3.00pm to 11.00pm, Saturday 12.00pm to late and Sunday 12.00pm to 7.00pm. f t i y MAP REFERENCE P8

#winefoodfarmgate 49 FOOD AND WINE

MORNINGTON PENINSULA CHOCOLATES

T: 03 5989 0040 Located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula amongst M: 0405 441 786 some of the most prestigious wineries, we make exquisite F: 03 5989 0051 handmade chocolates using Belgian and Swiss couverture. 45 Cook Street, We use fresh, local and imported ingredients with no Flinders VIC 3929 artificial flavours or preservatives. An experience to be [email protected] remembered even for the most fastidious connoisseur. www.mpchocolates.com.au Any occasion tailored to your needs. f MAP REFERENCE P18

MYRTACEAE WINERY e

T: 03 5989 2045 Situated near Arthurs Seat, Myrtaceae Winery specialises in 53 Main Creek Road, producing quality cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Red Hill VIC 3937 which is 100% estate grown and made. [email protected] www.myrtaceae.com.au John and Julie look forward to sharing 30 years of stories with cellar door visitors whilst you experience the unique Riedel rolling glasses. Open weekends, public holidays and daily from December f i to mid-January 12pm-5pm. MAP REFERENCE O13

PARINGA ESTATE WINERY & RESTAURANT w

T: 03 5989 2669 Paringa Estate has long established itself as one of the 44 Paringa Road, leading quality wine producers in Australia, having won Red Hill South VIC 3937 James Halliday’s Inaugural ‘Australian Winery of the Year’ [email protected] in 2007. www.paringaestate.com.au Awarded the Age Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat for the fifth consecutive year. Paringa chef’s unique style is centred on seasonal and local produce and his foraging expeditions f t i p around the region. MAP REFERENCE P14

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PORT PHILLIP ESTATE wx

T: 03 5989 4444 An architectural landmark and home to Kooyong and Port 263 Red Hill Road, Phillip Estate wines. One of the most exciting food and Red Hill South VIC 3937 wine destinations in Australia. [email protected] www.portphillipestate.com.au Soak up the spectacular views. Drop in for a wine tasting or a glass of wine and sample a few shared plates in the Cellar Door Kitchen. The Dining Room is a more formal space offering exceptional food and wine. f t MAP REFERENCE Q13

PORTSEA HOTEL wxde

T: 03 5984 2213 Our open dining spaces let you take in the superb views of 3746 Point Nepean Road, Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff and the surrounds. The terrace Portsea VIC 3944 encircles the bay side of the hotel allowing for alfresco [email protected] dining in the summer months, and protected views when it www.portseahotel.com.au gets cooler. Alternatively you may wish to dine where open Find out more on page 42 fires roar on a winter’s day. Your dining experience can also be enjoyed in our award-winning half acre beer garden f i situated right on the beach. MAP REFERENCE F13

PRANCING HORSE ESTATE

T: 0419 393 145 Tony Hancy offers his highly-acclaimed Red Hill South 39 Paringa Road wines alongside top-notch Burgundy and Chablis to shine Red Hill South VIC 3937 a light on terroir and the vineyard. Whether the wine is from [email protected] Burgundy, Chablis or Red Hill South, great wines are made www.prancinghorseestate.com in the vineyard and a Prancing Horse Estate tasting is a deep and fascinating journey through individual wine styles. f t MAP REFERENCE P14

#winefoodfarmgate 51 FOOD AND WINE

PURE PENINSULA HONEY wxde

T: 03 5978 8413 • Free honey tastings (over 20 varieties). M: 0417 779 998 • Watch bees building honeycomb. 871 Derril Road, Moorooduc VIC 3933 • Cosmetics made from Manuka honey. [email protected] • Bee themed gift shop. www.purepeninsulahoney.com.au • Indulge in a honey ice cream. Find out more on page 43 • Enquire about farm talks. f Open 7 days 9am-5pm. MAP REFERENCE R8

RARE HARE WINE & FOOD STORE wxe

T: 03 5931 2501 The Rare Hare Wine & Food Store, at Jackalope Hotel, is 166 Balnarring Road, a prime destination for lovers of food and wine. With a Merricks North VIC 3926 celebrated cellar door, produce store and restaurant, Rare [email protected] Hare serves up the best of the Peninsula’s pastoral pleasures www.rarehare.com.au and intoxicating vineyard views. Open daily for award-winning wine tastings, brisk bites and long lunches; weekend evening dining offered Friday f t i to Sunday. MAP REFERENCE P18

RED HILL BREWERY wx

T: 03 5989 2959 In the heart of Red Hill, genuine handcrafted beers from our 88 Shoreham Road, unique and independent microbrewery and hop garden. Red Hill VIC 3937 At our brewery you can taste all the specialty beers, enjoy a [email protected] bite, drink a pint or even stay the night. Nestled in a rustic www.redhillbrewery.com.au bush setting, relax and savour our delicious real ales created in our Brewhouse. Our seasonal brews excite the beerlover, always something new on tap to try. 11.00am to 7.00pm f t i y Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays, more in Summer. MAP REFERENCE P14

RED HILL CHEESE we

T: 03 5989 2035 Artisan Cheesemakers for Serious Cheeselovers. 81 William Road, This intimate Cheese Cellar in the Forest promises a high-end Red Hill VIC 3937 [email protected] flavour experience. Treat yourself to a tasting plate of the www.redhillcheese.com.au Cheesemaker’s selection of distinctive cheeses handmade with sheep, cow or goat milk. 11.00am to 5.00pm weekends and public holidays. Daily 27 December to end January. No bus access. f t No facilities for groups more than 10. MAP REFERENCE O13

RED HILL EPICUREAN wde

T: 03 5989 4000 From the fresh incarnation of Red Hill’s historic Cool Stores 165 Shoreham Road, comes the Red Hill Epicurean, Mornington Peninsula’s Red Hill South VIC 3937, most innovative and exciting new gourmet icon. Proudly [email protected] showcasing the finest local produce and wine of the www.theepicurean.com.au surrounding Mornington regions, Epicurean is a multi- functional venue with a spectacular atrium ‘cucina’ style restaurant, extensive wine tasting area, bakery, café and f i p cheese larder formaggeria. MAP REFERENCE P14

52 winefoodfarmgate.com.au FOOD AND WINE

RED HILL ESTATE wxde

T: 03 5989 2838 Red Hill Estate is a stunning combination of cellar door, 53 Shoreham Road, vineyard, restaurant and accommodation set upon Red Hill South VIC 3937 a property with unspoilt views over Western Port to [email protected] Phillip Island. Enjoy the sensational range of Mornington www.redhillestate.com.au Peninsula wines including the award winning Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Shiraz and our double award winning Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, recently awarded Best Pinot Noir at f i the 2016 Victorian Wines Show. MAP REFERENCE P15

STILLWATER AT CRITTENDEN wxe

T: 03 59819555 The sharing of food and conversation is one of life’s most 25 Harrisons Road, simple and enjoyable pleasures. Visit Stillwater, Hall of Dromana VIC 3936 Fame winner of RACV Victorian Tourism Awards 2013, [email protected] 2014 and 2105. Full service fine dining or graze and lounge www.stillwateratcrittenden.com.au lakeside for something more casual. Bespoke private events our speciality. Mornington Peninsula’s premier food and social destination. f i p MAP REFERENCE P12

STONIER WINES e

T: 03 5989 8300 Established in 1978, Stonier is one of the Mornington 2 Thompsons Lane, Peninsula’s founding wineries and has developed an Merricks VIC 3916 enviable reputation as one of Victoria’s leading producers of [email protected] Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit Stonier Winery for a tasting www.stonier.com.au and if time permits an informal tour of the fermentation and Find out more on page 43 barrel rooms. Local cheese platters available daily. Children’s playground. Open 11am-5pm daily (except for Good Friday, t i Christmas and Boxing Days). MAP REFERENCE R14

SUNNY RIDGE STRAWBERRY FARM wxe

T: 03 5989 4500 Explore the strawberry fields and pick your own strawberries F: 03 5989 6363 (Nov-April). Indulge in heavenly delights from the dessert 244 Shands Road, café, enjoy our award winning farm–made ice cream, local Main Ridge VIC 3928 gourmet products and seasonal fresh produce. Sample [email protected] Rebello’s award winning boutique strawberry wines, liquors www.sunnyridge.com.au and ciders produced from 100% Sunny Ridge strawberries. Find out more on page 45 Nov to April (U-Pick Season) 7 days, 9am-5pm. f t i May to Oct Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. MAP REFERENCE O15

T’GALLANT WINEMAKERS wxde

T: 03 5931 1300 The T’Gallant homestead is an iconic destination on the 1385 Mornington-Flinders Road, Mornington Peninsula that conveys a sense of constant Main Ridge VIC 3928 activity. T’G is stylish + quirky with plenty to discover + [email protected] taste, eat + enjoy. www.tgallant.com.au Cellar Door open for tastings, 7 days per week 9am to 5pm. Spuntino Bar is open for our famous Roman-styled,wood- fired pizza 7 days per week, including school holidays. f i MAP REFERENCE O15

#winefoodfarmgate 53 FOOD AND WINE

THE CUPS ESTATE wxde

T: 1300 131 741 The Cups Estate produces single vineyard, cool climate F: 03 9877 6679 wines that represent their unique maritime location. 269 Browns Road, Taste the entire range of wines in the Cellar Door or enjoy Fingal VIC 3939 lunch in the European inspired Tapas Restaurant. The menu [email protected] is designed to complement the wines and the shared plate www.thecupsestate.com.au experience encourages relaxing times – whilst taking in the Find out more on page 45 serene coastal charm of ‘The Cups’. f t i MAP REFERENCE K15

THE LONG TABLE wxde

T: +61 3 5989 2326 Set in the heart of wine country The Long Table serves up 159 Shoreham Road, vibrant, seasonal and regional plates of food alongside an Red Hill South VIC 3937 interesting cellar of local and Australian beer, wine and cider. [email protected] Offering a range of beautifully appointed restaurant spaces www.thelongtable.com.au as well as a relaxed wine lounge, fireplaces, outdoor deck and courtyard The Long Table is perfect for all seasons. Private dining and events a specialty. f t i MAP REFERENCE P14

THE ROCKS MORNINGTON we

T: 03 5973 5599 Award Winning Waterfront Seafood Restaurant. 1 Schnapper Point Drive, Located on Mornington Harbour with Seafood as its main Mornington VIC 3931 [email protected] focus. Achieving recommendations in The Age Good Food www.therocksmornington.com.au Guide since 2001 along with recent RCA Awards in 2015 and 2016 for Best Seafood Restaurant in Victoria and Tasmania, this is a must experience location. Daily fresh fish along Live options. Menu is designed for easy sharing, families welcome. f i Lunch and Dinner 7 days. B/F (Wednesday to Sunday). MAP REFERENCE O7

YABBY LAKE VINEYARD & CELLAR DOOR we

T: 03 5974 3729 Only 50 minutes from Melbourne, Yabby Lake Cellar Door 86-112 Tuerong Road, is the perfect spot to escape the city and enjoy the best Tuerong VIC 3915 of this beautiful region. Settle in for a long lunch, take in (off Old Moorooduc Road) the vineyard views with a glass of Pinot on the deck, taste [email protected] a range of single vineyard wines, or sit back with a Market www.yabbylake.com Lane Coffee single estate espresso by the fire. Lunch reservations recommended. f t i Open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. MAP REFERENCE Q9

YARINGA BOAT HARBOUR AND RESTAURANT

T: 03 5977 3735 Yaringa Boat Harbour, an hour’s drive south east of 1 Lumeah Road, Melbourne, is the perfect location for exploring the waters Somerville VIC 3912 of Western Port and beyond. Why not relax on the balcony [email protected] of our waterfront licenced restaurant or go fishing and www.yaringa.com.au explore the bay on our hire boats. MAP REFERENCE V8

54 winefoodfarmgate.com.au “Now with its collection of good wineries, great food, galleries and gardens, there’s plenty to entice visitors beyond the beach.” Sunday Herald Sun

#winefoodfarmgate 55 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Arts and Culture Marine Activities Morning Star Estate 49 Mornington Peninsula Brewery 49 Gordon Studio Glass Blowers 12 Bayplay Adventure Tours 30 Mornington Peninsula 50 Marion Rosetzky Gallery 12 & PADI Dive Resort Chocolates McClelland Sculpture Park 12 Joe Farr Fishing Charters 30 Myrtaceae Winery 50 + Gallery Polperro Dolphin Swims 28, 30 Paringa Estate Winery 50 Mornington Peninsula 11, 12 Timeout Fishing Charters 28, 30 & Restaurant Regional Gallery Port Phillip Estate 51 Spa and Wellbeing Sand Sculpting Australia 10, 12 Portsea Hotel 42, 51 ‘Lands of Imagination’ Peninsula Hot Springs 35, 36 Prancing Horse Estate 51 Adventure and Attractions Red Hill Spa 36 Pure Peninsula Honey 43, 52 Ace-Hi 19 The Wellness Manor 34, 36 Rare Hare Wine & Food Store 52 Arthurs Seat Eagle 19 Food and Wine Red Hill Brewery 52 Red Hill Cheese 52 Ashcombe Maze 19 Blue Mini – eatery, 40, 46 Boneo Maze 16, 19 emporium & events Red Hill Epicurean 52 Enchanted Adventure 19 Blue Range Estate Wines 46 Red Hill Estate 53 Garden & Tree Surfing Crittenden Wine Centre 40, 46 Stillwater at Crittenden 53 Horseback 20 Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope 46 Stonier Wines 43, 53 Moonlit Sanctuary 20 Flinders Hotel Dining 46 Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm 45, 53 Wildlife Conservation Park Georgie Bass Café & Cookery 42, 48 T’Gallant Wines 53 Mornington Peninsula 20, 21 Green Olive at Red Hill 48 The Cups Estate 45, 54 Golf Tourism Heronswood Garden and Dining 48 The Long Table 54 The Big Goose 17, 20 Main Ridge Dairy 48 The Rocks Mornington 54 Main Ridge Estate 48 Transport and Tours Yabby Lake Vineyard 54 Max’s at Red Hill Estate 49 & Cellar Door Searoad Ferries 23, 29 Montalto 41, 49 Yaringa Boat Harbour 54 Neptours 23 Moorooduc Estate 49 and Restaurant

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