Mornington Peninsula: The Hit List

Shhhh! lastminute lovelies Angela and Louise discover why the Mornington Peninsula is Melbournians coveted weekend escape.

We’re going to let you in on a secret. It’s a hush hush fact those pesky Victorians have been trying to keep on the down-low. But it’s time everyone knows the truth about their coveted weekend getaway destination – *whisper* the Mornington Peninsula is THE perfect weekend escape: relaxing, romantic and effortlessly chic.

Eat, drink and be merry
Let’s start with the basics – food and wine. You’re on holiday and that means culinary indulgence is imperative. The Mornington Peninsula is a gourmet hotspot crammed with over 200 wineries and an abundance of yummy restaurants and local food produce outlets. From fresh strawberry picking, to breezy beach town cafes, to high-end hatted restaurants – the region has it all.
If you’re after something a bit special and want to treat a loved one, try the breathtaking seven course degustation dinner at Woodman Estate. Set in a classic country hotel (more of that later) the dinner showcases excellent local produce with high-end culinary flair and skill.
Our faves: the barramundi with mushroom gateau and truffle foam and the strawberry compote dessert with lavender panna cotta, sorbet and rose water mini macaroons –delish!

The Yarra Valley might be your first choice for a boozy weekend away in Victoria but the Mornington’s culinary hinterland has some superb wineries that should be on your hit list. Plus, many of them have excellent restaurants attached so you can really make a day of it.
With the maritime ecosystem, pinot noir and chardonnay varieties are the favoured drops. Let the friendly cellar door staff walk you through the drops – we think you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.
Our pick of the wineries include:
Foxeys Hangout
Run by brothers, Michael and Tony Lee, the small cellar door has a slick, contemporary fit-out and commands gorgeous views across the winery’s vine–strewed valley. The relaxed joint, filled with Melbourne hipsters, serves delicious tapas plates including zucchini fritters and blue cheese with figs in port.

A unique bonus to Foxeys is that they offer visitors the opportunity to create their own sparkling wine; a delicious keepsake to remember your weekend away. Note: the cellar door is only open at weekends so make sure you plan a visit into your trip.
Montalto
You could easily loose a whole day to Montalto Winery. There’s the award-winning fine dining restaurant, the cellar door, the casual al fresco woodfired pizza café and, when we visit, a fabulous sculpture exhibition in the winery’s grounds.

Our hot tip, grab a bottle of the pinot, a mate or two and sit amongst the winery’s kitchen garden on a sunny day. Relaxation is most definitely the name of the game here.

Red Hill
Red Hill is more your classic, well-established winery. The panoramic views of the Mornington are beautiful and the resident restaurant, Max’s at Red Hill, has floor to ceiling windows that showcase the landscape. The hatted restaurant is another must-do for all foodies. We recommend the pan fried salmon with the sweet potato puree and the rich chocolate mouse with crunchy honeycomb and shiraz sorbet. Delicious….

Boutique stay
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’re probably seeking a slice of country relaxation with a side of luxury and maybe a serve of romance. And the Mornington Peninsula has a whole range of accommodation to suit the fussiest of fusspots. From country manor chic, to breezy seaside hotel, to cute family owned B&Bs.
We stayed at the Woodman Estate, in the Mornington hinterlands. If you fancy being a princess in your own country manor for the night this is for you.

The hotel has a beautiful aspect overlooking a private lake and farmland and the resident spa has a whole heap of great treatments. We recommend loved up couples stay in the Spa Suite room for a ridiculously fabulous four-poster bed and humungous jacuzzi bath. Ooh and don’t even get us started on the breakfasts – home cooking at its best. Mmmm.

Get outdoorsy (but not too outdoorsy)
With a maritime climate, the Mornington Peninsula is perfect for getting out and about all year round. Take a gentle waterside stroll along the coast or if you’re feeling a little more active, climb Arthur’s Seat for awesome views of the region. If you want to get a glimpse of how the other half live, do the two hour waterside walk from Sorrento to Portsea – the phenomenal properties surrounded by cute white picket fences are tres Cape Cod chic.
For the kids or (let’s be honest) the big kid in you, get lost in Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens. Word of warning the famous Hedge Maze is actually quite tricky (maybe we’d had one too many vinos the night before…)! The attraction’s woodland gardens and lavender displays are really pretty and perfect for working off those culinary delights you’ve been enjoying.

Luxuriate and be pampered
The Peninsula Hot Springs are a must-do for any visit to Mornington. Australia’s only natural hot mineral springs, they have over 20 bathing pools (ranging from icy cold to a scorching 42 degrees!) and include unique experiences like a reflexology walk, massaging mineral showers and Turkish steam baths.

There is a private section to the complex (no children under 16), which we’d highly recommend, with more tranquil pools and a selection of pampering treatments. We went for the full-body Kodo massage (their signature treatment) in our own private section of the Arabian Marquee. It’s 60 minutes of pure bliss.

Hot tip: the springs make a perfect girls break away or a romantic tryst and with the spas being open from 7.30am to 10pm, – you can plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for a very magical outdoor experience. Plus, during your visit don’t forget to stop by the onsite café which has great juices, fresh salads and heartier meals.

The secret’s out
The Mornington Peninsula has long been the getaway of choice for Melbournians. The chic food experiences, beautiful hotels, pampering and lush natural environment keeps them coming back.
It’s time to get in on the action Australia. The Mornington Peninsula is very fabulous and we’re planning our next relaxing break there already.