Your essential guide to summer on the Mornington Peninsula
Dec 2023 – Feb 2024
Contents Welcome
Live the Local Experience
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What’s On
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MPP Produce /Support Local
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Scavenger Hunt competition
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Summer reads
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Leisure and recreation
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Environment and waste
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Bin your litter
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Helpful information Contact us
Acknowledgement of Country Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong people, the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters.
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The Buzz on our Peninsula
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Sign up to receive the sweetest news from the Shire, direct to your inbox! Subscribe by 5pm 23 February 2024 and you could win a buzzing hamper from Pure Peninsula Honey. mornpen.vic.gov.au/peninsulabuzz
Sip, savour, enjoy!
“One of my favourite things to do on the Peninsula over summer is to visit one of our many magnificent wineries. There are lots of local vineyards, so my tip is to check out the wine map produced by the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association.” – 2023 Mayor Councillor Steve Holland mpwine.com.au
Step into the vibrant tapestry of our Summer Guide
Just like colourful patterns, our guide weaves together your perfect summer adventure. Start your journey guided by Peninsula locals, as they reveal their cherished hidden gems. Live the local experience as our Peninsula’s secrets come alive in the words of those who know it best. From bustling markets, lively events, charming townships, breathtaking nature trails and fresh local food, our guide guarantees timeless memories under the sun. We invite you to explore our Peninsula and interpret it in your own unique way. Please help keep our picturesque landscape pristine so everyone can enjoy it. Because summer really is for everyone.
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Explore the Mornington Peninsula like a true local this summer! Whether you call this place home or you’re from out of town. Here are some ideas on how to live the local experience.
Playgrounds and skateparks Seawinds Garden Playspace, Arthurs Seat Dromana pump track Somerville Skate Park Mount Martha Eco Park
Family and pram friendly walks Warringine Park - coastal boardwalk, Hastings Whitecliffs Foreshore Reserve, remnant Moonah Woodland, Blairgowrie The Balcombe Estuary boardwalk, Mount Martha Devilbend Reservoir, Tuerong
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Waterfronts and waterways Fossil Beach, Mornington St Andrews Beach Mothers Beach, Mornington Yaringa Boat Harbour, Somerville
Rockpools Cairns Bay, Flinders Shoreham Beach, Balnarring Bridgewater Bay, Blairgowrie Mushroom Reef, Flinders Dragons Head Rock, Rye
Where to catch the best sunsets Point Leo Beach Arthurs Seat, Murray’s lookout Safety Beach pier Westhead lookout, Flinders mornpen.vic.gov.au/tourism Our beaches can pose potential dangers please check tide times and weather conditions before planning a visit.
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Carolling community cheer Celebrate the joy of the season at our enchanting Mornington Peninsula Christmas carols! Join us for a harmonious blend of festive cheer and community spirit. Visit our website for event details and make this Christmas magical together. mornpen.vic.gov.au/christmas
Australia Day Friday 26 January 2024 No matter how you choose to spend Australia Day, let's pause to reflect on our history, respect others' stories, and celebrate our nation, its achievements and its people. For up-to-date details on activities across our Peninsula visit our website. mornpen.vic.gov.au/australiaday
In the know!
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Pssst! If you want to enjoy a summer street party, Mornington Main Street will be closed to vehicles for the Christmas festival on Sunday 17 December, 10am to 5pm. Join the street festivities filled with entertainment, music and festive cheer and party like it’s summer! – Mornington Chamber of Commerce
What’s on? Our Peninsula is a hub for a range of events, hosted in unique venues. Visit our website for detailed information and put some dates in the diary! mornpen.vic.gov.au/events
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The Briars Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is the largest public gallery in the south-east region of Melbourne. We strive to make art accessible to everyone in our community. Entry to the gallery is free.
Know My Name: Australian Women Artists Until 18 February 2024 Join us on a journey that paints a brighter future for gender equity in art! The exhibition features 60 works by artists such as Grace Cossington Smith, Rosalie Gascoigne, Fiona Hall, Tracey Moffatt and many more. It’s a fun and eye-opening adventure for all ages!
The Briars is a beautiful 230-hectare sanctuary that is one of our best kept secrets. Its wetlands and woodlands are home to an abundance of local flora and fauna, while the Heritage Homestead is one of the first homes built by Europeans on our Peninsula.
Summer Geocaching Trail Give geocaching a Briars twist with themed caches hidden around our property. Clues will lead the way, but the hunt won’t be easy. Explore our sanctuary, avoiding emus, and mind the pigs around our heritage farm. See our rangers at the visitor centre to start your Briars geocaching quest. Compete in teams to discover all caches first and win a night walk with our rangers through the Briars Wildlife Sanctuary.
Secret sanctuary
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Hidden away is our wetland sanctuary, home to the Dwarf Galaxias, a nationally threatened fish. Protected from predators, its conservation is thriving with our care. – The Briars Ranger
Left: Margaret Preston, Flapper, 1925, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/ Canberra © Margaret Rose Preston Estate/Copyright Agency. (Detail) 7
Farmgate to feast Discover where to buy fresh local produce straight from the source with our new farmgate guide! Pick up a copy from our customer service centres, libraries and our Visitor Information Centres or download from our website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/farmgates
Unearth great food!
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‘Most people know the Mornington Peninsula is home to a range of amazing farms - however many of them sell direct to the public through their farm gates! Check out the MPP produce website for a full list of producers, what they grow and their opening hours.’ – Simone Watts, local chef and farmer
Download your copy
MPP is our MVP It’s true! Mornington Peninsula Produce (MPP) is a trusted brand guaranteeing it was grown, bred or raised entirely on the Peninsula. By supporting MPP you’re supporting our local agriculture, food and beverage sectors. mpproduce.com.au
Supporting local business We love to shine a spotlight on our vibrant business community. Discover our Mornington Peninsula suppliers through our Support Local Business Directory. mornpen.vic.gov.au/supportlocal
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Markets Experience the essence of summer at local markets! Discover unique treasures, savour fresh produce and connect with the community. Embrace the joy of supporting local artisans and businesses. mornpen.vic.gov.au/markets
TOP TIP Western Port wonderland Western Port Chamber of Commerce is transforming High Street, Hastings, into a festive wonderland with Christmas trees and decorations lining the street this December. Don’t miss the Family Christmas Morning on Saturday 16 December at 9am where Santa and his elves will be there! – Western Port Chamber of Commerce
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Scavenger Hunt Visit four of these six locations to win some sweet treats. Snap a selfie there and head back to our Visitor Information Centre in Dromana. The first 50 groups to show their selfies to our visitor information staff will win chocolates from a local chocolaterie. Feel free to also share your selfies using #MPlocalexperience we’d love to see your adventures.
1 Dragon Head Rock
3 Safety Beach pier
Visit Safety Beach’s picturesque Safety Beach pier for stunning shots of bathing boxes, cliff views and Arthurs Seat. Experience breathtaking sunsets at this 3.5km sandy beach and pier and enjoy safe swimming, boating and picnics by the calm shore. Convenient parking, a foreshore playground and a little shopping strip are just steps away.
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The rugged rock formations along the shore at Number 16 beach, Rye, hold hidden treasures.
Dragon Head Rock emerges from the waves at low tide like a mythical creature from the deep. Explore its enchanted realm for rockpools and swimming. There’s no lifeguards but heaps of adventure. Definitely one for Instagram.
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Escape the crowds for some beach and sand dune adventures at St. Andrews Beach! It’s part of a 35km stretch from Cape Schanck to Portsea, with wild Bass Strait waters. Perfect for beach fishing. Surfers love it too, but watch out for rips – no swimming here. Park at the car park at the end of Paradise Drive.
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4 Eco Park
The new Mount Martha Eco Park is a great way to while away a few hours. Relax in the peaceful park among the trees and flowers while the little ones play in the new playground, complete with mini trampolines and scooter tracks, swings and musical chimes.
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5 Recreation Centre
Head to the vibrant township of Somerville and visit Somerville Recreation Centre.
Snap a sporty selfie in our four-court stadium or pop your little one in our creche during your fitness class. Your kids could take part in our school holiday program while you enjoy a coffee or tasty treat from our Swell Café. We’ve plenty of options for all ages and abilities! somervillerecreationcentre.com.au
6 Mangrove forest
Warringine Park coastal boardwalk offers a unique marine experience with a spectacular boardwalk between Jacks Beach, Bittern, and Hastings. High tide walks create a magical scene as seawater surrounds the boardwalk, flooding mangrove forests and samphire herb land.
MornPenVisitorCentre Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre 359B Point Nepean Road, Dromana VIC 3936 11
Summer short story success Dive into adventure and imagination with the winners of this year’s Mayor’s Short Story Writing Awards.
Winner of 18+ years’ category Passage from All There Is by Jodie Kewley The boat, which smells of fish and diesel, rocks when they climb into it but steadies as he guides it - its engine putt-putting past the other boats, the paddleboards and trio of snorkelers. Linda sits opposite the tiller, clutching the brick-sized box that has for so many months sat on Kyle’s chest-of-drawers. When the harbour and the shoreline seem suitably distant, he cuts the engine and, as the boat sways gently in the sun-spangled water, they regard each other. ‘Could you do it?’ she asks, holding the box out to him as if it were a baby. He takes it, struggles momentarily to get the latch open, then shakes the ashes out over the side of the boat. Shakes and shakes until the box is empty. And, as they watch it merge with the water, Linda, an atheist, recites The Lord’s Prayer.
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Congratulations to our winners and entrants Read the full stories on our website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/writingawards
Scan the QR code to read all the stories
Rockpool rambling
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“Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary at Flinders was part inspiration for my new children’s book In the Rockpool. Peering into these miniature watery worlds with wideeyed wonder is so special.” Andrea Rowe – President of Peninsula Writers Club andrearowe.com.au
Natures inspiration
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“I love being able to walk my dog along Rye front beach to the lime kiln and White Cliffs. It’s a great feeling when I see him so happy to be exploring. It’s also a beautiful spot to just sit, think and be inspired.” – Macy, Winner of the 8 –12 years’ category for her story Feather.
FREE entertainment at Our Library Visiting the Peninsula? Did you know you can sign up as a web member and enjoy all the digital resources our library has to offer? Keep updated with news from home or anywhere across Australia with more than 700 digital newspapers available at your fingertips. Our Library also offers free access to movies, TV shows, music, eMagazines, eBooks and audiobooks to anyone visiting the Mornington Peninsula. Sign up free: ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
FREE School Holiday fun at Our Library Join us this summer for fun and free school holiday programs for kids of all ages. Our libraries are located in Mornington, Rosebud, Hastings and Somerville and will be offering a range of fun and free programs and activities for children. Bookings are essential. ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays
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Accessible fun for all Mornington Peninsula is an inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone. We offer playground communication boards, liberty swings, Sailability and accessible and inclusive events.
Beach matting We have five locations offering beach matting until April 2024. • Mothers beach, Mornington • Mount Martha beach – in front of the lifesaving club • Rosebud beach – next to the jetty • Rye front beach – next to the pier • Sorrento front beach - next to The Baths restaurant.
Making the invisible, visible We’re embracing the Hidden Disability Sunflower program to raise awareness of those living with a non-visible disability and to increase accessibility and inclusion on the Peninsula. Our staff there are fully trained to support Sunflower wearers with whatever needs they may have Read the full interview from Celeste, our libraries’ Hidden Sunflower advocate. mornpen.vic.gov.au/hiddendisabilities
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Visit our website for information about MobiChair access. mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation
Unlocking accessibility Access Keys are available for Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and Rosebud library this summer. They’re visual and textbased guides that allow visitors living with disabilities to be more independent and comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Download your access keys here: mornpen.vic.gov.au/accesskeys
“I’ll never be offended if someone sees my Sunflower badge and asks me “What can I do to help?” Celeste Mabarrack
Changing Places Toilets There are six Changing Places accessible toilets on our Peninsula. For a full list, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/changingplaces
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Leisure time Crib Point Outdoor Pool Bring your family and friends down for the annual Family Fun Day on Sunday 28 January 2024. Check our website or Facebook page to find out more.
31 Governors Road, Crib Point • 25m pool • shaded toddler pool • aqua aerobics • picnic tables and grassed area • kiosk • barbeque.
Yawa Aquatic Centre
Somerville Recreation Centre
100 Besgrove Street, Rosebud Enjoy your holidays at Yawa Aquatic Centre with a pool inflatable obstacle course, aqua play with waterslides and intensive summer swim program.
14 Edward Street, Somerville • four-court multi-sport stadium • group fitness studio • reformer Pilates studio • school holiday activities • childcare • café.
Pelican Park Recreation Centre 2 Marine Parade, Hastings Located on the Hastings foreshore, Pelican Park offers an aquatics area with a 25m pool, toddler and splash pad, a newly renovated health club, group fitness, childcare and café next door. Pelican Park celebrates its 20th anniversary this month and we want to thank our local community, members and guests that have supported the centre over the years.
Civic Reserve Recreation Centre 350 Dunns Road, Mornington • two-court multi-sport stadium • newly renovated gym • group fitness studio • school holiday activities • café.
mornpenleisure.com.au Forest Drive, Mount Martha Discover affordable family fun at Mount Martha Public Golf Course! For under $100 you can enjoy a family day out on our 18-hole golf course. Open 363 days a year. mtmarthapublicgc.com.au
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Hazardous Waste These items can cause a fire in our waste trucks and at our Resource Recovery Centres if placed in your household bins: • all kinds of batteries, flat or not (e.g. household, car, phone, laptop, power tool, camera, vaping devices) • gas bottles and butane gas canisters • flares • aerosols
Batteries can be dropped off at your local IGA, Bunnings and our Resource Recovery Centres in Mornington, Tyabb and Rye. Other hazardous items should not be placed in your kerbside waste bins but taken to your closest drop-off point. • chemicals • paint • fluorescent lights mornpen.vic.gov.au/hazardouswaste
Weekly recycling From 11 December to 26 January your recycling bins will be collected weekly. Want to check what day your bin is collected and what you can recycle? Find out here: mornpen.vic.gov.au/bins
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MY BEACH IS YOUR BEACH “In summer, public bins fill up. If overflowing, please take your litter home — don’t leave it nearby. Keep our beaches and water clean. Bryce, ranger at Whitecliffs Foreshore
Heading to the beach? Preparing for the Visitor Paid Parking Pilot Three popular foreshore car parks will transition to paid parking for visitors this summer as part of a pilot program. This is an opportunity for residents and visitors to continue to share our foreshores while more fairly distributing the cost of maintaining these areas. If you plan on parking at Schnapper Point foreshore carpark (Mornington), Sunnyside Beach foreshore carpark (Mount Eliza) or Flinders pier foreshore carpark this summer simply follow the instructions below to ensure a smooth day on the Peninsula. Residents: apply at Council website for up to five annual foreshore parking permits per household to park for free at each of the pilot locations. Visitors: Download the PayStay parking app to autopay at any of the Pilot locations or ‘pay on the day’ via a unique QR code signposted at each site. You need only apply for an ePermit or download the PayStay app if you intend to park at one of these three locations and there is no rush, apply/download at any time prior to your planned visit. For more information head to mornpen.vic.gov.au/paidparkingpilot 18
Water safety saves lives Before jumping into the water on scorching summer days be aware of the very real risks. Remember to obey safety signs, supervise kids in and around water, avoid alcohol, buddy up, check weather and UV reports, confirm water quality and understand rip currents. vic.gov.au/water-safety
Patrolled beaches Surf beaches Portsea, Sorrento, Gunnamatta. Bay beaches Point Leo, Mornington, Mount Martha, Dromana Bay, Rosebud-McCrae.
Dogs on beaches Exercising your dog on the beach is a great way to get outdoors, however please remember dogs are prohibited on many beaches from 10am to 6pm during summer time. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all other times, except when at a designated leash-free area. mornpen.vic.gov.au/dogsonbeaches
Jet ski with care Jet skiing at Peninsula beaches is exhilarating but carries risks if not handled responsibly. Remember to ‘Ride Right’ by sticking to the five-knot speed limit, stay clear of designated swimming areas and respect our marine mammals and wildlife. transportsafety.vic.gov.au
Keep safe and healthy Short Stay Rentals
Beat the heat
All properties used for short stay rentals must be registered with Council. If you’re an owner, you must make sure your occupants follow a code of conduct. All vehicles must be parked on site, outdoor areas are not used after 11pm, guests must not disturb the neighbourhood and all waste must be removed and disposed of. mornpen.vic.gov.au/locallaws
When a heatwave strikes it’s crucial to stay hydrated, so carry water with you at all times. Never leave anyone, be it kids, adults or pets, in a hot car. Seek out cool places like community centres, libraries or shopping centre to beat the heat. Remember to slip, slop, slap and check in with friends and family members who may be vulnerable during extreme heat. mornpen.vic.gov.au/beattheheat
Considering burning off on your property? During the Fire Danger Period declared by the Country Fire Authority (CFA), open-air burning of any kind on any property, regardless of size is not allowed. Open-air burning differs from cooking with barbecues, pizza ovens or heating in braziers or chimineas. During a Total Fire Ban, lighting fires or solid fuel heaters and barbecues is illegal. Let’s keep our community safe! mornpen.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod mornpen.vic.gov.au/openairburning
More information Buruli Ulcer mornpen.vic.gov.au/ beatthebite Thunderstorm asthma betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ thunderstormasthma Mental health headtohealth.gov.au Emergency information mornpen.vic.gov.au/ emergencyinformation
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Customer support Our customer service staff are ready to help you. Via phone or web chat: 1300 850 600 Web chat: mornpen.vic.gov.au/contact-us 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
In person at our Service Centres: Rosebud and Mornington 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday Hastings 1pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. (excluding public holidays) Rosebud Office 90 Besgrove Street Mornington Office 2 Queen Street Hastings Office 21 Marine Parade
Contact us online You can email: customerservice@mornpen.vic.gov.au Message us via Facebook: facebook.com/mornpenshire Or make a report via our website, including adding a photo: mornpen.vic.gov.au/reportit
24 hour emergency contact If the issue is an emergency requiring immediate attention, it’s still best to give us a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1300 850 600.
Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre To connect with our local tourism experts at the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, please call or email for the most up to date information to plan your experience. 5950 1579 info@tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au Daily 10am to 4pm, closed Christmas Day mpbusiness.com.au/experience-local