PENINSULA essence SEPTEMBER 2026
VISITING & LIVING ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
THE ORCHID HUNTER BOOKED AND ROLLING A FORK IN THE ROAD TASTE OF SUCCESS
act CLASS
Bilingual musicals make language learning fun.
WHAT’S ON • PENINSULA IN STYLE • FOCUS ON MOUNT ELIZA • THE LOWDOWN • HISTORY
FREE
CLOSING DOWN
SALE T! U O S S I M DON'T
S N O I T C L REDU
FINA
ALL STOCK MUST GO! BY END OF SEPTEMBER
HomeCo Peninsula 1128-1132 Nepean Hwy Mornington 03 5973 4899 | luducoliving.com.au
A BRAND NEW
ALL-On-5 DENTAL IMPLANT
r th o f 5 Get anall on
of e c i r ep
Scan below to book a COMPLIMENTARY ALL-On-5 dentist consult.
5983 5348 balnarringdentist.com.au 19 Balnarring Rd, Balnarring
Get your NEW SMILE today and pay later with our amazing payment plan and afterpay options
all on 4
You can LOOK & FEEL YOUNGER. A brand new smile may be CHEAPER THAN YOU THINK!
inside
September 2026 - issue 125 Cover image by Gary Sissons
08
42
28
LEADING
ARTS
PENINSULA IN STYLE
08 THE ORCHID HUNTER
20 CLASS ACT
34 SPRING GETS PERSONAL
28 FORK IN THE ROAD
EAT & DRINK
Lockdown orchid hunt reveals rare species.
14 BOOKED AND ROLLING
Travelling bookstore sparks literary connections.
Bilingual musicals make language learning fun.
Truckie turns cutlery into keepsakes.
Spring fashion invites bold self-expression.
42 TASTE OF SUCCESS
Young baker’s sourdough venture rises fast.
FOCUS ON
51 MOUNT ELIZA
Facts, cafes and what to do.
HISTORY
76 SAVING SANDY POINT
Sandy Point’s hidden history and habitat.
Writers Andrea Louise Thomas, Sarah Halfpenny, Raia Flinos, Annette Sanfilippo Photography Yanni, Gary Sissons Creative Sam Loverso, Dannielle Espagne Publisher Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au Style editor Annette Sanfilippo annette@mpnews.com.au
4 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
SPECIAL FEATURES
48 THE COFFEE COUNTER 54 HEALTH & BEAUTY 60 PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS ALSO THIS MONTH 06 WHAT’S ON 66 THE LOWDOWN 74 CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Advertising Belinda Timmerman, 0419 135 900, belinda@mpnews.com.au Molly Mitchell, 0407 225 261, molly@mpnews.com.au Phone (03) 5974 9000 Registered address 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC. 3915 FB @peninsulaessence IG @peninsulaessence W peninsulaessence.com.au
60 All material is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Mornington Peninsula News Group, or the original copyright holder in the case of contributions. Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor. Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Peninsula Essence is produced monthly. 30,000 copies bulk dropped at an extensive network of outlets across the peninsula.
PEFC Certified
Proudly published by
Paper from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources PEFC/21-31-119
pefcaustralia.org.au
what's on?
SEPTEMBER 2026 5, 12, 19, 26 SEPT SUNSET WITH THE KANGAROOS
12 SEPT OUTDOOR MEDITATION SESSION
CoolArt 2026 presents Two Hands One Nest by Margaret Knight and Cheryl Lee. Featuring 500 handmade, botanically dyed wool, cotton and silk forms, individually stitched, this installation celebrates slow making, natural colour and the care held in every stitch. coolart.org.au
High up on the hill, Seawinds is a special setting for the sunset. It offers spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay. But its main attraction is the mob of resident kangaroos. Resting in the grassy garden and picnic areas or adjacent bushland by day, they come out to browse and play as dusk approaches. peninsulakangaroos.com.au
Casual meditation group session led by buddhatalk Sangha members. Come and experience the benefits of sitting and walking meditation in the beautiful gardens of Coolart. Bring your own outdoor chair and cushion. buddhatalk.com.au
13 SEPT WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY WALK
17 SEPT SAMMY J: HERO COMPLEX
24 SEPT HASTINGS OPEN MIC @ DEEP WATER LOUNGE
Each year Chasing Change in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire hosts an annual Walk for Suicide Prevention where the community is invited to come together to commemorate this day and reflect together on the lives lost to suicide. chasingchange.com.au
30 years ago, Sammy J traded comics with his school gardener. 10 years ago, he wrote a show about it. How does an awkward nerd end up with a federal policeman searching his attic? Why does Sammy owe his marriage to the United Nations? And how did he insert himself into a Parliamentary maiden speech? artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
5 SEPT - 26 OCT MARGARET KNIGHT & CHERYL LEE 'TWO HANDS ONE NEST'
6 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
With a beautiful Erard grand piano, microphones, and an acoustic guitar provided, all that's needed is you. All performances welcome music, poetry, comedy, spoken word, etc. This night is what you make it. ninchopenmic.com.au
THE ORCHID hunter
By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Gary Sissons & supplied
H
astings microbiologist Robert Mitchell discovered something beautiful and unexpected during his COVID lockdown rambles in nearby nature reserves. It changed the future for local native terrestrial orchids. “I was just a curious person looking for things to photograph during lockdown and found these orchids. I discovered six new species,” he says. Thelymitra aurorae (Aurora's sun orchid) Photo: Rob Mitchell
8 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Tuber forming terrestrial orchids grow in cooler climates such as Victoria. They are not to be confused with epiphyte orchids which grow in trees and rocks in warm humid climate in places like Queensland. Because terrestrial orchids are fragile and hard to spot, Rob urges people to stay on marked paths to avoid trampling them. He also emphasises not handling or picking these tiny endangered species. Their survival depends on it. “Orchids are a popular flower because of their uniqueness so we want to protect them. I’m an orchid hunter and I enjoy photographing them. I’m happy to share my photos online on the iNaturalist website because it helps to educate people. Photography, for me, is about documenting the world,” he says. By identifying species, Rob can help preserve them. Three of the six Thelymitra (sun orchid) species Rob found were previously undiscovered. He had the honour of naming them. He named one, Thelymitra Aurorea, after his favourite Norwegian singer/songwriter/producer, AURORA, aka ‘The Fairy of Pop’. It’s an appropriate name for such a dainty, delicate flower. Its pale colouration with blue spots and pink trichomes reflects AURORA with her blue eyes and signature stripes of pink makeup.
The kind of orchids I’m studying thrive in remnant heathland environments and some are unique to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula Some of the new species were found at a reserve that hadn’t been publicly accessible for eighty years. This respite gave the native flora and fauna an opportunity to thrive undisturbed. “There was such a density of native orchids in this unexplored place. It was incredible. I had to learn a whole new botanical vocabulary to write up the papers on them,” he says. It also highlights how precious remnant habit in places like HMAS Cerberus might be. Four hundred of the 1,800 known species of native orchids in Australia are found in Victoria. Half of these species are threatened with extinction. Citizen scientists like Rob are working to change the outlook for these fragile flowers, some of which are no bigger than a fingernail. “The kind of orchids I’m studying thrive in remnant heathland environments and some are unique to Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. There aren’t many of these areas left due to housing development and land loss through farming. Some of these species might only flower a few times during their 30 years lifespan, so it’s vital we protect their habitats” he says. continued next page ...
ORCHID DEMONSTRATIONS IN SEPTEMBER Come learn how to care for, repot and divide your orchids - Demonstrations 10:30am every Thursday and Saturday in September. Ever wondered how often to water your Phalaenopsis? How to repot a small orchid seedling or divide a large Cymbidium. Head down to White Hill Orchids and let us answer all your questions. Detailed list of demonstrations can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages. @whitehillorchids White Hill Orchids offers easy to grow orchids, fern mounts, fertilisers, orchid potting mix and more. Whether you’re just starting your orchid journey or you’re a seasoned collector, there’s something for everyone!
Location (Mornington Peninsula) 430 White Hill Road, Dromana Open: 9am to 3pm Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun
Contact phone: 0451 853 612 email: info@whitehillorchids.com.au @whitehillorchids September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 9
Orchids are a popular flower because of their uniqueness so we want to protect them
It seems natural that a boy from Ferntree Gully, at the edge of the Dandenong Ranges, would be a fan of the natural environment, but it was his parents who pushed him outdoors. His American mother and British father were fans of tenting and 4WD excursions. Rob remembers listening to the 1993 AFL Grand Final on a shortwave radio in the Simpson Desert.
In high school, Rob gravitated to maths and science, choosing to do accounting for his humanities units in VCE. Then, while undertaking a science degree at Monash university, he excelled in subjects such as organic chemistry and microbiology, liking their systematisation. He also loved other diverse areas like geology, physics and mathematical probability. Rob went on to gain a Bachelor of Science with honours in Microbiology. He currently works as a beer microbiologist doing yeast propagation, chemical testing and other work as part of what he calls the 'quality control team' at Brick Lane Brewery. In his spare time, he is very dedicated to hunting orchids.
Orchid species on the Mornington Peninsula are especially interesting to Rob. “Outside of the larger reserves in Frankston and Langwarrin, areas beside Western Port bay host a number of critically endangered orchids found in tiny fragments of habitat. These ground dwelling orchids need a very particular fungi to thrive which can only be found in undeveloped environments,” he says. In addition to orchid hunting and sharing his photos online, Rob has been working with the Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) and the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria (RBGV) sharing his discoveries. RBGV has the largest collection of endangered orchids under propagation in the world. For people who might be interested in seeing or growing these delicate orchids, ANOS runs field trips, has cultivation groups with access to a shared tuber bank, and is involved in orchid conservation efforts. continued page 12...
Thelymitra serpentina (serpent sun orchid) Photo: Rob Mitchell
10 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
We need to identify and help repopulate these critically endangered orchids “We need to identify and help repopulate these critically endangered orchids. Coming in to peak orchid season I’ll be on the lookout for new populations and species, both in the field and on iNaturalist,” he says. Rob is certainly doing his part. Hopefully others will follow his lead by contacting ANOS or the RGBV for volunteering opportunities.
anos.org.au bg.vic.gov.au
ENJOY A FAMILY BAY CRUISE. CAR & PASSENGER FERRY TO THE BELLARINE PENINSULA 12 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
SORRENTO - QUEENSCLIFF searoad.com.au
July 2026 PENINSULA essence | 13
Did You Know?
The percentage of people aged 65 or older with earwax impaction is reported to be as high as 34%!
Do you experience any of the following? • Earache • Itching • Tinnitus (ringing and buzzing in the ears) • Vertigo • Hearing loss
These could be the complications of excessive or impacted earwax.
Why choose microsuction at Viva Hearing? Microsuction has become widely recognised as the gold standard for efficient and safe earwax removal. This advanced procedure uses a specialised suction device under direct visualisation, allowing for precise and controlled removal of earwax while significantly reducing the risk of trauma to the ear canal and eardrum. Unlike traditional ear syringing, microsuction is quick, comfortable, and does not require the prior use of eardrops. It is particularly beneficial for seniors looking to improve their hearing without the discomfort or potential infection risks associated with syringing.
SEN
IO
E
SP CIAL S R
90
$
Microsuction Earwax Removal for pension card holders standard price $120
Call us on (03) 9322 3222 or visit 197 Main Street, Mornington to schedule your appointment 14 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Retail spaces are obviously very difficult to come by in high foot traffic areas, and for a price that we could afford
BOOKED AND rolling By Raia Flinos Photos Yanni & supplied
A
local couple’s travelling bookstore has quickly grown into a series of literary events, bringing together the community to gather around books. Bookneck was started in June by Carolyn Watson and David Moore, who began their careers as writers. “If you’re a writer, then you’re a reader,” said David.
The couple’s relationship began long-distance, fuelled by their shared love of reading and words. Eventually, David moved from the US to Australia, and the couple now reside in Frankston South. Carolyn said they had always dreamed of opening a second-hand bookstore. “Retail spaces are obviously very difficult to come by in high foot traffic areas, and for a price that continued next page...
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 15
we could afford. So, I was noodling over this and thinking about what do people do when this is an issue for them? And I thought of restaurants and how they often begin as food trucks.” From this concept, Pippi was born; a converted Daihatsu Hijet named for Pippi Longstocking. “Pippi Longstocking always says, ‘I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that,’” said Carolyn. “And that’s kind of the energy we’re bringing to Bookneck.”
I think we’ve found our niche kind of by accident, in terms of it being more of a literary experience that’s rolling around, in the sense that we really need to create an event wherever we go
The travelling bookstore has quickly become more than just a place to buy books. Over the past few months, Carolyn and David realised literary events were a way to bring the community together. “We knew right away we were onto something special,” she said. “Not just the novelty of the truck but the magic of the concept and the opportunity to nurture people’s love of literature and
16 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
reading; to forge connection through events and press truly great books into the hands of readers across the peninsula.” They sold out the first event of their Winter Parlour Series at Mount Martha House, a workshop on the lost art of keeping a commonplace book.
Their next two parlours are set and selling for September and October. The 11 September event is 'The Artist's Sketchbook & the Secret Language of Flowers' and will feature local artist Susan Robson and the 9 October event will be a Regency Assembly (dance) where they will “attempt” Regency dancing led by local dance teachers. “I think we’ve found our niche kind of by accident, in terms of it being more of a literary experience that’s rolling around, in the sense that we really need to create an event wherever we go,” said Carolyn.
David said one of the upcoming events they are most excited about is The Literary Picnic, a celebration of author Joan Lindsay. The event will take place on 14 February 2027 at Mulberry House in Langwarrin South, where the Picnic at Hanging Rock author lived. “We’re working with the National Trust, and I have an author, a First Nations representative storyteller, and a Joan Lindsay academic expert,” said Carolyn. “They’re all going to be doing a panel with me at the event, and it’ll be a beautiful literary picnic at Twilight and Pippi will be there and it’s just going to be a magical evening.” Carolyn said tracking down Pippi is part of the fun. They pop up at markets, breweries, cafes, and community events, and are beginning collaborations with a number of local organisations. “We quickly realised that no walls meant no limits. We’re limited only by our imagination and our vision for gathering people around books, and the venues themselves, and finding places we can work with that share that vision.” continued next page...
Illustrations: Rebecca Stewart
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 17
They have started the Un-Book Club, a monthly gathering where everyone brings along any book they are currently reading. “That means there’s no homework, there’s no trying to finish the chapter by Thursday or anything like that,” said Carolyn. “So that sort of takes the pressure off, and we will be parking the truck there so people can browse as well.” The club will be held the first Thursday of every month at Blue Mini Café in Rosebud. Carolyn said they feel like people are seeking a sense of community and connection. “And in a way, that’s what we’re
really creating. It just happens to be that books are a connecting factor. Each of our formats invites people to experience books in a different way, whether through conversation, creativity, storytelling or simply the joy of browsing.” And where did the name Bookneck come from? David and Carolyn say, " If you spend enough time with your head tilted to the side, scouring bookshelves for things that make you whisper 'Wow!' in reverent tones, and you’ll end up with a pretty wicked crick in your neck, a bookneck, if you will." You can find out more information about upcoming events for all ages and sign up to the newsletter, Notes from the Margins, on their website or on Instagram.
IG @bookneck_booksellers W bookneckbooksellers.com Illustrations: Rebecca Stewart
Custom Cabins, Work Studios, Granny Flats and Tiny Homes Your space, not everyone else’s.
Call Marc 0417 899 799
18 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
kellie@coyotecabins.com.au
Arts
20 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
CLASS a ct It’s basically a mini, full-scale musical, and the feedback is always the same: it’s always, ‘Oh my gosh, it was so engaging!’
By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Gary Sissons
T
here’s a particular kind of chaos that takes over a primary school hall when Spectacular Spettacolo rolls into town, and it’s one that Lea da Silva Gomes has spent the past 16 years perfecting without spending a cent on advertising.
This year, Spectacular Spettacolo turns 16. The bilingual theatre-in-education company has performed at thousands of schools across Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, entertaining hundreds of thousands of students with a fast-paced mix of comedy, music and Italian language learning, all without a marketing budget.
“When kids are screaming the songs back at you and teachers
“There’s nothing else like it; there are no musicals like what we do,” Lea said. “It’s basically a mini, full-scale musical, and the feedback is always the same: it’s always, ‘Oh my gosh, it was so engaging!’”
are laughing just as hard as the students, you know you’ve created something memorable,” Lea said. “That energy is addictive.”
continued next page... September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 21
Six different shows now rotate through the company’s repertoire, each running 50 to 60 minutes and drawing crowds of up to 500 students at a time, depending on each school’s preferences. The idea began with Lea’s father, Corrado Porcaro, an Italian teacher in Victorian primary schools for 30 years. Though now retired, Corrado was a well-known figure in the sector for the resources he created for the Department of Education, including online programs delivered to remote schools without access to shows like the one his daughter would go on to build.
“In the very beginning my dad’s name was on it, and that really helped get us in the door,” she said. “They trusted the product because they knew him, and they knew he was trusted by the Department of Education. That helped us initially, and then I think the shows have just kept them coming back.” From there, Lea and her father built the show, one element at a time. Lea surveyed and interviewed teachers about what they wanted to see, then she wrote and shaped the show creatively. Her father wrote the music and helped tie the Italian content back to the curriculum, covering topics such as colours, animals and greetings, while the pair also developed teaching resource packs, complete with a semester’s worth of posters, worksheets and lesson plans which were sent out to every school that booked a show.
In the very beginning my dad’s name was on it, and that really helped get us in the door
“He’d been saying to me for years that there was something missing; that there were companies doing a similar thing but not exactly what we ended up doing,” Lea said. “It was essentially him that spurred the conversation. He said, ‘I think you’d be perfect at this. Let’s put our brains together and work on something.’ So that’s what we did.” Lea brought a background in musical theatre – she holds a degree in the field – while her father brought decades of classroom experience and a stellar reputation among Victorian teachers.
22 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
The company’s Italian roots run deep for Lea, who grew up speaking the language fluently in her family, even spending a year attending school in Italy as a teenager, and later returning after finishing university. continued page 24 ...
Discover our latest range of premium carpets, hard flooring, rugs and window coverings.
Wood Effect Essentials Flooring from
per square metre
*
OFF ALL RUGS *off the ticketed price; excluding the Prestige Range
Transform your home with stylish and functional window coverings from Carpet Call. Trusted quality and expert advice from the Experts in the Trade.
PLANTATION SHUTTERS
per square metre
Visit us in store or online
Shop 22A 1128–1132 Nepean Hwy Mornington VIC 3931
While the shows have been rewritten over the years – updated with references today’s kids will recognise, from TikTok to whatever else is culturally relevant – Lea said the format has had to stay simple by necessity. It has been built for schools where performers might have as little as 15 minutes to set up.
Despite the scale of the operation, Spectacular Spettacolo remains a two-person show behind the scenes. Lea now works alongside business partner and performer Michelle, who took over performing duties as Lea moved into other work. “I had to keep it as basic as I could,” Lea said. “I have one performer on stage, who is now my business partner, Michelle. She takes the day-to-day phone calls and bookings, and does the performances, while I jump in during the evening and do any bookkeeping. I still write and direct all the shows.” Keeping today’s kids engaged, Lea said, means grabbing their attention immediately and making them part of the story rather than passive viewers; building shows around adventures, mysteries and time travel that pull the audience in from the first minute. Spotting the “cool kids” in the crowd and getting them on side early, she said, can bring the whole room with them; a skill she credits to Michelle in particular. Lea and her family – husband, and children aged 14 and 11 – moved to the peninsula 13 years ago after years of Lea holidaying there while growing up. They settled in Dromana when their daughter was a toddler, and both kids have grown up continued page 26 ...
I n v e s t m e n t A d v i c e & St o c k b r o k i n g
Your wealth. Your portfolio. Your adviser Many investors hold their Australian shares through a platform or custodian, where the shares are registered in the custodian’s name rather than the investor’s own. At SAF Private Wealth your Australian shares are held on CHESS under your own Holder Identification Number (HIN) registered in your name, with dividends paid directly to you, and your holdings transferable whenever you choose. Simon has over Twenty-seven years’ experience managing portfolios for wholesale investors. He is based in Melbourne and on the Peninsula each week.
safprivatewealth.com.au/peninsula Simon Fritsch · SAF Private Wealth · 0417 577 795
Simon Fritsch (AR No. 001269537) is an Authorised Representative of Openmarkets Australia Limited AFSL 246705, trading as SAF Private Wealth. The information provided is general in nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, you should consider whether it is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
24 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
What’s coming up at... MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO FRANKSTON IN 2027 Following a resounding response from audiences in 2026, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will return to Frankston Arts Centre in 2027 for a three-concert classical music series. This year’s performances drew sell-out crowds and enthusiastic acclaim, with audiences embracing the opportunity to experience world-class musicians close to home.
Book now at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060. Single concert tickets go on sale in October.
As Frankston Arts Centre’s Classical Music Partner, the MSO will once again bring outstanding artists, acclaimed conductors and celebrated repertoire to Frankston. The 2027 series opens with Chopin & Beethoven on 9 April, followed by Serenade: Mozart & Brahms on 21 May, before concluding with Russian Romantics on 8 October. From beloved classical masterworks to stirring romantic favourites, the season promises unforgettable live music experiences. Audiences can secure their seats across all three performances with a special package offer.
W thefac.com.au
TONY & GAGA: AN OPULENT BIG BAND EXPERIENCE
POV BY RE: GROUP PERFORMANCE COLLECTIVE
Big Band Brilliance meets Hollywood Glamour! Acclaimed vocalist Sarah C and fashion icon Dom Bagnato, backed by a lavish Big Band, celebrate the music of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga.
Fresh from acclaimed seasons at RISING, and major national festivals, POV is a playful and powerful live documentary that blurs the line between performance and reality. Guided by an 11-year-old filmmaker, two unrehearsed actors navigate a moving story of parenting.
Saturday 5 September, 7.30pm Cube 37
SAMMY J: HERO COMPLEX Thursday 17 September, 7pm
Wednesday 23 September, 7.30pm
EMMA MEMMA’S JUNGLE PICNIC TOUR
Direct from acclaimed seasons at Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe, Sammy J tours to Frankston with his award-winning, mindblowing tale with bonus content and fresh surprises!
Thursday 24 September, 10am & 12.30pm
DENISE SCOTT: TICKETY BOO
KATIE NOONAN: ALONE BUT ALL ONE
After more than a decade away from solo performance, beloved Australian comedian Denise Scott is making a triumphant return to the stage with her most personal show yet.
Experience the extraordinary voice of fivetime ARIA Award winner Katie Noonan as she performs songs from her stunning new album Alone but All One. Joined by a string quartet, Noonan delivers an intimate and deeply moving concert exploring love, loss, resilience and renewal.
Friday 18 September, 6.30pm
The Jungle Picnic tour brings Emma Memma’s much-anticipated new album to life on stage, transforming its playful songs into a joyful, movement-filled live experience for children and their families.
Thursday 8 October, 7.30pm I Cube 37
Book tickets at thefac.com.au or call 03 9784 1060
as the company’s unofficial test audience, weighing in on which jokes land in rehearsals, even though somewhat ironically, they studied Japanese rather than Italian at school. Lea’s other job is just as demanding: she works full-time as a producer in animated television, on an American musical production which she’s unable to name publicly, having had to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
She is also producing a feature film, shot over 16 days in Melbourne earlier this year and starring Kat Stewart and Marg Downey; it is now in post-production with an eye on a Sundance submission. It’s a lot to juggle alongside two kids in weekend sport and a theatre company still touring schools across three states, but for Lea, none of it would be worth trading the peninsula for. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, or raising my kids anywhere else,” she said. “It’s just such a great place to raise them.” And when the curtain calls come around again – some 60 or 70 schools a year, across three states, and sixteen years in – it’s still that same sound Lea’s chasing: kids screaming the songs back at her, word for word.
spectacularspettacolo.com.au
Mulligan Lawyers Pty Ltd ABN: 80 168 710 359
PAY FOR THE JOB NOT BY THE HOUR. We provide a fixed price service for the following Wills and probate. Fixed fee service for all wills, power of attorney and medical decision maker documents is $880 including GST per person.
• BUSINESS LAW • PROPERTY LAW • FAMILY LAW • WILLS AND ESTATES • CRIMINAL LAW • LITIGATION Call us now. We service Rosebud and Mornington Peninsula by appointment. MULLIGAN LAWYERS IS A GENERAL PRACTICE. PATRICK MULLIGAN, PRINCIPAL LAWYER HAS PRACTISED LAW FOR OVER 19 YEARS.
P 03 8564 8592 W mulliganlawyers.com.au E pmulligan@mulliganlawyers.com.au 26 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
A FORK IN THE road By Sarah Halfpenny Photos Yanni
B
y day, Mark Harvey’s hands are wrapped around the wheel of a truck and trailer, hauling products from quarries from near and far back to Dromana. By night, back home in Hastings, those same hands are bending old spoons and forks into rings, bangles and pendants under the business name Spoontanious. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with styles to suit different tastes and sizing that can be customised.
The idea came about just over a year ago. “It was actually put to me by my wife, Hayley. She said, ‘You should try making spoon rings!’ I think I’ve always had a bit of a creative flair with things like this,” Mark says. The name very nearly went a different way. “I was going to call it Cutlerings, but we chose Spoontanious and it’s stuck; people love the name,” he says, giving Hayley credit for that too. Hayley runs her own venture, Wickety Wax, where some of Mark’s jewellery is sold. continued page 30 ...
28 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
I think I’ve always had a bit of a creative flair with things like this
Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, Casey and beyond. Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Specialist Orthodontists Creating Beautiful Smiles on the Peninsula for Over 35 Years Expertise in Child and Adult Orthodontics Early Assessment of Dental Development and Facial Growth Ideal Age of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years Early Intervention Where Appropriate for Best Outcome No Referral Necessary Interest Free Payment Plans Available Braces and Aligners
13 Beach St Frankston
Ph: 9783 4511 drpeterscott.com.au @drpeterscottorthodontist
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 29
“Hayley helps me out immensely by advertising for me on her own social media page, and I try to advertise for her also on my page with a cheeky little tag.” This type of jewellery making is a craft with fascinating roots. Spoon rings are believed to date back to seventeenth-century England, when servants working in wealthy households couldn’t afford a proper wedding ring and turned to a more resourceful solution instead. According to folk lore, they would take a silver spoon belonging to the family they worked for and shape it into a ring for their intended, sometimes leaving the household crest still stamped into the metal. This occasionally led to servants being arrested for theft. The style faded for a time before resurfacing among the counterculture of the 1960s and ’70s, and has been enjoying a revival ever since as part of a shift toward upcycled and sustainable jewellery. Mark works mainly with stainless steel and silver-plated cutlery, nothing newer than the early 1980s and some pieces dating back to the early 1900s. He favours the older silver-plated ware. “It’s softer and easier to work with,” he says. His toolkit has evolved out of necessity as much as choice; he now uses a proper ring press but started with “a cheap tool that lasted a day” before he began welding up his own equipment. continued page 32 ...
continued page 32...
30 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
The process itself is straightforward, at least in his telling. “I measure for size, which determines how much I trim off, then ensure I have smooth ends, and then it’s time to start bending.”
I love when people give me their own cutlery that holds a special meaning, for me to make them different pieces
Most of his raw material comes from op shops – both his own hunting and Hayley’s – along with donated pieces. It’s the donations with a story attached that mean the most to him. “I love it when people give me their own cutlery that holds a special meaning and ask me to make them into different pieces. That’s my favourite.” Long hours on the road give Mark plenty of time to think, and he puts them to good use. “I normally think about what I can make to give myself that edge on the competition,” he says. He doesn’t claim to have a favourite piece, but he doesn’t need to look far for proof that his work holds up. “I’m proud that Hayley wears some of my rings and bangles happily alongside her other jewellery.” Customers, he says, are often just as taken by it. “Most are blown away, and some don’t even realise until I tell them what it started as.”
Spoontanious has grown through Facebook, and Mark is already thinking about where to take it next. “A website would be great too, and I haven’t got Instagram, but perhaps I should,” he says. In the meantime, markets are where most people discover his work in person. “I plan to attend as many markets as I can.” A full-time career out of it isn’t something he expects, but he’s not chasing that anyway. “At the moment, it’s just a hobby that also creates a little bit of extra cash for me.” What keeps him at it is simpler than reinvention or ambition. “I wouldn’t say it’s unique, as it’s a very old craft, but I’m very happy to be able to carry on such a great idea. It’s a great feeling when I make a really nice piece; I get a kick out of it.”
FB @Spoontanious-Vintage-Cutlery-Jewellery
NEW STORE NOW OPEN • Nursery décor • Premium baby brands • Newborn and toddler clothing • Beautiful baby shower & new baby gifting • Newborn sleep, feeding & bath essentials • Nappy bags & parenting essentials • Pregnancy & postpartum care • Gift ready baba bundles
Baby Boutique 32 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
If it’s in our store, it’s because we truly love it
Curated with love by us for you xo
Shop baba
W baba-lando.com E info@baba-lando.com P 0493 304 648
New location
2263 Point Nepean Road, Rye
September Guest Artist Tea Ercoles Tea has a selection of works available from the 3rd to 27th of September Tea Ercoles is a Melbourne-based artist living and working in Frankston, Victoria. Born in Italy in 1966 and raised in Australia, Tea’s work reflects her love of beauty, nature, history and craftsmanship. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from Monash University and is recognised for her expressive use of colour, texture and movement. Working predominantly in acrylics, inks, pastels and mixed media, Tea creates richly layered paintings inspired by the natural world, the human figure, Port Phillip Bay, vibrant gardens and memories of her Italian heritage. Her distinctive textured surfaces are influenced by childhood memories of her parents, who were talented pastry chefs and masters of creating beauty through layers. For Tea, painting begins with emotion, with colour, composition and texture bringing each work to life. Her art reflects resilience, hope and wonder, inviting viewers to connect with their own memories and stories. Tea’s original paintings are held in private collections throughout Australia and internationally. From her Frankston studio, she continues to create works celebrating colour, memory, connection and the enduring power of art.
Meet our 12 fabulous Artists at Art House Gallery
Located inside the Tyabb Packing House Open Hours - Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm 14 Mornington -Tyabb Road Tyabb Phone: 0450 447 814 • Email: contact@arthousegalleryinc.com
SPRING GETS
By Annette Sanfilippo
T
here was a time not so long ago that with every season’s change came the anticipation of the latest fashion trends and ideas. Will we be wearing pucci prints or polka dots? High waists or hip huggers? These days the internet has stolen that from us. Instead of peeping the new styles on display in the windows of our favourite shops, we spend copious amounts of screen time looking at holiday makers, influencers, brands, fashion shows, magazines and boutiques in other parts of the world strutting around in the looks that will eventually hit our shores as the season changes. By the time it arrives our excitement has slightly waned as we’ve been sitting in ‘wait mode’ for months!
34 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
One way to keep the excitement brewing is to embrace the few trends that align with your style and personality. You don’t need to indulge in every little fad as it’s much easier to invest in those that work around your current mood and wardrobe. Before the new season’s crazes arrive, think about how you will incorporate some pieces into your wardrobe. There is a lot to choose from this spring, and those trends look as though they will be hanging around well into the summer months. It’s going to be a playful, pretty, experimental season allowing us to lean into whoever we want to be. The key to getting the look right is finding a silhouette that works for you. Are you into dresses? Do you gravitate to pants and tops? Do you choose fitted or flowy? Once you find your base look, then embrace a few favourites and work them back with your magical touch. If it’s maxi jewelry you love then experiment with bangle stacking, necklace layering, bold earrings, brooches and statement rings. If tassels entice you (it won’t be hard to fall in love with them), then you will need to work out where they look the best. Do they hang off your handbag or off your hemline? Putting an ounce of thought into it all will give you a fabulous and achievable outcome. Boho is having a big moment in 2026 and beyond, and there is something for everyone. Having walked the streets of Spain, continued next page...
R AC K S A L E
li fes ty le boutique
WINTER CLEARANCE SUMMER SALE 80%OFF
NS
•
•
LO
C
AT I O
$10 RACK 50%OFF
$30 RACK TWO
$20 RACK
KNITWEAR
Upstairs at Dromana Indoor Market 110 Nepean Hwy, Dromana 4 Ninth Ave, Rosebud
$25 RACK $40 RACK phone 0408 554 202 detendu_lifestyle September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 35
Morrocco, Amsterdam and the beaches of the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas during August, I could see its influence everywhere on the beautifully dressed people who are frocking it up in the name of fun! From crocheted shoes, fluid flowy fabrics covered in gypsy print and florals, pretty laces, sheer chiffon, festoon pants, scarves and raffia bags in abundance, I saw no end to the frivolity of fashion this season. And it was all framed by a sunny, blue-skied setting. (Sorry, not sorry for being in the warm weather during our dreary August winter!) It’s time to get bright! I expect to see a sudden flip of our color palette from deep chocolates, maroons and greens to fresh clean pastels such as coral blush, seafoam and pearl. In contrast, bold patterns like leopard, stripes, polkadots and geo prints surface to complement the mix-and-match season ahead, all backdropped by trusted, steadfast, ever-confident white. Get ready for all the eye candy; it’s going to be a maximalist take on street fashion. Dare to be different; it’s time to take some fun risks. You might even want to tell the world what you are thinking by way of your dressing style. Our staple T-shirts are getting
Transform Your Life WITH TAI CHI!
Learn from Sifu Jenny Harrison, a highly respected instructor with over 40 years of teaching experience. Classes for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced students. Discover the satisfaction and joy of mastering a new skill.
New beginners classes start in Hastings Friday Sept 4th @ 2:00pm
Classes in Mount Martha, Mornington and Hastings MOBILE: 0418 566 216 ~ WEBSITE: risingmoontaichi.net YOUTUBE: Rising Moon Tai Chi School
36 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
rebellious and are becoming a form of expressive protest or delivery. Slogans, mantras or announcements like “I dare to wear”, ‘I’m just different’, ‘Bold as” or ‘No frills here” stamped in stand-out fonts feature and highlight as they are worn with tulle skirts, jeans and slip skirts playing down glamour, but still finding a way to stand out in a crowd. This look adds a touch of sass and a show of daring confidence. There are no rules, just a passion to dress up, show up and maybe get noticed. If you fancy a classic minimal dress code, then the neutrals could be for you; still a popular trend and just as impactful when done well. The traditional styles - often referred to as chic riviera, coastal muse or soiree dressing - pair linens, monochrome colors, neutral shades and unfussy silhouettes with rustic earthy textures like leather, raffia, suede or woven and embroidered threads. Accessories help bring these looks to life for a polished finish. Bold sunglasses, unique bags, shoes with a point of difference, belts and adventurous jewelry balance to achieve a personalized, chic, effortless elegance with a touch of over-the-top glam. continued next page...
Eyewear As Individual As You Are HIGH-END FASHION AT OUTLET PRICES
IL SE JACOBSEN 50% OFF RRP Scandinavian style, designed for life in the elements. Discover a selection of iconic Ilse Jacobsen coats and boots at 50% off RRP at The Designer Room Moorabbin. Beautifully designed, effortlessly practical and made to be worn season after season.
Now stocking Paul Taylor Eyewear 7/68 Barkly Street, Mornington
LUXURY EUROPEAN DESIGNER LABELS UP TO 70% OFF THE RRP Shop G-146 DFO - 250 Centre Dandenong Rd, Moorabbin Airpor t
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 37
Tell the world what you are thinking by way of your dressing style
Are you loving a little gold, silver, sequin or embellishment? Lucky you because the choice is yours this spring; no rules apply. Wear it your way! So, wipe off those winter blues and prepare some space in your wardrobes as shopping is going to get manic! I’m sure you will find it hard to choose only a few. I’ve already got three new bags! Enjoy spring and have fun in the sun!. Fashionably yours,
Annette
38 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
THE RANGE PENINSULA
RETIREMENT VILLAGE
VILLAS FROM $565,000 SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
SUPERBLY CRAFTED RETIREMENT LIVING The Range Peninsula Retirement Village is a friendly new concept in retirement living, boasting high quality bespoke residential villas set inside a secure, gated community. The Range Peninsula Retirement Village villas deliver a unique quality of life and first-rate owner benefits. It’s the smart choice. Discover a boutique, family-friendly, comfort-plus lifestyle village – with just 46 Villas that’s what The Range Peninsula Retirement Village offers. Each Villa offers retirement luxury living with Caesarstone benchtops, air conditioning, built -in-robes, double glazed windows, high ceilings and European appliances. Share stories with other residents over a cuppa in the community centre or get creative with those who share similar interests.
Whether it be a craft morning, a game of indoor bowls, darts, billiards or simply enjoying a movie or sports event on our big screen. Tone up in the gym, enjoy time in the potting shed and raised vegetable gardens or simply relax with a book from the library. Discover Independent Living with a sense of community complete with security for peace of mind. Inspired by some of Australia’s most celebrated, heritage-listed retirement properties, The Range Peninsula Retirement Village is designed to be both beautiful and practical. With gardens and walking paths arranged around the beautifully appointed clubhouse, its pedestrian-friendly village layout connects residents to friends and neighbours, and to the
village’s social hub. You’ll revel in the benefits of smartly designed oneand two-bedroom villas in a keyless swipe-to-enter gated community set among stunningly landscaped gardens. The Range Peninsula Retirement Village delivers retirement living at its best. There’s something for everyone. A: 46 Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Baxter
AVEDIS JEWELLERY Tissot PRX Quartz Bracelet Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, Shop S105/330 Cranbourne Road, Frankston 9789 2388
MAIN STREET EYECARE Silhouette Eyewear Sunglasses Shop 7/68 Barkly Street, Mornington 5975 3235
BABA-LANDO BABY BOUTIQUE Nappy Backpack Shop R073, Rosebud Plaza 37-38 McCombe Street, Rosebud 0493 304 648
CUSTOM INTERIOR WINDOW COVERINGS
•C U RTA I NS
•B L I NDS
Ph: (03) 5975 9366
•AW NI NGS
• S HUT T E RS
Showroom 8A, 1-13 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Mornington
40 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
THE DESIGNER ROOM Trench Coat DFO Moorabbin, 250 Centre Dandenong Road, Moorabbin Airport 8904 1479
HILL & RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET Studio 87 Handcrafted Gold Ring Red Hill Recreation Reserve Market on every first Saturday of the month
ANNY'S JEWELLERY Blue Topaz Drop Earrings 92 Young Street, Frankston 1300 092 000
Deep steam cleaning you can trust on the Mornington Peninsula ✓Carpet and rug ✓Mattress sanitising ✓Tile and grout ✓Pavers & Concrete ✓Upholstery
P: 5925 6011
Mob: 0417 321 860 www.domesticbliss.com.au
• Native, Formal & Edible Gardens • Fences & Gates • Garden Lighting • Water Features, Ponds & Irrigation • Retaining Walls • Lawns & Synthetic Grass • Pergolas, Arbors & Screens • Decks, Stairs & Balustrading • Paving, Paths & Driveways • Firepits, Chimineas & Open Fireplaces • Designer Chicken Coops • Garden Sculptures • Custom Outdoor Furniture
0408 105 510 | 0410 654 533 hello@livingscapes.com.au
livingscapes.com.au September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 41
Eat & Drink
TASTE OF success By Andrea Louise Thomas Photos Yanni & supplied
M
ount Eliza micro baker, Isabelle Sully is a maverick. In January, at nineteen years old, she launched her business, Pops Shop, offering artisanal handmade, homemade sourdough bread and it’s been going gangbusters ever since.
42 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Once she had her signature sourdough bread, Issy started to branch out making new products. Her salted chocolate chip and red velvet white chocolate chip cookies are to die for. They are her most popular product. She also makes delicious lemon glazed sourdough scones and mouth-watering cinnamon buns. continued page 44 ...
NOW ON PERMANENT DISPLAY at Old Treasury Building | FREE ENTRY OTB.ORG.AU/MMM | 9651 2233 | 20 Spring Street, Melbourne | info@otb.org.au | Sunday-Friday 10am-4pm Image: Melbourne, 1957. Courtesy Herald Sun | Making Modern continued page 58...curated by the Old Treasury Melbourne was researched and Building in partnership with Public Record Office Victoria
“I started dabbling in the kitchen when I was five or six. We had a German au pair who used to make these amazing, creative fruit platters. That brought me into the kitchen and I’ve been there ever since,” she says. At high school, Issy studied Food Technology for two years. She and her closest friends had a lot of fun making everything from savoury meals to sweet treats. They learned cooking methods and cuisines from across the globe. They even had a mini-MasterChef competition where they all worked with the same ingredients to create something different. Her first part-time job was at a local bakery, that coincidentally, specialised in sourdough bread. “They taught me a lot about sourdough fermentation even though I wasn’t on the baker’s side. I was in the service side, but we were shown how to find the bestlooking products to put forward in the cabinet because people eat with their eyes,” she said. Issy was drawn to sourdough by a serious digestive health issue. It’s essential that she monitors and cares for her gut health. She needs to choose foods with anti-inflammatory properties. “Sourdough bread is the best bread you can eat for gut health. It supports all of the good mitochondria bacteria in your gut,” she says.
German uPVC Windows and Doors Systems
THE SMARTER CHOISE FOR AUSTRALIAN HOMES German-engineered uPVC windows and doors designed for comfort, security, energy efficiency and everyday living.
VISIT OUR CHELSEA SHOWROOM 418 Nepean Highway, Chelsea
44 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Sourdough has lots of healthy prebiotics. Gut nutrition plays a huge role in general health, but is particularly relevant in managing chronic conditions like Issy’s. Making smart changes to her diet ended years of pain and discomfort. She’s happy making a product that can also help other people. Sourdough bread is notoriously tricky and time consuming to make. It takes three days from start to finish. “It’s a very manual process. You have to strengthen the gluten by stretching the dough and folding it back on itself. When you’re making ten loaves in the same bucket, that’s a workout,” she says. Issy spent countless hours doing online research. “I love YouTube. It has long form videos that walk you through the whole process. I follow lots of people who have successful sourdough micro bakeries. I study what they do, their packaging and how they market their products,” she says. She laughingly admits she gained a lot of business knowledge vicariously overhearing her father on speakerphone talking to his clients about various aspects of his business. He also took the time to talk to Issy and her brothers about supply chains, cost of goods, packaging and manufacturing so they all had a good grounding in how a successful business runs. continued next page ...
Unlock the power of your home equity Over 55? Now is your time. Travel, renovate, refinance or simply live your best life. No monthly repayments or proof of income required.
Get a free property value estimate and find out how much you could borrow. Visit inviva.com.au
Todd Woodbridge Tennis legend
Speak to the home equity release loan experts. Call 1300 222 223 Loans are subject to eligibility and lending criteria. Fees, interest rates and terms and conditions apply. Loans are serviced and distributed by Inviva Services Pty Ltd. Australian Credit Licence 533319.
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 45
Then Issy launched further into her own research. She designed her logo and website, sought out recyclable packaging, set up Facebook and Instagram accounts and utilised WTF Mt. Eliza to introduce herself and market her business.
We had a tasting night to see what flavours worked best
She began selling her products to neighbours and following their feedback. “We had a tasting night to see what flavours worked best,” she says. They have a neighbourhood WhatsApp group and meet every Sunday to brainstorm. Issy is always keen to float ideas and learn new things. She’s looking to expand into local supermarkets, cafés and farmers markets. The hard part for a start-up is the initial outlay for products, stands, tables and marquis for markets and most expensive, business insurance. Issy will be supplying Mt. Eliza’s French café, Mise en Place with her sourdough bread, but she’s looking to ripple out further. It’s been a bit of a challenge to expand from her home kitchen out into the wider community, but she’s determined to grow her business. From her social media platforms, Issy offers free local delivery.
50 YEARS OF CARE For the pets who are part of your family.
It’s taken a lot time to develop the right recipes using trial and error and a whole lot of volunteers with different tastes and dietary requirements. One of her brother’s has coeliac disease so Issy worked hard to develop gluten-free alternatives. “I’m experimenting with new recipes all the time. When my aunt was visiting I made blackberry strudel rolls with a lemon glaze. I think they’ll be the next new product,” she says. Moving forward Issy wants to develop special holiday products. One thing is for sure, whatever she makes, it’s going to taste good.
IG popsshop.mt.eliza FB popsshop.mt.eliza
• Carrying out servicing and repairs to all makes and models (specialising in BMW)
• BMW courtesy car available For 50 years, Westernport Veterinary Clinics has provided independent, family-focused care to pets across the Westernport region.
• Industry specialist since 1992
Now offering dental procedures at all three clinic locations, helping pets enjoy healthier teeth, fresher breath, and better overall wellbeing.
• Electric Vehicle National Accreditation
*To celebrate our 50th year, mention this advertisement when booking to receive 5% off your pet’s dental procedure, with bookings made by February 2027. Thank you for trusting us with your pets since 1976 - we look forward to caring for them for many years to come.
*5% OFF YOUR PET’S DENTAL PROCEDURE
westernportvet.com.au HASTINGS • SOMERVILLE •BALNARRING 46 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
201 Mornington Tyabb Road, Mornington T: (03) 5976 3633 E: BMservice01@outlook.com
Let the Mornington Peninsula entertain you! Mornington Racecourse
Year round you will find a calendar bursting with events , entertainment and activities to enjoy. Outdoor markets, food and wine festivals, and family fun activities for the kids. f art and music are more your muse, take a look at the ever changing rogram of e hibitions , music erformances, dance and theatre on offer around the region.
visitmp.org/events
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 47
the Coffee COUNTER Sip your way across the Mornington Peninsula with our guide to the region's best coffee destinations, from coastal cafés to tucked-away local treasures.
SEAFORD
LANGWARRIN
FRANKSTON
38 SOUTH SEAFORD
HARRY’S McCLELLAND
Family owned and community minded, serving expertly brewed coffee, fresh modern food, and warm coastal hospitality for locals, families, and visitors alike.
Set among bushland and sculpture, Harry’s serves Little Rebel coffee, seasonal Peninsula produce and a relaxed vibe. Open Wednesday to Sunday.
THE LAUGHING LARK
131 Nepean Highway, Seaford 9024 0138 @38southbarcafe
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin mcclelland.org.au
FRANKSTON SOUTH
MOUNT ELIZA
FLOURISH CAFE
KATIES OF MOUNT ELIZA
BÜTTERKEN BAKERY
Yummy food made in house, fresh sandwiches & salad rolls. Dimattina Coffee and GLUTEN FREE delights.
Bütterken brings Germany's "Kaffe und Kuchen" (coffee and cake) tradition to Mount Eliza with Commonfolk coffee and artisan pastries.
89 Shop 4, Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza @katies_of_mount_eliza
54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza @butterken_bakery_ @Butterkenbakery
COFFEE TREAT
CREPE DELICES
MORNING GRIND
Mornington's latest coffee go-to. Serving iconic iced brews, premium roasted coffee, a delicious grab-andgo menu, friendly and a welcoming atmosphere.
A taste of France on the Peninsula. Authentic crêpes, galettes, baristacrafted coffees, pastries and artisanal lemonade.
Drive through coffee van serving the finest coffee experience you can find on the Peninsula. Monday to Friday 5.30am to 9.30am
33 Dava Drive, Mornington crepedelices.com.au @crepe_delices
71 Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington morninggrind.com.au morning.grind.coffee
Serving great coffee and delicious food. Flourish has a friendly, family atmosphere. Pop in and say "hi"! Fully licensed, open daily 8am-3pm 44 Norman Avenue, Frankston South 9787 8489 @flourish_cafe
Hidden just outside Bayside Shopping Centre, serving quality coffee, fresh all-day breakfast and lunch amongst relaxed vibes. 1/16 Clyde Street Mall, Frankston laughinglark.com.au @laughinglarkcafe
MORNINGTON
204 Main Street, Mornington @coffee__treat @CTcoffee
48 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
BAXTER
SOMERVILLE
SAGES CAFE
OLIVE & BEAN DELI CAFE
Great coffee, greater purpose seasonal dishes by Chef Zac Poulier. Every visit supports employment opportunities for people with a disability. 85 Sages Road, Baxter @sagescafebaxter 0437 421 074 @SagesCottageBaxter
A welcoming Somerville Central café serving excellent coffee, delicious paninis, toasties and deli goods, located next to Target. 20/49 Eramosa Road West, Somerville 0435 132 894 @oliveandbeancafe
GRAZE & WANDER Somerville’s warmest cafe, bringing you delicious hot made to order food, homemade sweet treats and coffee by Little Rebel. 2/1065 Frankston-Flinders Road, Somerville @graze_and_wander
HASTINGS
BEA’S ASIAN MART & CAFE
AVENT’S GOURMET KITCHEN
Enjoy quality coffee and authentic Filipino comfort food, where every dish celebrates tradition, flavour and family.
Discover great coffee, artisan products made in-house, affordable take-home meals and a free 24/7 community garden.
29 Marine Parade, Hastings 0489 029 862 @beasfilipinocafe.com.au
2/61 Cool Store Road, Hastings @aventsgourmetkitchen @Avents-Gourmet-Kitchen
SOMERS
FLINDERS
THE SOMERS GENERAL
THE CHOCOLATERIES MORNINGTON PENINSULA
FLINDERS GENERAL STORE
The Somers General is a relaxed café + store by the beach in Somers. Offering a modern dine-in menu and Industry Beans coffee.
Indulge in a coffee or hot chocolate while watching talented Chocolatiers craft irresistible handmade chocolate creations
2 The Boulevard, Somers thesomersgeneral.com.au @thesomersgeneral
45 Cook Street, Flinders mpchoc.com.au @mpchocolaterie @mpchoc
Offering a sustainably sourced speciality coffee exclusively roasted by Blume Coffee. Sweet, rich & complex. Ethically delicious.
MOOROODUC
RED HILL
DROMANA
MUSTARD MOOROODUC
NORDIE CAFE
LANEWAY ESPRESSO
Uncover the Peninsula's hidden gem at the historic Coolstores. Serving exceptional coffee, epic toasties and cosy courtyard Mon - Fri: 7am – 2pm vibes. Sat & Sun: 8am – 2pm
Serving exceptional Allpress coffee alongside fresh, relaxed Peninsula hospitality. The perfect local stop for breakfast, lunch or takeaway in Red Hill.
Your local brew stop in the heart of Dromana, for a bit of good conversation, great food and even better coffee.
8/475 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc 0485 522 998 @mustardcafeau
1008 Mornington-Flinders Road, Red Hill 5989 2171 @nordiecafe
STEAMIN' MUGS Freshly brewed crafted coffee, and traditional dishes with a delectable twist, all served in a bright, modern-day vibe. 24 High Street, Hastings steaminmugs.com.au @steaminmugshastings
50 Cook Street, Flinders @flindersgeneralstores
167 Point Nepean Road, Dromana @lanewayespressolittletreasures 5981 4624 @lanewaydromana September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 49
ROSEBUD
THE NOOK A relaxed, all-day restaurant created for good food and good company. Offering all day breakfast and lunch, dinner starting from 5pm. Wood fire pizza available. Shop 43/37 McCombe Street, Rosebud 5985 9896 @thenookrosebudplaza
HEART IT FORWARD CAFE
ELEMENTS EATERY
Cafe and support services based in Rosebud. Our coffee and food is made from the heart. Also offering Filipino groceries.
Award-winning eatery and cafe serving delicious coffee and food in a welcoming community atmosphere, 7 days a week.
1377 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud heartitforward.com.au 0401 596 060 @heart_it_forward_cafe
Yawa, 100 Besgrove Street, Rosebud elementseatery.com.au @elementseatery
ARTHURS SEAT
RYE
ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE
MONTINO DELI
Coffee tastes better with a view! Enjoy baristamade coffee, fresh pastries, delicious meals and sweet treats at the summit of Arthurs Seat. 1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Arthurs Seat ele aseagle.com.au @aseagle
Is your café missing out?
Family-owned delicatessen serving specialty coffee, meats and artisan cheeses, gourmet sandwiches, and handpicked pantry favourites.
ADVERTISE HERE. FOR DETAILS CONTACT BELINDA 0419 135 900
9/2185 Point Nepean Road, Rye @montinodelis
DINNER? SORTED! Delicious home cooked meals, ready for your convenience.
Our micro bakery offers small batch delectable delights that are made right here in Somerville with the help of our clients living with disability in paid supported employment.
Whether you're a tradie, a senior, a family or someone who doesn't want to cook but wants the freshness, taste and convenience of a home cooked meal, then we've got you.
W
HA
Visit us at 196 Stony Point Rd, Crib Point. IG josephinesbakehouseco FB Josephines Sweet Treats
50 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
HERE TO
G
AN
E SE
Contact Sonya on 0417 523 173, or via email hello@josephinessweettreats.com.au for a menu.
SC
EASY TO ORDER
T’ S CO OKI
N
Small batches, baked fresh daily! Warehouse 2, 37 Simcock Street Somerville 0432 274 907
FOCUS on Mount Eliza Photos Yanni Mount Eliza is a bustling seaside village nestled between Frankston and Mornington. It is approximately 62kms from Melbourne’s CBD. The town centre is known as Mount Eliza Village and is the main shopping area. The coastline around Mount Eliza consists of jagged cliffs featuring scenic walking tracks above stretches of secluded sandy beaches in small bays and coves below. Access to most of the beaches along the coast is via residential streets which offer small car parks at their end points. Those residential streets feature upmarket dream homes and weekend retreats, many of which have spectacular views along the coast. The attractive commercial centre of Mount Eliza is located about one kilometre inland along Mount Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, and features supermarkets and a number of shops. Median house price in Mount Eliza is approximately $1,740,000. Australian entrepreneur and aviator Sir Reginald Ansett called Mount Eliza home for years. He would travel from there to his city office by helicopter each day.
Mount Eliza Post Office opened on 15 November 1920. The Mount Eliza Regional Park, accessed via Two Bays Road, incorporates the former Moorooduc Quarry and offers views across the surrounding plains. At the southern end of the park is a lake with picnic areas and a playground. The Mornington Tourist Railway, which offers steam train rides, has its Moorooduc station located adjacent to the Mount Eliza Regional Park.
In 1928, the independent girls school Toorak College was built and is one of the oldest independent girls schools in Victoria.
There are several beaches and bays located in Mount Eliza, which include Canadian Bay, Daveys Bay, Half Moon Bay, Moondah Beach, Ranelagh Beach and Sunnyside North Beach.
Prior to large scale subdivision, Mount Eliza was mainly a location for holiday homes. This began to change in the early half of the 20th century when many old estates were subdivided. One such subdivision was Ranelagh Estate, designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin in 1924 in tandem with the surveyors Tuxen and Miller.
Daveys Bay was named after James Davey who constructed a jetty in the 1840s to ship his produce to Melbourne. In 1909 the Daveys Bay Yacht Club was established, and winds its way to a walking track overlooking Mount Eliza Beach on the shores of Canadian Bay, which was named after three Canadians who owned a sawmill in the area.
Adjacent to Sunnyside beach sits a historical property Morning Star Estate which has also been in a number of films, including a three-month location shoot around the mansion for the movie Partisan, starring French actor Vincent Cassell occurred in 2013-2014. The mansion was the location for the Kath & Kim movie spin-off Kath & Kimderella. The population of Mount Eliza was recorded at 18,734 at the 2021 Census. The 22nd season of The Block is located in Mount Eliza, featuring five newly built luxury homes with sweeping bay views. The season premiered on Sunday, August 2, 2026,
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 51
WHAT to do The coastline around Mount Eliza consists of jagged cliffs featuring scenic walking tracks above stretches of secluded sandy beaches in small bays and coves below. Access to most of the beaches along the coast is via residential streets which offer small car parks at their end points. Mount Eliza boasts cafes specialising in breakfast and lunches and an abundance of fantastic restaurants. Known for its upmarket dream homes and weekend retreats, you will find many Mount Eliza properties have spectacular coastal views. With a village atmosphere and tucked away from the main highway, Mount Eliza has managed to maintain its hidden gem status, attracting city dwellers to visit or purchase property there.
GLASS HALF FULL? TOP UP YOUR SALES BY ADVERTISING WITH
Book into the next issue. Call Belinda on 0419 135 900 or email belinda@mpnews.com.au 52 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
CAFÉ safari Whether you want to start the morning right or you're seeking an afternoon pick-me-up, freshly brewed coffee and delectable menus are a must-have for locals and visitors. Here are just a few places to check out when you're in this beautiful part of the world.
KATIE’S OF MOUNT ELIZA
SHOP 4/89 MOUNT ELIZA WAY
Making great coffee, cakes from scratch and lunchtime goodies for you to grab on the go!
BUTTERKEN
54 MOUNT ELIZA WAY
GRANDMA’S BOYS
1/84 MOUNT ELIZA WAY
Offering a fun menu with delicious, locally-sourced dishes, from twisted classics to hearty go tos. Rich espressos and smooth cold brews are poured in an inviting atmosphere where conversation flows easily, with friendly staff and a welcoming vibe.
POP'S CAFE
34 RANELAGH DRIVE
Enjoy scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full bar menu. Relax in the sunny courtyard while friendly staff serve you a creamy latte and bacon benny any time of the day.
Taking a modern approach to health, sustainability and taste, all breads are baked on-site in an open production space using time-honoured techniques and local ingredients. Whether it’s a loaf, a box of sweets, or a celebration cake, they have something worth picking up.
MT. TERRASSE
SHOP 2/87 MOUNT ELIZA WAY
If you are looking for a spot that feels both local and a little bit special, look no further. Mt. Terrasse is here for your early coffee, your evening tapas or your next lingering glass of wine.
THE CORNER PANTRY
1/70 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD
Often referred to as a hidden gem, the perfect place to escape awaits, serving quality fare and coffee made by experts in a vibrant setting that aims to bring the community together.
er’s D th
Fa
S
d a y 6t
Op
un
ay en
h
temb e r Sep
Baked Goods Daily from Tuesday to Saturday 54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza 0494 105 718 www.butterkenbakery.com.au Pre order online September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 53
HEALTH & BEAUTY
OSTEOPOROSIS? HAS YOUR DOCTOR RECOMMENDED EXERCISE? INTRODUCING THE ONERO® PROGRAM AT BACK IN MOTION Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. While a diagnosis can make people cautious about exercise, appropriately prescribed and supervised training can play an important role in maintaining bone strength, improving physical function and reducing falls risk. Back In Motion Balnarring and Carrum Downs, are proud to offer ONERO®, an evidence-based exercise program specifically designed for people with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Developed from research led by Professor Belinda Beck and the Griffith University team, ONERO® uses supervised high-intensity resistance and impact training to provide the type of loading bones need to adapt.
WHO IS ONERO® FOR? ONERO® may be suitable for adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia, post-menopausal women, older men with low bone mass, and people seeking a structured approach to maintaining bone health as they age. Suitability should be assessed before commencing, particularly for anyone with a fracture history, significant pain or other medical conditions.
WHAT DOES ONERO® INVOLVE? ONERO® combines targeted resistance exercises with carefully selected impact activities. Exercises are chosen to load areas commonly affected by osteoporosis, including the spine and hips, while also building whole-body strength. The program additionally targets balance, posture and mobility because falls are a major contributor to osteoporotic fractures. ONERO® RESULTS AT A GLANCE
> A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment > Education and training in safe exercise performance > Supervised small-group ONERO® sessions > Individualised modification and progressive loading > Regular reviews, monitoring and bone-health education
WHY HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE? Bone is living tissue and responds to an appropriate training stimulus. For people with low bone mass, general activity may not provide enough stimulus to meaningfully improve bone density. ONERO® is based on the LIFTMOR research, which investigated supervised high-intensity resistance and impact training in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. In the LIFTMOR trial, participants completed two supervised 30-minute high-intensity sessions each week for eight months. Lumbar spine bone mineral density increased by an average of 2.9%, compared with a 1.2% reduction in the low-intensity control group. Femoral neck bone mineral density increased by 0.3%, compared with a 1.9% reduction in controls. Participants also improved strength and physical function. Real-world results reported by ONERO® are also encouraging: 86% of clients increased bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and 69% increased bone mineral density at the femoral neck (hip). These figures describe observed clinical-practice outcomes and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of individual results.
MEET YOUR ONERO® PHYSIOS
Clinical-practice data reported by ONERO® Lumbar spine BMD
86% Femoral neck / hip BMD
69% Share of clients reported to have increased bone mineral density.
Participants are assessed before starting, exercises are taught carefully, and resistance is progressed according to technique, strength, medical history and individual risk factors. Supervision is central to the ONERO® model: the aim is to apply the right stimulus, at the right level, with appropriate clinical screening and monitoring.
BALNARRING - Shop 6/2-8 Russell Street P 5983 1021 E balnarring@backinmotion.com.au W backinmotion.com.au/balnarring
Your ONERO® program includes:
Across both clinics, ONERO® sessions are delivered by physiotherapists who supervise technique and safely progress the program. At Back In Motion Balnarring, physiotherapist Sienna Wills instructs ONERO® classes. At Back In Motion Carrum Downs, classes are instructed by physiotherapists Joshua Quinn and Tobias "Toby" Chan. Together, the teams provide individualised guidance, technique coaching and appropriate progression within the supervised small-group setting. Eligible participants may be able to claim private health insurance rebates on class fees. Book an initial assessment with your local ONERO® physiotherapy team.
Start building stronger bones.
CARRUM DOWNS - Shop A02, 335 Ballarto Road P 9773 6620 E carrumdowns@backinmotion.com.au W backinmotion.com.au/carrum-downs/onero
Sources: ONERO Academy clinical-practice data; LIFTMOR trial (Beck et al., Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2018).
54 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Stronger Bones Start Here with ONERO ®
Did you know? Back In Motion Carrum Downs and Balnarring now offer ONERO®, an evidence-based exercise program designed specifically for people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Research has shown that ONERO® can help: Improve bone mineral density Increase strength and balance Reduce the risk of falls & fractures
Our physiotherapist-led small group classes provide personalised guidance in a safe, supportive environment.
Book your initial assessment today and take the first step towards stronger bones. Back In Motion Carrum Downs Shop A02/ 335 Ballarto Road
Back In Motion Balnarring 6/2-8 Russell Street
03 9773 6620
03 5983 1021
backinmotion.com.au/carrum-downs
backinmotion.com.au/balnarring September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 55
HEALTH & BEAUTY
A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH TO FACIAL REJUVENATION Dr Jeremy Wilson, one of Melbourne’s leading plastic surgeons, has been consulting on the peninsula for many years, seeing patients at The Bays Hospital, Mornington.
Dr Wilson also consults from clinics in Hampton and Toorak, providing patients across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula with access to his specialist expertise.
With years of specialised experience, Dr Wilson is known for his skilled and considered approach to facelift and facial rejuvenation surgery. He also performs breast surgery, offering peninsula patients a broader range of options closer to home.
To book a consultation with Dr Jeremy Wilson at Mornington, contact Jeremy Wilson Plastic Surgery.
At Jeremy Wilson Plastic Surgery, the team understands that no two patients are the same. Every consultation is approached with integrity, discretion and sensitivity, taking the time to understand each patient’s individual goals, concerns and expectations. Dr Wilson and his carefully selected team are committed to providing personalised care throughout the entire journey, from the initial consultation through to recovery. The practice places a strong emphasis on artistry, attention to detail and patient care, with the team continually investing in training and education to remain at the forefront of developments and innovations in patient care. For those considering facelift surgery or facial rejuvenation, Dr Wilson takes the time to explain the available options and guide patients through each stage of the process, helping them make informed decisions about their treatment.
P 5973 4566 W jeremywilson.com.au
Results that are more than just a simple veneer. Internationally recognised Specialist Plastic Surgeon specialising in cosmetic, reconstructive and regenerative facial surgery.
Jeremy Wilson Plastic Surgery
56 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
I
5973 4566
I
jeremywilson.com.au
HEALTH & BEAUTY
FROM CONFLICT TO CONNECTION They say relationships take work, but did you ever get told what that actually entails? Anne knows that relationships aren’t always smooth sailing. The story we got sold through fairytales and Hollywood rom-coms would have us believe that there’s an easy ‘happily ever after’ for every couple, but that’s simply not true.
Anne’s work brings couples from ‘stuck’ or even ‘on the brink’, back into relational health. A place where you can speak up and feel heard, and enjoy a connection that you may never have thought possible.
Relationships are challenging. In fact, our intimate partnerships are almost perfectly designed to trigger our most sensitive parts, our deepest wounds – AND – they can also provide the perfect setting for us to grow. But most of us don’t get there on our own. Working with couples and individuals, Anne identifies the specific, negative patterns that seem set on repeat, causing pain, frustration, loneliness, and fear that things may never change. We all have our own version of automatic responses in our relationships. And these were mostly learned during childhood through the way we were treated, what was modelled to us, how they treated each other, and what we were allowed to get away with. The good news? Many of these patterns CAN be changed. Anne not only identifies the patterns, she teaches the skills required to do things differently and also works with the part of you that won’t want to use those skills in the middle of a tense moment!
W annesidebottom.com
Couples Therapy, Counselling and Leadership Coaching
Relationship Counselling and Coaching Wellbeing Sanctuary, Mount Eliza Enhanced Psychotherapy, Mornington Telehealth/online www.annesidebottom.com @annesidebottomcounselling anne@annesidebottom.com
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 57
HEALTH & BEAUTY
MORE THAN JUST MOVEMENT Sol Bod Movement is a welcoming Reformer Pilates studio in Hastings created to help people feel stronger, move with confidence and make time for themselves. Sol Bod offers supportive, instructor-led classes in a relaxed and non-intimidating environment. With a variety of class styles, including Reformer Flow, Strength, and Yin, with beginner-friendly options there is something to suit different experience levels, movement needs and goals. At Sol Bod, the focus extends beyond exercise. It’s about building consistency, supporting physical and mental wellbeing, and creating a genuine sense of community. The experienced instructors take the time to offer guidance, modifications and encouragement, helping every member feel comfortable and supported. Whether you’re completely new to Reformer Pilates, returning to movement or looking for a studio where you feel known and welcomed, Sol Bod Movement provides a space to prioritise yourself, feel good in your body and enjoy moving.
MOVE YOUR WAY. Reformer Strength. Reformer Flow. Reformer Yin.
*Join Sol Bod Movement this month
and use code MOVE to receive 10% OFF our class packs. *one class pack per person only
10/37-41 Victoria Street, Hastings IG @solbodmovement W solbodmovement.com.au
10/37-41 Victoria Street, Hastings solbodmovement.com.au
FOR EVERY SKIN AND BEAUTY NEED Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty aims to provide remarkable treatments and ensure a memorable service to every one of their valued clients. Patient, accommodating beauty therapists provide impeccable, knowledgeable services to meet every need and their extensive range of beauty treatments cater to every whim.
For your convenience, the treatment menu can be viewed via the appointment booking portal found on Facebook, but do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. Gift vouchers are also available and walk-ins are most welcome. The team at Lillian Mac Skin & Beauty look forward to pampering you and making you feel fantastic this season.
Walking through the door a serene and beautiful space welcomes you to wind down and take a moment for yourself. The luxurious treatment rooms cradle your mind, body and spirit taking you to a place of total tranquillity. We dare you to try not to fall asleep during one of your sessions! From manicures to microblading, lashes to laser and facials to massage, Lillian Mac has you covered for all your needs (and wants) from head-to-toe. Their newest treatment, EMZERO body contouring is a non-invasive body sculpting treatment that uses energy to burn fat whilst building muscle. High frequency vibrations penetrate 8cm deep continuously expanding and contracting your muscles. A 30-minute treatment is equivalent to 30,000 sit ups or squats. Be ready for spring with fresh lashes and glowing skin. Their popular signature facial can be accompanied by a lactic peel or microdermabrasion leaving your skin renewed and rejuvenated. SPRING SPECIAL Full set of soft lash extensions only $99, usually $135.
58 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
FB @LillianMacDaySpa IG @lillianmacskinandbeauty
*
Shop 1, 101 High Street, Hastings
P: 5979 1511
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 59
PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS
SPRING AWAKENS AT ASHCOMBE MAZE & GARDENS As winter gives way to spring, the Mornington Peninsula begins to take on a fresh energy. At Ashcombe Maze & Gardens, the changing season brings new growth, softer light, longer days and a renewed invitation to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
Spring also brings longer, brighter days that make it easier to take the time to enjoy a full day out. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, tackle the mazes and then make their way to the café for a relaxing coffee, lunch or something to enjoy before continuing their exploration.
Set across 25 acres of beautiful gardens, Ashcombe offers visitors the opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Winding pathways lead through established trees, flowering gardens and peaceful pockets waiting to be explored, with something new to discover around every corner.
For families, Ashcombe provides an opportunity to spend quality time together outdoors, away from screens and the distractions of busy schedules. For couples and friends, it offers a peaceful setting to wander, chat and enjoy the beauty of the Peninsula in spring.
Spring is a particularly special time to visit, as the gardens begin to wake after the cooler months. Fresh growth and new colour gradually emerge throughout the property, creating an everchanging landscape that rewards visitors who take the time to wander, explore and simply enjoy being outside. The gardens at Ashcombe are constantly evolving, meaning no two visits are quite the same. Seasonal changes bring different colours, textures and highlights, while the established landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for a relaxed day on the Peninsula. For families, couples and visitors of all ages, there is plenty of space to explore at their own pace. Of course, no visit to Ashcombe would be complete without discovering its famous hedge mazes. Winding through the greenery provides a sense of adventure and fun, with the mazes offering an experience that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. They form part of the broader Ashcombe experience, where exploring the gardens is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
60 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
There is something inherently refreshing about seeing a garden come alive after winter, and Ashcombe captures that feeling beautifully. From the first signs of new growth to the changing colours throughout the gardens, spring offers another reason to return and see what has changed since the last visit. For those looking for a relaxed Mornington Peninsula experience this spring, Ashcombe Maze & Gardens offers the chance to explore, reconnect and enjoy the simple pleasure of being outdoors. With 25 acres to wander, winding pathways to follow, hedge mazes to navigate and a café to enjoy along the way, Ashcombe is a quintessential Peninsula day out — and in spring, the gardens are ready to be discovered all over again.
W ashcombemaze.com.au
Reconnect, Explore & Play
15 Shoreham Road, Shoreham
ashcombemaze.com.au
5989 8387 September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 61
PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT TERRY’S KARAOKE & PIANO BAR Looking for a night out that offers something a little different? Located in the heart of Rye, Terry’s Karaoke & Piano Bar combines live music, private karaoke, cocktails and plenty of opportunities to sing along, creating a fun and memorable experience on the Mornington Peninsula. Terry’s Karaoke & Piano Bar was created from a simple idea: the Mornington Peninsula needed somewhere different—a place where people of all ages could come together, enjoy great music, have a drink, dance and, most importantly, have fun. After a night out, owners Effie and Daniel Harrison realised there wasn’t a local venue offering the atmosphere they were looking for. They envisioned a space where guests didn’t just watch the entertainment, they became it. The venue is named in honour of Daniel’s late grandfather, Terry Maher, a man known for his warmth, humour and love of music. Terry enjoyed a glass of whiskey, classic Frank Sinatra records and most of all, bringing people together. With its sophisticated black-and-gold setting and playful retro influence, Terry’s offers a stylish backdrop for an evening with friends, family or someone special. At the centre of the venue is a lively piano bar, where talented musicians perform every weekend and take song requests from the crowd. It is the kind of place where a familiar favourite can quickly turn into a full-blown singalong, with guests encouraged to join in and enjoy the moment. For those wanting their own space, Terry’s private karaoke rooms feature thousands of songs, giving groups the freedom to create their own playlist and their own kind of party. Whether guests want to showcase their vocal talents, sing badly with confidence or simply sing as loudly as possible, the private rooms provide a relaxed and entertaining setting to let loose. The venue is perfect for a wide range of occasions including birthdays and milestone celebrations, hens and bucks nights, work functions, family gatherings and group bookings.
62 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
It also works just as well for date nights, catch-ups with friends or spontaneous nights out when the usual dinner and drinks simply won't do. Adding to the atmosphere is a selection of signature cocktails, including Terry’s popular watermelon creations. Guests can also enjoy locally sourced wine, beer, spirits and sparkling from Mornington Peninsula producers, making it easy to settle in for an evening of good drinks and entertainment. Terry’s also offers extra trading nights during the peak summer season, including selected Sundays and public holiday eves, giving locals and visitors even more opportunities to enjoy the venue during one of the peninsula’s busiest times of year. A major part of the Terry’s experience is its welcoming atmosphere. Friendly staff and talented musicians help create a venue where everyone can feel comfortable getting involved. The piano bar has a reputation for bringing people together, with strangers often leaving as friends after sharing songs, laughs and a memorable night. Whether it is a planned celebration or an impromptu night out, Terry’s Karaoke & Piano Bar offers something for everyone. With live music, private karaoke rooms, great drinks and an atmosphere designed for having fun, it provides a truly unique night out in Rye. For anyone ready to pick a song, grab a drink and enjoy a night of unforgettable entertainment, Terry’s Karaoke & Piano Bar is ready to turn an ordinary evening into something worth singing about.
W terryskaraoke.com.au
PianoBar &K
araoke Lounge
Live musicians every weekend Birthdays and milestone celebrations Hens and bucks nights Work functions
2339 Point Nepean Rd, Rye
• www.terryskaraoke.com.au • @terryskaraokeau PENINSULA essence | 63 September 2026
PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS
SPRING INTO THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT SK8HOUSE
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
SEPT 2026
Looking for a school holiday activity that gets the kids off the screens, out of the house and having some good old-fashioned fun? Sk8house in Carrum Downs has spring sorted, with extended weekday skating sessions running throughout the school holidays from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October. From Monday to Friday, you can hit the rink from 11am–4pm for $20 per person or grab a Group Pass for four for $70. There are also extra 2-for-$20 afternoon sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4–7pm, and Wednesday from 4–6pm. Regular skate classes continue throughout the break, along with Wednesday morning Tots Sessions for the littlest skaters. And right in the middle of the holidays, AFL Grand Final weekend brings an extra excuse to dress up, with a Superhero Skate Night on Saturday 26 September. Think capes, masks, superheroes and footy heroes, all of which are welcome on the rink! READY TO ROLL? Scan the QR code to check session times & plan your school holiday skate! 3/2 Amayla Cres, Carrum Downs P 9773 6799 E info@sk8house.com.au W sk8house.com.au
EXTRA SKATE SESSIONS
2-FOR-$20 ENTRY
(SELECTED SESSIONS)
SKATE CLASSES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
CAFE & SNACKS
BOOK ONLIN E NOW!
sk8house.com.au 3/2 Amayla Cres Carrum Downs VIC ph. 9773 6799
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FR IDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND SATURDAY S 8AM-12.30PM
Tired of stale tasting supermarket eggs? Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, cafes, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula. r from our barn door. Come and visit our Free Range hens roaming in their paddocks!
FARM FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS AT WHOLESALE PRICES!
64 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
CHOOK POO BY THE BAG
COME AND SE THE CHICKENSE ROAMING FREE THE PADDOCK IN !
PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS
SPRING TAKES FLIGHT AT ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE There’s a new reason to look down from the Eagle this spring! For a limited time, a series of large-scale Earthwork Art Installations will appear beneath the gondola line, transforming the journey over Arthurs Seat into an art experience in the landscape. Created especially for the Eagle by renowned Mornington Peninsula artist Father Marker, the works celebrate birds, movement and our enduring fascination with flight. Formed using stone and other natural materials, they have been designed to reveal themselves from above each one becoming visible as the gondola moves across the mountain.
Younger visitors can collect an activity sheet before boarding and watch for the installations below, while adults can take in the scale, artistry and remarkable setting. The Earthwork Art Installations will only be in place for a short time: as you ride up, look down! Spring has taken flight! Plan your visit and book gondola tickets online.
It is outdoor art on an unexpected scale, encountered from an equally unexpected vantage point. Set against the bushland of Arthurs Seat State Park, the Earthworks will offer something striking for art lovers, nature lovers, couples, families and anyone looking for a different way to experience the Mornington Peninsula this spring. The installation is part of Where Spring Takes Flight, a limited-time seasonal experience running at Arthurs Seat Eagle from 19 September to 4 October. It is included with every standard gondola ticket. Throughout the school holidays, the mountain will also come alive with a program of family entertainment, including native animal encounters, live music, face painting and more. Seasonal food and drinks from the Eagle Café, walking trails through the State Park and panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay make it easy to turn a gondola ride into a full spring day out.
W aseagle.com.au
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 65
THE LOWDOWN
COULD YOUR NEXT BOTTLE HELP AN AUSTRALIAN WINERY? Australia’s wine industry is facing one of its toughest chapters. Global wine consumption is falling, stock levels remain high, and wineries across the country are under real pressure to move quality wine.
And this is where wine lovers play an important part.
No single wine purchase can solve an industry-wide challenge. But where wine lovers choose to shop can support a business model that helps wineries, one parcel at a time.
The winery moves its wine and receives immediate cash flow. They secure quality wine at a better price. And you can discover exceptional wines from big-name producers, regional heroes and talented winemakers at genuine wholesale prices.
Have you ever wondered how Wine Lovers Warehouse can offer quality wine at genuine wholesale prices? The answer begins with the way Wine Lovers Warehouse buys. Sometimes a winery has more wine than it can sell. An export order may fall through, a major retailer may delist a range, or a previous vintage may need to move before the next one arrives. Wine Lovers Warehouse can offer another route to market. They can purchase the entire parcel directly from the tank, pay upfront and take the stock immediately. This provides valuable cash flow and can help the winery avoid ongoing storage costs. One large bottling run, simple packaging and a single collection can also reduce bottling, packaging and delivery costs while moving a previous vintage can free valuable tank space for the next one. Wine Lovers Warehouse do not claim to have the answer to every challenge facing the wine industry. This is simply one practical way their business model can create a better outcome.
68 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
When you choose to shop at Wine Lovers Warehouse, you support a model that gives wineries another way to move quality wine. Your purchase helps keep that positive cycle working.
You can also enjoy a complimentary tasting before you buy, giving you the confidence to experience the quality for yourself. It is a win for the winery, a win for Wine Lovers Warehouse and a win for wine lovers. Next time you are choosing wine, visit Wine Lovers Warehouse in Dromana or Hastings. Come in, explore our extensive range and try before you buy. Together, wine lovers can support a better outcome for wineries, one parcel and one thoughtfully chosen bottle at a time.
W winelover.com.au
THE LOWDOWN
THANK YOU, MORNINGTON PENINSULA FOSTER CARERS Every September, during Foster Care Week, MacKillop Family Services takes the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work of foster carers across the Mornington Peninsula.
Their dedication helps children and young people feel safe, connected and cared for, creating lasting change through the simple but powerful act of providing a stable and supportive home.
Foster carers play one of the most important roles in their community, opening their homes and hearts to children and young people who need safety, stability and support. It is a role that requires patience, consistency and compassion, often through challenging and uncertain times.
Those interested in learning more about becoming a foster carer are encouraged to contact MacKillop Family Services by scanning the QR code below.
Much of the impact foster carers make happens in the small, everyday moments. From school-morning routines and shared dinners to bedtime reassurance and trips to footy training, these moments help build a sense of safety, belonging and connection. While the work of foster carers can often happen quietly and behind closed doors, its impact can be life changing. MacKillop Family Services is proud to recognise the dedication, care and commitment shown by foster carers throughout the Mornington Peninsula. Through its Carer Support team, local networks and available resources, MacKillop works alongside carers to provide support throughout their fostering journey. During Foster Care Week, MacKillop Family Services extends its heartfelt thanks to every foster carer who continues to show up when it matters most.
W mackillop.org.au/fostercare
Become a foster carer mackillop.org.au September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 69
THE LOWDOWN
36 YEARS OF JEWELLERY MAKING IN THE HEART OF FRANKSTON For 36 years, Anny’s Manufacturing Jewellers has been creating, restoring and caring for jewellery from the same location in the heart of Frankston. More than simply a jewellery store, Anny’s is a true manufacturing jeweller, with experienced jewellers, designers and craftspeople working together in its own workshop to create beautiful, individual pieces.
After 36 years in the same Young Street location, generations of local families have trusted Anny’s Manufacturing Jewellers with their most special pieces — from engagement and wedding rings to anniversary gifts, restorations and jewellery created for the next generation. Custom Made • Remodelling • Engagement & Wedding Rings • Repairs • Restorations • Valuations
Specialising in custom-made jewellery, the team can transform a photograph, sketch, heirloom stone or simply an idea into something truly unique. From the initial sketch and CAD design through to the wax model, setting and finished piece, the process is completed in-house. Anny’s creates engagement rings, wedding rings and one-of-akind jewellery, while also offering jewellery remodelling, giving old or inherited pieces a new lease on life while retaining their sentimental value. The workshop also provides a comprehensive range of services including jewellery repairs, restorations, resizing, diamond and gemstone setting, rhodium plating, cleaning and professional jewellery valuations. Some of the most meaningful pieces are those that carry a story. A grandmother’s ring, an unworn piece of jewellery or stones that have been tucked away in a drawer can be transformed into something new to be treasured and enjoyed for years to come.
92 Young Street, Frankston W annys.com.au
A n n y ’s M a n ufa c t ur i n g Je w el l ery Yo u I m a gi ne - We cr e at e H a nd m a de pi e ce s by awa rd w i n ni n g Je w el l er H a r ry Ozk o ch
AVAILABLE AT ANNY’S FRANKSTON
A NN Y S.C O M . AU LEVEL 3/257 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
•
1300 092 000
70 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
92 YOUNG STREET, FRANKSTON
THE LOWDOWN
BRING HOME THE MAGIC OF CHICKS THIS SPRING There’s something truly magical about bringing a fluffy little chick home for the first time. As spring arrives, many families are looking for meaningful ways to connect their children with nature, and raising backyard chickens is a wonderful way to introduce kids to animals, responsibility and where their food comes from.
We believe backyard chickens are more than just pets. They’re a wonderful way for children to learn about caring for animals, nature and the food on their plate and they bring plenty of personality and joy to the backyard along the way.
For families who would love to experience the joy of raising chicks, Talking Hens offers a simple way to get started. Our chicks are DNA sexed and vaccinated, giving you confidence when choosing your new flock members and peace of mind knowing they’ve had a healthy start. Bringing chicks home is an exciting experience for the whole family, but being prepared is important. Young chicks need a safe and secure environment, appropriate nutrition, clean bedding, fresh water and plenty of care as they grow and you can be assured that Talking Hens has all the equipment and accessories you need for a smooth journey. At Talking Hens we’re passionate about helping families experience the joy of raising backyard chickens. Whether you’re welcoming your very first chicks or adding to an existing flock, our friendly team is here to help you choose the right breeds and make sure you have everything you need.
This spring, why not add a few fluffy new family members to your backyard? Visit Talking Hens in Merricks to meet our available chicks, explore our range of chick-rearing supplies and chat with our knowledgeable team. We would love to see you!
3590 Frankston Flinders Road, Merricks P 0406 691 231 E talk@talkinghens.com.au W talkinghens.com.au
Looking for backyard but unsure tart?
Talking Hens is a business that enjoys backyard hens. We specialise in friendly, egg laying hens with quality products to keep them happy and healthy. There’s nothing like the friendship and entertainment that you receive from our laying hens - a pleasure to be shared!
Talking Hens 3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd Merricks, Vic 3916
Open
: 10am to 4pm
For enquiries call 0406 691 231 Email: talk@talkinghens.com.au Visit: TalkingHens.com.au
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 71
NO MORE DIRTY GUTTERS
• No more mud in your gutters • No more vermin or birds in your roof • Protect your most valued investment -your home, your building
• Gutters stay clean - no more cleaning • Save money and cleaning time • 25 year guarantee
1300 220 869
*Valid Until 30/09/2026 Conditions apply
THE LOWDOWN Tours escorted by Vickie Lamble
Relax Enjoy & Discover!
9 DAYS NORFOLK ISLAND Tuesday 16 – Wednesday 24 Feburary 2027 Discover the incredible natural beauty of Norfolk Island that is also rich is history and culture. From pristine waters, rugged cliffs, convict ruins and breathtaking scenary – paradise awaits. Join us for many memorable highlights
Cost: $4,660
Per person twin share/double. Single supp: $750 Please pay deposit of $200 ASAP to secure booking Note: Entry requirements for Norfolk Island photo ID, current drivers licence, or current Passport or photo ID obtained from Australia Post
YOUR PREMIUM ESCAPE AWAITS WITH LAMBLE TOURS Refresh, recharge, and rediscover - your mid-year getaway awaits Every Lamble Tours journey is thoughtfully crafted with care, knowledge, and attention to the little things. With years of hands-on experience, each itinerary is designed not just around destinations, but around what truly makes a holiday special. Explore Lamble Tours range of short getaways and extended holidays.
5 DAYS - Q TRAIN & THE SHIPWRECK COAST Monday 23 – Friday 27 March 2027
With their convenient home pick-up and return service across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, your holiday begins the moment you step out the door.
From the rails to the rugged coast – experience culinary delights and breathtaking ocean views in one unforgettable journey. Savor fine dining on the Q Train, then explore the raw beauty of the Shipwreck Coast and its iconic landscapes.
Immerse yourself in a warm winter escape on the sunshine coast, or explore the natural beauty of Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.
Cost: $2,570
Per person twin share/double. Single Supp $470
10 DAYS – AUTUMN EAST COAST TASMANIA Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 April 2027 FLY/FLY A 10-day autumn escape through Tasmania blending vibrant food, wild coastlines, and crisp seasonal landscapes. From the historic charm and breathtaking views of Launceston to the rugged beauty and gourmet experiences of Bruny Island,
Cost $4,890
Looking ahead, you can discover the incredible beauty of Norfolk Island or secure your place on the Overland Train to Adelaide, complete with the magic of the Christmas Pageant. Due to current circumstances, tours may be subject to fuel surcharges without notice. Please refer to the Lamble Tours Standard Booking Terms & Conditions on the website.
Per person twin share /double. Single Supp $895
For a detailed itinerary phone: 0418 853 810 or Email: lambletours@bigpond.com Home pick up & return service metropolitan / Mornington Peninsula
www.lambletours.com.au
P 0418 853 810 E lambletours@bigpond.com FB @lambletours W lambletours.com.au
Fri 25 Sept, 10am to 2pm
MT MARTHA SOUTH BEACH MARKET MT MARTHA HOUSE LAWN
Makers, creators, foodies and explorers all head to this spectacular beachside street food and boutique handmade makers market with over 60 stalls. With views overlooking Port Phillip Bay plus live music, this is a must attend market which runs on major public holidays over the year.
Local Produce • Artisan Makers • Gourmet Food • Live Music • Art • Vintage
unrivalledevents.com.au/south-beach-market
Sat 26 Sept, 9am to 2pm LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET
FRANKSTON
BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON Filled to the brim with awesomeness Little Beauty features 100+ of Melbourne’s very best creatives, foodies and musos. Free entry. Dogs welcome! littlebeautymarket.com.au
SATURDAY 3rd OCTOBER
Sat 26 Sept, 8am to 1.30pm ROTARY DROMANA MARKET
First Saturday of the Month | Sept - May | 9am - 2pm
DROMANA RECREATION RESERVE
www.hillandridgemarket.com.au
Showcasing the local flavour of Dromana, offering fresh seasonal produce, and locally crafted products. Funds raised go to supporting local community projects.
Red Hill Recreation Reserve 184 Arthurs Seat Road Red Hill 3937
dromanamarket.org.au September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 73
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS 1. Supplant 5. Sundae 9. Crisscross weave 12. Covetous 16. Windscreen cleaner 17. Car crash 18. Non-barking dog 20. Arctic chipping tool (3,4) 22. Hickory nut 23. Railway traffic controller 24. Rope loops 26. Committed to memory 27. Reply 28. Red seasoning powder (7,6) 31. In vain, to no ... 32. Coves 34. Oblique 36. ... chi (1'2) 37. Disdainful manner 40. Restless, ... at ease 42. Flower jars 43. Greek fable teller 45. Marijuana 47. Reduce, ... down 49. Pre-Soviet emperors 50. Triangular flags 52. Wanderer 54. Turn outwards 55. Female zebras 56. Baby sheep 58. Pickle preservative 59. Parish minister 60. Boat's spine 61. Over-beautify, gild the ... 62. Banana casings 63. Cult hero 64. Equine complex 67. Nervous, on ... 68. Deciduous trees 69. Ignoramuses 72. Gall 74. Waking-hours fantasies 78. Zodiac sign 79. Alphabet (1,1,1) 80. Sergeant, Senior ... (1,1,1) 81. Raising agent 82. Gumleaf-eating animal 85. Adhered 87. Thrust forward 88. Droops 90. Formally endorsed 91. Knocks softly
SAVE $$$
ON ENERGY BILLS
92. Ragamuffin 93. Whereabouts excuse 94. Transfer sticker 95. Wildebeests 96. Nimble 97. Overstate 100. Brand of sneakers 102. Great Wall of ... 103. Donkeys 104. Document, Magna ... 106. Mystified, all ... (2,3) 108. Vintage 109. East-northeast (1,1,1) 110. Hollywood is there, ... Angeles 112. Removes jockey's seat 116. Mum & ... 118. Mixed (of salad) 120. Ferrous metal 121. Ku Klux ... 123. Hiring fee 125. Observatory roof shape 126. New Zealanders 127. Jam pastry 128. Dutch cheese 129. Sacred song 130. Magnified map section 131. Pull 132. Openings 134. Concave marks 136. Nasal bone cavity 139. Forgiven 141. Represented, ... for 142. Duchess of York 144. Good 146. Waistline 147. Rekindled 148. Throw out, get ... of 149. Deports 151. Short-lived trend 152. Conundrum 155. Gigolo (3,3) 158. W Australian city 159. Rough equivalent 162. Pushes (shirt in) 164. Gives speech 165. Indigenous 166. Overused 170. Sat for artist 171. Barge in 172. School tunic 173. Milk coffee style 174. Recluse
175. Earn 176. Observable 177. As a whole (2,3) 178. Mocked
DOWN 1. Hip-hop vocalist 2. Tea farm 3. From Buenos Aires 4. Involve (in quarrel) 5. Doubt innocence of 6. Focusing glass 7. Cotton on 8. Obvious 9. Priggish 10. Prayer ending 11. Chauffeurs 12. Indonesian capital 13. Limb removals 14. Paid profession 15. Summer shoe 19. Dance to jazz 21. Complain 25. Cummerbunds 26. Charters 29. Irritate 30. Writer, ... Hemingway 33. Able to be rubbed out 35. Spotted felines 36. Unsubtly 38. Took to the air 39. Herring relatives 41. Apathy 42. Vitality 44. The P of RPM 46. Steam generator 48. Inspired 49. Daze 51. Dame ... Melba 53. Area for repairing ships (3,4) 55. Incapacitating 57. ... & brace 60. Water-garden fish 65. Ghosts 66. Dumb waiters 70. Barbie playthings 71. Indisputable (4-3-4) 73. Jumping marsupials 75. Wheel shaft 76. Meditated
SAVE $$$
ON ENERGY BILLS
Install a SKYLIGHT FREE INSPECTION & QUOTE
74 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
77. Drone bee's sex 78. Pinpointed 83. Corrosive fluids 84. Opera solos 85. Public (duty) 86. Goat mammary gland 89. Sneaky 91. Treat (cow hide) 92. Cricket fielder 96. Paintbrush hair 98. Horse restraint 99. Mentally sound 101. Scent, ... cologne (3,2) 103. Postal inscription 105. Charges with gas 107. Said "sorry" 111. Likeliest to win (4-2) 112. Undress 113. Complied, ... by the rules 114. Goes with flow 115. Body cosmetics 117. Sherlock Holmes creator, ... Conan Doyle 119. Mobile phone's ... card 120. Obstructing 122. Birth of Jesus, The ... 124. Bushranger, ... Kelly 132. Occupant 133. Table part 134. Legendary kingdom, El ... 135. N African desert 137. Louse egg 138. Spinner of yarns 140. Robins 141. Belts 143. Actor, Charlton ... 145. Presided 150. Being tops, ... supreme 153. Envisage 154. Virtuoso 156. Experiencing a run of luck (2,1,4) 157. Overflowed 158. Burst 160. Use book 161. Next 163. Savvy 166. Massive 167. Irishman 168. Cosmonaut, ... Gagarin 169. Prima donna
Install a SKYL
FREE INSPEC
1300 42 77 66 WWW.GARRON.COM.AU
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
40
41
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
27
26
28
32
29
30
31
33
34
36
37
38
39
42
45
43
46
47
52
56
48
53
57
65
49
50
59
60
62
66
63
67
68
73
74
75
76
69
77
82
83
89
84
85
86
87
90
91
93
94
96
97
102
98
95
99
103
100
104
118
112
113
115
133
134
136
142
143
137
138
144
145
147
148
149
150
151
154
155
159
160
156
157
161
162
164
163
165
166
170
124
131
135
146
158
123
127
141
153
107
117
130
140
152
122
126
129
132
116
121
125
139
114
120
128
106
109
111
119
101
105
108
110
71
80
81
92
70
78
79
88
51
55
58
72
44
54
61
64
35
167
171
168
169
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
See page 82 for solution September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 75
History
Above: Sandy Point (Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, Geoscience Australia)
By Lance Hodgins
Saving Sandy Point
I
n February 2026 the federal government announced that it would sell off “excess” defence land and raise $3billion. HMAS Cerberus is one target. It sits on a large 1500 hectare site bought by the government in 1911. The land surrounds Hanns Inlet between Crib Point and Somers. 1200 hectares of it has remained unused for well over a century and, as a result, it supports a large area of pristine native vegetation and rare bird and plant species. Furthermore, the southern portion has a coastline of incredible beauty and a rich history. Nefarious past “The captain of the ship collects £1 from each of the Chinamen and, when they get into shallow water off Sandy Point, throws pushes or scares them overboard with a gun. A terrific shouting, yelling and screaming takes place. People rush about on the deck, some jump overboard, others are pushed. All are in water up to their necks as they wade ashore … As soon as possible the ship sails away and all is quiet again.” - Hunter Rogers
76 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Above: A wood engraving showing Chinese being unloaded
Above: A map of Western Port Bay showing the position of Sandy Point
Sandy Point in 1856 was normally a quiet place. The original settlers on Phillip Island, the McHaffies, used the Point as their landing place on the mainland; it had a deep water channel next to the shore and firm sand right up to the water’s edge, and it was a few miles closer than Coolart further along the coast.
Two years later, and after McHaffie had added his complaints, a police station was erected. It was a magnificent bluestone structure, 27 feet square divided into four rooms with bluestone internal walls and a corrugated iron roof. The fireplace was made of fine imported white clay bricks and there were timber stables at the rear.
The discovery of gold had caused a massive influx of Chinese and, to stem this flow, the Victorian government brought in a tax of £1 per head. Unscrupulous boat operators set out to avoid paying this, however, and up to 200 people at a time were being dumped overboard at Sandy Point and left to make their own way on foot to Melbourne and the diggings beyond.
The “Fort” or “Stone House”, as it was affectionately known to the locals, was built just around the point which meant that incoming ships could not see it until they were right upon it. continued next page...
“One of them became separated from his mates and wandered about the Peninsula for a while. He reached our place in Flinders in a pitiable condition. He had shoes but no socks and his feet were cracked and bleeding. My mother gave him a good meal and some socks … We directed him along the beach to Coolart where the main body of them had passed to Melbourne … a fair dray track, and anybody would give him something to eat.” - Samuel Tuck, 1856. The bluestone police station At that time there were only two police stations on the Peninsula - at Cape Schanck and Schnapper Point (Mornington). A third one at Sandy Point would not only catch any illegal immigrants, argued Joseph Hann of Coolart, but also deter the fishing parties who were stealing his sheep. Hann offered to build one for a little about £100 but this was considered too dear and promptly rejected. September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 77
Above: Looking back towards the Point from the police station. (State Library of Victoria) Below: The police station in later years
Above: Lawrence Rostron Below: The Rostron land
Constable Louis Julius Weidner was appointed as its occupier. He was a tall and intelligent 31 year-old German with a reputation for being conscientious and fair. He was only needed there for two years. It became increasingly obvious to the authorities that South Australia was more lenient to the Chinese, whose numbers had begun to decrease in any case. The Sandy Point police station was abolished in June 1862. The building was put up for sale but there were no takers. It was rented for 3/6 a week to Mr Putwain of the Oyster Company and then it was sold to a Lawrence Rostron for £26. Enter Lawrence Rostron The 63 year-old Rostron was a most influential figure. Born in Lancashire to wealthy parents, he had been sent to Brazil to manage the family’s business. Whilst there, he amassed a small fortune and he decided to emigrate to Australia in 1842 and start a new life. Rostron became a hotelier, merchant, shipowner and a grazier controlling over 200,000 acres. In 1860, he saw an opportunity at Western Port, which had once been a productive source of oysters before being over-fished. A scheme to establish artificial oyster beds at Sandy Point was being promoted by a former Inspector of Fisheries, James Putwain, and Rostron decided to invest. The company spent £20,000 on dams and containments before operational problems arose and the venture folded. The loss was unsustainable for Putwain but his partner, Lawrence Rostron, would survive the loss.
78 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Rostron’s interest in Western Port had been aroused. In August 1864 he bought Crown allotments 150 and 151 - 308 acres at Sandy Point which included the old police station. He had plans for a township covering 39 acres at the Point. There were 15 lots from one to three acres and a nearby reservoir which was all that remained of Putwain’s oyster beds. When the lots were put up for public auction, their reserve prices ranged from £3-4 per acre and all but one were sold. A few people bought multiple lots: one wealthy Moonee Ponds widow Eliza Alice Sparkes bought three, land and shipping agent H Smith bought three, politicians T Loader and R Anderson bought five between them, and merchants J Lord and H Howard one each. The speculators had obviously moved in and no houses appeared. Henry Howard was the only one with a business interest in the area - he owned a hotel in Mornington and ran the mail coach through Hastings to Phillip Island. He would have used the jetty on the Point which had been providing the vital link with the Island.
A second jetty In anticipation of the “township sale”, an enterprising farmer named James Gordon obtained a 3 acre lease on which to build a jetty - further up the inlet and closer to his own 283 acre farm. This site would be more easily reached and better sheltered than the Point. Public support was lacking, however, and the venture had limited success.
Western Park On the other side of the Camping Reserve lay Western Park where, during the 1870s, James Teasdale developed a significant agricultural holding. Teasdale had been the farm manager at Coolart and he wasted no time in applying his skills to his new property. continued next page...
For a short while the jetty served as an outlet for cleared timber. At one stage, over 70 tons of wood were stacked on the wharf to be sold by Gordon at 3/6 per ton up front. Negotiations had been stalling with a particular trader named George Goble who quietly returned, loaded up his schooner, and set sail for Williamstown. He managed to sell his ill-gotten cargo but the theft earned him a hefty prison sentence. In any case, the two jetties at Sandy Point would never have lasted long. When the “defense” railway was completed to Stony Point in 1889, Western Port traffic became focussed on the other side of Hanns Inlet. The “camping ground” Just inland of Gordon’s jetty, there were 1,000 acres that remained in government hands. Six allotments were originally set aside by the Crown as a holding area for sheep waiting to be transported to and from the islands of Western Port. This was called the “camping ground”. When not being used for this purpose, others could apply for a grazing licence. The grazing licences attracted interest from Coolart and the more distant Tuerong station. This arrangement proved to be a constant headache over the next ten years. With Rostron on one side of this area and eager graziers on the other, there were fiery arguments over licences, illegal occupations, and disruptive clashes with the “campers” - who were accused of rarely being there in any case.
Above: The Camping Ground Below left: An easy landing at the Point. (John Mirabella)
Finally, in 1884, the Phillip Islanders convinced the government that the area had originally been set aside for their own special use, and the grazing licenses to others were abruptly stopped. The Rostron family continued to hold on to their land at Sandy Point. Old Lawrence had died in 1877 and his widow went back to England with their son, Lawrence jr, who studied for his law degree. He returned to Australia in 1906 and joined a law firm in Queen St Melbourne. He offered his services to the towns of the Peninsula on a rostered basis, and is believed to have stayed in the old bluestone police station at Sandy Point.
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 79
Above: A map showing Western Park Below: Shorthorns on the beach near Western Park
A massive 150 acres were cleared. The swampy flats were turned into well-drained paddocks of potatoes and mangles for winter fodder, and the hillsides grew quality oaten hay for his prized Shorthorns. After ten years Teasdale turned to sheep and developed a flock of one thousand purebred Lincolns. He built a substantial brick home on an elevated site which gave him incredible views over Western Port. Beyond his boundary, the tongue of land at his feet stretched out through the old camping area to Sandy Point. In the years that followed, Western Park had other owners but it still remains largely intact, on the edge of the residential area of Somers. The Navy buys in In 1911 the various State colonial navies were amalgamated into the Royal Australian Navy and Western Port was chosen as the site for the national base. Flinders Naval Base had grand plans for torpedo, gunnery and telegraph schools, as well as a wireless station, submarines, destroyers and a barracks for 2,000.
Make your business all the talk across the peninsula Book into the next issue contact Belinda belinda@mpnews.com.au 0419 135 900
Specialising in antique jewellery, as well as newly-made jewellery by Melbourne’s finests jewellers
128 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento M: 0438 537 757 I E: marlenemiller3@bigpond.com
80 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
Above: The original main entrance to Cerberus
The State Government offered some land but this was deemed inadequate and 1,600 extra acres of private land around Hanns Inlet was compulsorily acquired. On the Sandy Point side this included property belonging to graziers Beaton (870 acres), Mairs (209 acres), Lawrence Rostron jr (171 acres), and numerous small holdings at Sandy Point totalling 31 acres.
Not so permanent was the old “trig” station - a 40 feet high wooden structure used in the recharting of the Bay. It stood 50 yards back from the water’s edge but rough weather and high tides in 1922 eroded much of the foreshore and destroyed its base. This was a timely reminder that the coastline at Sandy Point was an ever-changing one.
The solicitor Rostron was far from happy with his compensation deal and took it to the High Court, claiming that his land was worth much more than the £850 on offer from the government. He argued that the future residential value of the incredibly attractive Sandy Point made it worth well over £20,000. The judge agreed with his reasoning - but not his amount - and gave him £1,432.
The old police station had been briefly inhabited by Lawrance Rostron, after which it was allowed by the Navy to fall into disrepair. In 1928 it was finally demolished and some of its bluestone was used in the main gates of the base as well as some fencing between the officers’ homes.
Building had already begun at the base, but it was eight years before Flinders Naval Base was officially opened in 1920. By then, WW1 was over and plans for the submarine and torpedo functions were dropped. The base was downgraded to the smaller status of a Depot. Nevertheless, there were soon several hundred recruits in training and more facilities were needed. These were all built at the head of Hanns Inlet, leaving the majority of the land as an unused buffer zone - which was fine for security since it kept the public at arm’s length. One hundred years of naval activity Over the next few decades, the human impact on Sandy Point was minimal. One of the earliest structures was a flag mast erected about a kilometre in from the Point. Over 100 feet tall, it could signal ships off Cowes which were out of sight of the naval base itself. It lasted until the 1960s.
A rifle range was built on the south shore of Hanns Inlet, with a caretaker’s residence nearby to discourage unwanted visitors. Firing took place in an easterly direction towards Sandy Point which became famous for its unexploded ordinance as, on more than one occasion, some adventurous boy would return home with a “find.” During World War Two there were plans for an aircraft landing strip and an area was cleared to the south east of the rifle range. It was never used and soon became overgrown. A concrete pillbox gun emplacement at Sandy Point is still there but it, too, is now well-covered in vegetation. Nevertheless, there were, “invaders” of a different kind. Escapees from the nearby French Island prison farm would occasionally try their luck in that direction. In 1955 three prisoners landed at Sandy Point and made for the rifle range, where they were apprehended by fifty sailors and fifteen police armed with submachine guns, rifles and pistols. continued next page...
September 2026 PENINSULA essence | 81
Left: Flinders Naval Depot in the mid-1900s
Fortunately, the area experienced few bushfires. However, in 1942 a large one swept in from Western Park and was allowed to burn itself out by reaching the coast near Sandy Point. The Navy has since maintained access tracks throughout the area, the main one picking up the old road about halfway to the Point. Although it is kept well cleared it remains little more than a sandy track with a very unstable base. R E P
L
M
R
L
A
A C E
P R A N G
S P
L
U
E
V
R
N O O S E S
T
A
A
I
N
O
I
E
T
H A U G H T
R
S C A
S
L
I
E
B R
I
A M B
I
E
S
P
I
R K
L
P
F
A B C
T
N A
W A
I
I
T
C H
I
N A
K
O
B
E
N
L O S
F
L
I
E I
E
U
D
S
B
E N
P E R T H
G
E
O R A
A
L
G
P O S E D
I
E
N
T
D E S E R V E
M
I
C K
V
A
U
E A R N T
P
B K
C L M O S
I D
L
I
G
G
D O L D
O
E
I
O T
S S
N C O
L
E
N
C
L
U N G E S
A
A P S
G N U S K E
S
A
N
E N E
U
H
P
E S
R
D A D
U
O
L
A
H
I
N U S
V
I
I
T
E A D
T O Y B O Y
I
T
I
N A R
82 | PENINSULA essence September 2026
T
T U C K S
I
V E
I
H
M
L
A
R
F O R M
L
L
E
E
L
D E R
V N A
R
O N
L
The area is large, has suffered minimal human impact for a long period, and supports a great number and variety of species. Conservation groups such as The Westernport and Peninsula Protection Council believe that it fulfils all government criteria for biodiversity protection, research and education.
I
F
T
A large and varied bird population includes many woodland species which have become rare on the Mornington Peninsula. The internationally recognised Ramsar Wetland borders the site and is on the flyway for migratory birds, including the endangered common greenshank, the critically endangered red-necked stint and eastern curlew.
R T U O U S F
L
The old-growth trees and hollows have viable populations of sugar glider, echidna, swamp wallaby and the vulnerable whitefooted dunnart and endangered southern brown bandicoot.
L
R
E S
After a century of naval ownership, Sandy Point and its hinterland contain the largest remaining intact vegetation on that side of Western Port. There are substantial areas of original growth coast banksia, and manna gum woodlands which until recently supported 1500 koalas.
O
O
R E T
I
A
Sandy Point today
D R A G
T
S
U N
S E A
E
A R T
N S E C
D T
R E N T
A N T
I
H
I
I
L
P
T
H A C K N E Y E D L O N E R
T K E E
I
H A
L
E O
S A R A H I
I
L
S
R
O V E R T
O
N
I
F
I
O
D E C A
K
M A
G
I
L
S E
S
I
E
S
I
I
C A R T
E
N T R U D E R
I
D
E S S
E D
T R
A P P R O X T
L
I
R E P A
G M A
P E N N A N T
E
U N G
C V T
R
R T H
L
T
C A R
A
D E N T
T O O D
L
A N T
I
R W
L
L
L M S
F
A I
A V A
T
E
E
R O N
E S I
I
D
M A R E S
D I
A
C
P E C A N
A E S O P
V
L O U S
U
N
U N S A D D
P S A
M
P
A
C
T
I
D
N I
R
N S
N
I
I
D
O
E
B
O L I
I
M
A
A S S E S
H O L
E A
S A R S
A
D R A M A
P A R D O N E D R
L
C E R T
O
S
E D A M E
K O A
D O M E
I
J
N E S S
U
X
S P R Y
T O S S E D K
D
A S
D A Y D R E A M S
O
S A G S
R
I T
O
N E
S K
Y
E
Y E A S
L
R E
E
D
L
L
T
C E P
E V E R T
E I
L
E D G E
A B
S
I
M
R
G
V A S E S I
I
A
L M A N
N
I
S
N O M A D
T L
L
L
C A Y E N N E P E P P E R
I
C A N N A B
P
I
G N A
T
P
P E R
I
E
N
I
J
E
I
W
S
P
N
T
A
T
B A S E N R
P
R E A C T
I
A sewage outfall was put through the old camping area and into the sea. More recently, concern was raised over pollution from PFAS - the “forever chemicals” left over from fire-fighting foam used in training on the base. Some contamination was found in the area under investigation, which included the inlet but not the Sandy Point peninsula.
A
T E
I
T
E W
D E D
Many thanks to Bruce Bennett for allowing use of material from his books “All our Somers”, “Morradoo” and “Stony Point”. All are available for purchase through the HastingsWestern Port Historical Society on 0490 132 011.
As the Mornington Peninsula warms up, it’s the perfect time to reset your home. At EHS Trusted Cleaning Service, we handle the hard work so you can step into the new season with a fresh, effortless space. Built on trust, proven by systems. Professional cleaning that makes life easier!
SERVICES WE OFFER: Regular Cleaning End of Lease Deep Clean
Carpet Cleaning Window Cleaning Pressure Hose Cleaning
Call us today to book your clean and put your free time to better use. Here’s a $50 voucher, one redeemable voucher per person.
Exclusively for our new clients
Dec 31, 2026
www.ehscleaningservices.com.au enquiries@ehscleaningservices.com.au
S105, Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, 330 Cranbourne Rd, Karingal, VIC 3199 www.avedisjewellery.com (03) 9789 2388