Found Magazine

Your Guide to the Mornington Peninsula

Find all our attractions, culture, people, events, beer and wine, food, farmgate and community.

2018

SEE AND DO

•

TASTE

•

DINE

•

STAY

SUNRISE TO SUNSET… EXPLORE THE PENINSULA FROM BREATHTAKING SUNRISE TO SPECTACULAR SUNSET. The Mornington Peninsula is a place that promises wonderful experiences from dawn to dusk. To greet the sun, head to the rugged back beaches of the southern Peninsula or stroll amongst the tea trees at Western Port. We love to create Instagram envy with a stunning sunrise shot at Bridgewater Bay in Blairgowrie or Dragon’s Head in Sorrento.

When you have taken a moment to breathe in the ocean air, it’s time for a morning caffeine shot or refreshing cuppa. Luckily for you, great coffee is served at cafés all over the Peninsula.

Grab a 'local roast', sit down and map out your day.

To get up close with the local flora and fauna, take a walking trail across cliffs, seashores or wetlands. A local favourite is to search for heritage plants in historic and botanic parks and gardens, or head to Greens Bush to watch kangaroos feeding. For one of our newest immersive Australian nature experiences, board the ferry from Stony Point to French Island for a short ride to a wildlife haven.

You will spot marine life, birds, lizards, potoroos, bandicoots, echidnas and, of course, koalas.

Want a sky-high view? Catch the gondola up to Arthurs Seat — on a clear day you can see across Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne. If you are

04

feeling energetic, try tree surfing or ride the tube slides with the kids.

As the sun sits high in the sky it’s time to stock up on provisions. Follow the Wine Food Farmgate Trail to taste fresh local produce and the latest ale, cider or wine. Whatever your fancy, this trail delivers in spades.

Fine dining, bistro, outdoor tapas or takeaway — it can all be FOUND. Mid-afternoon, slip into hot springs to rejuvenate, channel your inner golfing pro at one of the many outstanding courses, frolic on the beach or hire a kayak and enjoy the sights from the sea. And as the day closes, find a spot on the bay and lose yourself in the sunset.

Not quite finished? In the evening you are spoilt for choice. Restaurants, pubs, brewers, winemakers and chefs offer so many options you could dine out for months and keep finding new experiences.

The daily choice of ocean adventure or bayside leisure is a luxury.”

- Australian Gourmet Traveller

SO MUCH TO OFFER

If you are not so lucky to live here or be visiting friends or relatives there is plenty of accommodation from small boutique hotels, eco retreats and rented houses to campgrounds or luxury hotels.

And the next day… pop out of bed ready to do it all over again and choose the things that you ran out of time to do the day before.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE WONDERFUL ACTIVITIES VISIT OUR WEBSITE

visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

05

Bayplay Adventure Tours Bayplay is an award winning Adventure Activity Tour Operator.

Located in Portsea. A one-stop shop for things to do on the Mornington Peninsula for weekends away.

• Sea Kayak along the Dolphin Sanctuary • Snorkel with Sea Dragons – our State Emblem • Private Sailing Charters on Dolphin ll Catamaran • PADI Dive Courses & Learn to Dive Day Tours • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons & Hire • Bike Hire & Bike Tours - Pt Nepean National Park • Glamping Bell Tent Experiences • Sail & Snorkel with Seals in Port Philip Bay • Corporate & School Group Programs 3755 Point Nepean Road Portsea 3944 T (03) 5984 0888 bayplay.com.au @bayplay.tours

/BayplayToursAndAccommodation

POLPERRO DOLPHIN SWIMS Imagine yourself in Port Phillip Bay in an up close and personal encounter with a Bottlenose dolphin or an Australian Fur Seal! An unforgettable marine adventure waiting just for you.

The multi award winning Polperro Dolphin Swims offers the chance to explore the underwater world with a dolphin and seal swim, snorkelling in the region’s pristine bay. The unique adventure sets sail from Sorrento Pier on the stunning Peninsula, which is only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

For those who would prefer to stay dry, you can sightsee from aboard Polperro while learning about marine conservation.

Sorrento Pier, Esplanade Sorrento 3942 T (03) 5988 8437 polperro.com.au /PolperroDolphinSwims

16

OPENING HOURS

7 days: 7am - 7pm

@polperrodolphinswims

explore

Winter ADVENTURE

TA K E T H E P LU N G E

YOU’LL LOVE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE IN WINTER. The Peninsula is surrounded by some of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches, they are most beautiful in Winter.

There is nothing more relaxing or invigorating than a stroll on a wind swept backbeach or sheltered bay beach on a crisp Winter's day.

For those adventure lovers Port Phillip Bay is home to amazing marine life.

Put on a wetsuit, get a snorkel on, dive in and look out for wild bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, weedy sea dragons, pygmy seahorses hiding in the seaweed, octopuses in the sand, sponges and rays.

Or join a tour to learn about the sea life, immerse yourself to get up close,

or stay dry on board. Scuba divers have the ultimate experience, diving along steep walls, shallow reefs and some of the 60 shipwrecks that have gone down since the 19th century.

Above the water you can try sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or fishing for King George whiting, snapper, calamari, flathead and more.

Western Port Bay is a great place to catch a wave, wander around Mushroom reef or paddle in the local favourite beach spots. Let the kids roll up there pants - yes they get wet, yes they will be a bit chilly and yes this is the stuff wonderful memories are made of.

17

D I S C OV E R H I D D E N G E M S

22

explore

VIBRANT VILLAGES VISIT THE PENINSULA’S VILLAGES

BY THE SEA AND IN THE HINTERLAND. In the Peninsula’s 30 plus towns and villages you’ll discover boutiques, antiques, cafés, bars, restaurants, galleries, gift shops and gourmet stores.

The seaside villages of Portsea, Sorrento, Rosebud and Rye started the love affair between Melbournians and the Mornington Peninsula many years ago.

The hinterland villages are loved for their delicious produce. Red Hill and Main Ridge are well known for olive groves, vineyards, cafés, restaurants, gourmet produce stores, local markets, and galleries.

Wander over to the Western Port villages such as Balnarring to stock up on local produce, drop into a café, restaurant or antique shop in Flinders.

On the road, keep an eye out for signs directing you to hinterland farmgates and pick-your-own produce gardens.

For more details read on...

23

MY SHOUT

TAP INTO VICTORIA’S MOST EXCITING BEER, CIDER AND SPIRITS SCENE.

HERE’S CHEERS

Never before has there been so much opportunity to try a locally crafted beer, cider or spirit while kicking back with family and friends.

Follow the Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail and sip your way through the homegrown flavours of the Mornington Peninsula. Meet the new generation of brewers where they practise their craft

St Andrews Beach Brewery St Andrews Beach Brewery is the latest craft brewery to call the Mornington Peninsula home. The brewery is situated on a 92-acre property which was once a world class horse training facility.

After a significant facelift, the centre of the old horse training facility is where you’ll find a truly unique brewery.

The stables, that were once home to Group One winning horses have been converted into sitting areas. Visitors can now enjoy a variety of craft beers brewed on site and a bite to eat in the former stables of Melbourne and Caufield Cup winning horses.

160 Sandy Road Fingal 3939 T (03) 5988 6854 standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au /sab.brewery 32

OPENING HOURS

Summer: Open daily 11am - 7pm

@sab.brewery

and try a Pale Ale, a Lager, Brown Ale or an IPA. Discover classic, sweet and dry ciders and spirits rich in botanicals.

Each offering has its own unique style but they all share the common bond of a great brew and a love for the Peninsula.

TO FIND OUT MORE ON BEER, CIDER AND SPIRIT TRAIL GO TO

visitmp.go/bsctrail

TASTE

Mornington Peninsula Brewery A true local Mornington Peninsula experience, with eight rotating Mornington craft beers on tap, local wines and spirits along with woodfired pizzas, enjoy all the tastes of the region.

Nestled in Mornington’s back streets the Mornington Peninsula Brewery is now recognised as one of the best craft breweries in Australia. The Brewery Bar has a casual, relaxed atmosphere where you can watch the brewers creating your favourite beer. Complemented by a rustic beer garden and a viewing mezzanine overlooking the industry of the brewhouse.

72 Watt Road Mornington 3931 T (03) 5976 3663 mpbrew.com.au /mpbrew

OPENING HOURS

Wed: 3 -9pm Thu-Fri: 3 -11pm Sat: 12 -til late Sun: 12 - 7pm @mpbrewery

Bass & Flinders Distillery Bass & Flinders Distillery, home of the finest handcrafted grape based spirits on the Mornington Peninsula.

Visit us at our distillery’s cellar door and we will offer you an insight into how we make our fine products including a range of award-winning gins, Australia’s first grape-based vodka, limoncello and premium aged brandy, Ochre. We also offer a unique gin masterclasses experience where guests have an opportunity to create their very own bespoke gin at our cellar door! To book visit bassandflindersdistillery.com

232 Red Hill Road Red Hill 3937 T (03) 5989 3154 E sales@bassandflindersdistillery.com bassandflindersdistillery.com /BassAndFlindersDistillery

OPENING HOURS

Our cellar door is open every Fri, Sat & Sun: 11am -5pm.

Open every public holiday, closed Christmas Day & Good Friday. @bassandflinders 33

Spend the afternoon at a winery

Find hidden cellar doors in Shoreham, Merrick and Flinders

Visit farmgates to taste local cheese, chocolates, fresh berries

Check out the arts scene including galleries and glass blowing

42

Visit a day spa or bathe in hot springs

Hike a cliff top walk, stroll along the beach or ride along the coastline

Settling in for a cosy stay in the heart of the Peninsula Camp by the beach like the good old days

Dine in hinterland wineries or restaurants

Play a round of golf

Make a splash swimming with dolphins

Surf the waves at the backbeaches

Stay afloat on a stand up paddle board or kayak out to sea

43

DINE

44

UNIQUE DINING

Epicurean delights THE PENINSULA IS RENOWNED FOR QUALITY PRODUCE AND EXCELLENT DINING. The Peninsula’s food and wine scene has never been more vibrant and exciting. The region has become just as famous for its fine wines and food as it is for its rugged ocean beaches and gorgeous countryside.

in using the wall-to-wall produce available from local farms and kitchen gardens to deliver some of Australia’s best dining experiences — from funky cafés and bustling bistros to country pubs and fine dining restaurants.

New chefs with new ideas and cuisines join the established local favourites to create an impressive choice for visitors. Our chefs take great pleasure

No wonder the region’s food and wine producers keep receiving accolades and awards.

For more details read on...

VISITING A WINERY RESTAURANT? Sample in the cellar door before choosing your wine.

45

Moody’s Motel Moody’s Motel is located in the beautiful beachside town of Blairgowrie.

Nestled between Sorrento and Rye, this boutique motel offers 9 wellappointed rooms with A/C, heating, TV, bar fridge, Free WiFi, laundry and BBQ. Opposite the Yacht Club and pier and a short stroll to the Blairgowrie Village. Why stay anywhere else?

2867 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie 3942 T (03) 5988 8463 E info@moodysmotel.com.au

moodysmotel.com.au

The Bay Motel The Bay Motel is ideally located at the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula’s amazing wineries, golf courses, wedding venues, family friendly activities and located just 250m from a magnificent beach. 25 well-appointed Family, Queen and Deluxe Rooms, guest BBQ area, free wi-fi and just a short walk to local cafes, bars and restaurants. Book direct and Save!

21-31 Nepean Highway, Safety Beach 3936 T (03) 5987 2311 thebaymotel.com.au

58

/baymotelsafetybeach @thebaymotel_safetybeach

STAY

Glamping & Group Retreats We provide Group Retreats and Group Lodges in Portsea, Blairgowrie and Shoreham.

Plus a stunning Glamping Oasis in Red Hill South.

Iluka Retreat is a private oasis where you can create your own unique holiday in our Group Lodges or a Glamping Bell Tent Experience for couples, families or group getaways.

Our Group Retreats and Lodges are located in Portsea, Blairgowrie and Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula plus our stunning Glamping Oasis in Red Hill South.

Things to do: Catamaran Sailing Charters, Sea Kayaking the Dolphin Sanctuary, Snorkel with Seadragons, Scuba, Bike, SUP and Kayak Hire.

20 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South 3937 T (03) 5984 0888 ilukaretreat.com.au /ilukaretreat

@iluka.retreat

Max’s Retreat Max’s Retreat and Max’s Cottage AT RED HILL ESTATE offer delightful self contained accommodation either on the vineyard with coastal views or in a country lane setting in the Red HIll hinterland.

Both the two bedroom vineyard cottage and the four bedroom Retreat are designed as a ‘home away from home’ with creature comforts, L’Occitane amenities and all that you would expect for a short stay, including breakfast provisions. Conveniently located close to local restaurants, wineries and attractions there is no shortage of things to do in the area, although you may simply choose to stay in and relax in your surroundings.

53 Shoreham Road Red Hill South 3937 T 0419 873 597 maxsretreat.com.au 59

Find your

way

visitmorningtonpeninsula.org