Spending a weekend on the Mornington Peninsula every summer is practically a contractual obligation for all Victorians. It’s easy to understand why. With its undulating vineyards, stunning coastline and some of the finest drinking and dining in the state, a lazy weekend tootling up and down this iconic slice of coast is ideal for anyone looking for a convenient but transportive holiday. Here’s our itinerary for a memorable and hassle-free summer getaway.
Day one
Kick off your first day with an easygoing brunch at Commonfolk Coffee Company. It’s in a warehouse in the backstreets of Mornington, which gives it plenty of space to roast its coffee in-house. The wide-ranging menu caters to all kinds of dietaries and – with dishes like a Dutch baby pancake slathered with maple syrup and roasted mango, and Brazilian-style smoked and glazed pork belly served with plantains and slaw – everyone will find something they like. Plus, the breakfast menu runs from 8am through to 3pm on the weekend, so you can wake up slowly and make your way down whenever it suits.
Once you’re fed and caffeinated, it’s time to spend the rest of the morning (or, let’s face it, early afternoon) enjoying some culture at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, which is a short walk or drive from Commonfolk. The gallery is an excellent destination year-round, but its upcoming exhibition, Know My Name: Australian Women Artists, is particularly worth making a trip for. It’s a touring exhibition by the National Gallery, which aims to redress the over-amplification of male voices in Australian art history and institutions by championing the works of Australian women artists from 1900 to today. The multimedia exhibition, which runs from late November to mid-February, isn’t just important ¬– it’s a beautiful and seamlessly curated collection of works.
Once you’ve scoured the gallery, it’s time for a spot of afternoon swimming and sunbathing (and there’s no rush – the Victorian sun doesn’t set till well after 8pm in summer). You’re spoiled for choice on the Mornington Peninsula, but if there’s one must-swim locale, it’s the Pillars at Mount Martha, just a 10-minute drive from the gallery. These sandstone cliff formations, which overlook Port Phillip Bay’s most aquamarine waters, regularly throng with sun-seeking swimmers. Although you’ll feel like you’re in the Greek islands, you’re actually right in the heart of one of Australia’s finest cool-climate wine regions – and you’re headed to one of its best wineries for dinner.
Ten Minutes by Tractor is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most esteemed winery restaurants. Come hungry, because the five-course tasting menu is a must. Head chef Hayden Ellis has worked in legendary restaurants, such as Melbourne’s The Fat Duck and Notting Hill’s The Ledbury, and that experience is on deft display here. If you’re after something more snacky and shareable, head to Allis, Ten Minutes’ more casual wine bar. At either venue, a glass of pinot noir, chardonnay or riesling is obligatory. After dinner and drinks, it’s time to rest up at Cassis Red Hill, your luxe resting spot for the evening. Cassis is a collection of luxury villas overlooking the serene wine country of Red Hill. Accommodation ranges from intimate studios to group-friendly farmhouses. Chat to the team about booking an in-house massage or picnic hamper, among other inclusions on offer. A restful night’s sleep is virtually guaranteed here. That’ll come in handy – tomorrow is a busy day.
Day two
After you’ve had a good sleep-in, make your way to Dromana Habitat. At this industrial estate, 15 local artisans, makers and producers have banded together to form a tightly knit collective. Here you’ll find brewers, distillers, cheesemongers, coffee roasters, candle makers and more. Hopefully there’s some room in your bag, because it’ll be hard to leave without a handful of new souvenirs.
Next up is a languorous long lunch at Tedesca Osteria, a regional fine diner set amid lush Red Hill farmland. Take a seat in the inviting dining room and let chef Brigitte Hafner lead you through a succession of seasonal Italian-leaning courses, accompanied by wines from co-owner James Broadway’s local-focused list.
All that eating requires a commensurate amount of rest and relaxation. Luckily, Alba Thermal Springs, an ethereal spa and bathhouse just a 20-minute drive away, is more than up to the task. You can bathe in 31 different thermal pools or go for a proper pampering with a spa treatment. If you do find yourself getting peckish, a snack at the in-house restaurant, which features a menu curated by chef Karen Martini, is a worthwhile option.
Once you’ve broken out of your spa daze, it’s time for more wine – this time back by the coast at Banksia Wine Room. This little 50-seater, which sits directly opposite McCrae Beach, is a refined but relaxed bar that showcases local drops. Appropriately, the shareable seafood-heavy menu takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean – and we recommend finding some room post-lunch to enjoy it. But you’ve still got time for one last stop before you head home. Drop by Mornington’s Wowee Zowee for a final drink. This high-low dive bar is full of surprises – from its grungy decor to its clever drinks and snacks lists. It’s the perfect place to recap a weekend getaway well spent, before heading back to reality.
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