LOVE A GETAWAY

THE MAGICAL MORNINGTON PENINSULA

It’s often referred to as Melbourne’s version of “The Hamptons” – the exclusive coastal getaway of New Yorkers during the American Summer.

During the warmer months, large numbers flock to Victoria’s famed Mornington Peninsula, just an hour from the city, but this holiday haven is now a popular destination all year round. Whether it’s the cuisine, wine, beaches, health and wellness, walks or just some unwind time, there is something for everyone.

On this little road trip journey, we explored the well-known towns of Red Hill, Sorrento and Portsea.

What better way to start a weekend than with a glass of Pinot Noir?

The cool winter climate in Victoria breeds some of the best red wines in the country, and there are a plethora of wineries to please any palette.

Montalto winery, Ten Minutes by Tractor and Port Philip Estate are among the award winners in the Red Hill region. You can walk through the vineyards, taste test the top drops and enjoy a stunning meal out in the sunshine or by the fireplace (remember – Melbourne has four seasons in one day). For us, a highlight was the Cellar Door at Ten by Tractor, a bottle of 2024 10X Pinot Noir and a grazing board of local Mornington Peninsula produce including homegrown beetroots and Main Ridge goat’s cheese.

After one pampering session, it was time for another.

The iconic Continental Hotel on the main street of Sorrento was built of sandstone in 1875 and has undergone a massive renovation in recent years and is now part of the luxurious Intercontinental hotel chain. The spectacular Aurora Spa and Bathhouse provides everything from the Detoxifying Body Wrap, the Himalayan Stone and Sound massage and the Botanical Spa Facial. You can spend an entire day here!

While you can enjoy high-end pub food, acclaimed chef Scott Pickett can host you at Audrey’s – Peninsula fine dining at its best Audrey’s recently won the best pub restaurant for 2024 by the Australian Hotels Association.

Rooms are available at the hotel but it’s not for someone on a budget. It’s definitely a special occasion night-out but worth every cent! The hotel holds many weddings and celebrations.

The nearby Sorrento Hotel also has a brand-new accommodation’ offering with an array of rooms and a private pool area. It’s a three- minute walk to the beach.

We end the day at the iconic Portsea Pub – fish and chips on bench seating overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Being Melbourne, the sun was back out again after a little shower of rain. The hotel has a fantastic restaurant and booking is often essential, especially, on weekends and across the holidays. Over summer, the pub is “the place to be” with regular live music acts.

Head to the Portsea back beach for the ideal place to watch the sun set. In January and February, it’s like a European summer dream.

On the far end of the Riverland from Adelaide is the popular camping town of Renmark with a plethora of things to enjoy. There is the 1880s Olivewood Historic Homestead Museum to experience the history of the region, the cool-vibing and modern 23rd St Distillery and the possum parade on the riverbank at dusk. It is truly mother nature at its best.

Sunset over the Murray River is something every Aussie should experience. Save an evening for Sunset Kayak with Canoe Adventures. It felt like it was just me, my guide Kym, some busy birds and a quiet river. It was magical. As long as there’s clear sky in the daytime, Kym promises a beautiful sunset.

And even as decades have passed, my childhood love of jumping into the Murray from a rope swing at various points along the river hasn’t diminished. It’s free after all!

After this well-rounded visit to my childhood stomping ground, it’s now time to bring my own children for a stomp and a splash off from those rope swings.

The perfect walk, or bike ride, to start the day (well, anytime of the day) is through the Port Nepean National Park at Portsea. The park goes back thousands of years and was significant in shaping early European settlement as the quarantine station for people arriving in Victoria. It was also a strategic defence point and used for military training. There are panoramic views, military forts and tunnels and artefacts going back over 150 years.

You can even extend your stay and camp on site at the new pre-pitched Point Nepean Discovery Tents to enjoy nature at its best.

To keep up the energy, the best coffee in town is on the Sorrento Main Street at The Sisters Kitchen and Garden Café. Victorians love their coffee.

The highlight of the trip was the brand-new Alba Thermal Springs about half an hour from Sorrento. The multi-million-dollar facility has mineral spas at all temperatures, as well as saunas to sweat out the local wine from the previous day. Given its significant popularity, Alba can be very busy. So, don’t think it will be just peace and quiet.

There is a stunning restaurant on site with a menu curated by TV chef Karen Martini, and the Hot Springs sells packages to bathe before a lunch or dinner. Evening bathing is also an option and popular with couples, and you can book a range of treatments from massages to facials. Literally across the road is the other well-known spa – the Peninsula Hot Springs. So, if you can’t get into one, try the other!

It’s been the best weekend, and we want some beach time to end on a high.

We head to the famous general store – Stringers – pick up some local produce including cheese, olives, dips and crackers – take our blanket – and sit on the shores of Sorrento.