I've been visiting this pretty peninsula since I was a teenager. I love that the food and beverage scene is flourishing alongside the new wellness experiences; here are 6 great activities to try.
Known as Melbourne’s summer playground, the Mornington Peninsula on Boon Wurrung/Bunurong country is an uncomplicated destination for those who love beachside holidays. In summer, the foreshore is pumping with a carnival, the backbeaches attract surfers, wineries beckon and the food scene is impressive. The hot springs bubble away all year long.
A 9.30 am start is perfect for a wellness weekend. It’s late enough to feel like you’ve had a sleep in, early enough that the whole day lies ahead. I’m eagerly anticipating a relaxing beachside getaway to enhance my wellbeing.
Capel Sound is placid and the clear ocean water laps gently on the shore leading to bright azure water that melts into the hues of the sky. Seagulls gather on a little spit of sand as if for a casual meeting, paddleboards glide over the surface and, at this end of the peninsula, boats are moored far out in the bay. Every hundred metres or so there’s a brightly painted beach box set amongst the coastal bushland. I walk along the sand, greeting dog walkers and joyful pups, appreciating the morning sun on my back as I make my way to Louey’s Place for a reformer Pilates class.
The exercises are challenging but the studio has a welcoming vibe and the instructor is encouraging. Step one of my five steps to a relaxing weekend is ticked off.
We visit St Andrews Brewery for lunch. Established in 2015, on the site of a former racetrack, the owners have cleverly utilised the original infrastructure. We are shown to our table in an open air stable named after champion mare, Serenade Rose. A TV on the wall broadcasts the day’s races. In the stable next to us, a hen’s party with women dressed top-to-toe in pink, reminds me of fillies prancing around an arena. It’s a fun vibe for summer afternoons.
The menu is casual and enticing. Fresh prawn and avocado salsa on a crispy tortilla is a highlight, as are the battered fried pickle chips with tangy ranch sauce. Hawkesbury River calamari with a romesco sauce is also delicious. I wash it down with an Apple Vodka Mojito while the others drink the ‘Strapper’ Australian Lager.
Picture: Visit Victoria
In an industrial precinct near the Bass and Flinders Distillery, the 90 minute Red Hill Candle Co workshops have been designed for all ages and abilities. In the Scent Library we are introduced to the spectrum of fragrances available, from the graceful waterlily to the more pungent clove.
“Your nose knows” says Melissa, who is guiding us through the candle making process. She tells us about scent and how it triggers reactions and memories. While I’m dabbling with the test tubes, I’m transported to my mother’s laundry by “fresh linen” and to lazy afternoons in tropical backpacker hostels by sandalwood. Strawberry fizz and cherry blossom are instantly ruled out. I love the sweeter scents : peach, fairy floss, pineapple, and pear.
I give my candle the name ‘Sweet Keith’ as an ode to our hotel and we move on. It’s time for a sundowner.
Picture: Visit Mornington Peninsula
James ‘Jimmy’ McPherson started his rum distillery after a seafaring career as a marine engineer. McPherson put himself through the “pain and suffering” of exploring 70 rum distilleries worldwide before returning to the Mornington Peninsula to start his own. He tells us that he now has one aim: “to guide people into drinking beautiful neat spirits”.
Like whiskey, rum has delicate notes and bold elements that change according to the temperature and how long the spirit is left to breathe. Jimmy guides us in the tasting, teaching us how to take a deep breath before imbibing, then exhaling to appreciate the robust flavours on the palate. “First sip of rum; worry about texture. Second sip; worry about taste. For the third, warm the rum up like you would a fine cognac,” Jimmy advises.
We journey through the rich, surprising flavours like apple, pear, honeycomb and the crowd favourite, Spiced, which is flavoured with apple and citrus fruits, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. We complete the tasting flight with a Jimmy Rum Navy, a smooth, proof strength rum with a burly bite.
While there are over 60 wineries on the Peninsula, it’s the thermal springs and pools that attracts visitors to Fingal. The curved concrete walls and geometric design of Alba reminds me of an avant garde art gallery. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Thyme, the onsite cafe. Karen Martini is in charge of the menu here and it shows; the roasted mushrooms topped with whipped feta have my taste buds dancing.
We’re encouraged to start at the first pool then follow the path to try out the next 30. With cool pools, cold plunges, hot pools, a rooftop salt pool, a steam room and a sauna on offer, we are able to literally soak in the design. Surrounded by forest, located in hidden spaces, encased in circular concrete shells and open to the elements, we are spoilt for bathing choices.
Picture: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
The Keith Motel has had a fabulous renovation and offers all the elements we love in a motel. It’s close to the road, the beach and local cafes. The colour scheme matches the local flora; with eucalyptus green cushions echoing the front beach coastal dune scrub. The neutral sandy-beige curtains and pale wooden floors give the rooms a simple beach vibe. There’s a communal lounge with board games and plenty of sofas and a welcoming outdoor kitchen and dining area.
For easy, breezy summer fun, the ‘Ninch is waiting.
This writer was a guest of The Keith Motel and Alba Thermal Springs and Spa
Getting there
Tootgarook on the Mornington Peninsula is 99 kms from the centre of Melbourne via the M3 and the M11.
Traveller’s tips:
To add an extra retro element to your weekend, head to the Dromana 3 Drive-In and catch a movie on the huge screen. Take a pile of blankets and pillows, some movie snacks and the kids and settle in for a night of viewing like it’s 1964. Films screen regularly - see the website for current showings.
Check out the guided Sea Kayak tour of Dolphin Sanctuary with Bayplay or the Point Nepean Guided eBike Tour that explores the historical Point Nepean Quarantine station.
In Summer the Rye Carnival runs on the foreshore from Boxing Day until the end of January.
Stay
The Keith Motel
1929 Point Nepean Road
Tootgarook
For more information: https://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/
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