Tranquillity and massive bursts of activity: That’s summer

The Age has asked prominent Victorians to reveal their favourite places and activities of the summer holiday season.

Today, opposition leader John Pesutto reveals he can’t get enough of Victoria’s coastal towns.

Liberal leader John Pesutto can’t get enough of Victoria’s coastal regions. Credit: Elke Meitzel

What does a Victorian summer mean to you?

As well as being able to catch up with family and friends, I love having the time to read books, hit the beach and contemplate the year ahead. I love how the peace and tranquillity that run through Melbourne in January are punctuated by massive bursts of activity around major events like the Boxing Day Test and Australian Open, just two hallmarks of our stunning metropolis.

Where is the first place you take visitors?

In summer, you can never go wrong with the Great Ocean Road or the Mornington Peninsula. There is so much to see and do in Victoria’s coastal regions that no one is ever left disappointed.

Is there a secret spot you escape to?

Yes.

What’s the best summer food?

This is a really tough call, but I’m awarding it to the bumper crop of tomatoes that our friends grow in their garden and share with us. It’s one of the highlights of our summer.

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.Credit: Alamy

Is there a smell that defines summer?

For me, it’s the smell of freshly cut grass delivered up by a forgiving afternoon summer breeze.

Do you have a favourite summer song?

Another really hard one, but I’m going with the Jimmy Barnes and Michael Hutchence/INXS cover of the Easybeats classic Good Times. It evokes too many fond memories of great summers past and serves like a shot of adrenaline whenever I hear it.

John Pesutto says there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a crowded tram in the blazing heat. Credit: Chris Hopkins

What’s the worst thing about summer?

Being stuck on a crowded tram when the aircon is down and it’s 35 degrees outside. The problem: you just want to get off but you don’t want to go outside either.

And finally – what’s your guilty summer pleasure?

I must admit, I’m completely in thrall of mangoes, and this summer I’ve been making the most of the season’s oversupply! I have been eating them with everything from salads and muesli to ice cream.