Things to Do
LOCAL TRANSPORT
We suggest if you require local transport that you pre-arrange one of the several services offered in the hinterland area. Unfortunately taxi service is virtually nonexistent – even if pre booked they cannot be relied upon to get you to your reservation on time and it is more than likely that you will wait over an hour for them to pick you up. Below is a list of recommended services that can be relied upon.
Amour of the Grape | 0414 704 801 (Paul Gough)
Your Shuttle | 1300 798 488
Ridge Rider | 0447 037 646
David Begg | 0412 153 061
Fabio's Driving Service | 0424 301 884
5 FAVOURITE CELLAR DOORS | OPEN DAILY
KOOYONG & PORT PHILLIP ESTATE
263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South | 03 5989 4444
The cellar door building is impressive to say the least.
ELDRIDGE ESTATE
120 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill | 0458 844 753
This newly refurbished cellar door now has its wines made by Steve Flamsteed.
QUEALY
62 Bittern-Dromana Rd, Balnarring | 03 5983 2483
The perfect destination for Pinot Gris lovers.
PARINGA ESTATE
44 Paringa Road, Red Hill South | 03 5989 2669
In addition to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir this established winery makes some of the best cool climate Shiraz wines.
STONIER
2 Thompsons Ln, Merricks | 03 5989 8300
Stonier was one of the first wineries to be established in the region in 1978 by Brian Stonier and his family at Merricks.
5 FAVOURITE CELLAR DOORS | LIMITED OPENING
OCEAN EIGHT
271 Tucks Road, Shoreham | 03 5989 6471
Thurs - Sun
The Aylward family were the founders of Kooyong Wines, starting here in 2004 after selling to Port Phillip.
PARADIGM HILL
26 Merricks Road, Merricks | 03 5989 9000
Open Sat-Sun
Our friends George & Ruth Mihaly – Ruth runs the vineyards, George the winery
HURLEY VINEYARD
101 Balnarring Road, Balnarring | 03 5931 3000
First full weekend of the month
Hurley Vineyard wraps north to east around the crest of a little volcanic hill in three climats: Lodestone, Hommage and Garamond
SCORPO WINES
23 Old Bittern Dromana Road, Merricks North | 03 5989 7697
By appointment only
From horticulturist and landscape architect Paul Scorpo.
STAINDL WINES
63 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South | 0419 553 299
By appointment only
Biodynamic and dry grown old vines
5 FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT | MORE CASUAL
MANY LITTLE
2-5/159 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South | 03 5989 2831
Dinner: Thurs - Sun
Lunch: Sat - Sun
Many Little offers a Modern Asian – Sri Lankan inspired cuisine.
FOXEY'S HANGOUT
795 White Hill Rd, Red Hill | 03 5989 2022
Lunch: Fri - Mon (11-5pm)
Minemaker Tony Lee is a qualified chef & his dishes complement the wines. Many dishes change seasonally.
LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ
681 Nepean Road, McCrae | 03 5982 1130
Dinner: Wed - Mon
Thai Restaurant, BYO
MERRICKS GENERAL STORE
33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill | 03 5989 8412
Breakfast & Lunch daily
Merricks General Store is set in a beautiful country setting featuring great food and outstanding local wines.
MORNING SUN
337 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge | 03 5989 6571
Lunch: Thurs - Sun (11-5pm)
Morning Sun is one of Foxeys Hangout’s single-vineyard sites. They serve shared plates inspired by this property’s Italian family heritage.
5 FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT | MORE FORMAL
TEDESCA OSTERIA
1175 Mornington Flinders Rd, Red Hill | 03 5989 9011
Lunch: Fri - Mon
Tedesca Osteria is a more rustic dining experience based on Mornington Peninsula produce with a kitchen built around a wood fired oven & grill.
PORT PHILLIP ESTATE
263 Red Hill Road, Red Hill | 03 5989 4444
Lunch: Wed - Sun, Dinner: Fri - Sat
Panoramic views across the vines to Westernport Bay.
LAURA AT PT LEO
3649 Frankston - Flinders Rd, Merricks | 03 5931 2500
Dinner daily
Set amongst a 50 acre vineyard and sculpture park, this fine dining restaurant features local seasonal produce.
PARINGA ESTATE RESTAURANT
44 Paringa Road, Red Hill | 03 5989 2669
Lunch: Wed - Sun, Dinner: Fri - Sat
An exciting and imaginative menu of colourfully presented, modern Australian cuisine.
POLPERRO
150 Red Hill Road, Red Hill South | 03 5989 2471
Lunch: Wed - Sun
Fresh, textural & seasonal flavours with an emphasis on where the food comes from and how it is grown.
5 FAVOURITE BEACHES | SURF
POINT LEO
(hazard rating 4/10)
Very popular surf beach with swells rolling in from Bass Strait; picnic and barbecue facilities
GUNNAMATTA
(hazard rating 8/10)
High energy, hazardous beach best suited for experienced surfers. One of the most rugged in Australia.
SORRENTO BACK BEACH
(hazard rating 6/10)
Part of the Mornington Peninsula National Park this popular surf beach has picnic and barbecue areas.
PORTSEA BACK (OCEAN) BEACH
(hazard rating 8/10)
A popular summer beach, however beware of the rips, rocks and reefs.
RYE OCEAN BEACH
(hazard rating 8/10)
The rips at this surf beach can make it unsafe for swimming
5 FAVOURITE BEACHES | FAMILY
FLINDERS
(hazard rating 5/10)
A protected sandy bay beach with picnic and barbecue facilities.
SAFETY BEACH
(hazard rating 5/10)
Calm, sandy bay swimming beach.
SHOREHAM
(hazard rating 3/10)
Very accessible, attractive, low energy beach. Rocky platforms and reefs popular for family exploration.
MCCRAE / ROSEBUD
(hazard rating 1/10)
Two very accessible, attractive, low energy beaches.
SORRENTO FRONT (BAY) BEACH
(hazard rating 1/10)
The Park Beach is backed by Sorrento Park, which has picnic facilities and a boat launching ramp.
5 FAVOURITE ACTIVITIES
ALBA THERMAL SPRINGS & SPA
282 Browns Rd, Fingal | 03 5985 0900
Open daily
Plunge in thermal pools, enjoy a spa treatment, or finishing a perfect day here with dinner at their restaurant.
ENCHANTED ADVENTURE GARDEN
55 Purves Road, Arthur's Seat | 03 5981 8449
Open daily
Something for all ages - from tube slides to zip lining and hedge mazes. You are guaranteed a great day out with the family.
ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE GONDOLA
795 Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat or 1085 Arthurs Seat Road, Dromana | 03 5987 0600
Open daily
The new Arthurs Seat Eagle gondola ride gives visitors the chance to take in the Mornington Peninsula from a bird’s eye view.
BUSHRANGERS BAY WALK
Car park on Boneo Road just to the west of Meakins Road
A picnic lunch and a 1½-2 hour round trip (5km) take you down to an absolutely stunning beach.
CAPE SCHANCK LIGHTHOUSE
420 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck | 03 5988 6184
Open Daily for tours
Historic lighthouse, one of the few still operating as it did during the early 1800s.
5 FAVOURITE GOLF COURSES
MOONAH LINKS
55 Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal | 03 5988 2088
Two world class courses – the Open Course and the Legends Course (No 13 of Golf Digest’s 2010 Top 100).
FLINDERS
Bass Street, Flinders | 03 5985 0312
The oldest and most scenic of all the courses in the region, atop the cliff tops overlooking Bass Strait.
RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT
Boneo Road, Cape Schanck | 03 5950 8100
Spectacular – huge greens, large open bunkers, wide tree lined fairways and sweeping ocean views.
THE DUNES
Browns Road, Rye | 03 5985 1334
Ranked No 14 of Golf Digest’s 2010 Top 100.
ST ANDREWS BEACH
209 Sandy Road, St Andrews Beach | 03 5988 6000
Just behind the thundering surf of Gunnamatta Beach.
5 FAVOURITE GOURMET PROVIDORES
ROCKY CREEK
244 Shands Rd, Main Ridge | 03 5989 4500
November – April: Open daily,10-5pm
Set amongst the rolling hills of Main Ridge, you have the opportunity to pick your own
strawberries or simply enjoy a delicious dessert in their cafe.
MAIN RIDGE DAIRY
289 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge | 03 5989 6622
Fri-Mon: 10-4.30pm
A farmhouse cheese factory and goat dairy that offer cheese tastings, tours and cheese making workshops.
TORELLO FARM
410 White Hill Road, Main Ridge | 03 5989 6622
Open daily: 8-6pm
Mossy Willow believe in creating the world we want to live in: a world of passion, purpose, beautiful healthy food, warmth, welcoming and hospitality.
JETTY RD BREWERY
12-14 Brasser Ave, Dromana VIC 3936 | (03) 5987 2754
Wed-Sun
Catch up in their newly refreshed outdoor beer garden with a thirst quenching pale ale.
RED HILL MARKET
Arthur’s Seat Road, Red Hill
First Sat of the month, Sep-May
The ‘grand dame’ of Victoria’s craft markets, it began on the Red Hill Recreation Reserve in 1975.
5 FAVOURITE GALLERIES
HUGH GALLERY
45 Cook St, Flinders | 03 5989 0981
“most weekends, everyday over summer” Specializes in collographs, embossings and etchings plus paintings created during trips to Queensland.
GORDON STUDIO GLASSBLOWERS
290 Red Hill Road, Red Hill | 03 5989 7073
Open daily 10-5
Glass gallery and you can observe resident glass artists working with molten hot glass.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA REGIONAL GALLERY
Dunns Road, Mornington | 03 5975 4395
Tue-Sun
The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is the major cultural facility of Mornington Peninsula Shire.
COOK STREET COLLECTIVE
41 Cook Street, Flinders | 03 5989 1022
Open daily 10-4
A cooperative of artists and craftsmen – painting, sculpture, furniture, photography, jewellery.
MANYUNG GALLERY
3301 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento | 03 5984 3880
The Mornington Peninsula’s major classic and contemporary fine art gallery (also in Flinders).
5 FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY | B&B
THE ORCHARD B&B
45 Thomas Rd, Red Hill | 0417 544 113
Three suites designed to provide privacy and luxury, glorious views, large bathroom with a spacious spa.
STONY CREEK COTTAGES
1193 Mornington Flinders Road, Red Hill | 03 5989 2748
2 B&B self contained cottages in the rural hinterland region. Open fire and spa bath.
GEORGE’S BOUTIQUE B&B & CULINARY RETREAT
776 Arthurs Seat Road, Arthurs Seat | 03 5981 8700
Rated by Good Weekends Away as one of the best 100 retreats in Australia for short holidays
HOLIDAY SHACKS
Peninsula Wide | 1300 161 780
The leading provider of luxury, self-catered Mornington Peninsula accommodation with a 15-year track record.
TUSSIE MUSSIE
206 Bittern-Dromana Rd, Merricks North | 0437 403 778
Tussie Mussie Vineyard + Retreat is a private home providing boutique rental accommodation on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula
5 FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY | HOTELS & MOTELS
PEPPERS MOONAH LINKS
55 Peter Thomson Drive, Fingal | 03 5988 2000
A unique leisure resort combining two 18 hole golf courses, an endota spa and luxury accommodation.
RACV CAPE SHANCK RESORT
Trent Jones Drive (via Boneo Road), Cape Schanck | 03 5950 8000
Contemporary resort on one of the most striking coastal golf courses in Australia
JACKALOPE
166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North | 03 5931 2500
Striking, state of the art 40 room designer hotel in Merricks North.
FLINDERS HOTEL
Cook Street, Flinders | 03 5989 0201
Quarters offers quality and comfort; an ideal centre point for touring the peninsula
GRACEBURN HOUSE
1175 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Red Hill | 0403 040 177
Graceburn has been restored into a welcoming country retreat full of warmth, art and potential to share great times with your friends.
5 FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY | AIRBNB
NORD HOUSE
Baynes Road, Red Hill Victoria | 0418 108 314
In the epicentre of Red Hill’s best attractions, Nord House is an oasis of contemporary Scandinavian design. It’s the perfect retreat or weekend away for up to 6 people.
ORCHARD KEEPERS
17 Paringa Road Red Hill 3937 | 0418 108 314
Originally 3 separate cottages dating back to the 1890’s & 1950’s, has now been restored and transformed into a beautiful four bedroom home & separate Workers Cottage providing country chic holiday accommodation for 10 people on 10 acres in the heart of Red Hill.
ELM FARM @ RED HILL
Red Hill | Contact via Airbnb
The Elm farmhouse is a rustic retreat in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland. With views of the neighbouring vineyard and Port Phillip Bay, this 1938 built home will have you relaxed and rejuvenated in no time at all. Accommodates 4 people.
ALLAWAH RED HILL
Arthur's Seat Rd, Main Ridge
Allawah cottage is centrally located in the heart of beautiful Red Hill. A short stroll to Nordies and Red Hill Spa.
MAIN RIDGE BARN
Main Ridge
Main Ridge Barn is a stunning 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom property with views over strawberry fields and a short walk to nearby wineries. www.mainridgebarn.com.au
5 FAVOURITE WINE TOUR COMPANIES
AMOUR OF THE GRAPE
Paul | 0414 704 801
MORNINGTON PENINSULA DESIGNATED DRIVERS
Alicia Cass | 0407 934 422 [For groups of 6+ ppl only]
ELEVATE WINE TOURS
Ric Warren | 0402 005 002
RIDGE RIDER HOP ON/HOP OFF
Peter Schofield | 0447 037 646
MANNA GUM TOURS
Peter Wade | 0499 014 286