Summer is just around the corner and already the coast is calling. Melburnians are now free to visit regional Victoria and – what’s more – Dan has announced he’ll be releasing 120,000 x $200 vouchers to help city slickers explore our great state in regional Victoria.
So, where to spend it?
Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, Mornington Peninsula is an easy weekend escape packed full of fine cheese, finer wines, soaring views and plenty of adventure options for those wanting to get up and go.
If you’re already planning a stay along the ‘ninch, we’ve put together this quick guide for how couples can get the most bang for their buck while supporting local.
Well of course… Soak up the sunshine and views on Arthurs Seat Eagle – $48 per couple
With its spectacular views over Port Phillip Bay and surrounding Red Hill, Arthurs Seat is the gateway to the peninsula. To take advantage of these views and survey the Peninsula, take flight aboard one of Arthurs Seat Eagle’s shiny blue gondolas for a relaxing ascent above the treetops. At the summit you’ll find Seawinds Gardens, with its historical cairns, Aboriginal gardens and kangaroo-filled grassy plains. The Eagle is scheduled to re-open in early December and tickets must now be pre-booked.
https://aseagle.com.au
Support local at Merricks General Wine Store – Around $100 per couple
The Merricks General Wine Store is a bit of an icon down on the Peninsula. What started as a general store in the 1920s is now a combined providore, bistro, event space and cellar door. $100 will comfortably get you lunch, a glass of wine and a dessert in the bistro, and afterwards you can browse the store for locally-produced goods, like homemade jams, nougat, chocolates and olive oil. You can also visit the art gallery, which showcases prominent Australian artists and sculptors seven days a week.
https://mgwinestore.com.au
Pick strawberries at Sunny Ridge – $20 per couple
Strawberries taste their best when they’re eaten straight off the vine, and luckily at Sunny Ridge you can do just that. For $10 a person, you can forage for fresh strawberries and take them home with you. Meanwhile, at Sunny Ridge’s cafe, you’ll find Nikki Webster’s strawberry dream – with strawberry ice cream, freeze-dried strawberries, chocolate-coated strawberries, jams and more.
Sunny Ridge’s U-Pick season runs from November through to April, between 9am and 4.30pm.
https://sunnyridge.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Brewery – $36 per couple
Mornington Peninsula Brewery’s outdoor courtyard is an easy place to while away the day and sample locally-made craft beers. Choose from a range of lagers, IPAs and draughts on tap, or opt for the paddle board ($18 per person for four 150ml pours) to enjoy a good taste of each. The brewery isn’t afraid to be experimental either, producing one-off specialty beers every month, as well as some more permanent creations like the aptly-named Mornington Quarantine, a 24-month barrel-aged sour with red cherries.
https://mpbrew.com.au
These four fantastic experiences come to a grand total of $204 per couple - thanks, Dan!
