Mesmerising Mornington

Having been to Melbourne twice – the first time as a backpacker and another time on my honeymoon, both experiences were vastly different – I decided to venture out of the city when I was in Melbourne last month. So I booked a full-day tour to the Mornington Peninsula, which includes a visit to Nedlands Lavender Farm, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens.

Originally known as Anchor Point, the Mornington Peninsula is situated between the scenic Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay. Just an hour’s drive from the city, I soon realized why this beautiful place is such a popular holiday escapade among the locals and tourists alike. The spectacular coastal scenery of the Peninsula region is almost breathtaking, not to mention the lush green hills, picturesque vineyards and the long stretch of white, sandy beaches dotted with colourful beach cottages and swaying palm trees. It’s truly a beautiful sight to behold, like a piece of Mediterranean paradise outside Melbourne. And the best way to appreciate such splendour beauty is to take the Arthurs Seat Scenic Chairlift which gives a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Peninsula region and Port Phillip Bay.

There is no lack of activity to do at the Mornington Peninsula. If you are a wine connoisseur, you must visit at least one of its 170 vineyards and taste the Peninsula’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But if you’re no wine lover, there is the Nedlands Lavender Farm where you can learn a thing or two about how lavender is grown, harvested and processed into essential oils, skincare products and even lavender biscuits, tea and chocolates. To me, wandering through the scented lavender fields and sniffing at the different varieties of lavender plants is the highlight of the Mornington trip.


Another must-visit farm is the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm – said to be Australia’s largest strawberry producer. It’s a sure delight for both adults and children as you get to pick your own strawberries fresh from the fields. Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will have to squat down frequently and walk on the slightly uneven strawberry fields. Besides strawberries, they also grow cherries and raspberries. After a rather backbreaking but satisfying experience filling up my tub with big ripe strawberries, I was really glad to take a rest at the café that serves homemade strawberry ice-cream, berries food products and their award-winning fruit liqueurs. The best time to visit the strawberry farm is during the harvest season between November and April.

If you love gardens and have never navigated a maze garden, a trip to the Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens, Australia’s oldest hedge maze with the world’s first circular rose maze, will leave you a refreshingly memorable experience. If you are not too keen in navigating the maze, there is the enchanting water garden with gushing fountains and colourful flower beds that is so pretty it looks like it comes straight from a fairy tale storybook. And don’t leave the place without trying their homemade chicken pie at The Maze Café. It’s absolutely delicious and I must say the best chicken pie I’ve ever tasted!

Those who have a penchant for art and heritage will be glad to know there are hidden treasures to be discovered at the many art galleries and antique shops on the Mornington Peninsula. Or if you prefer the great outdoors, you are definitely spoilt for choice as there are several options to select from: horseback beach rides; swim with the dolphins and seals in Port Phillip Bay; bushwalking in one of their bush lands and national parks; take an eco-tour to French Island to cuddle up close with the koalas, wombats and other wildlife; or simply take a leisure cruise for some dolphin watch.

And if you want to have some self-pampering after all the outdoor activities, there is no better place than the Peninsula Hot Springs, said to be the only natural hot springs in Victoria, Australia. Soaking in their therapeutic hot mineral springs baths and complete with a rejuvenating massage or beauty treatment must be every woman’s dream indulgence, and what better way to round up this mesmerising Mornington trip!