1. Red Hill Lavender Farm and Café

There’s a unique peace that settles over you when you visit the Red Hill Lavender Farm and Café. After a brief period of closure, this beloved destination has reopened, welcoming guests with a renewed charm. With an interior refresh and lush grounds, the farm has blossomed in more ways than one. The lavender fields are in full bloom during autumn, filling the air with a calming fragrance. Visitors can enjoy a serene café experience with delicious seasonal treats, all while surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s a place where time slows down, and you can truly reconnect with yourself and the landscape.

2. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

By day, the Moonlit Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Wander through the park, feed the Black Wallabies, and learn about critically endangered species like the Orange-bellied Parrot and the Bush Thick-knee. The sanctuary is home to a remarkable array of animals, including the Fluffy Glider and the Tasmanian Devil. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a mystical landscape during its famous lantern-lit tours. Experience the magic of nocturnal creatures like owls and gliders in their natural habitat, while the wallabies become even more active as night falls. It’s a truly unique way to connect with Australia’s wildlife.

3. Gordon Studio Glassblowers

Witnessing the delicate art of glassblowing is a mesmerizing experience, and at Gordon Studio Glassblowers, you can not only admire stunning pieces of glass art but also watch the process in action. This centuries-old craft dates back to the Roman Empire and has been perfected into functional and decorative masterpieces over time. At Gordon Studio, you can find vibrant glass artworks for sale or take a workshop to try your hand at creating your own. It’s an inspiring experience for art lovers and curious visitors alike.

4. Arthurs Seat Eagle

Soar to new heights this autumn with a ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a scenic gondola that offers breathtaking views of the Mornington Peninsula. The gondola ride takes you over lush forests and rolling hills, providing a bird’s-eye view of the region’s stunning landscapes. This experience is perfect for all ages, with wheelchair and pram-friendly facilities ensuring that everyone can join in on the adventure. Whether you’re looking to embrace the exhilaration of heights or simply soak in the beauty from above, Arthurs Seat Eagle promises an uplifting experience that will leave you feeling inspired.

5. Aurora Spa and Bathhouse

Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in self-care, and what better way to do so than at the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse? Inspired by ancient bathing rituals from cultures around the world, Aurora offers a modern twist on communal bathing that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, this spa experience is more than just a soak—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and nature. From tranquil thermal baths to rejuvenating spa treatments, Aurora is designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Escape the stresses of everyday life and let the warm waters melt away your tension.

6. Red Hill Brewery

Autumn brings a flurry of activity to Red Hill Brewery, especially during the annual Hop Harvest in March. It’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at hop picking, all while enjoying a delicious meal and freshly brewed beer. For beer lovers, it’s an opportunity to experience the entire brewing process, from hop harvest to the finished product. The brewery was founded by Karen and Dave Golding, inspired by the small microbreweries they visited during their travels through Germany, Belgium, and England. The family-friendly atmosphere and rich history behind the brewery make it a must-visit spot on the Peninsula.

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Crittenden Easter Long Weekend

Live music sets the tone on Friday and Saturday across the Easter long weekend.

On Easter Sunday, the focus turns to family, with visits from the Easter Bunny, face painting and plenty of space for ball games on the lawn.

For the adults, enjoy a specially curated Easter-inspired cocktail, while the kitchen prepares something a little extra special to mark the occasion.

The Restaurant & Terrace will be open all Easter Long weekend , the perfect excuse to gather, unwind and enjoy the Mornington Peninsula.

Lunch: Open everyday

Dinner: Friday & Saturday evenings

Cellar Door: Closed Good Friday | Open Easter Saturday, Sunday & Monday

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Weekend Five in March – bring the kids (or big kids!) for cheerful face painting sessions that transform little explorers into butterflies, tigers, superheroes and more!

Face Painting open at the SUMMIT STATION

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Sundays in February are made for long afternoons on the Crittenden Terrace.

Join us every Sunday in February for “Terrace Tunes”, with live music by local musician Alex Jozza from 1–4pm.

Sip cocktails and estate wines, graze on delicious eats from our food truck, and soak up the Peninsula summer vibes.

Kids welcome, space to roam, and plenty of room to unwind.

– Terrace opens at 12pm. Food service finishes at 5pm.

– Walk-ins only

– No BYO food or drinks

– No pets

– Cricket sets and ball games for the kids (and adults!)

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Where Tootgarook glows as a roadside beacon, St Andrews hums to the rhythm of the tides. Doors open at 6:30am, welcoming early risers with strong coffee, pastries, and the promise of a day about to begin. Surfers heading out, locals grabbing their morning ritual, walkers brushing the sand from their shoes — everyone comes through these doors.

From 8am until 2pm, the all-day breakfast and lunch menu keeps the kitchen moving. It’s food that works for all tastes and dietary needs, made with the same commitment to quality and consistency that defines The Kitchen Group. And just when you think service might slow, the doors stay open until 3pm, catching the stragglers: the late lunches, the last-minute snackers, the ones in search of a final caffeine hit before the day turns.

What sets St Andrews Kitchen apart isn’t just its hours or its menu. It’s the way it doubles as a pantry and storehouse for the community. Shelves are stacked with homemade jams, chutneys, and relishes; pies, pasties, sausage rolls, and bread; milk, gifts, and pantry staples. It’s a place where you can pick up dinner on the way home, find a jar of something new, or grab the missing ingredient without trekking into town.

New shelving arrives faster than it can be filled, but that’s part of the charm — the place is always evolving, responding to what the community needs. It’s equal parts café, general store, and gathering point.

If there’s one thing that elevates St Andrews Kitchen beyond its modest exterior, it’s the deck. Facing northwest, it catches the light in a way that makes afternoons linger. On a clear day, the sun dips and paints the space gold; in winter, it becomes a pocket of warmth against the coastal chill. It’s the kind of spot you don’t rush from — coffee in hand, chatter around you, the ocean just out of sight but always present in the breeze.

Behind it all is the same ethos that drives The Kitchen in Tootgarook. Bob Coley’s vision of hospitality without pretence, delivered alongside head chef Andrew “Sharkey” Sharkey and their team, translates seamlessly here. It’s about making people feel at home, delivering consistency every single day, and serving food with love.

St Andrews Kitchen may look like a modest brick veneer at the edge of the world, but step inside and you’ll feel its aura — warm, dependable, and deeply human. It’s proof that even at the wildest parts of the Peninsula, there’s always a place to pause, refuel, and belong.

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This year’s festivities begin in mid-October, with the main event on Monday, 20 October, called Diwali (Deepavali). The five-day festival, aligned with the Hindu Lunar calendar, celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and humanity’s resilience in overcoming hardships.

On Saturday, 8 November, we invite you to participate in a series of events celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

our program

Indian cuisine by Rasoi & Aunty Jenny spice tasting | From 12pm

Enjoy traditional Indian cuisine by Mount Martha based restuarant Rasoi in our Sun Lounge space. To complement your experience, take part in a spice tasting journey presented in collaboration with Aunty Jenny Spices, transporting you through the vibrant culinary regions of India.

Taking place in our Sun Lounge. Enjoy the spice tasting complimentary with your bathing experience

Book now

Hot Springs Yoga at dusk | 5pm to 5:30pm

Yoga instructor Tarlina leads a special Hot Springs Yoga session, guiding guests through a mindful and rejuvenating practice that blends movement and meditation at dusk to celebrate the spirit of Diwali.

Taking place on the Amphitheatre stage. Complimentary to enjoy with your bathing experience.

Book now

Roving Bollywood Dancers | 6pm to 6:30pm

A dynamic group of Bollywood dancers joins us as an interactive roaming act, then performs an energetic routine on the main stage, showcasing Indian dance traditions.

Taking place in our Amphitheatre and on the Amphitheatre stage. Complimentary to enjoy with your bathing experience.

Book now

Bollywood Dance Workshop | 6:30pm to 7pm

A group of experienced performers lead an entertaining hot springs Bollywood Dance Workshop, teaching guests the basics of Bollywood dance in a fun, welcoming environment, encouraging participation and connection.

Taking place on the Amphitheatre stage. Complimentary to enjoy with your bathing experience.

Book now

Performance by BollyDance Dipti | 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Immerse yourself in the vibrant fusion of traditional and contemporary dance performances that celebrate the essence of Diwali. Experience a captivating showcase where the rich tapestry of cultural heritage blends with modern artistic expression, illuminating the festive spirit in an engaging display of movement, colour, and sound.

Taking place on the Amphitheatre stage. Complimentary to enjoy with your bathing experience.

Book now

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The Conti is your home ground this AFL Grand Final Day. From 1 pm, kick off with live and loud pre-game entertainment across the Beer Garden, Conti Bar, and Promenade. At 2:30 pm, watch the first bounce on big screens in every space so you will not miss a second. Settle in with delicious pub classics and your go-to game day pours while soaking up the finals atmosphere.

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Cocktail Happy Hour at CeeCee’s.

Unwind beneath the vaulted glass ceiling with select handcrafted cocktails for just $15.

From 3 to 5 pm, settle in for a golden hour escape with fresh, Italian-inspired drinks and a relaxed coastal vibe.

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Step aside wine and beer – there’s a new pairing partner in town. This spring, St Andrews Kitchen is hosting Booch & Bites, a one-off dining event where kombucha takes centre stage.

On Saturday, 11th October, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, join us for a flavour-filled afternoon featuring a four-course tasting menu created in our kitchen, each dish perfectly paired with a different kombucha from local brewers Two Boys Brew. From zingy citrus to earthy ferments, every pour has been carefully matched to complement and elevate the food on your plate.

Adding even more depth to the afternoon, James – one of the founders of Two Boys Brew – will be here in person. He’ll guide you through the pairings, share the story of how the business began, and lift the lid on the craft of turning humble tea into something extraordinary.

And here’s the best part: it’s an indulgent experience without the after-effects. Booch & Bites is the perfect outing for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol, is taking a break, or just wants to explore something new. You’ll still enjoy all the storytelling, the pairings, and the sense of occasion usually reserved for wine dinners – just without the hangover.

Early bird tickets are just $65 per person – a rare chance to enjoy a full afternoon of gourmet food, kombucha, and local storytelling at an unbeatable price.

Seats are strictly limited, so book now and be part of this unique culinary first at St Andrews Kitchen.

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Twilight Flights – Open until 7 PM!

The colourful Lanternist installation will be in place all school holidays!

AND for an even more special experience – see them illuminated for 8 nights only, from 4 – 7 PM, Thursday – Sunday.

September: 25, 26, 27, 28

October: 2, 3, 4, 5

As you soar above the trees in your gondola, you’ll see snakes, echidnas, bin chickens and more brought to life in vibrant light!

Perfect for families, friends, or a romantic night out, the Spring Lantern Festival combines nature, culture, and artistry in one unforgettable experience.

For more information click here

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