Escape to the Country

Amazing Drives
Australia, Balnarring, Beach, Buy, Cafe, Cellar Door, Coffee, Country, Drive, dromana, Eat, enjoy, Farm, Flinders, Food, Garden, Local, lunch, Merricks, mornington, Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill, Shoreham, Victoria, Vineyard, Weekend
What really makes the Mornington Peninsula so unique? Beautiful vistas, rugged coastlines, exhilarating walks, chefs who champion local and sustainable produce, wine, beer, cheese and scenic drives equal to any of the best in the world and within an hours drive from Melbourne.

Jackalope

Retreat
Accommodation, Australia, Balnarring, Coffee, Doot Doot Doot, Eat, enjoy, Food, Garden, Jackolope, Local, lunch, Mornington Peninsula, Rare Hare, Restaurant, Stay, Victoria, Vineyard, Wedding, Weekend, Wine
Set on the site of Willow Creek Vineyard, Jackalope is a contemporary, cutting edge hotel that is already an award winner (Gourmet Traveller recently named Jackalope as Hotel of the Year, New Hotel of the Year and Regional Hotel of the Year). Not a bad achievement considering the property only opened its doors in April this year.

Red Hill Truffles

Food & Drink
Australia, Dog, Eat, Experience, Farm, Gather, hunt, Local, Mornington Peninsula, Peninsula, Produce, Red Hill, Taste, Tours, Truffle Tours, Truffles, Victoria, Walk
It’s a sunny, chilly autumn afternoon and Jenny McAuley of Red Hill Truffles is preparing for the busiest season of the truffle calendar. ”The truffle season starts at the beginning of June and runs for 12 weeks,” explains Jenny. “The truffle starts growing in the ground in the first week of December and it takes until the first of June to grow and ripen. The fungus grows on the root of tree, and the tree likes the fungus because the fungus kills the grass around the tree that competes with it for the sugar, water and elements it needs to thrive.

Solara House, Mount Eliza

Retreat
Accommodation, Beach, Beach Walks, Garden, getaway, Holiday, Mornington Peninsula, Mount Eliza, Outdoor Pool, Relax, Retreat, Slim Aarons, Solara, Stay, Sunset
Solara House, Mount Eliza: A Nostalgic Escape to the Glamour of Yesteryears with a modern twist. Nestled in the picturesque locale of Mount Eliza, Victoria, lies a hidden gem that harks back to a bygone era of elegance and leisure – Solara. As its Latin name suggests, this sun-kissed abode is an ode to the golden days, drawing inspiration from the iconic poolside glamour captured by the legendary photographer Slim Aarons.

Vulcano Gelato, Rye

Food & Drink
Beach, Cafe, Cakes, Children, Coffee, Food, gelato, Ice Cream, Juice Bar, Local, Mornington Peninsula, Pier, Rye Pier, Sorrento, Vulcano, Weekend
At Love the Pen, we have a confessed weakness for good gelato, a preference that easily trumps ice cream. The silky-smooth texture, the intensity of flavours, and the lower fat content make gelato a superior indulgence. Unlike its ice cream counterpart, gelato is churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air and resulting in a denser, more flavourful experience. It's served at a slightly warmer temperature, allowing the true essence of the ingredients to shine through. And let's not forget, it's an Italian masterpiece that has captured hearts globally.