Join us for the exclusive Jackalope Wedding Open Day this May.

This unique event offers current and prospective couples the chance to explore our stunning property, whether for an intimate celebration or a full hotel buyout.

Guests will enjoy world-class hospitality, meet our dedicated wedding & events team while exploring our extraordinary vendors.

Outdoors, the ceremony space will be set, blending nature and love.

Enjoy complimentary cocktails, paired with elegant canapés, while envisioning a timeless celebration of love at Jackalope.

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Alatonero is open daily from 21st December until the end of January, 12pm- Late.

They now offer full table service with their delicious menu and cocktails throughout the entire venue, both indoors and out.

They welcome walk-ins in their outdoor dining area, subject to weather and availability. 

Across the road from the McCrae lighthouse and yacht club , Alatonero is giving diners the opportunity to enjoy well known and much loved Greek food. With an impressive resume in the restaurant world, and with energy and drive to burn, Jacqui Poulier has brought to life her love of the Greek Islands, it’s culture and lifestyle.

The restaurant is light, bright, open and airy with a fresh sea breeze that drifts through the open plan dining area. Launched in mid-October, 2016, Alatonero has quickly built up a solid reputation for delicious fare, fine produce and a stylish, comfortable atmosphere. More kaftan than collar, the welcoming hues of blue and white invite guests to sit back, relax and enjoy.

Alatonero is all about bringing people together – sharing the love of food, wine and stories. The venue is a very modern take on the Mediterranean – a bright and breezy space with a touch of Mornington Peninsula flair.

The centrepiece is the food where you can order stunning meze style favourites including both traditional and modern dishes. While their food is unmistakably modern Greek, they aim to source as much local produce as possible such as honey, coffee, domestic olive oil, seafood, lamb, goat and wine.

The meze style menu is full of mouth watering delights – saganaki, fried calamari with harissa aoili, chargrilled octopus with wild fennel, fava and pickles, slow roasted lamb shoulder with caper berries, dill, cucumber, saltbush and Moussaka.

There are loads of delicious side dishes, and kids are well catered for, as are those with a sweet tooth. Jacqui is also happy to welcome guests for any occasion, from family get togethers to casual, spontaneous dining and special occasions and celebrations.

While the flavours are from afar, all of the produce is Australian – and locally grown where possible – including local seafood, seasonal fruits, olive oil, coffee, and lamb and goat from Gippsland.

The wine list is concise yet impressive, with a strong focus on local Mornington Peninsula white and red varietals and an offering of Greek red and white wines too. You’ll find local beers along with Mythos Greek Lager and a Volkan Santorini Pilsner. Or you can always drop in for a Greek Iced Coffee Frappe, or perhaps make that ouzo?

New for Spring and rolling into Summer is Alatonero’s take away offering. Drop-in or call in advance to order your favourites loaded with Greek goodness – perfect for the beachside picnic or to take home on those busy days where cooking isn’t fathomable. Take away is available lunch and dinner Wednesday through to Sunday.

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Owned by the Russo family, the concept for the property evolved from Claire Russo, who at the age of 31 was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  With the support of her husband, two young children and extended family, Claire harnessed her illness and won the battle, and turned her victory into Butterfly Fitness and subsequently Butterfly Retreats  – the thyroid is shaped like a butterfly and hence the name.   Set in the centre of Red Hill, the Butterfly Retreats property abounds with quinces, several varieties of apples, olives, macadamias, pomegranates, figs, a vegetable plot with zucchinis, tomatoes, corn, kale and more, large areas of lawn, a fairy garden, oranges and lemons in the 85 year old citrus grove and even ancient Shakespearian fruit tree called a medlar.

Butterfly Retreats offers an accommodation and getaway experience for large groups, comfortably sleeping nine people with the facility to accommodate any number of people as long as they can fit (air mattresses are supplied at an additional rate for the length of the stay).  The large, comfortable and stylishly decorated home has been designed with family and friends in mind.  And while there are lots of activities to enjoy within easy reach of the property (restaurants, wineries, cafes, bushwalks and the ocean), the Russo family have made sure you can easily occupy adults and children for days without ever having to leave.  Bookshelves are filled with dvds, board games and novels, and there’s an entertainment area and a cosy fireplace.

Outdoor activities are very well catered for, with an outdoor games room that has a table tennis table, basket ball shoot out, pool table, darts and more,  and an outdoor games cupboard comes complete with bocce, badminton and boules  ready to set up on the vast lawn . Tennis racquets are also supplied for use at the nearby tennis club to which guests have access.  There’s an outdoor bar, plus cushions, deck chairs and a picnic set and blankets, so long sunny days are all set.  The kids will be outside playing all day, or be hanging out in the games room, so you might not see them for hours.  (Walkie Talkies are on hand so you can keep in touch).  And for the icing on the cake?  A complimentary Johnny Ripe apple pie awaits your arrival.

The Russo family has big plans for Butterfly Retreats.  Very much focused on the local community, they will soon be opening Butterfly Gallery and Studios where they will hold exhibitions for local artists as well as collaborative events.  Claire will also be holding fitness retreats and classes under her Butterfly Fitness brand, which will be a very welcome addition to the surrounding community and provide a wonderful experience for visitors, travellers and tourists. Guests at the property are welcome to use the on-site facilities, with a fully equipped personal training studio that offers a range of training options including spin bikes, a rower, boxing, kettlebells, barbells and weights.  Training sessions and bootcamps can be arranged in advance with Claire Russo who is a qualified personal trainer, or you can make a weekend of it by booking in to a complete Fitness Retreat.

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Jackalope is the vision of Louis Li, a 29 year old Chinese national with an impressive pedigree in luxury property development, and his first solo project showcases his love of art, design and food culture. His bold and daring style is evident throughout the somewhat controversial and much applauded venture. Every element of the Jackalope Hotel has been thought through in redefined detail, and the result is a property that is extraordinary, contemporary and unique.

At the heart of the hotel is Jackalope’s signature restaurant Doot Doot Doot which offers a formal degustation dining experience. Doot Doot Doot has changed the face of the area’s restaurant landscape, enticing inquisitive locals and well-heeled travellers to indulge in sumptuous surroundings and enjoy boutique wines and damn fine food.

A feast for the eyes, Doot Doot Doot is a sophisticated, luxurious dining room that transports you to an ultra-modern dimension at odds with the rural location.  One feels somewhat confused, and delighted. Carefully curated to stimulate the senses, the central ceiling shines with a bespoke lighting installation designed by Melbourne artist Jan Flook to represent the process of wine fermentation bubbling away in vats.  The 10,000 globe chandelier creates a focal point for diners and adds warmth and luxury to the banquette seating and marble tables.  Restaurant and F & B Consultant Pascale Gomes-McNabb helped to shape the concept of Jackalope’s breathtaking dining design and it is full of theatre and light, and makes you walk a little taller upon entering the room.

Jackalope’s culinary fare is headed by Executive Chef Guy Stanaway. Originally from New Zealand, Stanaway made his name with roles at two world class Aman Resorts in Rajasthan in India and in Bali where he honed his passion for food – combining his love of foreign cultures, cooking and native ingredients.  His food is simply fabulous, not overly fussy or contrived, and he combines his intuitive nature with modern design and local ingredients to offer diners a wonderful experience. Says Stanaway, “the tasting menu offers a respect for the feast, contrasted by a disrespect for the familiar. Time-honoured techniques meet culinary curiosity, in dishes that are methodical yet explorative and designed to evoke a unique sense of place.”

The seasonally styled degustation menu has an $85 four course and a $125 eight course offering which really is fabulous value.  With understated descriptions of the culinary fare, the anticipation heightens the pleasure.  The four course menu teases the mind and the taste buds with choices like ‘Pumpkin, brown butter, black garlic, macadamia’; ‘Spanner crab, potato, bottarga, buttermik’; ‘Spanish mackerel, brussel sprouts, pear, nguja’ and ‘Yuzu curd, matcha, sesame’.  Upon arrival of these scintillating offerings, the visual feast becomes a taste sensation, every mouthful is at once delicate and refined, and lip-smackingly delicious.

To complement the sublime menu is a wine list that challenges and excites, and honours Willow Creek Vineyard which has 11 hectares under vine. All wines on offer are from similar boutique estates around the world, and while some connoisseurs who are dedicated to their preferred style of wine may feel uneasy, Doot Doot Doot’s sommelier is knowledgeable and charming, encouraging experimentation and adventure through a foreign and fascinating selection of unique wines, champagne and even cider. As the wine list explains, ‘These are no ordinary Ciders! These fabulous ciders are full of life, energy and emotion.”

Doot Doot Doot is an experience for all the senses, bewitching in its design and uplifting in its unique and daring display of art, food and wine.  Our one piece of advice when considering experiencing this very special restaurant?  Book ahead.

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Trofeo Estate encompasses a vineyard, cellar door, winery, & a thriving cafe. At the core of the estate is a philosophy that embraces the practice of biodynamics, sustainability & old world winemaking techniques & this is expressed through fresh, home grown produce from the kitchen and café, delicious take home condiments and stunning array of wines from the cellar door. What is notable about this wonderful establishment is the genuine warmth, lighthearted laughter & the sense you belonged to something very special on departure – even if it was for a few lazy hours. All of this is easy to say yet very hard to achieve on a daily basis but as frequent visitors to this standout estate we can honestly say with hand on heart it’s all true.

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Imagine walking into a space and feeling immediately at ease, like you’ve been there before, like your in a wonderful dream where the people you meet disarm you with their smiles and all they want to do is look after you. This is how we feel about the Endota Spa in Mornington – not what you see when you walk past at street level but what you submerge yourself into when you enter their private domain. What’s immediately evident is the classy spacious vibe – space is luxury.  The chill zones, the gentle lighting, the thoughtful fittings and general feel. The ability to relax independently or with an intimate group of your closest friends is something they can cover so if your thinking pre-wedding plans or connecting with your partner this is the place.

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At LTP we’re pet lovers, in-fact our mascot Scoop is central to our thinking so to say we’re super excited to have come across Sian & her gem of a service & award winning Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats.  From classic beach cottages to up-market holiday homes with all the bells & whistles Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats is the Pen’s most prominent hospitality provider for family & pet friendly accommodation.

There are over 20 beautiful pet friendly accommodations to choose from, all with secure gardens & rest areas. Every small detail has been anticipated & provided. If we we’re looking to come to the pen for a holiday & wanted an a one stop service that had all interests in mind then Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats would be the first stop on our minds. Sian & her family are pet lovers and understand how complete a holiday can be if everyone is together. Sian also understands that facilities & old fashioned first class service are top of mind.

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Ernest Hemingway once said to never go on trips with anyone you do not love and there is no friend as loyal as a book. Come here if you’re into beautiful gardens, peaceful elegant rooms, a sublime indoor/outdoor relaxation area and delicious food and to keep your mind and body as active as one desires. It’s what the Lindenderry at Red Hill was made for.

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Open from 11am-4pm, Saturdays and Sundays. 

This time of year it does not get any prettier or warmer and it’s easy to let the day drift away as you lounge on the swing or frolic on the lawn with a glass or two of fine Mornington Peninsula wine and a selection from Tucks’ menu which features fresh seasonal food. To us Tucks represents a fabulous grown-ups playground and a place you visit with friends to have fun.

To top it off, Tucks is in the centre of everywhere so combining a visit with a surf, swim, walk, ride or drive is ideal to make a day out. Their wine store and kitchen are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. They take bookings for groups of 10 or more however a $20pp deposit is required so grab your besties and head down and feed your adventurous soul.

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With dining, function & sailing facilities that will be the envy of many, Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron will form the centrepiece of community activity for many years to come. The location is exemplary, providing direct access to water & marina as well as a beautiful spot to relax & enjoy the bay. At sea level there’s a contemporary semi-outdoor canteen leading to an amazingly large grass landing to the shore. Here you can enjoy meals & snacks – it’s the one area that will be open to the public. On the upper level, the Southern Waters Room and the Racing Lounge bistro offer year round dining for members with a bar that services both areas & includes a huge deck with unsurpassed views. One of the key aspects to the new Clubhouse will be the ability to cater to first class functions for all – corporate events, conferences, private parties and very special seaside weddings. We loved the old Clubhouse but now there’s a facility that will be able to cater to a broader community.  It’s one of this year’s great stories on the Pen.

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