The Mornington Peninsula is the sometimes weekend home to Kaye and her beloved border collie, Ebony. So, when she manages to escape from the city, what secret hot spots does she visit?
Where do you find the best coffee?
This is a tough call. Flinders Village Café on Cook Street offers a mighty fine brew. But Lorrie at Whispering Vines Café, Trofeo Estate is probably my favourite barista.
Where can you enjoy the best cocktail?
Cocktails aren’t my first choice. When you are in one of the finest wine-growing districts in Australia, perhaps it’s better to sing the praises of the local varieties and vintages? In which case, head to Stoniers for a knockout chardonnay or Gary Crittenden’s Dromana Estate for a great range of Italian varietals.
Where do you enjoy the best breakfast?
As Lorrie is the best barista, it is unsurprising that Whispering Vines is also the best brekkie spot. ‘Farm to fork’ is an understatement when it comes to the use of local produce, cooked simply, served stylishly. In winter the house-made baked beans with poached egg, spinach and Cumberland sausage is a total winner. Merricks Café is also a fun spot to start the day and Noel’s Gallery offers a fine view of the hinterland.
Where is the best local view?
Easy! Flinders Golf Course is one of the more natural and idiosyncratic courses on the East Coast of Australia. Drive past the sign that reminds you to “Beware of errant balls”, and park on the left, overlooking Bass Strait. Rain, hail or shine, the view is stunning, so it’s here where I head to sit and think – or mainly just sit.
What is one thing you can do for free?
Most of the best attractions on the Peninsula are free. There are many expensive wineries with fine dining restaurants, but you don’t need to visit them to get to know the Peninsula. Simply head out of Melbourne on the C777 and stay on this road through Flinders, past Cape Schanck and across to Rye before heading back. It’s a road trip to rival the fabled Great Ocean Road – and that’s saying something!
What is something that only a local would know?
That you don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun. That the back beaches are far more interesting than the bayside ‘pools’ and the Flinders Hotel does mates’ rates meals for locals on weeknights! And that it is at its best on a wintry day when only a handful of locals are around.
What is your favourite thing to do in and around the Mornington Peninsula?
To simply be. To switch off all devices, walk in the bush, run our dog Ebony on the beach, while listening to birdsong and the crash and whisper of the waves.
Why do you love the Mornington Peninsula?
Because it is where I know I can truly relax and regenerate, surrounded by nature’s finest bushlands, coastal walks and vast sunset skies. It offers beauty, peace and quietude to those who stop and look.
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Kaye is a writer, dreamer, reader and publisher of YourLifeChoices website. She has been a regular visitor to the Mornington Peninsula for the past 20 years and loves to escape there with her husband, daughters (when available) and beloved border collie Ebony. Her strong belief is that, when things go pear-shaped, there is very little that hugs, chocolate and red wine can’t fix. Do not attempt to ask her anything meaningful before her first coffee.
