Mornington Peninsula
Ninety minutes south of Melbourne lies the Mornington Peninsula, a coastal region saturated in local history and dotted with stunning beaches. You’ll find open-air hot springs, local produce and raw coastline trails.
WHAT TO DO: No trip to Mornington is complete without several hours spent relaxing at the PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS (peninsulahotsprings.com), a recently refurbished spa and wellness center that’s open from dawn until dusk. For bushwalking with sea views, and its adjoining BUSHRANGERS BAY beach offers easy-going trails through native plants and wildlife.
WHERE TO STAY: Situated in the RED HILL wine region, LINDENDERRY AT RED HILL (lancemore.com.au/lindenderry) offers elegant luxury surrounded by abundant farmgates and wineries.
WHERE TO EAT: For the quintessential Peninsula lunch, stop by MONTALTO PIAZZA AND WINERY (montalto.com.au) for fresh antipasti, salads, pizza and slow roast meats paired with delicious wines. For five sumptuous courses designed around locally selected ingredients, visit DOOT DOOT at the DOOT JACKALOPE HOTEL ( jackalopehotels.com); its menu is the toast of the region.