Make a trip to the scenic Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula
Let's be honest, as Singaporeans, we always want everything to be value-added or worth our money (and more). Want a holiday and more? A trip to Melbourne comes with even more trips you can take. The state of Victoria encompasses mountains, national parks, wineries and surfing beaches – so get out of the city and explore the rest of it. Here are some of our favourite road trip destinations on the Mornington and Bellarine peninsula you can embark on from the city of Melbourne.
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The Mornington Peninsula is located southeast of Melbourne and is a popular tourist destination for both the local and international crowds. Being a one-hour drive from the city centre doesn't hurt as well. Though known for its wineries and beaches, there's so much to experience in these parts.
Visit the friendly animals at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park – and we mean it when we say friendly. You can find kangaroos and wallabies roaming the open spaces – and you can feed them too. Explore the grounds and spot the petting-friendly koalas and other native animals like wombats, birds, reptiles and dingoes.
For some quality R&R, the Peninsula Hot Springs awaits you – and is open for 24 hours. Bring your bathers and get rejuvenated at Victoria's first natural thermal mineral springs and day spa. There are over 20 bathing experiences including a cave pool, an ice plunge, Turkish steam bath (Hamam), a bathing gully, and one at the highest point of the grounds which overlooks its surroundings.
While you're in these parts of town, it's only right to hit the beach – but not in the way you might think. The Sorrento Back Beach boasts gorgeous lookout points and beautiful blue waters. It might be a little too cold for a swim, especially in winter but the coast is a perfect place for a walk and also rock fishing.
Have a meal to remember at Doot Doot Doot, the restaurant at boutique hotel, Jackalope. The menu combines contemporary with country, with farm-to-table dining. Each dish champions the produce and also offers flavours that are delightful and also unexpected. The four-course tasting menu starts with playful snacks that are a play on known dishes like fish and chips, bacon and egg and buffalo wing.
The vanilla slice has somewhat of a cult following in Australia and Sorrento's Vanilla Slice Café claims to be the home of this popular dessert. When stopping by this seaside town for coffee, remember to pick up a slice or two at this spot.
Don't leave the Mornington Peninsula without having some good wine. Sample some and bring back your favourites from Merricks General Store. The store stocks locally sourced wines from nearby wineries, as well as local produce, craft and homewares.
Check into Jackalope Hotel for the ultimate luxury experience. The 45-room boutique hotel is set on a vineyard (which you can tour) and its facilities include a 30-metre infinity pool, fine dining restaurant Doot Doot Doot, casual food and wine eating concept Rare Hare, winery, cellar door and cocktail bar.
For something cosy, with beach-holiday vibes, a stay at InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula is a must. This iconic retreat was recently refurbished, inspired by the warm and sophisticated styles of the Mediterranean. Expect plenty of palms, rattan furniture and warm tones.
The Bellarine Peninsula is known for being the lesser-known western cousin of the Mornington Peninsula but it still packs a punch as a holiday destination. Popular for (even more) wineries, it is also famous for being the mussel capital of Australia. The best way to reach Bellarine is actually by ferry. Port Phillip Ferries takes off daily from the Docklands in the city, and the journey is slightly over an hour.
With sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, settle down for lunch at The House of Jack Rabbit. Seafood is the star of the menu here so tuck into some famous Portarlington mussels, calamari, seafood chowder and more.
Want something other than wine? Sign up for a gin tasting at The Whiskery. What used to be a chicken farm is now a distillery and event space. The space has also produced plenty of award-winning gins and single malt whiskey. Sink yourself into one of the cosy couches by the fireplace or sip on gin and cocktails on the communal tables. Fun fact: The gins at The Whiskery are named after dogs under the owner's care.
But of course, have you really been to the peninsula without a trip (and meal) at a winery? Bennetts on Bellarine is a rustic and laidback spot to drop by for a bottle of wine and great snacks. Opt to sit in the outdoor space when the weather is glorious and the sun is out.
The Portarlington Grand Hotel has been a landmark since 1888 but has since been given a makeover and quite recently too. The renovation has preserved the building's heritage aspects (including the turret, grand staircase, façade and ornamental fireplaces and archways) while carefully introducing modern detailing. While it still harkens back to the golden age of Port Phillip Bay, the hotel is now home to 18 boutique rooms as well as four dining spaces.
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