Welcome to the Western Port side of life, where secluded enclaves of she-oaks and banksias sway and wide open beaches with rocky ridges rage against the waves rolling in to shore. Here the relaxed rustic lifestyle governs, its limitless outdoor diversions a backdrop to the ever-evolving collection of creative wining and dining options. These authentically Mornington Peninsula hamlets may snooze beneath the cumulonimbus in the winter but come spring and summer the mangroves begin to sing and visitors swing to the beat of eclectic destination and boutique shopping, award-winning artisan produce and café life that can only be described as delectable.
This is old steam train and cool store country. Carefully packed apples once left the heart of the hinterland in the 1920s and travelled through Balnarring and Bittern to arrive at Melbourne markets. These days each village in the region has its own offering, from brilliant butchers, bakers and artistry makers to international dining degustation dripping with individual flavours. Wind through this age-old district to drop into one or more of the wonderful wineries as the sunlight flickers through the trees and the breeze carries you to your next port of call. Which will it be: Italian, French, Japanese or heritage-inspired deliciousness?
Flinders, Somers, Balnarring, Bittern, Hastings and Tyabb attract sea and treechangers and those who are searching for endless summers spent surfing, swimming and roaming – but they are much more than this. They are home to artisans who need to achieve excellence, from presenting home-grown produce perfectly on the plate to hospitality that is generous and gregarious any time of the year.
Click to explore.
Balnarring Preserves. Daniel’s Run Farm Emu Plains Market Flinders General Store Fontalina Le Bouchon Mitch & Co Mushroom Forestry. Prodigal Coffee Roasters Café Steamin’ Mugs The Somers General