The quaint old chair lift at Arthurs Seat, which many locals would remember from their childhood days as a ‘must do’ on day trips from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula, nowadays runs the same path as always but in the guise of the Eagle, which offers much better views down the hill and across the bay towards Melbourne. Guests can pick up the gondola at either end for a single 15-minute trip and continue driving as required.
Ok, there might not actually be twelve of them any more, and it might be a right hike from Melbourne to sight, but these statuesque figures from Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road are amazing to behold, along with their ‘sibling’ sights of Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps and London Bridge.
One of the neat things in the Yarra Valley is the ability for niche/boutique growers and makers to do their thing – and smart little buildings at Maddens Rise are the perfect showcase to this. Just off the main road through from Coldstream to Healesville this winery hosts tasting and sales of a number of wines made from tradition stock and methods while adopting modern ecological farming practices.
Coombe is a multi-purpose array of buildings and spaces set on the original Yarra Valley estate of Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s first real international singing sensation (also party girl and friend to the world’s political, social, business and entertainment elite!). The wine tasting rooms, converted from stables and garages, also offer a comforting place to stop for morning tea, with accompanying scones, as well as short walks and glimpse to the original house, swimming pool area and the impressive gardens. And the hedges … these would have to be the best in Victoria and provide the perfect backdrop for photos.
Nearing the local main road on the eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula, close to Pt. Leo and Shoreham beaches, is the winery and restaurant location of Pier 10, itself a lovely location downhill from the ultra scenic roads and laneways around Red Hill and Main Ridge – so the last stages of getting there are quite the experience. Pier 10 offers two great attributes sought from any bona fide traveller to the area: food and wine, and these two together. The dining room, which boasts lovely locale and views, has a wonderful menu for proper sit-down dining, (and is remarkable quick with its service), while the tasting rooms beside provide for a deep experience of the wines made on site.
Slick, slick, slick is the way to describe this one part of a multi-faceted destination founded on the Mornington Peninsula by young hotel impresario, Louis Li. Perched on the other side of an enormous hare-type sculpture is the site’s cafe and wine tasting area, further on from the more formal estate dining room, bar and boutique hotel. And there one can enjoy afternoon tea, beautiful views over the vineyard valley or a glass of wine in the sun. From where it is located, Rare Hare makes for a perfect last stop of a day tour to the region before heading back to Melbourne.
It seems that the world’s industrial areas are being taken over by the food and beverage industry, and this brilliant location in the back blocks of traditional Mornington is no exception – with these guys knocking off craft beer, boutique spirits and great grub all in one hit. And note, with a good number of brewery venues dotted along the peninsula, Tar and Barrel makes for a great last stop of a tap-themed tour of the area before heading back to Melbourne. Cheers!
With a long and pretty driveway that provides a grand entrance into the grounds, Zonzo Estate hosts some lovely options for lunch and wine that include engaging views across to the east end of the Yarra Valley. Inspired by Italian way of life, the restaurant comes alive with fabulous woodfire pizzas in addition to pastas and other mains that form the comprehensive menu. (Try the ‘bianco’ pizzas for sure!) Choose seating outside when the weather is gentle, otherwise there is ample seating inside behind full length glass windows. And with a comprehensive selection of wines across white, red and sparkling categories there are a number of specifically Italian varieties and styles to generate interest – either to enjoy with a meal on site or bring home for another time! Bravo!
The final stop for most d’Luxe Port Phillip Bay tours is at St. Kilda Pier, one of Melbourne’s iconic tourist locations. With an 800m jetty heading to the Victorian era kiosk, penguin rookery and yacht club marina, it is a delightful way to move just slightly off shore and consider the bustling suburb behind, ever popular with tourists, as well as the city in the near distance. The place changes its face dramatically with the weather – bringing a hoard of colourful kitesurfing sails when the seabreeze comes through during the warmer months.
A bit higher up the hills than most vineyards and wineries in the Yarra Valley, this beautifully presented location takes the idea of hide-away very nicely for its own purposes. Off the main road heading towards Healesville and up Maddens Lane, then a quick left after a kilometre into Medhurst Road and there you are, with just a long entrance drive to manage before arriving at a most beautiful, modern wine tasting room and kitchen. Everything is smart here: the people, the wines, the architecture, the food – all set to pristine grounds playing host to a fine collection of modern outdoor sculpture. (Try the rosé … they are famous for it!)
