kip&co

Insider's guide to a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

Thinking of heading down to the Mornington Peninsula for the long weekend but not sure where to wine, dine, and soak up the sunshine? Alex gives us her locals guide to a weekend on the “Ninch”.

 

FRIDAY

Many Little

Welcome! Ease on in with dinner at Many Little in Red Hill, the casual bistro in the ever-growing Polperro empire.  Try the fish tacos – you can thank us later.

 

SATURDAY

Hot Hut

Start the morning off right with a yoga sesh. Our favourite is Hot Hut yoga studio – a wee little spot that will get you to slow down, and, if you’re anything like me, have a quick power nap in savasana. Book ahead as there are only a handful mats. 

Cellar & Pantry

The perfect post-yogi breakfast spot. Grab an exceptional chai and panini and kick back with the locals on the veranda. Stock up on any essentials you’ve forgotten at the attached boutique grocer.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

After breakfast, get a teeny tiny bit physical, picking your own fresh strawberries. The kids will love it and a little sampling of the produce as you go is totally delicious.

 

 

Tedesca

If you’re lucky, snag a spot at the brand spanking new Tedesca. Started by the good folk from Enoteca on Gertrude St in Melbourne, expect incredible local goodies, cooked in front of your watering mouth by the magical Brigitte. Settle in, the pace is leisurely - you won’t be rolling out of here until late afternoon.

Dromana drive-in

Go for a wander along the beach at Dromana (insta snap yourself in front of the old bathing boxes). After the sun sets, hit up the old-style drive in complete with retro diner. Food maybe not the healthiest, but the space sure looks cool! Perhaps pack your own picnic, kick back under the stars and watch the latest releases or an old favorite.

 

SUNDAY

Miller’s Bread Kitchen

Fantastic new bakery in Dromana! If you enjoy the occasional carbohydrate, you’ll be in heaven.

Bushranger’s Bay

Burn off the carbs at my fave little walk, about 3km each way, leading to a glorious beach with amazing rock pools and there are abalones to be found if you know where to look (stick to the bag limit). Do yourself a favour!

 

Balnarring Races

Leave the heels and fascinator at home, this a classic country race meet! Have a flutter with the bookies, grab potato twist (had my first one last weekend and it was deeelicious), then head trackside to see your pony come home with the win. 

Point Leo Estate

Take things back up a notch for dinner at the newish (giant) kid on the block with a fantastic sculpture garden overlooking the water. Jaw drop. Here you can relax and count your winnings from the races. Great spot for a drink at the bar, casual food at the bistro or fine dining at Laura. 

 

MONDAY

Somers General Store

Recently renovated and ready for its comeback! Personal fave. After breakfast, go for a quick dip in the ocean at Somers and you’ll feel a million bucks.

 That Little Shop

Awesome colourful homewares in Balnarring, and a great spot to pick up a little Kip&Co! Legends.

St Andrews Beach Brewery

For lunch, head to the old stables converted into a brewery. Excellent spot for a cold beer and some pub grub.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Getting bigger and better every year! There is a spa for massages for some serious rest and relaxation, the perfect spot to start the wind down for your weekend before you head home.

 

SO MUCH MORE

There’s so much amazing stuff to do down on the Peninsula that didn’t make the list! Here’s a few more to save for next time.

 

Breakfast and coffee

Commonfolk

Merchant & Maker

Wombat Cafe

Merricks General Store 

Many Little

Phase Two

 

Wineries, breweries, gin distilleries and good old fashioned pubs

Paringa

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Yabby Lake

T’Gallant

Foxey

Willow Creek/Rare Hare/Doot Doot Doot

Port Philip Estate

Montalto

Polperro

Bass & Flinders Gin Distillery

Flinders Pub

Portsea Pub

Hotel Sorrento (aka the Sorrento Pub)

Mornington Brewery

 

More places to snack/eat

Johnny Ripe

Epicurean

Green Olive

Orita’s 2

Le Bouchon

Red Gum BBQ

Monkey Business

 

Shopping

Amelie and Franks 

Red Hill House

Merricks General Store

Emia

Obtainium

Tyabb Vintage Shed and Packing House

 

To do

Heronswood

Balnarring Beach

Point Leo Beach

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Emu Plains Market

Enchanted Adventure Playground

Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola

Red Hill Trail

 

All imagery from @officialmorningtonpeninsula