Episode 02: Beach hideaways
There is something so relaxing about the beach, so this week the Postcards team show you some of the Victoria's best beach hideaways.
Hampton's Retreat and Flowergirls
The stunning Hampton's Retreat in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula is split over three levels. It's elegant, but homely and has four spacious bedrooms and a pool.
To learn how to add a colourful touch to any space, Flower Girls in Mornington offers flower-arranging courses, and you can pick up fresh bouquets, boxes, pots and baskets. Then sit and enjoy a coffee and cake in the shops cafe.
Hampton's Retreat
Ph 1300 161 780
holidayshacks.com.au
Flower Girls
66 Main Street, Mornington
PH: 03 5977 0057
flowergirls.com.au
Queenscliff, Number 35 and 360Q
Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula is still one of Victoria's favourite seaside towns and 360Q is one of the newest and most beautiful restaurants. On the harbour, this modern limestone, glass and copper building also hosts a lighthouse with 360 views of the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.
For somewhere to stay, there's the eco-friendly, sustainably-designed Number 35 B&B up the road in Point Lonsdale. Not only is the accommodation sensational, but the morning breakfast is a winner with fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, pastries and breads from La Madre in Geelong and a homemade goodies like preserves and buttermilk pancakes with fresh blue berries and maple syrup.
360Q
2 Wharf Street, Queenscliff
Ph 03 5257 4200
360q.com.au
Number 35
35 Point Lonsdale Road, Point Lonsdale
Ph 03 5258 1798
numberthirtyfive.com.au
Fritz Gelato
62 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
fritzgelato.com
Lorne, Old Lorne Road Olives and Aura 24
Aura 24 in Lorne is a new luxurious and beach hideaway. With a north side and a south side, its two components are great for a big family holiday and it can sleep up to 15.
For a taste of local produce, Old Lorne Road Olives in Deans Marsh is popular with locals and tourists. Perfectly situated in the foothills of the Otway Ranges, this cafe and art gallery is nestled among 1300 olive trees, which provide beautiful views and supply the restaurant with olives and olive oil. There are also plenty of retail opportunities with a gallery featuring paintings, jewellery, ceramics and garden art by mostly local artists and you can take home olives, olive oil and olive oil skincare products.
Aura 24
Ph 03 5289 4233
greatoceanroadholidays.com.au
Old Lorne Road Olives
45 Old Lorne Road, Deans Marsh
Ph 03 5236 3479
oldlorneroadolives.com.au
Tara and Sorrento cooking school
Tara is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne at Portsea. Like its namesake mansion from Gone with the Wind, there's lots of room and its white pillars give it a plantation feel. There's also a swimming pool and spa area.
It's not far to Sorrento and foodies will love the Sorrento Cooking School. Classes are run by chef Rachel Van Den Bosch, who once worked as a naturopath, so there's a focus on delicious and healthy meals. You can join group classes on Sundays or Rachel can come to your place.
Tara
Portsea
Ph 03 5984 4744
ahall@kayburton.com.au
Sorrento Cooking School
21 Haven Avenue, Sorrento
Ph 03 0410 544 505
feastaustralia.com.au
Seaview Gallery, Babalu bar, Portsea Produce
Seaview Gallery in Queenscliff has some fantastic exhibitions, including glass, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and paintings from local and Australian artists, and gallery owner Coleen Kenwood is always on hand to tell you about the pieces.
At Lorne, Babalu bar is beloved not only for its catchy name but also for its Latino mood and its fresh and flavoursome food. Sit inside or in the tree-lined courtyard where live music blends with colourful cocktails and a terrific range of authentic Spanish style tapas and tasty beachside fare.
On the Mornington Peninsula there is nothing more iconic than the Portsea Pub and next door is the Portsea Produce and Cafe Wine Bar, which is and run by the same people. Here you can buy handcrafted gifts, furnishings and wall art, as well as enjoy a cup or glass of your favourite.
Seaview Gallery
86 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
Ph 03 5258 3645
seaviewgallery.com.au
Babalu bar and restaurant
6a Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
Ph 03 5289 1808
babalubar.com.au
Portsea Produce and Cafe Wine Bar
3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea
Ph 03 5984 2213
portseahotel.com.au
Postcards diary
Gippsland Inspired
Head east to experience the beauty of Gippsland with events including the Inverloch Food and Wine festival.
Where: Gippsland
When: until March 31
The Suzuki Night Market
There's only two more weeks of the Suzuki Night Market on Wednesdays at the Queen Victoria Market.
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: Wednesdays until 29 February 2012
More: qvm.com.au
How to Train Your Dragon arena spectacular
Book now for the new arena spectacular coming to Melbourne in March.
Where: Hisense Arena Melbourne
When: 2–11 March
More: ticketek.com.au