Episode 04: Beach Houses
There is something so relaxing about spending time at the beach, so this week Rebecca Judd and the Postcards team show us some of Victoria's best beach-side accommodation.
Yarringa and Marlene Miller Antiques
Seaside Sorrento has a rich local history and it's only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Yarringa was built in 1873 and you can stay at this heritage-listed house, which has three rooms for up to six people. Appropriately, Yarringa's Aboriginal meaning is "near the sea", plus it's opposite Sorrento Park and only a 500m walk to the main street.
If you want your house to feel more like Yarringa, visit Marlene Miller's antique shop in Sorrento to check out her fabulous collection of art work, old furniture, china and antique jewellery.
Yarringa
Ph 03 5984 2221
www.mycoastline.com.au
Marlene Miller Antiques
128 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Ph 03 5984 1762
Azure Wye River
You can't go past the Great Ocean Road for an unforgettable beach holiday. If you like your holidays luxurious, Azure is tucked away in Wye. Upstairs, the main living area has an open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area with brand new appliances and an entertainment system, the master bedroom has an ensuite, and the kid's room comes with a TV, DVD, video games and a fold out sofa bed. Downstairs are another three bedrooms and a bathroom with a spa. And on top of all the luxury, Azure offers views that stretch up the coast.
While your there or just visiting the beach, be sure to visit the Wye River General Store. It's still the local post office but the general store has all the supplies you'll need for a weekend away, they promise the best coffee on the coast, and on weekends and at peak times, they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wye River General Store and Cafe
35 Great Ocean Road, Wye River
Ph 03 5289 0247
www.holidaygor.com.au
McCrae Pavilion
McCrae Pavilion is a beachside gem on the Mornington Peninsula, about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Opened since November 2010, two old weatherboard houses have been joined to give a rustic feel with a contemporary edge. In the fine dining restaurant and the casual bar, head chef Patrick Bowring meals are mouth-watering meals, especially as he's from Melbourne's three-hat restaurant Circa. Making the most of his sea change, he uses as much fresh and local produce as possible, and meals are best enjoyed out on the deck or on one of the fabulous sun beds, which are made from the wood of old European fishing boats.
McCrae Pavilion
671–673 Point Nepean Road, McCrae
Ph 03 5981 1202
www.mccraepavilion.com.au
Spindrift and Somers General Store
Balnarring beach is just over an hour's drive from Melbourne and one of Mornington Peninsula's most spectacular spots. For a romantic absolute beach-front cottage, Spindrift Beach Retreat is a couple's s hideaway made for relaxation and indulgence. It's decorated in a pure white New England style with a big unbleached linen and the whole front is glass for amazing all-weather beach views. There's a fully equipped kitchen or it's a lovely 45-minute beach wander to Somers General Store for supplies or a meal.
Somers is an old style general store that opened in 1927 and was extensively remodelled in 2008. It still offers locals and visitors all the essentials, including meals from head chef Emily Turnbull, who has cooked at Melbourne restaurants Mecca and Attica. For lunch you can expect dishes like a spectacular home made beef burger with chips or a fashionably retro prawn cocktail.
Spindrift Beach Retreat
9 Cliff Road, Balnarring Beach
Ph 0424 316 800
www.spindrift.boutiqueretreats.com.au
Somers General Store
2 The Boulevard, Somers
Ph 03 5983 2070
www.somersgeneralstore.com
The Art House, Two Sisters Kitchen Garden Cafe and The Big Chair
My Art House offers a stylish mix of period charm and contemporary appeal in the heart of Sorrento. With floor to ceiling windows, a solar-heated swimming pool, five bedrooms (two with private bathrooms) and a country kitchen with a wooden table, you'll instantly feel welcome and at home.
When you stroll into town, stop at Big Chair Living for stylish home ware and furniture. And for a delicious organic meal, try Haley Robinson's The Sisters Kitchen Garden Cafe.
My Art House
175 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Ph 03 5984 2221
mycoastline.com.au
Big Chair Living
119 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Ph 03 5984 3388
bigchair.com.au
The Sisters Kitchen Garden Cafe
149–151 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Ph 03 5984 4646
Postcards diary
Rosebud Kite Festival
If you're heading to the Mornington Peninsula, don't miss the annual Rosebud Kite Festival.
Where: Rosebud foreshore
When: 13 March 2011
Ballarat Begonia Weekend
Or if you're heading west, there's the Ballarat Begonia Weekend.
Where: Victoria Goldfields
When: 12–14 March 2011
More: 1800 446 633 or ballaratbegoniafestival.com
Taste of Rutherglen
Foodies can sample some of the High Country's best food and wine in Rutherglen.
Where: Rutherglen wine region
When: 12–13 and 19–20 March 2011
More: 03 9320 5830 or rutherglenvic.com