VIC’S BEST BEACHSIDE ESCAPE
The Mornington Peninsula has a raw, natural beauty about it that takes the RVer to another world
WORDS BY FRED WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRED WRIGHT AND JOHN HABERFIELD
Hidden along a stunning and rugged coastline, complimented by brilliant white sands, is a place that could knock The Great Ocean Road into second place. The Mornington Peninsula is an incredible – yet fairly unknown – part of the Victorian coastline. Whilst some may have heard of it, many are unaware of the amazing opportunities that are scattered throughout this region. We cruise around sapphire blue coastlines and wind our way through rural landscapes, marvelling at what we see. As we explore, we get the impression that the countryside plays a big part in the enjoyment RVers experience here. Vineyards, eateries, seafood and wildlife opportunities lay around every corner– and it’s not hard to find them either! We travelled here at the invitation of two very good friends, Sharon and Geoff, who are true off roaders lucky enough to have this beauty in their backyard, and we were not disappointed with any aspect of our journey. After making a base at the Stoney Point Caravan Park, we decided to step out and see exactly what makes Mornington so magical.
PHILLIP ISLAND
Most RVers can’t resist the temptation of the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. The Penguin Parade is an astounding event, with the tiny creatures just centimetres away from you. Visitors watch as penguin’s dive and hunt for fish before ambling back to their homes at night. You can’t use flash photography here, but there are plenty of opportunities to see them in burrows and watch their quirky behaviour. Those who visit at night should remember to check under their rig as they drive away, as the penguins could be hiding anywhere!
The Purple Hen Winery on Phillip Island has great cool climate wines and magnificent ocean views – a truly wonderful place to relax over a cheese platter and absorb your rural surroundings. Purple Hen is family owned and operated and is definitely a must for all wine lovers.
One place that really made me sit up and pay attention was the outstanding National Vietnam Veterans Museum on the island. This is their spiritual home and reminds us of the 50,000+ Australians who went to war overseas in what has become known as the ‘Divisive War’. Whatever your views, this museum is not about the glorification of conflict, but the acknowledgement that Vietnam Veterans are people who were sent by their country to a theatre of war, from which many never returned. Their courage and supreme sacrifice is on display for all to see in this huge museum, with great displays and a most informative theatre.
Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm could be the place to go if you want to be sure to catch your own trout and have the chance to have it cooked, prepared and presented to you by fantastic chefs. Take your catch back to your RV and wander at your leisure through their bush tucker gardens.
Moonlit Sanctuary was also surprisingly interactive. Sharon delighted in holding a python and a kookaburra (not at the same time, we assure you), patting dingos and feeding kangaroos and owls. The staff here are friendly and love working with these animals; many of which freely roam around the acres of the sanctuary. There’s something about being so close to Aussie wildlife and admiring their beautiful colours and features that make us realise how truly lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. The array of endangered and disappearing species in here really makes you understand why conservation is so important.
Our next stop was the wonderful township of Tyabb, which is nestled along the coast and filled with exciting things to do and see around every corner.
AMAZING ANTIQUES
One place we really suggest checking out is the Tyabb Packing House. It sounds pretty uninspiring until you drop in, but the walls here are adorned with precious antiques and stunning jewellery pieces that will take your breath away. Imagine over 30 displays of art deco pieces, antiques, beautiful furniture, miniature car models and so much more. This is just one of more than three buildings, which really makes you understand why it’s the antique and collectibles capital of the southern hemisphere. I emerged after several hours, just rocking and rolling with all that I’d seen.
We’d heard about a place called Mothers Seat, which is high above the Peninsula and drove up not only to take in the views across to Melbourne and the towns below, but to see Charlies Auto Museum. Picture if you will, rooms on rooms of cars, planes, ships, bicycles and so much more from a man whose been collecting for almost 30 years. Handmade planes hang from the roofs whilst meticulously made ships, such as the Titanic and Queen Mary lie below. The model of the Enola Gay, the super flying fortress that dropped the first ever atomic bomb in WWII, is here too. Charlie also has a café adorned out in 50’s style décor where you can enjoy a coffee and light snack.
LOCAL SECRETS
At the advice of our guests, we decided to drop into a local winery. Hickinbotham of Dromana is an absolute revelation of fantastic wines, beaut beers and a suburban restaurant! Andrew and his wife Terryn really know how to welcome people in this beautiful building, with old world seating outside where you can enjoy views over the water and live music to keep you captivated.
Another wonderful suggestion from the locals took us to the Crystal World and Prehistoric Journey Park in Cranbourne, a short 25 minute drive from Tyabb. Visitors to these parks will have to keep a sharp eye out for the entrance, which is behind a giant shed filled with crystals from around the world, as well as meteorites and models of dinosaurs. Tom, the owner, travels the world looking for specimens and his passionate explanation of how and where they were found had us absorbed. Allow several hours here and don’t forget to take a lunch so you can sit in an outside garden that is surrounded by life sized dinosaurs and a giant T-Rex.
A real treat awaits you at Sorrento, with a stunning, low cost beachside camp the perfect choice for an offpeak season stay. With sweeping views of Phillip Island on one side and the relaxing sound of Bass Strait swells on the other, you’ll absolutely love the peace this location provides. Just a short drive from here is the ferry that will take you to Queenscliffe some 45 minutes away. The trip is most enjoyable, the views are great and it’s a comfortable, stable ferry.
QUEENSCLIFF
When you disembark at Queenscliff, remember to look for the Queenscliff Maritime Museum on your right. Escape into the past with this absolutely fascinating museum. You’re in for a treat when it comes to history, with stories of fisherman pilots who guided ships and accounts of bravery from rescuers in the treacherous waters at the mouth of Port Phillip all on display.
Don’t forget that you’re now ready to head to the start of the Great Ocean Road and for many RVers this will be the start of another great adventure. There is so much to do and see in the Mornington Peninsula area, and I strongly suggest that you take your time exploring. The incredibly scenic coastline is complimented by activities and attractions that will leave you awestruck, well fed and wonderfully relaxed. There are so many elements to the Mornington Peninsula that feel undiscovered, and I truly think that once RVers start exploring this diverse and beautiful land, it will give the Great Ocean Road a run for its money.
