FRIDAY 19 JUNE OR FRIDAY 26 JUNE Transfer by coach to Mornington Peninsula A popular vacation destination, the Mornington Peninsula curves lazily southwards from Melbourne down Port Phillip Bay to a patchwork of bushland, pasture, hills, vineyards and National Parks. The Mornington Peninsula is a scenic resort region, rich in wineries, golf courses, restaurants and art galleries. Horseback Winery Tours Even a first time rider will be comfortable on one of these horses. Horseback Winery Tours is located at Main Ridge, in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula's food and wine regions. They will take you to famous neighbouring wineries, restaurants and attractions such as Red Hill Estate, Mantons Creek, T'Gallant, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Green Olive at Red Hill, Noel's Gallery Restaurant and the Red Hill Brewery. www.horsebackwinerytours.com.au Montalto Enjoy lunch overlooking this stunning vineyard. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful place to dine than Montalto, on the Mornington Peninsula. The architecturally pleasing building features rammed earth walls, plus floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the surrounding vineyards, olive groves and pastures.. The menu benefits from the use of the organic kitchen garden, Montalto Estate's own wines and olive oil presenting the most delicious seasonal dishes. www.montalto.com.au Max s at Red Hill Indulge in a wine tasting. Located at Red Hill Estate Winery on the serenely beautiful Mornington Peninsula, Max's Restaurant is the ideal setting for an a la carte meal, social or corporate event. With stunning views over manicured vineyards, Westernport Bay and Phillip Island, Max's offers one of the best views from any restaurant in Victoria. www.maxsatredhillestate.com.au Please note itineraries are subject to change Page 1 of 6
Peninsula Hot Springs Relax and soak in these naturally heated hot springs. Peninsula Hot Springs Natural Hot Mineral Springs have been found deep underground on Melbourne s Mornington Peninsula. The 50ºC waters rich in healing minerals are now flowing to the surface and into the thermal pools. Entering the bathing area is like stepping into another world, a sanctuary where the mind and body are calmed by the steam, the sound of running water and the casual banter of bathers. www.peninsulahotsprings.com Flinders Hotel Check in to your accommodation for this evening. Established in 1889, the Flinders Hotel has endured devastating fires, collapsed beach bars and more than a few colourful locals. This iconic hotel has transformed into a culinary destination, complete with a comprehensive renovation to a modern multi-purpose venue fit to meet the needs of today's discerning food clientele. www.flindershotel.com.au Dinner at The Deck, Flinders Hotel Dining at the renowned Flinders Hotel is a little easier on the wallet thanks to The Deck Bar and Bistro, the little sister venue of fine-diner, Terminus. Overlooking the rural bushland in the back of the hotel, the bistro serves up a casual menu of share plates and pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Expect dishes to arrive with a distinct European and North African twist at The Deck, courtesy of Chef Pierre Khodjaf (who heads the kitchen next door at Terminus). Page 2 of 6
SATURDAY 20 JUNE OR SATURDAY 27 JUNE Woodman Estate Woodman Estate opened in 1998 and lies on the Mornington Peninsula. A stunning Victorian Mansion is revealed nestled beside a four-acre private lake and surrounded by magnificent rose gardens, rolling pastures and fragrant bushland. The interior of Woodman Estate is exquisitely furnished with period furniture and rich upholstery and drapes. www.woodmanestate.com.au Head to Phillip Island Surrounded by some of the best surf beaches in Victoria and with four townships, Phillip Island has a reputation as a coastal getaway with a bent for family fun. Here, you can see penguins, seals and koalas in their natural habitats, explore heritage and natural attractions or soak-up the scenic coastline, including the striking Bunurong Marine Coastal Park. In October, Phillip Island switches gear for the 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix. Koala Conservation Centre See these gorgeous creatures up close. The Koala Conservation Centre was created to establish a protected koala population on Phillip Island away from human dangers. Experience close koala encounters among the tree tops on the elevated boardwalk. Learn about the koalas in the visitor centre where colourful displays tell the koala story. This unique setting will let you experience koalas in an environment representing their natural bushland habitat. www.penguins.org.au Wild Ocean EcoBoat Cruise to Seal Rocks For the adventurous, dive in the Australia's newest seal experience with a Wild Ocean EcoBoat Tour. Departing daily, the tours takes guest on the adventure of a lifetime to Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. Take the Express 60 minute tour to get up close to the seals and witness their playful antics as they surround the boat. Extend the thrills on a 90 minute tour to Seal Rocks, the explosive Nobbies blowhole and the rugged cliffs of Phillip Island's south-west coast. Page 3 of 6
Penguin Parade Take in the Aboriginal Penguin Experience. Phillip Island Nature Park The Phillip Island Penguin Parade, the star attraction of the Phillip Island Nature Park, has been delighting visitors for many years with little penguins making their way up Summerland Beach each night at sunset. Over 500,000 visitors make the Phillip Island Penguin Parade the third largest visited natural attraction in Australia. Take a cultural journey through the sand dunes of the Penguin Parade where numerous archaeological sites hint at the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area. Includes reserved front row seats to the Penguin Parade. www.penguins.org.au Rusty Water Brewery Enjoy dinner Home to Phillip Island s only handcrafted ales, Rusty Water Brewery Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed dining atmosphere that is popular among both locals and tourists. This family-run restaurant dishes up fresh Modern Australian cuisine, with plenty of local seafood on offer. This is the place for year-round celebrations; by the crackling fire in winter or catching the sea breeze in summer. www.rustywaterbrewery.com.au Silverwater Resort Check into your accommodation for this evening. Silverwater Resort is a four and a half star resort with 204 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, all with modern conveniences and contemporary furnishings. The property overlooks Westernport Bay, with amazing views reaching as far as the Mornington Peninsula. www.silverwaterresort.com.au Page 4 of 6
SUNDAY 21 JUNE OR SUNDAY 28 JUNE Head for the Dandenong Ranges The Dandenong Ranges have been a favourite escape for Melburnians since the boom times of the 1880s when members of Melbourne society would board a train at Flinders Street Station and slowly travel east to enjoy the peace, pure air and pristine forests of these Ranges. Taking tea in the Dandenongs became a custom, as did a lazy picnic under a shady tree, a bush walk through the forests of mountain ash, gums and ferns, and a night or two in a guesthouse. Not much has changed except the Dandenongs are now accessible to everyone. Burnham Beeches The Piggery Cafe Enjoy morning tea Give your next roadtrip a sense of purpose and head directly for the Dandenong Ranges - The Piggery Cafe at Burnham Beeches in Sherbrooke, to be precise. With superchef Shannon Bennett behind the scenes it's bound to be a treat, but add Dandenong Ranges landscapes and the property's historic mansion into the mix and it's a winner. The rustic restored stables and piggery are the perfect setting for sophisticated comfort food. www.piggerycafe.com.au Yarra Valley Located only 50 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, the Yarra Valley feels a million miles away, with vast rows of vines, mountain ash forests and enough local produce to feed the hungriest hordes. Get up close to some Aussie icons at the Healesville Sanctuary, immerse yourself in Australian art history at the stunning Tarrawarra Museum of Art, or simply indulge in some of the best cool climate wines Australia has to offer with a tasting at one of over 50 cellar doors. Rochford Wines Enjoy a wine tasting. Rochford Wines is a fully operational vineyard and winery that houses a spectacular complex and a tourism award winning restaurant and café, as well as a permanent sound shell for outdoor performances. www.rochfordwines.com.au Page 5 of 6
Meletos A showcase of Yarra Valley produce. From the family who brought you Stones of the Yarra Valley and The Stables at Stones comes Meletos, a regional café and gourmet pizzeria. With its walled gardens, rows of crab-apple trees and raised vegetable beds, Meletos has taken an abandoned collection of century old-farm buildings and created something truly extraordinary. Healesville Sanctuary Healesville Sanctuary is an Australian wildlife experience that centres on local conservation and indigenous culture. Set in a beautiful natural environment, the Sanctuary offers a place for people and animals to reconnect with nature from creek to canopy. Healesville Sanctuary plays a critical role in saving some of the world's most endangered animals. www.zoo.org.au/healesville POST ONLY Coombe The Melba Estate Coombe - The Melba Estate, was the former home of Dame Nellie Melba and is set across seven stunning acres of manicured gardens. The property includes the main formal private garden, a heritage listed converted clock tower restaurant, with seating for 150 people, and offers exquisite seasonal and predominantly estate-grown produce in a beautiful setting. www.coombeyarravalley.com.au Return to Melbourne. Pre-ATE famil participants will be taken directly to drop bags at their hotels, then to registration for ATE. Page 6 of 6