More and more artisans, foodies and chefs have latched onto the idea of a Peninsula lifestyle Escaping the rat race to enjoy alaid-back existence close to the sea.
Having settled in the region, many have imprinted an organic approach in restaurants, wineries and cottage industries that proudly proclaim the provenanceof homegrown or home-raised ingredients.
These eateries are cutting edge less formal, using fresh local ingredients and offering daring food and wine suggestions.
From the stylish cellar doors of Salix, T Gallant, Merricks General Wine Store and Yabby Lake, to the award-winning restaurant experiences atBistro Maison, The Long Table and La Petanque an even more communal spiritis found at Heronswood Caf at Digger s Nursery or Ciao Bella, an Italian caf located within a magical garden in Balnarring.
A veritable swag of accolades has seen the Peninsula s food and wine scene humming along, growing with glee and vitality.
Unrivalled Lakeside Dining It s hard to imagine a more beautiful place to dine thanWoodman Estate.
A sweeping tree lined driveway takesyou to the graciousVictorian manor house, set beside a stunning large private lake.
The welcome and service are warm and attentive.
The views frame the lake and it s playful birdlife and the wide brick Terrace affords diners positions right on the water s edge.
This restaurant caters to all needs with its innovative and contemporary cuisine.
The gourmet country breakfasts are a Peninsula tradition, casual lunch on theterrace is popular amongst those visiting the local wineries and for specialoccasions don t miss the grand dinner in the Drawing Room and Formal Dining Room seats are limited .
Of course, the signature High Tea served every Sunday is an absolute standout This tightly packed gourmet region now has people who not only create fine food and wine for the table but bring their own unique cultural experience to life.
See pages 86-99 104-132 EXHIBITIONS NEW GALLERIES THIS SUMMER SEE PAGES 56-63 Pictured left - Gee Ryan Gerald in front of his painting Love One Another Basin included in the exhibition at Merrick s House Gallery - see page 57 for more.
Pictured right - Mike Rings in his new gallery at Flinders.
For more see page 59 PENINSULA EXPLORER The newly launched hop-on, hop-off Peninsula Explorer bus is based upon a well-established and successful model operating in various cities and regions throughout Australia and the world.
The double decker open-top buses not only provide visitors with magnificent views of the peninsula but also connect key attractions, enabling visitors to tailor their experience in a flexible and convenient manner.
Choose to visit particular attractions like Peninsula Hot Springs, Quarantine Station, Point Nepean, Cups Estate Winery or Boneo Maze, jumping off for the experience then back on the next bus that suits you.
For Peninsula visitors, the Peninsula Explorer bus enables the choice to leave your car at your accommodation and visiting southern peninsula attractions without needing to drive for your entire stay.
Visitors can also use the service to experience a two-hour tour around the route - with narrative telling local stories, which coincide with stops.
Every stop has a story, and the Peninsula Explorer brings the stories of the region to life.
Visitors will be engaged in a lively and entertaining way, learning about the special qualities of the region - the people, the places, and mysterious and surprising events.
The Peninsula Explorer concept...
for more turn to page 18-19 PARC offers endless first class and innovative facilities, services and experiences.
PARC is home to the world s first AquaSphere family raft ride and the thrilling Constrictor raft ride, and the award winning AquaPlay aquatic playground, positioning the Centre as the Peninsula s premier fun PARC.
A state of the art gym, group exercise studios, warm water pool, Swim School, Wellness Centre, creche and caf are some of the many highlights on offer here at PARC For more see page 44 10-11.indd 11 23 12 2014 9 49 am