VICTORIA, MORNINGTON PENINSULA

A GIRL'S GOLF GETAWAY -

Fairways, friends, and a little luck with the weather

Why the Mornington Peninsula?

When it comes to golf escapes, Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula offers the perfect balance—first-class golf courses, stunning scenery, coastal village charm, and plenty of post-round indulgence. For our group of nine women, it was the ideal spot for a midweek girls’ getaway—somewhere we could swing the clubs, share a few laughs, and unwind in style.

Setting Up in Sorrento

After arriving in Melbourne on Monday afternoon, we were greeted by Rahim, who chauffeured us comfortably to Sorrento as part of our booking with Fairway Golf Tours. They took care of everything—transfers, tee times, accommodation—which made the logistics seamless from start to finish.

Our base for the week was Carmel at Sorrento, a beautifully appointed set of apartments right on Ocean Beach Road. Stylish, spacious and superbly located, it made a perfect home for our group. A short stroll brought us to local cafés, boutiques, and the IGA—everything we needed within arm’s reach.

Dinner that evening was at the Conti Bar in the Continental Hotel, where we caught up over hearty meals and planned the days ahead.

Tuesday – Moonah Links & Perfect Playing Weather

Tuesday’s round was at the Moonah Links Legends Course, a generous and well-maintained layout with wide fairways and beautiful greens. And the weather? Glorious. At 26°C, it was warm enough for golf skirts and short sleeves, with just enough breeze to keep things comfortable.

We played in three groups with motorised carts, soaking in the sunshine and easing into the swing of the week. After the round, we returned to Sorrento with another smooth transfer by Mitchell, also from Fairway Golf Tours—friendly, punctual, and always happy to lend a hand with gear and champagne!

Dinner that evening was at Itali.co, where fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza fueled plenty of lively discussion about the day’s best (and worst) shots.

Wednesday – The Dunes Cups Course & a Rainy Ambrose

Wednesday brought a fun twist: a 3-Club Ambrose format on the Cups Course at The Dunes Golf Links. Each of us chose only three clubs to use for the entire 9-hole round—no exceptions—which led to some lively strategy discussion over coffee that morning.

We teed off under a blanket of grey, and as if on cue, the skies opened just as we finished our final putt. Sideways rain sent us quickly retreating to the clubhouse, where we warmed up with a well-earned lunch at The Clubhouse Restaurant.

Exploring Sorrento on Foot

That afternoon, the weather cleared and some of us explored Sorrento’s walking trails whilst others pondered the local shops. The highlights included:

• Millionaires’ Walk – a clifftop path with stunning bay views and peeks into some of the area’s most enviable homes.
• Coppins Track – part of the Coastal Walk, offering dramatic seascapes and links to Sorrento’s maritime past.
• St Paul’s Beach Trail – a shorter coastal walk to a rocky beach known for its wild beauty and rock pools.
• Sorrento to Portsea Beach Trail – Flat and scenic, ideal for a morning walk

Sorrento’s Ocean Beach Road is lined with boutiques, homewares stores, and gift shops perfect for a casual browse or a last-minute souvenir. You’ll find a mix of coastal fashion, artisan jewellery, and stylish interiors at shops like Marlene Miller Antiques, Emia, and Red Hill House. Don't miss the local bookshop or the well-stocked gourmet deli if you’re after a picnic spread.

Dinner that night was a relaxed self-catered evening in our apartments—wine, cheese, and stories from the course.

Thursday – Windy Finale at St Andrews Beach

On Thursday we played St Andrews Beach Golf Club, set within the windswept dunes of the southern Peninsula. The sun returned, but the wind was unrelenting—strong enough to blow the local kangaroos off course, let alone our drives.

The course was peaceful, beautifully designed, and a fitting conclusion to our week of golf. Prizes were awarded, photos were taken, and spirits remained high despite a few weather-related challenges.

Dinner was our final outing: Shihuishi at Hotel Sorrento, offering a modern Asian shared menu in a stunning coastal setting.

Friday – Homeward Bound

On Friday morning, Fairway Golf Tours once again managed our transfers smoothly—whether heading to the airport or into the city. We left with full hearts, a few sore muscles, and plenty of stories.

The Wrap-Up

Trip Highlights

• Best Round: Moonah Links on a warm, sunny Tuesday
• Most Fun: 3-Club Ambrose at The Dunes—just in time before the rain
• Best Walk: Millionaires’ Walk for sweeping views and a fresh sea breeze
• Biggest Battle: The wind at St Andrews Beach
• Star Support: Rahim & Mitchell from Fairway Golf Tours—professional, reliable, and great company

Not a Golfer? Here’s What Else the Mornington Peninsula Offers

Even if golf isn’t your focus, the Mornington Peninsula offers plenty to fill a weekend—whether you're into nature, wellness, or good food and wine.

Hot Springs & Spa Experiences

For a day of relaxation, head to the Peninsula Hot Springs or the newer Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. Both offer a series of geothermal pools, cold plunges, and spa treatments. Alba is more modern and minimalist in design, while Peninsula Hot Springs has a broader range of bathing experiences in a natural setting.

Visit Portsea & Point Nepean

Just down the road from Sorrento, Portsea is known for its quiet bay beaches and clifftop mansions. Nearby, Point Nepean National Park has scenic coastal trails, military forts, and views across Bass Strait—worth the short drive and an easy walk.

Food, Wine & Local Produce

The Peninsula is packed with cool-climate wineries, breweries, distilleries, and farmgate producers. Places like Montalto, Pt. Leo Estate, and Polperro combine wine, dining and art in one stop. For something more casual, drop into one of the local markets or producers for cheese, olive oil or fresh berries (in season).

Other Towns Worth Visiting

• Red Hill – Known for wineries, cellar doors, and farm-to-table dining
• Flinders – A quiet coastal village with cafés, galleries, and a scenic pier
• Mornington – A good stop on your way in or out, with shopping, dining and a busy weekend market

The Mornington Peninsula is well suited to a golf weekend, but just as enjoyable for those who'd rather relax, walk, or explore. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, walking the coastal tracks, or enjoying a long lunch at a winery, there’s something here for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a girls' golf getaway or simply a coastal weekend escape, this region ticks all the boxes. We’ll be back—no doubt about it.

EASTER IN WA - APRIL 2025

 EASTER IN WA’s SOUTH-WEST: SUN, SURF & SHOW JUMPING

APRIL 2025

Easter is one of the best times to head down south in WA. While it’s a busy time with school holidays in full swing, the weather is at its best – crisp, cool mornings followed by sunny, warm afternoons. It’s also a fantastic time for surfers, with the autumn swells bringing great waves to the coast.

One of the highlights of our trip was the Yalambi Farm Stud Show Jumping Classic. Held every Easter, this world-class equestrian event is a real showcase of talent – and it’s free to attend. Food trucks are dotted around the grounds, or you can enjoy a bit of extra comfort and hospitality in the VIP marquee with ringside views. Watching some of Australia’s best horses and riders in such a beautiful vineyard setting was a real highlight.

We stayed at Eight Willows Retreat, tucked away among native bushland and vines. Normally reserved for weddings, we were told Easter is a quieter time for weddings in the region (given the cost), meaning some accommodation becomes available. Their bush chalets were peaceful, spacious and ideal for a relaxing stay.

The drive home was just as enjoyable. We meandered through the Ferguson Valley, stopping at Bush Shack Brewery for lunch. It’s a casual, relaxed spot known for its small-batch, unfiltered beers and welcoming country atmosphere – a great place to break up the drive.

We then spent some time at Wellington National Park, home to forests of towering jarrah and marri trees, winding trails and river views. The highlight was the incredible Wellington Dam Mega Mural, an 8,000 square metre artwork painted by Guido van Helten. Titled Reflections, it beautifully captures the spirit of the local community and is breathtaking to see in person.

Our final stop was Mandurah, where we stayed overnight. It had been some years since our last visit, and the changes were impressive. The boardwalk at Dolphin Quay is now complete, and the waterfront area has become a vibrant hub of cafés, restaurants and shops. It’s lively, modern and a great place to stroll, eat, and relax by the water.

If you’re thinking about an Easter getaway, WA’s south-west offers the perfect mix of events, beautiful scenery, and relaxed coastal charm.

CZECHIA - PRAGUE

PRAGUE

A CITY OF HISTORY, CULTURE & SURPRISES

JANUARY 2025 

We left Berlin on the morning train, enjoying lunch as we crossed the border into Czechia. Arriving in Prague, you must be careful not to get off at the wrong station, as the announcements are in Czech. Realising our mistake (we had done the same thing in Dresden), we quickly managed to get back on the train and alight at the correct stop.

The Prague train station, Hlavní nádraží, is an impressive Art Nouveau gem. Opened in 1909, the station boasts intricate mosaics, ironwork, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The grandeur of the building stands as a testament to Prague’s architectural history, welcoming visitors with its blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.

Although Ubers and taxis are plentiful, Prague is a wonderfully walkable city. We stayed at The Old Town Loft Luxe Brickhouse, just a short distance from the station and central to the Old Town. We were a brood of six as we met up with our friends from Western Australia.

After a quick unpack, we ventured out for an evening of drinks and exploration. We started at Kings Court for a relaxing drink, then headed to the rooftop bar of The Dancing House or Ginger and Fred building. From up there, the views of the city were stunning. For dinner, we visited QQ Asian Kitchen, a real treat. The flavours were vibrant, and it felt like the perfect introduction to Prague’s diverse dining scene.

Our friends, having grown up in Prague, were our local guides, and we were more than happy to follow their lead. They spoke the language, and their knowledge of the city allowed us to see Prague from a more authentic perspective. Still, we found opportunities to venture out on our own.

I’ve mentioned before that I love hop-on/hop-off buses. I truly believe you get more information listening to the bus commentary as you drift through the streets than you would reading plaques or keeping up with a walking tour. In Prague, however, the system works a little differently. You have to download an app and listen through your phone. While the app was a great source of information, it was a bit tedious, especially for those not familiar with smartphone technology. We also encountered some museums where app downloads were required to use their audio guides, which proved to be frustrating.

Despite the app hiccups, a bus ride through Prague’s beautiful streets was a fantastic way to get our bearings. We hopped off at St Nicholas Church and wandered down the cobbled streets to the Prague Story Museum. The exhibits, covering everything from crusaders to war through the ages, were fascinating. The museum also shed light on the connections between Prague and Germany, including uprisings and concentration camps, which tied in well with what we had seen on our Berlin trip.

Lunch in the Jewish Quarter was a highlight. The area is home to some of Prague's oldest and most significant synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Spanish Synagogue, renowned for its ornate Moorish Revival style. The Quarter has a rich and poignant history and walking through it was a powerful experience.

Wandering through Prague, we also stumbled upon many of the city’s public art pieces:

• The Penguins at Kampa Park are an amusing and somewhat surreal installation, bringing a lighthearted contrast to the otherwise serene surroundings.
• The Franz Kafka Statue is another intriguing sight. Located on the Žižkov TV Tower, it features a giant Kafka head that rotates on the hour, an artistic reflection of Kafka’s shifting and multifaceted identity.
• The Saint Wenceslas statue, which depicts the king on horseback, is inverted, offering a quirky take on this iconic figure.
• Wenceslas Square, a historical site of monumental importance, is also where many pivotal moments in Czech history unfolded, including the deaths of students during the 1989 protests. It’s considered a meeting point for locals, and legend has it that the best place to gather is under the tail of the horse in the statue.

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After some drinks along the way, we had dinner at El Camino Spanish Tapas. The degustation meal was superb, though I think we were all too tired to truly appreciate the full range of flavours.

The Astronomical Clock, located at Prague’s Old Town Hall, is another must-see. Every hour, the clock chimes and the figures of the apostles move, much to the delight of onlookers. The story goes that the architect who designed it had his eyes gouged out to ensure that no replica could ever be made, making this clock a unique treasure.

No trip to Prague would be complete without a visit to Prague Castle. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers sweeping views of the city. To get there, you inevitably cross the Charles Bridge, one of Prague's most famous landmarks. Completed in 1402, this iconic structure connects Old Town with the Lesser Town. The bridge is adorned with statues of saints and offers a stunning perspective of the castle.

Along the way, we stopped at the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague. This quirky museum delves into the fascinating world of alchemy, where figures like John Dee and Edward Kelley, who were supported by Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, sought to turn base metals into gold and search for the Philosopher’s Stone. The stairs to the tower are the oldest in Prague dating back to 1547.

Prague Castle, one of the oldest in the world, has been the seat of Czech rulers for over 1,000 years. The castle complex includes the Gothic-style St Vitus Cathedral, where many Czech kings, including Charles IV, are buried. Saint Wenceslas, the figure behind the famous Christmas Carol, is also laid to rest here. The castle is steeped in history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Czech Republic’s royal past.

We had lunch at a charming café within the castle grounds before continuing our exploration, including a visit to the castle’s torture chambers and armour rooms—quite a sobering experience but an important part of the castle’s history.

As night fell, we ventured to the U Prince Hotel for drinks and then dove into the Old Bohemian Country Platter for dinner. This hearty dish, featuring duck, pork roast, sausages, and dumplings, was a true challenge. But in Prague, it’s a challenge that must be accepted.

We also took the opportunity to hire a car for a day, allowing us to visit locations from our friend’s childhood in the city. It was fascinating to see his old school and family home, which, according to him, hadn’t changed much since the 1950s and 60s.

Lunch at Manifesto Market Andel was a relaxed affair. Though not quite like the Timeout Market in Lisbon as we had expected, it was still a good spot to grab a hot bowl of noodles.

We ventured further afield to visit Chocotopia Chocolate Factory, a delightful stop where we learned about the process of making fine Czech chocolate. A sweet end to our day!

Weather-wise, we were lucky with some days reaching 12°C, but we also had some that barely got above 3°C, making for chilly walks, especially for my feet!

We had a blast attending a Sparta ice-hockey game. With great seats just two rows from the rink, we watched the fast-paced game with the crowd chanting and stomping their feet. Czech hot dogs and beer kept us fuelled as we cheered Sparta to a 5-1 victory.

Late-night drinks at Anonymous Bar added a touch of excitement, as the bartenders poured fiery cocktails under pulsating lights. It was definitely a different vibe, but we were all in the mood for it!

On our final day, we visited the Communist Museum, a thought-provoking place detailing life under the Communist regime in Prague. It was an eye-opening experience and a good way to reflect on the country’s turbulent past. We followed this with lunch at Public Chilli, which served some of the best food we’d had all trip.

Our farewell dinner was at U Flecku, one of Prague’s oldest traditional taverns. With music, beer, and honey mead, the lively atmosphere was the perfect way to say goodbye to a city that had truly stolen our hearts. U Flecku, with its historic charm, will no doubt outlive all of us.

One last stop before bed at Wine Table. Open from 3pm - 11pm, they serve boutique and premium wines along with homemade produce.