Adventure in Shoreham, Victoria!

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour Itinerary: Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Morning Kick-Off

Begin your day early with a scenic drive on the Mornington Peninsula to reach the enchanting Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens. Nestled just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this destination offers an escape into a labyrinthine world. If you’re up for an active start, consider cycling the Peninsula"s back roads to fully embrace its serene landscape.

Exploring Ashcombe Maze

Upon arrival, dive straight into the heart of the adventure – the famous Ashcombe Maze, the oldest traditional hedge maze in Australia. This large maze, crafted from more than 1000 cypress plants, challenges your sense of direction and promises fun-filled explorative moments. After conquering the hedge maze, the excitement continues as you tackle the circular Rose Maze, consisting of 1200 rose bushes, representing the perfect marriage of beauty and mystery.

Lavender Gardens: Aromatic Tranquility

Next, stroll through the fragrant Lavender Gardens, blooming vibrantly from November to February. Here, over 40 varieties of lavender are grown, and the air is heavy with their soothing scents. It"s a fantastic spot for relaxation and some picturesque photos.

Garden Gourmet

Refuel at the Ashcombe Café, where you can indulge in a lavender scone or a hearty, locally-sourced meal. The café offers a delightful view of the gardens, allowing you to dine amidst nature’s tranquility.

Afternoon Adventure - The Great Gnome Hunt

Post-lunch, engage in the Great Gnome Hunt, a delightful adventure perfect for all ages. As you wander through the Woodland Gardens, keep an eye out for whimsical gnomes hidden among ferns and exotic trees.

Departure

As the day winds down, take your memories and perhaps some lavender products from the gift shop, ensuring you carry a piece of Ashcombe’s magic home. Whether you drove or cycled, the ride back will be filled with beautiful recollections of a day well spent amidst nature and adventure.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Why Visit?

Embark on a vibrant adventure to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, a hidden gem nestled in the lush landscapes of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Renowned as Australia"s largest strawberry producer, this family-owned delight offers a unique blend of agricultural tourism and gastronomic indulgence.

Getting There

Start your journey with a scenic 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Head south-east on the M1, merge onto the M3, and follow the signs leading to Mornington Peninsula. As you drive, watch the urban sprawl give way to rolling hills and vineyards, setting the stage for an idylic escape.

Strawberry Picking Adventure

Arrive early at Sunny Ridge to beat the crowds and the heat. The farm opens its fields from November to April for u-pick sessions, where you can harvest your own bright, juicy strawberries. Grab a basket and roam the verdant rows, selecting the ripest berries to your heart"s content. It"s not only fun but also a chance to connect with nature and learn about sustainable farming practices.

Local Delights and Wine Tasting

After your picking session, visit the farm’s café and indulge in their famous strawberry desserts — from creamy ice cream to decadent cheesecakes. Each treat is crafted using the freshest produce from the farm itself. Don’t miss out on the local cheeses and chocolates, as well as a wine tasting session featuring local vineyards that specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These sessions offer insight into the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Explore the Surroundings

Cap off your visit with a hike through the Peninsula"s coastal trails or a relaxing afternoon at one of the nearby hot springs. The Peninsula offers a perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, making it an ideal complement to your farm adventure.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Sunny Ridge reserves some of its harvest for making gourmet preserves and fruit wines? Make sure to take home a bottle of strawberry wine or a jar of homemade jam.

Enjoy your journey through the vibrant and flavorful world of Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, where every visit promises new tastes and discoveries.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Point Nepean National Park

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Point Nepean National Park, a captivating blend of natural scenery and rich history at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. This adventure-studded park promises a day of exploration and discovery, just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne.

Morning: Explore the Forts and Tunnels

Kickstart your adventure at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station, where a short bus ride from the park entrance takes you deeper into the peninsula. Adventurers can delve into the mysterious military forts and tunnels dating back to the 1880s. Equip yourself with a flashlight to explore the darkened tunnels of Fort Nepean, where echoes of World War II reverberate through the air.

Midday: Hike the Coastal Trails

After emerging from the historical depths, follow the coastal trails that wind along the rugged cliffs offering panoramic views of Bass Strait and the Rip, a treacherous stretch of water connecting the bay to the ocean. The 2.8 km Coles Track, with its changing landscape from serene beaches to wild bushland, is a hiker’s delight. Keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales from the aptly named Observatory Point in the cooler months.

Afternoon: Discover Hidden Beaches

Post-hike, unwind at one of the secluded beaches accessible by the park"s trails. Cheviot Beach, steeped in history as the site where Prime Minister Harold Holt mysteriously vanished in 1967, provides a serene spot for a reflective pause.

Practical Tips

- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the area can be exposed and windy.

- Wear sturdy footwear suitable for both hiking and sandy beaches.

- The park is open daily, with entry free of charge. Shuttle buses within the park have a small fee, perfect for hopping between attractions.

Conclusion

Point Nepean National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical intrigue, ideal for those craving an adventurous escape into Australia"s storied past and vibrant coastal splendor.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Discover the rugged beauty of Victoria"s coastline with an exhilarating adventure to Cape Schanck Lighthouse, a true beacon of history and nature at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. This adventure is perfect for those yearning to mix history with scenic thrills.

Getting There

Cape Schanck Lighthouse is roughly a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Take the M11 freeway and then the Mornington Peninsula Freeway (Route 23), following signs to Cape Schanck. Alternatively, public transport users can catch a train to Frankston and then take bus 788 to Rosebud, followed by a taxi to the lighthouse.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Morning - Arrival & Exploration

Kick off your morning with a guided tour of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, operational since 1859. As you climb the stone tower, learn about its maritime history and technological evolution. The top of the lighthouse offers breathtaking views over the Bass Strait, setting a thrilling tone for the day.

Midday - Coastal Walks

Post-lighthouse exploration, embark on the Cape Schanck Boardwalk. This trail descends towards the ocean, offering dramatic views of the black basalt cliffs against the turquoise sea. For the more adventurous, extend your hike along the Bushranger’s Bay Trail. This 2.5 km trek reveals stunning coastal flora and geological formations, making it a highlight for nature lovers.

Afternoon - Picnic & Photography

By afternoon, unwind with a picnic near the lighthouse, surrounded by the lush bushland and the sounds of crashing waves. Cape Schanck"s unique landscape provides fantastic photo opportunities, especially at the Pulpit Rock and the striking rock formations along the shore.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the light from Cape Schanck Lighthouse can be seen up to 28 nautical miles away? Its impressive reach has been guiding ships safely since the 19th century.

This day trip to Cape Schanck Lighthouse isn’t just a step back in history but a dive into visual splendor and natural wonders, perfect for adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the Enchanted Adventure Garden, a magical realm where adventure and nature fuse into an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the lush landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour"s drive from Melbourne, this adventure park offers a treasure trove of activities set amid stunning gardens and native bushland.

### Day Plan at Enchanted Adventure Garden:

Morning Arrival

Set off early to make the most of your day. Drive to 55 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat, or hop on a public bus from Melbourne to Mornington, then switch to a local bus that drops you right outside the adventure park.

Tree Surfing

Start your adventure with the park"s highlight - Tree Surfing. This thrilling high ropes course features zip-lines, suspension bridges, and aerial challenges that give you a squirrel’s eye view of the gardens. Navigate through the Grand course for adults or the Nippers course for the younger adventurers.

Tube Slides

Next, race down giant tube slides that curve and twist their way down the hillside. These slides offer a rush of adrenaline and are a fun challenge to see who can reach the bottom first.

Maze Exploring

Post-lunch, lose yourself in one of the park’s intricate mazes. The traditional hedge maze, adorned with artistic garden designs, is a delightful puzzle, while the 3D indoor maze adds a splash of mind-bending optical illusions.

Relax and Refresh

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the themed gardens or refuel at the onsite café, which serves delicious local produce and refreshments.

Finale - Canopy Walk

End your day with a tranquil walk through the treetops on the Canopy Walk, where you can soak in the serene views at a slower pace and perhaps catch a glimpse of native birds.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the Enchanted Adventure Garden is home to Australia’s longest tube slide? Measuring over 100 meters, it offers an exhilarating ride through the scenic backdrop of Arthurs Seat.

Pack your spirit of adventure and explore the blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities at the Enchanted Adventure Garden, where every path leads to discovery and every turn fills you with awe.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.