Museum culture in Shoreham, Victoria!

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Why Visit?

Ashcombe Maze & Lavendar Gardens: A Labyrinth of Beauty and Bloom

Nestled in the hinterlands of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is not just a garden, but a verdant universe exploding with the rich colors and scents of countless flora. Perfect for museum culture aficionados and nature lovers alike, this picturesque destination promises a tranquil escape intertwined with a touch of historical charm.

Getting There

Located approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne"s CBD, you can drive via the M11 freeway directly to Shoreham. Public transport options include catching a train to Frankston and then transferring to a bus towards Flinders, alighting at Ashcombe Maze. Both routes offer scenic views leading up to your destination.

Your Itinerary

Morning - Arrival & Garden Exploration

Begin your visit at the welcoming visitor center to pick up a map and perhaps some lavender-infused treats from the gift shop. Start your exploration with the Traditional Hedge Maze, boasting over 1000 cypress trees and standing as one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Australia. As you navigate through, enjoy the playful challenge it offers and the delightful surprise of the central garden.

Midday - Lavender Gardens

By midday, the Lavender Gardens are a sight to behold. With over 40 different varieties of Lavender, the gardens are a tapestry of purples and greens, especially vibrant from November to January during the bloom season. Learn about the cultivation of lavender and its uses in both culinary and therapeutic contexts.

Afternoon - Garden Café

Post exploration, relax at the Garden Café, where you can savor a lavender scone with tea, overlooking the serene water gardens. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the maze’s layout is designed for tranquility and contemplation? Its intricate design is inspired by historical mazes that were used as meditative paths.

End your day with a leisurely stroll through the Rose Maze, featuring over 200 varieties of roses, before heading back to the hustle of city life, refreshed and inspired.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Why Visit?

A Day at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm: A Cultural and Culinary Exploration

Morning Arrival

Start your day early and head to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, located in the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, a comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne. As you drive, enjoy scenic views of lush countryside and vineyards, setting the tone for a delightful rural escape.

Welcome to Sunny Ridge

Upon arrival, the sweet fragrance of strawberries welcomes you. Begin your visit at the main reception, where you can immere yourself in a brief introduction about Sunny Ridge’s heritage. Established in the 1960s, it’s a family-owned gem that blossomed from modest beginnings into one of Australia"s most renowned fruit producers.

Strawberry Picking Experience

Grab a basket and step into the sun-dappled fields for the signature strawberry picking experience (available November to April). As you select the juiciest berries, learn about the sustainable farming practices that make Sunny Ridge a model of eco-friendly agriculture.

Visit the Exhibition

Post picking, explore a small but insightful exhibition that details the evolution of strawberry farming in the region, complete with vintage farming equipment and photographic archives. This museum-like setup narrates the farm"s and area"s agricultural history.

Strawberry Treats and Local Produce

After working up an appetite, visit the farm café. Indulge in a strawberry-inspired menu featuring fresh strawberry ice creams, jams, and the farm"s famous strawberry liqueur. The shop also offers a range of local Peninsula produce, perfect for taking a piece of your visit home.

Afternoon Leisure

Wrap up your visit lounging at the café’s patio, enjoying a strawberry wine while soaking in the pastoral tranquility of the surroundings. Before heading back, stroll through the gift shop to pick artisanal souvenirs that support local craftspeople and preserve the cultural experience.

Departure

As the afternoon wanes, make your way back to Melbourne, carrying with you the sweet tastes and rich history of Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Point Nepean National Park

Why Visit?

Uncover Hidden Treasures at Point Nepean National Park

Embark on a captivating journey through time and nature at Point Nepean National Park, a place brimming with Australia’s rich military history and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s your guide to a museum tour that combines scenic beauty with educational enrichment.

Getting There

Point Nepean is at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, around 90 minutes from Melbourne by car. Drive via the M11 and continue along Point Nepean Road to the park entrance. Alternatively, catch a train to Frankston and transfer to bus #788, which stops near the park.

Start Your Tour at the Quarantine Station

Enter the park and make your first stop at the historical Quarantine Station. Established in 1852, this facility processed thousands of immigrants and played a critical role in protecting the country from epidemic diseases. Join a guided tour to explore restored buildings and hear poignant stories of those who passed through over a century.

Explore the Fortifications

A short hike or bike ride from the Quarantine Station takes you to the Fort Nepean end of the peninsula. As you walk, enjoy the stunning coastal views and spot local wildlife. At Fort Nepean, discover the extensive military installations that date back to the 1880s. The fort played a significant role during both World Wars, and you can delve into its history through detailed exhibitions and preserved gun emplacements.

Visit the Engine House Museum

Your next stop is the Engine House Museum, where interactive displays explain the technology and operations behind the fort’s gunnery. Don’t miss the chance to see the Disappearing Gun, a remarkable example of historical military engineering.

Reflect at the Memorials

Conclude your tour by visiting the Harold Holt Memorial, dedicated to the Australian Prime Minister who mysteriously disappeared near the park in 1967, adding an intriguing layer to your visit.

Point Nepean is more than just a scenic park; it’s a portal into the stories that have shaped the region.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Why Visit?

Discover the Maritime Majesty at Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Embark on a journey through time and tide as you explore the historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history located on the stunning Mornington Peninsula, approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne, Australia. Ideal for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike, this captivating tour offers a glimpse into 19th-century lighthouse operation and the lives of its keepers.

Getting There

From Melbourne, drive along the scenic M11 and C777 route, enveloped by lush landscapes and coastal views. Public transport options include taking a train from Melbourne to Frankston, followed by a connecting bus to Rosebud. Seasonal shuttle services from Rosebud to Cape Schanck may be available, particularly during tourist seasons.

Tour Itinerary

Begin your visit at the quaint Cape Schanck Lighthouse Museum. Nestled at the base of the lighthouse, the museum features fascinating exhibits that recount tales of early maritime navigation and shipwrecks, illuminating the perilous waters of Bass Strait and the crucial role the lighthouse played in ensuring safe passage.

After soaking in the rich history, join the guided tour up the spiraling staircase of the lighthouse itself. As you ascend, learn about the unique construction of the building, completed in 1859, and its original Fresnel lens, which magnificently projects light over 48 kilometers into the ocean. Reaching the top, you"ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the wild Southern Ocean and the rugged peninsula coastline—a perfect photo opportunity.

Interesting Facts

- Cape Schanck Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses still operating with its original mechanisms.

- It was built from limestone transported by ox-cart from a local quarry, showcasing the resourcefulness of its constructors.

Plan Your Visit

Guided tours are available daily. Ensure to check the opening hours and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot in this enlightening historical adventure.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Why Visit?

Unleash your inner adventurer at the Enchanted Adventure Garden, an extraordinary outdoor playground nestled atop the stunning Mornington Peninsula, just an hour"s drive from Melbourne. This bewitching spot isn"t your typical museum; it"s a living gallery where art meets nature and every corner promises a new thrill or a tranquil escape.

Getting There

To reach the Enchanted Adventure Garden, drive from Melbourne via the M1 and connect to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway (M11). Exit at Mornington Peninsula/Flinders Rd and follow the signs to Arthurs Seat. Public transport options are limited, but regional buses run to the area.

Start Your Tour at the Labyrinth Garden

Begin your day with a meditative stroll through the Labyrinth Garden, a maze constructed with more than 1000 cypress trees, inspired by traditional English hedge mazes. Here, the intricate pathways mirror the complexities of the human mind, urging introspection.

Tree Surfing and Canopy Walk

Next, elevate your adventure—literally—by partaking in Tree Surfing. This high ropes course offers breathtaking views from the treetops, blending adrenaline with the serene beauty of the surrounding sculptures of nature. Don"t miss the Canopy Walk, a series of suspended bridges and balconies that guide you through the arboreal landscape, offering a unique perspective akin to a living art exhibit.

Sculpture Park and Tube Slides

Continue to the Sculpture Park, where local artists’ works integrate seamlessly with the environment, celebrating Australia"s rich artistic heritage. Engage with each piece, which tells its own story of ecological and cultural significance.

Tube Slides and Enchanted Gardens

Conclude your visit with a thrilling ride down one of the giant tube slides, weaving through the trees like a brushstroke on a verdant canvas. Or, for a more serene finale, wander through the themed gardens, each designed to represent different artistic eras and styles.

Every corner of the Enchanted Adventure Garden offers a blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable, immersive museum-like experience.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.