Saltwater and Seashore

Beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastline inhabit the Victoria region. From Torquay down to Port Campbell, from Cape Schanck up to Brighton, we have spent most of our weekends discovering spectacular shoreline.

The 12 Apostles - and then there were 6. Standing on the cliff at Port Campbell National Park, the view of the remaining Apostles is simply magnificent. With Antarctica the next destination, if feels almost primitive, as if you are standing at the edge of the world.

A seaside delight, tucked away in the hillside between Mt. Eliza and Frankston. We were fortunate enough to stay in a friend's lovely cottage on the Mornington Peninsula. From Frankston to Portsea, we explored the seaside villages of Mornington, Rosebud and Sorrento. Wineries and trattorias are scattered throughout the peninsula, offering tastings, art tours and scrumptious bites. Montalto and T'Gallant have been our favourite discoveries so far, as we enjoyed lazy afternoons in their trattorias which are perched in the vineyards.

The Hysterical Kookaburra

Kookaburras, kangaroos and koalas inhabit the coastline roads from Melbourne to Torquay, and down the Great Ocean Road beyond Apollo Bay. We discovered them in the treetops, on our balcony and in the farmer's fields on our excursions to Torquay and down the GOR to the Otways. The kookaburra has a signature call that sounds like a silly laugh or a monkey in hysterics. And shy, they are not... we fed them on our balcony of our rain forest cottage whilst we read our books, listening to the outrageous comedic banter that filled the air around us.

Sunday Din-Dins at Mirka

Image: Mirka

Nestled in the heart of St. Kilda, Mirka at the Tolarno Hotel is a both a tribute to artist Mirka Mora and a culinary delight. This charming restaurant boasts a flavourful experience from chef Guy Grossi and head chef Brad Bouhalis.

We dined with a full table of friends from Canada and Australia, sampling from the cicchetti (small dishes to share), appetizers, secondi and desserts. Fell in love with the stuffed zucchini flowers (mmmmm) and Grand Marnier brulée.

It was nice to catch up with old friends and add to our Australian to-do list of places to see and restaurants to explore.