Our lily Eliza Hill shares one of her favourite weekend destinations
The Mornington Peninsula
For anyone in Melbourne and at a loss for what to do over a weekend, I urge you to explore the southern splendour that is the Mornington Peninsula, a chilled out beachside culture a mere 90 minute drive from the big city lights. This narrow slice of coast is flanked by azure coastline with each side so vastly different from the other, making the MP the ultimate day trip destination.
EAT & SHOP: Emu Plains Market
Emu Plains Market is the go-to destination for good vibes on a Saturday morning. On the third Saturday of every month in the coastal town of Balnarring (about an hour drive from Melbourne), a clutch of conscious pioneers meet under the stringybarks of the Emu Plains Reserve to create a trail of offerings that are refreshingly grounded. Think hemp lattes, fresh produce, organic and ethical skin care, vintage threads and fresh produce, every maker has something different to offer and a liberating story share.
Generally speaking, these makers craft mindfully ensuring their products are gentle on our earth, which is why sourcing treasures and fresh produce from your local market can lessen your impact on this beautiful world. By purchasing fresh produce from local growers, we can directly support the community and minimise emissions associated with transport- it almost always comes free from plastic and packaging too! I also love to trawl the vintage racks in search of cool pieces to accompany my Tigerlily. Investing in pre-loved goods breathes new life into old clothes that would otherwise end up in landfill. Drop in on my Emu Plains favourites, Birney & Co and Feather At Your Foot!
….Don’t forget to BYO basket and reusable coffee cup so you can enjoy a market brew while you explore.
What to wear
COFFEE & TREATS: Conscious Cravings Co Cafe
Tucked away in what was once a commercial estate for an old orchard packing shed, Conscious Cravings Co is a heavenly nook set amongst the rural paddocks of Moorooduc. Just veer left off the dusty highway to find the all-white heritage building that dishes up edible love in the prettiest of forms. Nourish your body with food in it’s natural and pure state here, thanks to the abundance of organic, vegan, gluten free and raw creations on offer, not to mention the best house made nut mylks going. For me, it’s an almond mylk latte and avo on toast followed by a sublime raw choc mint slice- it would be extremely rude not to.
What to wear
EXPLORE & RELAX: Mornington Peninsula’s Beaches
For me, jumping in the car and driving to the Peninsula is the rejuvenating antidote to the bustle of the daily grind. This slice of coast is just an hour or so drive from Melbourne and has so many enchanting spots. Head to the south side for rugged coast, endemic plant life and rocky headlands- good for eyeballing the sea for hours and experiencing pure escapism. Flip over to the north side for glassy bayside swims and all-day lays on the sand. Wherever you are, the ocean gives us so much, we have it to thank for every second breath of oxygen we take which is why we must protect it from human impact. By taking at least 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, you can make a lasting difference to the environment- #take3forthesea is a clean beach initiative. If we all do a little bit, together we can make a big difference.
STAY: Big Blue Backyard
Check out the gorgeous rooms at Big Blue Backyard... "the romance of the sea, the curves of the dunes, the stillness of the bush..."
What to pack
Don’t leave the Mornington Peninsula without popping into Tigerlily Sorrento to say Hi!
Eliza xx
Eliza Hill- @eliza.hill
Demi Lee Wilson- @demiileeee
Photography by Paris Tilley- @paristilleyphotography