Visit Victoria Day 6: Horse Riding at Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre, The Baths, Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens, Peninsula Hot Springs and Dinner at Hotel Sorrento

Visit Victoria Day 6: Horse Riding at Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre, The Baths, Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens, Peninsula Hot Springs and Dinner at Hotel Sorrento

It is day six in Victoria and we are in Mornington Peninsula. So far it has been a hectic fun filled five days in Victoria and we are getting to know more about this place.

First activity of the day is horse riding and we are going to do the “beach and bush ride” at Guannammatta Equestrian Centre.

Beach and Bush ride at Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre

Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre is a fully integrated Equestrian facility situated in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula offering everyone the opportunity to participate in the exhilarating experience of horse riding. With fully trained, friendly staff and quality well-behaved horses.

Firstly, I need to weigh myself. Gosh, I put on a few kilos just a few days in Victoria. My actual weight is used for the staffs to find the proper horse for me. My horse’s name is Gust. Gust is a very handsome and big fella.

Well, my first contact with a horse is when I was around 8-9 years old. I had a short ride back then at Lake Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur. My latest horse ride was last year in Patagonia Argentina. It lasted around half an hour. In short, I’m still sucks in horse riding.

It takes a lot of practice for horse riding especially standing up and down during trotting (term of horse jogging). It didn’t take long where I kept hitting my balls with the saddle during trotting. It wasn’t a fun experience. My position and timing was wrong and I suffered but the view of St. Andrews beach is beautiful.

After an hour of balls banging, I got my timing, position and rhythm right. It was really fun riding back to the center through the bushes.

This is one of the unique experiences I believe it is worth trying for everyone. You don’t get to ride a horse in Malaysia.

Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre Address and Contact:

Crn Truemans & Sandy Rds

Rye VIC 3941

Tel: (03) 5988 6755

Website: www.gunnamatta.com.au

Horse riding is a good exercise and I was really exhausted so we going to have our lunch at Baths Restaurant in Sorrento Bay.

Lunch at Baths Restaurant

The Baths overlooks Sorrento bay, providing a peaceful outlook while serving simple, tasty meals.

Having our lunch overlooking the clear blue sky and crystal blue water is breathtaking.

The food at the Baths is as good as the view. A must visit place in Sorrento! Please book your table to avoid disappointments, this place is usually packed!

This is one of the better lunches so far in Victoria. We are mesmerized by the view and also pampered by the great food, you should visit this restaurant.

The Baths Restaurant Address and Contact:

3278 Point Nepean Rd

Sorrento VIC 3942

Tel: (03) 5984 1500

Website: www.thebaths.com.au

After lunch, we continue our road trip in some of the places of interests in Mornington Peninsula.

Visit Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens

Ashcombe Maze and Water Gardens features over 25 acres of gardens, including woodland walks, rock gardens, exotic tree forest and water falls. The hedge maze is Australia’s oldest and most famous maze enjoyed by all that face the challenge ‘to lose yourself’.

This is a great place for family and friends. There a few mazes there and it is fun getting lost in the maze.

On top of the mazes, they also have beautiful lavender gardens. This is how it looks like and it smells great.

Do try out their lavender food in their café, especially their home made lavender ice-cream. It’s worth trying.

I think this is a great place for pre-wedding photography and also a place great for couples, friends and families. If you really venture the whole place, it can take at least half a day.

Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens Address and Contact:

Shoreham Road

Shoreham VIC 3916

Tel: (03) 5989 8387

Website: www.ashcombemaze.com.au

We are going for a suprise as we will be going for hot spring experience in Peninsula Hot Springs! Yes, I know it is unbelievable but there is a full fledge hot spring centre in Mornington Peninsula.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Natural Hot Mineral Springs have been found deep underground on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. The 50ºC waters rich in healing minerals are now flowing to the surface and into the thermal pools at the new Peninsula Hot Springs. Like the historic and famous spa centres of Europe, the Americas and New Zealand, the natural hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula bring the blissful and healthy pleasure of “taking the waters” to the people.

This is really an outstanding place. I booked the private pool for 45 minutes and it was amazing. I had the private hot spring by my own and I totally enjoyed it.

The facilities there are clean and the services there are amazing. Read more at Peninsula Hot Springs

Peninsula Hot Springs Address and Contact:

140 Devonport Drive

Fingal VIC 3939

Tel: (03) 5950 8777

Website: www.peninsulahotsprings.com

We drive back to Sorrento and dined at this beautiful Hotel Sorrento.

Dinner at Hotel Sorrento

Hotel Sorrento offers captivating views across Port Phillip Bay and surrounding parklands. Built in 1871, the historic limestone building is an architectural icon. Consisting of a first class restaurant, friendly bar, state of the art conference facilities, wellness retreat and stylishly appointed accommodation, Hotel Sorrento has a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel Sorrento is located slightly off the town. It is located exactly at the opposite of Sorrento’s police station. The beautiful hotel offers great dining experience and atmosphere. Dining at Hotel Sorrento is something you can look for while staying or traveling in Sorrento.

Hotel Sorrento Address and Contact:

5 – 15 Hotham Road

Sorrento VIC 3943

Tel: (03) 5984 2206

Fax: (03) 5984 3424

www.hotelsorrento.com.au

After dinner, we went to Coles for some grocery shopping. Then, we went back to our hotel and called it a day. This is our sixth day and we are still energized and thrilled!

Check out my other Visit Victoria days experiences by clicking the link below:

Visit Victoria Day 1: Causeway 353 Hotel, Federation Square, Chinatown, SouthBank, Eureka Skydeck 88, Tutto Bene and Crown Casino

Visit Victoria Day 2: Dandenong Ranges, On Puffing Billy, Olinda, Sassafras, Miss Maple’s Tea Room, Yarra Valley, Domaine Chandon, Sebel Lodge Hotel and Balgownie

Visit Victoria Day 3: Global Ballooning, Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley Dairy, Rayners Stonefruit Orchard, Giant Steps, Koala Conservation Centre, Waves Apartments and Phillip Island Nature Park

Visit Victoria Day 4: A Maze N Things, San Remo’s Fisherman’s Co-op, Heritage Farm at Churchill Island and Dinner at Taylors Waterfront Restaurant

Visit Victoria Day 5: Panny’s Chocolate Factory, Mornington Peninsula, Max’s at Red Hill Estate, Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, Gordon Studio Glass Blowers, Brooklands Best Western and The Rock

Visit Victoria Day 6: Horse Riding at Gunnamatta Equestrian Centre, The Baths, Ashcombe Maze & Water Gardens, Peninsula Hot Springs and Dinner at Hotel Sorrento

Visit Victoria Day 7: Sand Sculpting Exhibition, St. Kilda, Dinner onboard the Colonial Tramcar, Bar tour With Michelle Matthews of Deck of Secrets.

Visit Victoria Day 8: Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, Coffee Tour, Shark Walk, Victoria Market and Chinatown

Visit Victoria Day 9: Gold Class Limousines and Goodbye Australia

Wilson Ng