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 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 Rocks

We started our visit Victoria day 5 in Australia to the Panny’s Chocolate Factory. It is located at the main road of Philip Island and it is located opposite of the A Maze N Things.

The Panny’s Chocolate Factory

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory uses only the finest ingredients and Belgium chocolate in creating their chocolates. Display areas allow visitors to see chocolates being hand made the old fashion way using recipes handed over down the years.

The chocolate factory is fun in a way as there are many mini games involving interactions. I got to make my own chocolate with my own flavor within minutes and that was really fun.

I had a lengthy chat with the owner, Panny who is originated from Malaysia. Another specialty of this factory is the home made Indian food available at the café. The curry as I was told are the top favourites there.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory Address and Contact:

930 Phillip Island Rd

Newhaven VIC 3925

Tel: (03) 5956 6600

Website: www.phillipislandchocolatefactory.com.au

Mornington Peninsula

A popular vacation destination, the Mornington Peninsula curves lazily southwards from Melbourne down Port Phillip Bay to a patchwork of bushland, hills, vineyards and National Parks. The Mornington Peninsula is a scenic resort region, rich in wineries, golf courses, restaurants and art galleries.

There are so many wineries there, I almost lost count. The restaurants there apparently are quite popular too.

Max’s at Red Hill Estate

Red Hill Estate is a 50 acre cool climate property located on one of the most elevated areas of the Mornington Peninsula, and has fantastic Western Port Bay. Twenty-four acres are under vines, featuring mostly Pinot Noir (five clones) and Chardonnay.

Max’s at Red Hill Estate is one of the best restaurants there. This award winning restaurant offers spectacular view of Red Hill.

The lunch there was good with sips of Red Estate’s Pinot Noir as well as their pork dishes.

Max’s at Red Hill Estate Address and Contact:

53 Red Hill-Shoreham Road

Red Hill South VIC 3937

Tel: (03) 5989 2838

Website: www.redhillestate.com.au

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Indulge yourself at Sunny Ridge and enjoy a day picking the most juicy and flavoursome strawberries. Afterwards relax in the Strawberry Centre to enjoy everything strawberry – desserts, wines and homemade icecream. Open daily November – April 9am to 5pm.

We were slightly unlucky as there wasn’t any strawberry picking at that time. However, I do enjoy tasting a variety of strawberry based liquor there such as the strawberry wine as well as the strawberry port. The strawberry ice cream is a must as well!

Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm Address and Contact:

Cnr Shands and Mornington /Flinders Road

Main Ridge VIC 3928

Tel: (03) 5989 4500

Website: www.sunnyridge.com.au

Gordon Studio Glass Blowers (furnace turned off at 4:30).

Gordon Studio Glass Blowers gallery and studio was built in 2005. The gallery incorporates rural views, landscaped exteriors with a bright and open interior space, enabling customers to view a large range of finished art works on display.

See the blowing room and experience the searing heat of the furnaces from the security and comfort of a light filled viewing mezzanine, where you can observe master glass artisans working and learn about the ancient art of glass blowing.

I never thought glass blowing is such technical and difficult. The glass blowers there are world renowned and the glasses available there are beautiful and stylish. The workmanship and design of the glasses there are masterpieces.

Gordon Studio Glass Blowers Address and Contact:

290 Red Hill Road, cnr Dunns Creek Road

Red Hill VIC 3937

Tel: (03) 5989 7073

Website: www.gordonstudio.com.au

We went to check in to our hotel after the hot glass blowing experience. We stayed at the Brooklands Best Western of Mornington which is only minutes away from Red Hill.

Brooklands Best Western Hotel of Mornington

Best Western Brooklands of Mornington is set in over three acres of landscaped gardens offering a quiet and tranquil location ideal for business or pleasure. A short walk to local shops, restaurant and beaches

This is my second Best Western experience in this few years. The indoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi is something to look for here as well as personal ala carte complimentary breakfast.

Best Western Brooklands of Mornington Address and Contact:

99 Tanti Ave Ave

Mornington VIC 3931

Tel: (03) 5973 9200

We were told about a lovely restaurant at the Mornington Yacht Club, it is called The Rocks.

The Rocks

The restaurant overlooks the yachts and the sea. The seafood is very popular there and not forgetting also their huge varieties of tarts available. Always look out for the catch of the day and their specials!

I love the freshness of the seafood and also the taste of their food. I tasted some of their oysters and I loved it. No wonder the restaurant is popular with locals and this is another hidden gem if you ask me.
The Rocks Address and Contact:

Mornington Yacht Club
1 Schnapper Point Dr
Mornington 3931

Tel: 03 59735599

Website: http://www.therocksmornington.com.au

Another activities filled day in Victoria and discovering Mornington Peninsula. I enjoyed my experience at Panny’s Chocolate Factory and also some of the places of interests in Mornington Peninsula. Simple more than meets the eye.

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