7 cool Victorian coastal destinations
It’s time to slip your feet into a pair of thongs, grab your sunhat and cruise on down to your favourite seaside spot. So, what’s been happening since you were last down the beach?
Quite a bit, actually – once-sleepy beach towns are bursting with so much colour and culinary goodness that you’ll want to move there for good.
Here’s our round-up of the latest and greatest seaside sensations.
ALATONERO MCCRAE
The most recent venture from the team behind Stillwater at Crittenden is Greek restaurant Alatonero – or “saltwater” in English.
“I lived in Greece in my 20s, and I saw a huge gap in the market on the peninsula,” says Jacqui Poulier, who owns the restaurant with husband Zac.
Food is prepared using locally-sourced ingredients, such as lamb from Gippsland, seafood from the peninsula and fruit and vegetables from local growers.
Throughout summer there will be a spitroast and Sunday sessions with DJs, where guests can relax in the garden with a Santorini Donkey (aka Moscow Mule) in hand.
- 671 Point Nepean Road, McCrae
- 5981 1202
- Open breakfast, lunch and dinner over the holidays.
- alatonero.com.au
YOKE YOGA TORQUAY
Coastal dweller Chris Wilson has finally opened a seaside iteration of his much-loved South Melbourne studio. The former warehouse space was designed by Folk Architects.
“We wanted to keep the materials natural but keep the warehouse look and feel,” co-owner Patch Thompson says.
The place has been transformed into an open, light-filled studio, complete with skylights and a fireplace. Two yoga rooms are separated by bifold doors, plus there are osteo, massage and acupuncture consultation rooms.
Yoke offers at least four classes of Vinyasa-based practice a day.
- 2 Baines Crescent, Torquay
- 5264 6439
- yokeyoga.com.au
MR MORCE SORRENTO
Named after one of the original Sorrento locals, a stonemason known for his lively nature, this bright and breezy cafe features a sandstone fireplace, crockery in oceanic hues, a bar where one can sit and enjoy freshly shucked oysters and champagne, a sunny courtyard out the back and front windows that open out onto the street.
Mr Morce is the creation of two local families, who were “looking for places they could drop into and unwind”.
Meanwhile, head chef Tom Anderson (ex-Montalto) will be bringing innovation to the mix by experimenting with local produce.
- 182 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
- 5984 1838
- Open 9am til late
- mrmorce.com.au
FLORENCE & THREADS OCEAN GROVE
This little gem is housed in a big white building with loads of natural light and a healthy splash of pastel colours.
Beth O’Halloran sells a mix of relaxed, well-priced clothing and homewares for women and men, including brands such as Assembly Label, The Fifth Label, Baggu and Ernest and Joe jewellery.
“The homewares and gifts are mostly handmade in Melbourne and Geelong, which I think adds a point of difference to the store,” Beth says.
The place is named after Beth’s black Labrador, Florence – although it’s just the threads that are for sale, not the dog.
- 3/82 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
- 5255 4998
- Open 7 days
- florenceandthreads.com.au
IGNI RESTAURANT GEELONG
Igni is the brainchild of Jo Smith, Drew Hamilton and Aaron Turner (who was voted chef of the year at the The Age Good Food Guide 2017 awards). The restaurant name is a nod to Aaron’s cooking style, which is over an open flame – though Drew is quick to point out that this does not mean Igni is a meat or grill restaurant. Rather, it’s modern Australian with a strong focus on vegies and keeping patrons on their toes.
“There’s no menu,” Drew says. “We do a five or eight-course degustation, with or without pairing. The food is always changing. Despite the fact that Aaron’s cooking on fire, the flavours are very subtle.”
- 2 Ryan Place, Geelong
- 5222 2266
- Open Thursday dinner, Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch
- restaurantigni.com
OCEAN REACH BREWING PHILLIP ISLAND
So-called because of its proximity to world-class surf breaks, this little brewpub is the creation of Simon Bismire.
“Travelling through Tasmania visiting other small bars and breweries is what really inspired the idea of running our own brewpub,” says Simon, who has been in the brewing game for years and has a passion for fresh, quality craft beer.
Beer is handcrafted on site using traditional brewing methods. Also available are locally sourced wine and cheese platters. Gourmet burgers and barbecue will be served during summer months.
- 47 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
- Open 7 days a week in the summer holidays
- oceanreach.beer
Our yummy cheese platter, open 3rd Dec #craftbrewing #visitphillipisland #bimbadeenphillipisland pic.twitter.com/kgsamZMTIT
— Ocean Reach Brewing (@OceanReachBeer) December 1, 2016
HEPBURN POP-UP SPA LORNE
We’ve seen pop-up shops and pop-up cafes, and now here is pop-up wellness.
The first step in Hepburn Wellness’s plan to transform the Lorne Sea Baths into the country’s first saltwater bathhouse and spa, the pop-up “will give visitors a preview of what’s to come, with a range of marine-based therapies on offer”, regional manager Karen Golden says.
These therapies will use ingredients such as seaweed and microalgae, which have been historically used in European cultures for their myriad health benefits.
The final product will include 10 private hot saltwater bathing suites, a hammam (Turkish bath) and plenty more.
- Lorne Sea Baths, 81 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
- hepburnwellness.com
- Book via 0466 512 409