Our annual Christmas in July is back at Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door!

One of our favourite weekends of the year returns this July, with the restaurant transformed into a festive winter setting, complete with twinkling lights, cosy decorations, roaring fire and plenty of Christmas spirit!

Join us for a beautifully designed 3- course menu with mulled wine on arrival- The perfect excuse to gather friends, family or colleagues for a long winter lunch or dinner.

It’s always one of the highlights of our winter calendar and tables quickly fill each year.

$139 per person – bookings essential.

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If you’ve joined us before, you’ll know these nights strike the perfect balance — relaxed, social, and built around great conversation, thoughtful food and beautifully matched wines.

This is not a formal, sit-down-and-stay-quiet kind of night. It’s shared tables, flowing conversation, and a menu designed to move with the wines — each course bringing out something different in the glass.

Whether you’re deep into wine or just enjoy a great night out, you’ll feel right at home.

First Course

Mantons Creek Reserve Sparkling Cuvée 2021

Ham hock terrine, baked fig, burnt honey & lemon drizzle, hand-rolled lavosh

Second Course

Kyberd Hills Chardonnay 2021

Monkfish en paupiette, sweet tomato, dill, white beans, tomato coral tuille

Third Course

Kyberd Hills Brigadier Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Rendered duck breast, duck neck sausage, mandarin sauce, caramelised sweet potato

Fourth Course

Kyberd Hills El Rubio Tempranillo 2023

Slow cooked ox tail wrapped in kataifi pastry, baby beetroot, rosemary oil

Refresher

Watermelon sorbet

Final Course

Dessert Wine – TBC

Orange blossom & vanilla brûlée, white chocolate tuille, freeze dried raspberry

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While rum is undoubtedly the star of the show at JimmyRum, the culinary experience is equally noteworthy. The distillery boasts a satisfying menu crafted by their talented kitchen team, offering an array of dishes that are a delightful surprise. Dive into standout dishes like the Grilled Saganaki with Caviar and Preserved Lemon Oil, or savour the Drunken Chicken Ribs with Hot Mint—arguably the best chicken ribs this side of Austin, Texas. For a decadent side, try the Duck Fat Potatoes; once you’ve tasted these, you’ll never look at fries the same way again. Don’t miss the Truffle and Parmesan Croquettes, balls of wonder that will leave you craving more. Of course, we can go past, let alone omit the Wakame Spiced Calamari with Wasabi dipping sauce.

For those with a heartier appetite, the main menu offers dishes like Beef Eye Filllet Steak, Pork Belly, and Nduja Stuffed Chicken, along with beautifully Roasted Eggplant. This vibrant selection ensures that JimmyRum isn’t just a working distillery but a standalone restaurant capable of satisfying the most discerning customers in an environment as relaxing as it is charming.

An Ambiance That Embraces All

Jimmy Rum’s sprawling, west-facing garden is a sight to behold. It’s a space where families can truly relax, with ample room for kids to frolic and explore. And the best part? It’s dog-friendly, too. The garden provides shelter from the elements, ensuring that your visit is enjoyable. The rustic charm of the Mornington Peninsula is palpable here, creating an ambience that’s both inviting and serene.

Redefining Your Perception of Rum

At its core, JimmyRum is on a mission to revolutionise how we perceive rum. From dark and light varieties to spiced and agricole, they showcase the spirit’s versatility and depth. Their commitment to education and exploration is evident, with tastings that invite you to discover the nuanced flavours of rum from around the world. You’ve probably tried these cocktails at least once or heard of them, but did you know that rum is a base spirit? Mojito, The Hemingway Daiquiri, Bloody Mary, Mai Tai, Dark ‘n’ Stormy, Cube Libre, Pinot Colada and to name but a few.

Embrace the Spirit of JimmyRum

Whether you’re a rum fan or a curious visitor looking for a distinctive dining experience, JimmyRum Distillery welcomes you with open arms. It’s a place where laughter flows as freely as the drinks, and every visit promises new discoveries and a few cherished moments. It is also refreshing to find a place with just the right balance between ambience and good value.

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It helps that one of them was already running the renowned Remy Tapas Y Vino in downtown Glenferrie Road, Malvern. The two friends we talk about here are restaurateurs Ramy Malaeb and Oscar Del Rio. Their tapas bar – Tio Tapas Y Vino – has quickly gained a loyal following for its creative food and vibe that focuses on a quality transformational Catalonian experience.

In Spain, as we have here in the Mornington, customs surrounding the eating of tapas vary significantly. Each tapas experience is profoundly different from one city to the next. Tapa literally means “a cover” or “a lid” – and this is a joint facet to many tapas origin stories. There are many stories, but the one we like says that tapas bars used to be standing-only affairs. It was known that people who ordered a snack usually put their plate on top of the glass they were drinking from because there was no other room on the bar or table.

Today it’s normal to consume an entire meal of tapas – which is referred to as tapear – and because of this popularity, the global tapas scene has evolved into a sophisticated culinary experience. Tio Tapas Y Vino is firmly entrenched in this movement, a very modern Spanish bar and restaurant with its own take on the traditional tapas, including non-Spanish ingredients. Tio Tapas Y Vino is a jewel for anyone committed to finding an excellent tapa experience. On colder days, you will enjoy the crowd inside this modern Mornington institution with aspirations of transforming you into the heart of Catalonia. On warmer days, the vibe spills out onto the outdoor area overlooking Main Street, Mornington. Fresh and simple dishes are the cornerstones of this beachside address with a very sophisticated yet easy-going feel.

Tio Tapas Y Vino has an extensive menu and drinks list with a range of foods to please a broad palette from croquettes to plates of octopus. No one has to commit to just one dish. Whether you need to meet a client who’s in a rush, or you want to share food and wine with family and friends over a few hours, this is an excellent place to consider. Most dishes are a little bigger than the standard fair, making them ideal for sharing. The restaurant bar itself is not big, but just that perfect size. We love the atmosphere; if you come out of the busy periods, you get an element of peace and quiet. As lunch service or late afternoon turns into the night, so does the volume and the fun. On the weekends, the vibe is supplemented with live acoustic music – Ole!

Main Street, Mornington has become a hot foodie district these days. Tio Tapas Y Vino fits into this groove perfectly and brings something culturally new to the region. The Peninsula’s largest suburb is more diverse and cosmopolitan than ever. It really shows in new establishments like this one – with its sophisticated and distinctly Catalan (Barcelona) feel. The restaurant attracts a loyal following with its own takes on traditional Spanish Tapas dishes, strong cocktails, and an excellent selection of wine.

Do you want more? What sets this Peninsula suburb apart from the likes of, say, inner-city Melbourne or the CBD is that the atmosphere is far more casual than you would expect. Perhaps it’s the beachside vibe and feel of Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula? Go on, get in the car and head to Mornington’s Tio Tapas Y Vino. No matter where you are in Melbourne, it’s no more than an hour trip or a few minutes from neighbouring suburbs of Mount Martha, Safety Beach, Dromana or Red Hill. We’ll see you there – Adios!

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A Journey from Classroom to Vineyard. Lindsay McCall, a former geography teacher, planted his first vines in 1985. By 1996, he had left teaching to fully immerse himself in winemaking, driven by a passion sparked by a taste of a 1980 Seville Estate Shiraz. His hands-on approach and relentless pursuit of quality have made Paringa Estate synonymous with exceptional wines. The home vineyard may be modest in size, but the quality of its fruit, combined with select regional vineyards, produces wines of unmatched complexity and character.

Paringa Estate is renowned for its dense and rich Pinot Noir, and Shiraz with spicy herbal notes and concentrated fruit flavours. The Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are equally compelling, full of varietal flavour and complexity. James Halliday has consistently rated Paringa Estate with five stars, highlighting the exceptional gift Lindsay has for winemaking.

Paringa Estate Pinot Noir is dense and rich while the Shiraz has spicy herbal notes and concentrated fruit flavours. The Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are full of varietal flavour and complexity.  James Halliday rates Paringa Estate five out of five wine glasses in the new edition of the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion:  ‘Lindsay McCall has shown an absolutely exceptional gift for winemaking across a range of styles, but with immensely complex Pinot Noir and Shiraz leading the way. The wines have an unmatched level of success in the wine shows and competitions Paringa Estate is able to enter, the limitation being the relatively small production of the top wines in the portfolio.’

The estate’s wine portfolio is divided into three distinct series:

• Peninsula Series Wines: Sourced from leased vineyards and select sites around the Mornington Peninsula, these wines emphasise lively fruit flavours and the region’s distinctive style.
• Estate Series Wines: Made from the low-yielding, mature vines on the estate, these wines are aged in new French oak barrels, combining powerful fruit flavours with meticulous winemaking to create the unique Paringa “style.”
• Single Vineyard Series Wines: The pinnacle of Paringa’s portfolio, these wines come from the oldest blocks in the home vineyard. Only made in exceptional vintages, these wines are a pure expression of Paringa’s unique terroir.

The Paringa Estate Restaurant, opened in 1999, offers an exquisite dining experience with expansive vineyard and valley views. The dining room, with its rich timber ceiling and wood fire, provides warmth and intimacy for lunch and evening dining, while the deck captures the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Under the leadership of Head Chef Nick McGonigal, who brings an impressive resume including stints at The Ledbury, Bentley Bar & Restaurant, and Society, the restaurant’s menu is a celebration of the region’s bounty. McGonigal’s philosophy revolves around respect for nature, place, and seasonality, sourcing beef from Gippsland, pork from the Western Plains, mussels from Mt Martha, and cod from Lakes Entrance. He even forages for wild mushrooms and sea herbs, incorporating these unique ingredients into his dishes.

Dishes are always seasonal and change but the following are indicative of what your tastebuds can expect to devour – standouts in the past included grilled saganaki with caviar and preserved lemon oil, drunken chicken ribs with hot mint, duck fat potatoes, wakame spiced calamari with wasabi dipping sauce, and truffle and parmesan croquettes to name but a few. For heartier appetites, the main menu offers beef eye fillet steak, pork belly, and nduja stuffed chicken, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Lindsay’s journey from a wine enthusiast to the owner of one of Australia’s top wineries is nothing short of inspirational. His first vintage in 1987 may have been modest, but it set the stage for decades of award-winning wines and culinary excellence. The first commercial vintage was in 1988, and by 1996, Lindsay was able to devote himself full-time to winemaking.

His first major accolade came in 1990 when his Shiraz won gold at the Yarra Valley Wine Show. This was just the beginning of a cascade of awards, culminating in 2007 when Paringa Estate was named “Best Winery in Australia” in the James Halliday Wine Companion.

Today, the winery continues to thrive under the watchful eye of Lindsay and his son, Jamie McCall, who has followed in his father’s footsteps to become head winemaker. Jamie, with his international experience and passion for viticulture, is poised to carry the legacy of Paringa Estate well into the future.

Whether you’re there for a wine tasting at the beautifully refurbished cellar door, a delightful meal at the award-winning restaurant, or to celebrate a special occasion among the vines, Paringa Estate promises an experience that engages all the senses. The cellar door offers a chance to taste the currently available wines and learn about Paringa’s grape growing and winemaking processes, often with Lindsay himself on hand to share his knowledge and passion.

Paringa Estate hosts stunning events year-round and the estate’s combination of exceptional wine, fine food, and breathtaking views makes it a premier destination for both locals and visitors.

Paringa Estate is located at 44 Paringa Road, Red Hill South. For more information and to book your visit, check out their website above.

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Jazz, Food & Wine Ticket includes entry into the winery, live jazz entertainment for the day, slow cooked winter meals (vegetarian option also available) plus an etched Paringa Estate ‘Plumm’ wine glass to keep, with a glass of your favourite Paringa Estate ‘Peninsula’ wine.

11am Wine Bar Opens

12-2pm Chef’s Winery Kitchen Open

12:30–3:30pm Live Jazz

4pm Event Concludes

This year’s event is strictly limited to just 150 tickets to ensure a relaxed, safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Tickets will be available at the door only if not sold out in advance. Booking early is recommended.

A small number of children’s tickets are also available, which include a kids’ meal.

Tickets

$75 Adult

$35 Children

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of jazz, blues and roots with some of Melbourne’s most celebrated musicians.

The legendary Bob Sedergreen, inducted into the Bell Awards Jazz Hall of Fame, brings his signature touch on keys. Joining him is Paul Williamson, renowned saxophonist, vocalist, and bandleader who is a true master of jazz and blues. Michael Jordan, long-time drummer and vocalist with Paul’s iconic combo, lays down the groove, while Jon Chidgey brings decades of experience on electric bass, including years alongside Bob in the Stonnington Jazz Showband.

Topping off this stellar line-up is our special guest, Kerri Simpson who is the undisputed queen of blues, soul, and gospel with a rich catalogue of acclaimed albums.

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Immerse yourself in the colour, sound and spirit of Japan.

Inspired by Kodomo no Hi, the beloved Japanese Children’s Day festival, our first-ever Japanese Cultural Celebration brings to life the traditions and beauty of Japanese culture across a magical full day at the Peninsula Hot Springs.

Join us for Koinobori origami workshops, a guided Story-Sound Bathing Journey, a Japanese-inspired menu in the Bath House Cafe and Bar’s Izakaya-style pop-up, and an unmissable Gala performance in our Bath House Amphitheatre featuring Melbourne’s celebrated taiko ensemble Wadaiko Rindo, Ken Furukawa on bamboo flute, and the enchanting koto and shakuhachi duo of Brandon Lee and Anne Norman.

Celebrate culture, connection and the joy of the season, all a complimentary inclusion with your bathing experience.

Our Program:

Koinobori Origami Workshop | 10am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm

A gentle, hands-on cultural activity centred on creating traditional Japanese carp streamers using the art of paper folding. Inspired by Kodomo no Hi, this workshop will begin with a short introduction to the meaning of koinobori, which symbolises strength, perseverance, and healthy growth. To follow, you will be guided step by step through folding techniques to craft your own carp form, moving with care and focus, making this a calming and meditative craft suitable for both children and adults to enjoy.

Global Sound Bathing Journey | 10am, 11:30am and 1pm

Immerse yourself in a deeply restorative sound bathing experience designed to calm the mind and body. This guided journey celebrates the story of Peninsula Hot Springs and its evolution, accompanied by inspirational music and gentle storytelling. A multi-sensory journey that invites you to slow down, reconnect and fully unwind in our tranquil natural setting

Brandon Lee (koto) and Anne Norman (shakuhachi) Gala Music Performance | 5:30pm to 6pm

Koto performer Brandon Lee and shakuhachi artist Anne Norman come together in a dynamic duo that bridges traditional Japanese music with contemporary and cross-cultural collaboration. Both artists work across genres, partnering with musicians from diverse musical backgrounds to explore new sonic possibilities, and both perform and collaborate extensively across Australia and internationally. Together, they create performances that are both meditative and exploratory, drawing on the rich traditions of koto and shakuhachi alongside modern influences and improvisation, including original compositions.

During our Japanese Cultural Celebration, the duo will present a selection of traditional and contemporary works, a nuanced and evolving dialogue between two iconic Japanese instruments.

Wadaiko Rindo and Ken Furukawa Gala Music Performance | 6:15pm to 7pm

Toshi Sakamoto first arrived in Australia as part of a Japanese cultural exchange team, spending nine months delivering cultural activities centred on taiko performance. In 1996 he was invited back, and that same year settled in Australia, establishing Melbourne’s first ever professional taiko training classes. The advanced students from these classes went on to join Toshi and Junko Sakamoto in forming the ensemble Wadaiko Rindo.

Wadaiko Rindo has gone from strength to strength, sharing the beauty of Japanese music through classes and performances at music, arts and cultural festivals, and educational forums across Australia, as well as overseas tours to Fiji, New Caledonia, China and Japan. Now, for the first time, Wadaiko Rindo brings their dynamic taiko drumming ensemble to Peninsula Hot Springs as the headline act of our inaugural Japanese Cultural Celebration, joined by Ken Furukawa on shinobue (bamboo flute)

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This Mother’s Day weekend, Sheraton Melbourne is teaming up with Red Hill Candle Co and Red Hill Perfume Co to offer two scent-led workshops: candle making and perfume making. These are designed to help people slow down, make something by hand, and spend time together in a more meaningful way.

Held across Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May, each workshop includes sparkling wine, canapés and the chance to create something personal to take home — whether that’s a custom candle or a signature perfume.

For those wanting to mark the weekend with a little more heart and a little more substance, this is a lovely way to do it. You can choose from the following two workshops.

Candle Making Workshop

Create your own scented candle using a wide selection of fragrance notes, from soft florals and creamy vanilla through to warmer, more grounded botanical blends. Guided by a scent specialist, you’ll blend, pour and finish your candle with a personalised label — leaving with something made by hand and uniquely yours.

Perfume Making Workshop

Design your own fragrance and turn it into a 10ml Eau de Parfum to take home. Working through different scent notes and combinations, you’ll create something that feels individual, memorable and entirely your own.

Why We Love It

Scent is one of the most powerful carriers of memory, often taking us back in an instant. Natural fragrance, too, has long been associated with a sense of uplift and wellbeing.

More than a gift, these workshops are about time together — a chance to pause, create and share an experience that lingers well beyond the weekend itself.

Workshop Details 

• Dates: Saturday9 May and Sunday 10 May, 2026
• Session Times:
• 11 am | Candle making workshops
• 2 pm | Perfume workshops

Duration: 60 minutes per workshop and Includes:
Guided workshop experience
Your bespoke candle or perfume to take home per person
Sparkling wine and canapés
A relaxed setting within the 5 star Sheraton Melbourne
Make a Day of It

If you feel like stretching the occasion a little further, you can follow your workshop with lunch or drinks at Little Collins Street Kitchen, or head upstairs to The Terrace Bar Melbourne for rooftop views, weather permitting.

Reserve Your Place

Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate setting. Book now and create something you will treasure — long after Mother’s Day.

Where?

Sheraton Melbourne
27 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Book at: https://www.sevenrooms.com/xjUoQj7f

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Soak, Relax, Repeat

At the heart of the Peninsula’s wellbeing scene are its renowned geothermal springs. A visit to Peninsula Hot Springs is almost a rite of passage. Nestled among rolling dunes, this award-winning wellness destination offers over 70 globally inspired bathing experiences.

Slip into naturally heated mineral pools, ranging from tranquil hillside baths with sweeping views to intimate cave-like spaces perfect for quiet reflection. The waters, rich in minerals, are known for easing muscle tension and promoting deep relaxation — ideal after a busy week in the city.

For those seeking a more elevated experience, the Spa Dreaming Centre offers private bathing, luxurious treatments, and serene spaces reserved for adults. It’s the kind of place where time seems to pause, allowing you to fully switch off.

A New Era of Wellness

For a contemporary take on relaxation, discover Aurora Spa and Bathhouse. This modern wellness sanctuary blends sleek design with immersive experiences, creating a space that feels both grounding and indulgent.

Aurora’s bathing rituals are thoughtfully curated, combining geothermal pools, steam rooms, and saunas to guide you through a journey of hot and cold therapy. It’s not just about relaxation — it’s about rejuvenation, circulation, and restoring balance.

Your Perfect Reset

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer retreat, the Mornington Peninsula offers something increasingly rare — space to slow down. Here, wellness isn’t rushed or complicated. It’s as simple as soaking in warm mineral waters, breathing in fresh coastal air, and allowing yourself the time to truly unwind.

You’ll arrive feeling like you need a break — and leave wondering why you didn’t come sooner.

The post Slow Down and Reconnect appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

1. Red Hill Lavender Farm and Café

There’s a unique peace that settles over you when you visit the Red Hill Lavender Farm and Café. After a brief period of closure, this beloved destination has reopened, welcoming guests with a renewed charm. With an interior refresh and lush grounds, the farm has blossomed in more ways than one. The lavender fields are in full bloom during autumn, filling the air with a calming fragrance. Visitors can enjoy a serene café experience with delicious seasonal treats, all while surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s a place where time slows down, and you can truly reconnect with yourself and the landscape.

2. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

By day, the Moonlit Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Wander through the park, feed the Black Wallabies, and learn about critically endangered species like the Orange-bellied Parrot and the Bush Thick-knee. The sanctuary is home to a remarkable array of animals, including the Fluffy Glider and the Tasmanian Devil. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a mystical landscape during its famous lantern-lit tours. Experience the magic of nocturnal creatures like owls and gliders in their natural habitat, while the wallabies become even more active as night falls. It’s a truly unique way to connect with Australia’s wildlife.

3. Gordon Studio Glassblowers

Witnessing the delicate art of glassblowing is a mesmerizing experience, and at Gordon Studio Glassblowers, you can not only admire stunning pieces of glass art but also watch the process in action. This centuries-old craft dates back to the Roman Empire and has been perfected into functional and decorative masterpieces over time. At Gordon Studio, you can find vibrant glass artworks for sale or take a workshop to try your hand at creating your own. It’s an inspiring experience for art lovers and curious visitors alike.

4. Arthurs Seat Eagle

Soar to new heights this autumn with a ride on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, a scenic gondola that offers breathtaking views of the Mornington Peninsula. The gondola ride takes you over lush forests and rolling hills, providing a bird’s-eye view of the region’s stunning landscapes. This experience is perfect for all ages, with wheelchair and pram-friendly facilities ensuring that everyone can join in on the adventure. Whether you’re looking to embrace the exhilaration of heights or simply soak in the beauty from above, Arthurs Seat Eagle promises an uplifting experience that will leave you feeling inspired.

5. Aurora Spa and Bathhouse

Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in self-care, and what better way to do so than at the Aurora Spa & Bathhouse? Inspired by ancient bathing rituals from cultures around the world, Aurora offers a modern twist on communal bathing that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula, this spa experience is more than just a soak—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself and nature. From tranquil thermal baths to rejuvenating spa treatments, Aurora is designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Escape the stresses of everyday life and let the warm waters melt away your tension.

6. Red Hill Brewery

Autumn brings a flurry of activity to Red Hill Brewery, especially during the annual Hop Harvest in March. It’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at hop picking, all while enjoying a delicious meal and freshly brewed beer. For beer lovers, it’s an opportunity to experience the entire brewing process, from hop harvest to the finished product. The brewery was founded by Karen and Dave Golding, inspired by the small microbreweries they visited during their travels through Germany, Belgium, and England. The family-friendly atmosphere and rich history behind the brewery make it a must-visit spot on the Peninsula.

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