Base Haven Local Guidebook
Brunch Spots
All of these are super local to Base Haven!
Hands down my favourite place for brunch! The food is next level and they have possibly the best eggs benne on the planet.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Phase Two
3050 Frankston - Flinders RdHands down my favourite place for brunch! The food is next level and they have possibly the best eggs benne on the planet.
I love the vibe at Merricks General Wine Store, it's super chilled in the cafe & they have a gorgeous outdoor deck that can be closed in the winter or open in the summer. In winter the fire is usually lit so you can cosy up with a coffee or a bowl of soup. It gets really busy during peak periods so it's best to go early! They also have a restaurant area which can be booked for functions, and there's a little providor where you can pick up yummy treats such as chocolates, deli items, fancy crackers & of course wine from the cellar door.
123 recommandé par les habitants
Merricks General Store
3460 Frankston - Flinders RdI love the vibe at Merricks General Wine Store, it's super chilled in the cafe & they have a gorgeous outdoor deck that can be closed in the winter or open in the summer. In winter the fire is usually lit so you can cosy up with a coffee or a bowl of soup. It gets really busy during peak periods so it's best to go early! They also have a restaurant area which can be booked for functions, and there's a little providor where you can pick up yummy treats such as chocolates, deli items, fancy crackers & of course wine from the cellar door.
If you’re tired of spending $25 on brunch that leaves you hungry afterwards, this local favourite will leave you completely satisfied. My favourite is the vegan smashed avo with added bacon. Not kidding. The brekkie burger is also excellent.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Village People Balnarring
3050 Frankston - Flinders RdIf you’re tired of spending $25 on brunch that leaves you hungry afterwards, this local favourite will leave you completely satisfied. My favourite is the vegan smashed avo with added bacon. Not kidding. The brekkie burger is also excellent.
Somers General is a gorgeous spot for brekkie - they have a deck with glimpses of the ocean & the whole place just has a really chilled vibe. There’s also a gorgeous store attached with lots of beautiful goodies.
12 recommandé par les habitants
The Somers General
2 The BlvdSomers General is a gorgeous spot for brekkie - they have a deck with glimpses of the ocean & the whole place just has a really chilled vibe. There’s also a gorgeous store attached with lots of beautiful goodies.
Local Restaurants & Takeaway
We are spoilt for choice in Balnarring! So many great dinner options...
Super delicious food without any pretentiousness. Great with a small group or just a couple - or, a larger group but order multiples of each share plate because you won’t be satisfied with just one bite of each! If you see parmesan custard or a wood fired cookie in the menu, ORDER IT!!
Get there early & do a wine tasting.
Save time after dinner for a cocktail at Flaggerdoot just for fun.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Rare Hare Wine & Food Store
166 Balnarring RdSuper delicious food without any pretentiousness. Great with a small group or just a couple - or, a larger group but order multiples of each share plate because you won’t be satisfied with just one bite of each! If you see parmesan custard or a wood fired cookie in the menu, ORDER IT!!
Get there early & do a wine tasting.
Save time after dinner for a cocktail at Flaggerdoot just for fun.
Proudly local & supportive of small business, Tulum Store is run by local superstar Catherine & she honestly makes the BEST hot chips that come in a box & brown paper bag!
Also, it happens to be the case that my friends & I won a competition for creating a new burger that is now a permanent fixture on the menu at Tulum! 🍔
Try it out - it’s called the Fauconshawe Burger and it’s a mouthful in all senses.
Pretty sure the store is only open for breakfast & lunch - best just to swing past on your way to the beach!
Tulum Store
181 Balnarring Beach RdProudly local & supportive of small business, Tulum Store is run by local superstar Catherine & she honestly makes the BEST hot chips that come in a box & brown paper bag!
Also, it happens to be the case that my friends & I won a competition for creating a new burger that is now a permanent fixture on the menu at Tulum! 🍔
Try it out - it’s called the Fauconshawe Burger and it’s a mouthful in all senses.
Pretty sure the store is only open for breakfast & lunch - best just to swing past on your way to the beach!
The staff are pretty angry but witnessing the antics at this classic family-run fish & chip shop is an experience in itself.
Classically solid fish, chips, burgers & souvlakis.
Balnarring Fish & Chips
3050 Frankston - Flinders RdThe staff are pretty angry but witnessing the antics at this classic family-run fish & chip shop is an experience in itself.
Classically solid fish, chips, burgers & souvlakis.
Fantastic wood fired pizza selection - check Instagram for their weekly special! Also love their meatballs and chicken wings (for take away). Make sure you order ahead of time, or pre-order & collect at a specific time because sometimes the wait is quite long especially over the weekend.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Fontalina
8 Russell StFantastic wood fired pizza selection - check Instagram for their weekly special! Also love their meatballs and chicken wings (for take away). Make sure you order ahead of time, or pre-order & collect at a specific time because sometimes the wait is quite long especially over the weekend.
A local institution - on a cold night cosy up indoors or during summer enjoy their beautiful deck. Authentic Italian! Great wood fired pizza and a decent a la carte menu too. Must visit while you're here.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Ciao Bella Pizzeria and Wine Bar
2998 Frankston - Flinders RdA local institution - on a cold night cosy up indoors or during summer enjoy their beautiful deck. Authentic Italian! Great wood fired pizza and a decent a la carte menu too. Must visit while you're here.
Unpretentious French! So many people I meet say that this is their favourite restaurant when they learn I live in Balnarring. Not too fancy, decent value for amazing cuisine. Treat yourself!
43 recommandé par les habitants
Le Bouchon French Cuisine
2-8 Russell StUnpretentious French! So many people I meet say that this is their favourite restaurant when they learn I live in Balnarring. Not too fancy, decent value for amazing cuisine. Treat yourself!
Don't expect Richmond or Springvale level Thai... think more country town and order accordingly. But they do deliver, and if you're hankering for a Pad Thai or some satay sticks it will probably hit the spot.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Chilli N Lime Pty
2432 Frankston - Flinders RdDon't expect Richmond or Springvale level Thai... think more country town and order accordingly. But they do deliver, and if you're hankering for a Pad Thai or some satay sticks it will probably hit the spot.
Hands down the most authentic Vietnamese on the Peninsula. So fresh and delicious! Double check their Facebook page for opening hours on the weekends... and arrive early because often there is a long wait. YUM!!
Pho at Flinders Pop Up
38B Cook StreetHands down the most authentic Vietnamese on the Peninsula. So fresh and delicious! Double check their Facebook page for opening hours on the weekends... and arrive early because often there is a long wait. YUM!!
Wineries & Fancier Restaurants
My fav wineries that offer tastings & wine sales through a cellar door, and often also have a restaurant for a bite to eat.
I love Foxey’s because it’s a real Mornington Peninsula institution, offering lunch for small groups only (max 6 people) so it’s a really cosy, intimate experience. On the weekend they open the winery for tastings but the real star is staying for their chef’s menu tapas lunch. Treat yourself & settle in for a really lovely experience!
117 recommandé par les habitants
Foxeys Hangout
795 White Hill RdI love Foxey’s because it’s a real Mornington Peninsula institution, offering lunch for small groups only (max 6 people) so it’s a really cosy, intimate experience. On the weekend they open the winery for tastings but the real star is staying for their chef’s menu tapas lunch. Treat yourself & settle in for a really lovely experience!
Yabby Lake has such a beautiful outlook - the restaurant doors open up onto the terrace which opens up to a beautiful lawn overlooking acres of vines! It’s just stunning. Dining in the restaurant is fabulous but they also have a H UGE range of wines so if you’re doing a tasting at the cellar door prepare yourself for MANY! We go here every year on my birthday in summer for their bento boxes out on the lawn on the picnic tables, it’s fabulous!
30 recommandé par les habitants
Yabby Lake Winery
86-112 Tuerong RdYabby Lake has such a beautiful outlook - the restaurant doors open up onto the terrace which opens up to a beautiful lawn overlooking acres of vines! It’s just stunning. Dining in the restaurant is fabulous but they also have a H UGE range of wines so if you’re doing a tasting at the cellar door prepare yourself for MANY! We go here every year on my birthday in summer for their bento boxes out on the lawn on the picnic tables, it’s fabulous!
I’m not sure if they’re open for breakfast during Covid-19 restrictions BUT contact them and find out if they are because this winery is in my opinion a hidden gem for breakfast!! The Peninsula is all about the wine, right? So what better way to enhance your weekend getaway than with breakfast at a winery!!
If they’re not doing breakfast at the moment then check out the cellar door for some outstanding wines - these guys are one of the few wineries in the Southern Hemisphere that use terracotta amphorae, not wooden barrels, to make their wine. Super interesting 🍷
43 recommandé par les habitants
Trofeo Estate Winery
85 Harrisons RdI’m not sure if they’re open for breakfast during Covid-19 restrictions BUT contact them and find out if they are because this winery is in my opinion a hidden gem for breakfast!! The Peninsula is all about the wine, right? So what better way to enhance your weekend getaway than with breakfast at a winery!!
If they’re not doing breakfast at the moment then check out the cellar door for some outstanding wines - these guys are one of the few wineries in the Southern Hemisphere that use terracotta amphorae, not wooden barrels, to make their wine. Super interesting 🍷
Enjoy a delicious glass of vino and BYO picnic!! One of the few wineries on the Peninsula that allows this, they have lovely views over the Red Hill valley across vines and rolling hills. Their wines are excellent - make sure you do a tasting!
Kerri Greens Winery
38 Paringa RdEnjoy a delicious glass of vino and BYO picnic!! One of the few wineries on the Peninsula that allows this, they have lovely views over the Red Hill valley across vines and rolling hills. Their wines are excellent - make sure you do a tasting!
For a special occasion, dining at Ten Minutes by Tractor cannot be beaten. The experience is one you won't quickly forget. Find a good reason, book ahead and indulge in an incredible culinary tour of the senses!
124 recommandé par les habitants
Ten Minutes by Tractor Cellar Door & Terrace
1333 Mornington-Flinders RdFor a special occasion, dining at Ten Minutes by Tractor cannot be beaten. The experience is one you won't quickly forget. Find a good reason, book ahead and indulge in an incredible culinary tour of the senses!
Dining at Point Leo is a real treat - it's fancy & upmarket but not pretentious. The food is exceptional and the service always excellent. Treat yourself and a special person and see what the fuss is all about.
132 recommandé par les habitants
Pt. Leo Estate
3649 Frankston - Flinders RdDining at Point Leo is a real treat - it's fancy & upmarket but not pretentious. The food is exceptional and the service always excellent. Treat yourself and a special person and see what the fuss is all about.
Many guests travel down from Melbourne to visit Doot Doot Doot - I have not yet had the pleasure but if reputation is anything to go by you will have a wonderful experience! The restaurant is on the ground floor of Jackalope (the hotel) and less than 10 minutes drive from the studio.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Doot Doot Doot
166 Balnarring RdMany guests travel down from Melbourne to visit Doot Doot Doot - I have not yet had the pleasure but if reputation is anything to go by you will have a wonderful experience! The restaurant is on the ground floor of Jackalope (the hotel) and less than 10 minutes drive from the studio.
Sightseeing
Special spots on the Mornington Peninsula that will make your stay a rich, rewarding adventure!!
I love bringing friends here who are visiting from out-of-town or overseas, because you can get some of the experience of the Pt Leo Estate without having to invest in the full dining extravaganza. Pairing the sculpture walk with a wine tasting is a fun way to spend a few hours in a stunning location - make sure it's a sunny day when you go!
50 recommandé par les habitants
Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park
3649 Frankston - Flinders RdI love bringing friends here who are visiting from out-of-town or overseas, because you can get some of the experience of the Pt Leo Estate without having to invest in the full dining extravaganza. Pairing the sculpture walk with a wine tasting is a fun way to spend a few hours in a stunning location - make sure it's a sunny day when you go!
Seawinds is actually the best place to go for views of the southern Peninsula & Port Phillip Bay (better than Arthurs Seat)! Walk out to the point & take in sweeping panoramas stretching from Point Nepean over to Queenscliff, all the way up to Melbourne & back down to Frankston & Mount Martha.
The gardens are also gorgeous for a picnic, and a great place to spot kangaroos in the early evening as they graze peacefully on the grass.
Definitely bring your international visitors here!
69 recommandé par les habitants
Seawinds Gardens
Purves RoadSeawinds is actually the best place to go for views of the southern Peninsula & Port Phillip Bay (better than Arthurs Seat)! Walk out to the point & take in sweeping panoramas stretching from Point Nepean over to Queenscliff, all the way up to Melbourne & back down to Frankston & Mount Martha.
The gardens are also gorgeous for a picnic, and a great place to spot kangaroos in the early evening as they graze peacefully on the grass.
Definitely bring your international visitors here!
Wander in through the bush and then you'll feel like you're in the botanical gardens. Gorgeous spot for a shady picnic in beautiful surrounds. There are also great walking tracks, wetlands and bird hides plus access to the beach - so get exploring!
You can actually walk to Coolart from Base Haven by accessing the end of the walking trails that come out onto Balnarring Beach Road near Beach Street - look for a large metal gate and timber walking posts, and signs....
25 recommandé par les habitants
Coolart Wetlands And Homestead
40 Lord Somers RdWander in through the bush and then you'll feel like you're in the botanical gardens. Gorgeous spot for a shady picnic in beautiful surrounds. There are also great walking tracks, wetlands and bird hides plus access to the beach - so get exploring!
You can actually walk to Coolart from Base Haven by accessing the end of the walking trails that come out onto Balnarring Beach Road near Beach Street - look for a large metal gate and timber walking posts, and signs....
Beaches & Walks
The pick of some of the best beaches on the Mornington Peninsula :) and a few local walks too!
Balnarring Beach is so peaceful & quiet - I lived here for 2 1/2 years just minutes walk from the sand & had so many great experiences at all times of the year. Early in the morning you can walk along the beach & watch the race horses ride the coastline. If you're luck you might also see dolphins, and if you're REALLY lucky you might see horses wading with dolphins swimming around them!
It's a great family beach too because it's calm & shallow. At high tide the swimming is great & at low tide some places get rock shelves exposed which are wonderful for exploring.
23 recommandé par les habitants
Balnarring Beach
Balnarring Beach is so peaceful & quiet - I lived here for 2 1/2 years just minutes walk from the sand & had so many great experiences at all times of the year. Early in the morning you can walk along the beach & watch the race horses ride the coastline. If you're luck you might also see dolphins, and if you're REALLY lucky you might see horses wading with dolphins swimming around them!
It's a great family beach too because it's calm & shallow. At high tide the swimming is great & at low tide some places get rock shelves exposed which are wonderful for exploring.
Great for people with dogs, Somers beach has an extensive leash-free section that is just beautiful for a long, leisurely walk. Even if you don't have a dog, I think it's one of my favourite places to walk on the beach especially when you get past the last of the houses & it turns a little more wild & windswept. You really feel like you've left the world behind.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Somers Beach
Great for people with dogs, Somers beach has an extensive leash-free section that is just beautiful for a long, leisurely walk. Even if you don't have a dog, I think it's one of my favourite places to walk on the beach especially when you get past the last of the houses & it turns a little more wild & windswept. You really feel like you've left the world behind.
There are 4 surf breaks at Point Leo if that’s your thing, or you can park at Raws Reserve near the old boat shed for gorgeous beach paddles and rock pools at low tide. It costs $4 to get past the boom gate in high season. You can actually do a looooong walk all the way to Point Leo from Balnarring Beach, it takes about 90 minutes one way.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Point Leo Beach
There are 4 surf breaks at Point Leo if that’s your thing, or you can park at Raws Reserve near the old boat shed for gorgeous beach paddles and rock pools at low tide. It costs $4 to get past the boom gate in high season. You can actually do a looooong walk all the way to Point Leo from Balnarring Beach, it takes about 90 minutes one way.
One of the most scenic walks on the Peninsula, the hike into Bushrangers Bay takes in some beautiful coastline. Make sure you spend some time exploring the rock pools at the far end of the beach once you get there.
71 recommandé par les habitants
Bushrangers Bay
Bushrangers Bay Walking TrackOne of the most scenic walks on the Peninsula, the hike into Bushrangers Bay takes in some beautiful coastline. Make sure you spend some time exploring the rock pools at the far end of the beach once you get there.
Start at the bottom by parking at Merricks General Store and walk up the rail trail to Red Hill - its about 6km one way. There's good coffee at the top too! Check out the Epicurean cafe. Popular for dog walkers, this is a great hike through Red Hill country side.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Red Hill Rail Trail
155 Shoreham RdStart at the bottom by parking at Merricks General Store and walk up the rail trail to Red Hill - its about 6km one way. There's good coffee at the top too! Check out the Epicurean cafe. Popular for dog walkers, this is a great hike through Red Hill country side.