News

 Alba Thermal Springs and Spa: Discover Tranquility

Escape to a haven of serenity and rejuvenation at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, nestled in the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Known for its calming hot springs and therapeutic treatments, Alba offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking relaxation or recovery.

 Therapeutic Hot Springs

The thermal springs at Alba are renowned for their therapeutic properties, providing a soothing experience for sore bodies. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress or simply looking to unwind, the springs cater to your every need. Moreover, the mineral-rich waters are perfect for soaking away your worries and easing muscle tension, leaving you feeling revitalised.

 Rejuvenating Spa Treatments

The spas offer a wide range of treatments designed to restore both mind and body. Enjoy angelic massages that melt away tension, or indulge in facials that leave your skin glowing with a dewy radiance. Furthermore, each treatment is carefully crafted to promote relaxation. and renewal, ensuring every visit is a transformative process,

 Nature’s Gentle Embrace

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Alba Thermal Springs and Spa provides an immersive experience in nature’s gentle embrace in all their packages. Whether you’re unwinding in the hot springs, or strolling through the lush gardens, every moment is dedicated to self-care.

 A Serene Escape

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa is the perfect place for a serene escape from the stresses of daily life. The tranquil environment allows guests to immerse themselves in relaxation, making it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and rejuvenate. Every aspect of Alba is designed to enhance your sense of serenity, providing a peaceful sanctuary where you can focus on your well-being.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa offers a unique blend of therapeutic hot springs, rejuvenating spa treatments, natural beauty, and many promotional activities make it a must-visit destination in the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, recovery, or simply a moment of peace, Alba promises an unforgettable experience dedicated to self-care and renewal.

If you’re looking for accomodation in the area visit Mornington Peninsula Cottages!

With nature’s touch surrounding the hot springs, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm.

source:https://albathermalsprings.com.au/

Meanwhile, take a day off and relax at the spa for a truly rejuvenating experience.

source:https://albathermalsprings.com.au/

Finally, enjoy the soothing waters as they melt away your stress.

source:https://albathermalsprings.com.au/

Surfing paradise at Gunnamatta beach

One experience you can only find in the Mornington Peninsula is surfing at Gunnamatta Beach! Nestled in the heart of the Peninsula, a surfing paradise lies. The beach boasts a generous stretch of coastline, complete with stunning scenery and consistent waves. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner catching your first wave, Gunnamatta Beach offers an unforgettable surfing adventure.

Perfect Waves for Every Surfer

Looking for a surfing paradise? The waves at Gunnamatta are renowned for their perfection, providing an ideal playground for surfers of all levels. The consistent swells ensure that every surfing session is a memorable one. Beginners can find their footing on gentler waves, while seasoned surfers can challenge themselves on the larger, more powerful breakers.

Breathtaking Scenery

Surfing at Gunnamatta Beach is not just about the waves; it’s also about the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. Imagine towering cliffs framing the golden sands, with the shimmering lines of overlapping waves stretching out as far as the eye can see. This stunning backdrop enhances the overall experience, making every moment on the water even more special.

Uncrowded Waters

What truly sets Gunnamatta Beach apart as a surfing paradise is its uncrowded waters. Unlike many popular surf spots, Gunnamatta offers plenty of space for everyone. Surfers can carve up the waves without the worry of overcrowding, and families can splash around and enjoy the water without having to dodge other beachgoers. This sense of freedom and space makes the beach a perfect destination for both surfers and families alike.

Tranquillity and Escape

Gunnamatta Beach also provides a sense of tranquillity, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you spend your day catching waves, soaking up the sun, enjoying quality time with family, or simply taking in the views, Gunnamatta Beach delivers an unforgettable experience. This serene environment, combined with the thrill of surfing, captures the essence of what makes the Mornington Peninsula so special.

Gunnamatta Beach is a true gem of the Mornington Peninsula, offering perfect waves, stunning scenery, uncrowded waters, and a tranquil escape. For surfers and beach lovers alike, it’s a must-visit destination that promises an experience you’ll treasure forever. Find your surfing paradise at Gunnamatta beach.

If you’re looking for accomodation in the area visit Mornington Peninsula Cottages!

A surfer emerging from the waves

A surfer walking through the waves and rocky outcrops

A way to spend time with the whole family

A surfer challenging the waves-picture on display at the cottage available for sale at $80

Open for Business in the Peninsula

There is a further easing of restrictions by the Victorian Government beginning on 1st June 2020. You will be able to stay in tourist accommodation like ours! The Beach Club cottages now accept bookings. However, the Beach Club communal BBQ and laundry must remain closed.

You can visit the Mornington Peninsula now!

We will continue to update the following list of places which are Open for Business. Social distancing rules still apply, see the Government website for more details.

Public Places & Parks

  • Beaches – Open!
  • Playgrounds and Skateparks – Open!
  • National Parks – Open except for the Point Nepean National Park and its visitor centre.
  • Fishing from boats, piers and beaches – Allowed!
  • Diving from the Rye pier – Allowed! See the popular octopus garden.

Enchanted Adventure Garden

Peninsula Hot Springs

  • Bath House bathing and café will re-open from Sunday 7th June 2020 at noon
  • Spa Dreaming Centre bathing, spa and café will re-open  from Friday 12th June 2020
  • Essential information before visiting, advanced booking is necessary, and information on our stay and bath package.
  • What to expect at the reopening of the Hot Springs.

Bathing at the Peninsula Hot Springs
Bathing at the Peninsula Hot Springs

Wineries and Restaurants

  • Pt Leo Estate – Restaurant and cellar doors opens from 1st June 2020.
  • St Andrews Beach Brewery – Restaurant opens from 1st June 2020 through booking only.
  • Crittenden Estate – Restaurant opens from 3rd June 2020.
  • Trofeo Estate – New wine room now opens for tastings.
  • Hotel Sorrento – Open from 4th June 2020.
  • Dromana Estate – Open for wine tasting on weekends 12-3pm.
  • Foxeys Hangout Winery – Open for wine sales and take-home food 11am–5pm Fri–Sat–Sun-Mon. Sit-down lunches start Monday 1st June.
  • Paringa Estate – Open on Saturday & Sundays from 11am-5pm for wine tasting, maximum 30 minutes. Wear very warm clothes for your visit. Bookings recommended.
  • Green Olives at Red Hill – Open for dine-in tapas and wine from Wednesday 3rd June.
  • Montalto Vineyard – Restaurant opens from 6th June on weekends only. Wine sales, “Heat and Eat” pizzas available for take away.
  • The Vanilla Slice Cafe – Open for take away.
  • Sisco Pizza Restaurant– 800m from the Dolphin and Starfish, opens Wed – Sunday for takeaway pick up.
  • Two Bouys – Open for take away, Winter Wine Weekends scheduled on 6-7th June.

Cinema

Dromana 3 Drive In Cinema
Dromana 3 Drive In Cinema

Golf

More to come, please stay tuned!

We are staying upright with you

The Australian spirit is innately positive and together, we will find a way through this. One day, the sacrifices and difficult decisions that the vast majority of Australians are making today, will be referenced for many generations to come.

Wishing you all good health and well-being throughout this time of uncertainty.

As for Mornington Peninsula Cottages, much has temporarily changed, but many things remain the same. We have followed Government advice and have used this time to conduct the much needed maintenance work, and also to help our community.

It had been a very wet autumn, we worked on our gardens and oiled our decks on the dry days. We also updated our decor of our interior. We had offered our cottages to our local medical workers to stay free of charge, for a much needed timeout, or simply to keep a distance from the vulnerable. Last but not least, we gave a deep clean to all of our cottages and linens used.

We will continue to work very hard at getting ready to re-open the doors to the general public when given the green light. None of us know when, but we assure you that as soon as the time comes, we will be ready and looking forward to the most important aspect of this amazing property, YOU!

On behalf of the entire team at the Starfish Cottage, Dolphin Cottage and the Beach Club Cottage, we miss you all terribly and we cannot wait to see you all again.

A Perfect Day around the Bay

The best part of our job is to discover and trial the best travel experience for our guests. Recently we tried a new route visiting both the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsula on the same day. The suggested itinerary below includes our handpicked sites, restaurants, menu suggestions and even wine pairing. We did this not once, but twice to ensure our recommendations can consistently deliver.


The Sorrento-Queenscliff Ferry provides a great way to cross the Port Phillip Bay. Instead of doing the long drive through the congested Melbourne freeways, treat yourselves to amusing wildlife and beautiful landscape.

Viewing deck on the Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry
The front deck on the Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry.

Here is our suggested itinerary to spoil yourself and enjoy the best from both sides of the bay.

1. Wake up at our gorgeous cottages

Family and pet friendly, our cottages are just a short 15 minutes drive to the Sorrento Ferry Terminal.

private courtyard fully fenced
The Beach Club Cottage – 15 mins from the Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry Terminal.

2. Breakfast at the Vanilla Slice Cafe

Enjoy great coffee and the famous Sorrento Vanilla Slice before you cross the bay. If time allows, browse through the art galleries and historical sites around the Sorrento township. The ferry departs on the hour and you are advised to arrive at least 15 mins before. You can also book online, otherwise just queue up and pay at the drive through.

3. Hop aboard the ferry

Boarding the Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry in a car.

You can drive onto the ferry, or leave your car behind. There is parking available at the terminal. The journey takes only 45 minutes while you enjoy the view on the deck or stay warm in their comfy lounge. There is a full service bar in the lounge if you have room after the vanilla slice.

Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry
The Sorrento Queenscliff Ferry connects the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine Peninsula.

4. Visit historic Queenscliff

Tour the Fort Queenscliff, lighthouse, and glimpse the old days on The Queenscliff Heritage Walk.

5. Late lunch with a 270 degree view

The Bellarine Peninsula is famous for their mussels, freshly harvested daily. There is no better place to enjoy them than the Jack Rabbit Winery, just 30mins drive from Queenscliff. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining area with the same 270 degree sea view. We have been there multiple times in the last 6 years, and were never disappointed with their food, wine and hospitality. Their mussel recipe changes regularly, we had it in a red wine sauce, creamy parsley sauce, and a Thai fusion sauce with coconut cream before.

Tip: match the mussels with their pinot noir, chardonnay or sauvignon blanc depending on the mussel receipt of the day.

Photo by the Jack Rabbit Winery (actual view at the winery). They are serving sunset dinner until the end of daylight savings on Fridays and Saturdays (ends on the 4-April-2020).

6. Bring home some mussels

Available at good seafood stores around the Bellarine Peninsula, also on the Mornington Peninsula. We like them both and have a great recipe to prepare them.