Weekend Getaway to Rye

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Posted 2017-10-01 by Nadine Cresswell-Myatt ⇒ follow

Rye might not be far from home for many Melburnians but every now and again, it is great to have some time out and just chill for a few days near the ocean. That way you can return to your daily life refreshed and feeling uplifted. Here is the best of my recent trip to the Mornington Peninsula, where I based myself at Rye.

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Stayed at: Aquabelle Apartments**

Walked into bliss. The heater had been turned on ready for my arrival and there was lovely relaxing music playing. I felt totally spoilt with the huge spacious areas. There was a long blackleather couch I just wanted to dive on and all the latest magazines to read. The space was incredibly modern and well designed with Scandinavian pale polished floorboards, white marble bench tops, an enormous king sized bed and fluffy robes in the cupboard. It would have been easy not to budge for the entire weekend.

For families, the front has two bedroom apartments and these have views over the ocean. There is a busy road beneath you but you can forget that and just look at the views. I was in a back one which was a one bedroom and very quiet.

To book click here . You can also look for deals during winter on the deals sites. Mine included passes to the nearby Hot Springs.

Places to Wander

Most people know Montalto as a foodie place to eat fine wood-fired pizzas and other delights. But not everyone knows about the sculpture trail on the property which wends around for about 1km over grassy lawns, gravel pathways through vines and boardwalks over wetlands. And also check out the 30 strong permanent collection of amazing outdoor sculptures with some amazing sights.

This is open from 11am – 5pm and is free to enter. It will take you about one hour to enjoy the sculpture throughout the property.

While not suitable for wheelchairs, with advance notice Montalto can arrange transport to various sections of the trail.

Rye Back Beach is always worth a wander. Massive waves crash onto the shore. This is where you really get to experience the elements. It is wild, unkempt and nature in all its staggering beauty.

If you start at the Melbourne end of Rye there is a lovely, gentle walking track along the waterfront.The Rye Foreshore not only has the beach but plenty of interesting bathing boxes to look at and many are painted with fabulous art. A recent new offering below.

Drink at:

The Independent Wine Store

After a walk along the Rye foreshore, a nice place to end up is the Independent Wine Store. This is a friendly wine shop with unbelievable cheese platters. Pictured is the large charcuterie board, which comes with three local cheeses, olives and the bits and pieces they have on any given day. For example, in the bowl you can see duck terrine. It was also my first taste of baby figs in syrup which went perfectly with the rich cheeses. Luckily they also sold jars of them so I was able to take some home as a present. The wine shop also, do hampers so all you have to do is order a picnic and then take it across the road to the beach.

Breakfast at:

There are lots of great places for breakfast, but I quite like Captains at Rye mainly because it was not only close to my lodging but also does wonderful truffled scrambled eggs. And these ones come with goats cheese and chives. The quirky exterior will also keep you amused while you sip your coffee and catch up with the newspapers - something you might not normally get time to do at home.

I never go home without stocking up on:

I love the balsamic vinegar at Green Olive at Red Hill. It is sourced and blended in the province of Modena, Northern Italy and is the magic drop for any of your cooking at home including salads or vegetables and sauces. It costs $19.95 but is worth every cent. I also always stop at Johnny Ripe, which is locally famous for its apple pies (made with locally grown apples) and other take-home meals. Sadly they changed venues. This used to be in a stunning location but I think it just got too busy for the frazzled owners who have young children, so now goods are sold from a Red Hill shop front. But the food is still amazing. Before heading home, I always buy a few pre-packaged meals to take home for the family and a bite-size apple-pie ($3) and coffee for the freeway ride back to Melbourne.

My other favourite stopping off point on the way home is the Made in Japan warehouse in Mornington to buy Japanese bowls. They have a fantastic range and while you can buy these in Melbourne, I love visiting this tucked-away find in the middle of an industrial estate. Being a scrounger I also love to visit the Tip Shop in Mornington . Last time I came home with a great dinner set, some clothes and woven rug. All for a song.