mock red hill, red hill
Right in the heart of Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland, on a road lined with wineries, is something a little bit different. Mock Red Hill is a 5th generation, family owned and operated biodynamic apple orchard that has been in operation since the 1890s!
Right in the heart of Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland, on a road lined with wineries, is something a little bit different.
Mock Red Hill is a 5th generation, family owned and operated biodynamic apple orchard that has been in operation since the 1890s! But Mamma suspects some things have changed over the years…
Set in the orchard’s converted cool store and packing shed, Mock Red Hill’s quaint farmgate and cider lounge give visitors a taste of the fruits of their labour.
Grab some cider, pickles, bread and freeze dried or fresh fruit from their farmgate before walking through the doorway to their sun-drenched cider lounge and courtyard.
With an uncomplicated menu that champions the apple and local produce, their kitchen is dishing out the fluffiest focaccia, tasty salumi as well as sausage rolls and apple pies from Ninch royalty - Johnny Ripe.
A staple on every brewery, winery and cidery menu is the iconic tasting paddle, which Mock Red Hill does beautifully… but with a twist. In addition to their traditional paddle designed for the biggies, they have also designed a paddle perfect for littlies and teetotallers alike.
With a selection of sparkling and still apple and pear juices, as well as an assortment of freeze dried fruits and chocolate covered strawberries, kids will be delighted by the chance to sip, snack and sample just like the grown-ups.
the nitty gritty
1103 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Red Hill 3937
Opening hours:
Thursday - Monday
10am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Let the kids run off some steam at Red Hill Recreation Reserve Playground which is just a short drive away.
the hideout cafe, rosebud
Tucked just across the road from the beach and an awesome playground, The Hideout in Rosebud lives up to its name – it’s a little sanctuary for families, foodies, and furry friends too, with an awesome enclosed courtyard! Think cubbyhouse, toys, and space to stretch those little legs – while you sip your latte in peace!
*** COURTYARD CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS UNTIL SUMMER 2025**
If you're looking for the perfect spot in Rosebud where both kids and parents can kick back, relax, and enjoy a seriously good meal – The Hideout is the spot!
Tucked just across the road from the beach and an awesome playground, The Hideout lives up to its name! It’s a little sanctuary for families, foodies, and furry friends too, with an awesome enclosed courtyard!
Think cubbyhouse, toys, and space to stretch those little legs – while you sip your latte in peace! And if your family includes a four-legged friend, you can bring them along! The courtyard is dog-friendly - with a special rear entrance way.
When it comes to food, Mamma's crew can't go past the smashed avo, hearty focaccias, and creamy pastas. There’s a kids menu packed with tasty options and deluxe milkshakes, plus smoothies, acai bowls and more! It’s the perfect spot for breaky or brunch!
the nitty gritty
887 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, 3939
Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday 5.45am - 3pm
Sunday 5.45am - 2.30pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention
Head across the road to play at the fantastic Rosebud Foreshore Playground
elwood sourdough, elwood
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Next time you are in the seaside suburb of Elwood, simply follow the aroma of freshly baked bread and you’ll find the local favourite, Elwood Sourdough.
Nestled down a residential street next to the picturesque Elwood canal, is the little bakery operating out of owners’ Greg and Tracey’s beautiful home. A fixture in the community, Elwood Sourdough is a feast for not just the nose and mouth, but eyes too, with Tracey’s amazing paintings gracing the labels and walls of the bakery.
Open 6 days a week, Elwood Sourdough sell a range of loaves, bagels, sweet breads and treats that will make your mouth water just by looking at them.
Mamma’s little girl absolutely devoured the bakery’s famous and much loved Spotty - a glazed sweet bun teaming with the most aromatic dried fruits and spices.
Next time you’re in need of a loaf or two, why not take the fam for a trip to this special little gem... but be quick! They usually sell out before closing time.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Sunday
7:30am - 11:30am
Wanna know more? Click here
Mamma's special mention:
Grab some to go and head down to for a play at the awesome Point Ormond Reserve Playground
rattling red cafe, tyabb
Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!
Mamma cannot believe that it’s taken this long to discover this adorable hidden gem!
Tucked away in a village just behind Tyabb Packing House, is home to a 100 year-old vintage Red Rattler Train that has been transformed into a cafe!
Climb aboard and enter your private carriage for a unique dining experience. With carriages offering booth seats as well as two-person tables.
If you would prefer to sit outside, there is decking on both sides, as well as shaded tables down on the grass next to a little playground! The playground has a little cubbyhouse, slide and ride on bikes and scooters are available for the kids to (carefully) ride around the area.
The menu offers items like pancakes, smashed avo, a range of toasties and salads plus a kids menu - Mamma’s crew love a hot dog!
There’s a great vibe in this little community village, and kids will just love the novelty of eating onboard one of these carriages. As an added bonus - it lies right opposite a train line - so kids can also watch the trains go past!
The nitty gritty
14 Mornington-Tyabb Rd, Tyabb 3913
(at the back of Tyabb packing house)
OPEN
Thursday - Friday
9am - 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
9am - 5pm
Wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mentions:
After your meal - head next door to the absolutely adorable The Fairy Maker shop
jimmy rum distillery, dromana
It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!
Hidden away in the coastal town of Dromana, you will find this little gem. It embodies all the things that are so great about the Mornington Peninsula. It’s laid back, has an amazing vibe, uses fresh, locally produced products and the staff are friendly, attentive and extremely accommodating. Oh, and they make KILLER cocktails!
Jimmy Rum is the first dedicated rum distillery in Victoria, and Mamma can assure you - they know their stuff! You can go on a tour of the distillery and sample their products, or - you can just taste their delicious range of cocktails in the bar.
The place is super relaxed with inside and outdoor seating - even large bean bags are on offer. It is family friendly with colouring options for the kids. There isn’t a dedicated kids menu, but there is pizza, nachos and mac and cheese.
Perfect for a lazy family lunch - a date night or some drinks with girls, it’s the ultimate allrounder!
Mamma's special mention:
You can also go on a drive of a lifetime in a Lamborghini or Ferrari with Supercar Drive experiences departing from here.
nitty gritty
OPEN
Thursday -Saturday
12pm - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Cellar Door Opening Times
Every day – 10 am to 5 pm
No kids menu - free parking
Wanna know more?
Click here