Red Hill (including Red Hill South and Main Ridge)
Town on the Mornington Peninsula
Red Hill is essentially a somewhat diffuse rural borough located in the Mornington Peninsula's hinterland which is in fact an entirely different world to the calm foreshores of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged coastline on the southern side of the peninsula. As you head into the middle of the peninsula, from either side, there is a major change in the natural environment as you climb up into virtual high country which is characterised by gum trees, quiet lanes, hilly terrain, dirt roads, farms, orchards, small general stores and, tucked away amidst the trees and hills, some cafes and restaurants and plenty of galleries and vineyards. There has been a profusion of the latter in recent years as the terrain, temperate climate and fertile soil have proved ideal for oenology. The area is noted for its pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay. Land here is quite expensive and so an air of exclusivity hangs in the air. Former prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, has recently taken up residence in the area.

Red Hill was first settled in 1862 and became known for its fruit orchards. With a 1996 population of 960, it is located 73 km south of Melbourne and about 5 km east of Dromana. To get there head out of Dromana via McCulloch Rd which passes under the freeway then take a right turn onto Arthurs Seat Rd which becomes the Red Hill to Shoreham Rd.

Middens on the peninsula indicate that Aborigines used the area on a seasonal basis for hundreds if not thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first white settlers at what is now Red Hill were James Wideman and John Arkwell who arrived in 1862.

The Red Hill Community markets are held in Red Hill Rd on the first Saturday of each month from 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., September to May. The Red Hill Agricultural Show is held each year in March, the Cool Climate Wine Show in April, Art Red Hill in May, the Queen's Birthday Winter Wine Weekend in June, the Red Hill Garden Festival in October and the Red Hill Country Music and Truck Festival in December.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
The Dromana Visitor Information Centre is located on Point Nepean Rd at Dromana, tel: (03) 5987 3078 or (1800) 804 009.

Walking Track
The Red Hill to Merricks Walking Track (8 km return) starts from the car park at Blue Moon Junction in Red Hill, near the shops. It follows the old railway line through forest and farmland and past wineries to Merricks Station Reserve on Merricks Rd.

Eldridge Estate
Eldridge Estate, established in 1986, is located in Arthurs Seat Rd (formerly Red Hill Rd), 100 m east of Andrews Lane. They specialise in chardonnay and pinot noir but also produce a fruity gamay and a sparkling pf. The cellar door is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends but every day in January and most school holidays or by appointment, tel and fax: (03) 5989 2644. The email address is fizz@ eldridge-estate.com.au

Darling Park Vineyard
Darling Park Vineyard, established in 1987, is a boutique vineyard located in Red Hill Rd, between McIlroys Rd and Stanleys Rd. It is open weekends, public holidays and every day in January from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5989 2324, or fax: (03) 5989 2254. They produce a range of wines - merlot, cabernet merlot, querida (dry rose), pinot gris, shiraz, chardonnay (dry and late-picked), pinot noir and 'Decadence' (desert rose). Tartes flambees are served from a wood-fired oven on weekends, public holidays and by special request.

Red Hill Gallery 141
Red Hill Gallery 141 exhibits local and interstate artwork - pastels, oil and watercolours, pottery and sculpture. Refreshments are available. They are located at 141 Red Hill Rd and are open Friday to Sunday and public holidays from 11.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and at other times by appointment, tel: (03) 5989 2614.

Port Phillip Estate
Port Phillip Estate, established in 1987, is a beautiful boutique winery located at 261 Red Hill Rd at Red Hill South. The cellar door is open from midday to 5.00 p.m. weekends, public holidays and the first two weeks in January (closed in July and August) . They produce an award-winning pinot noir, along with chardonnay, shiraz and sauvignon blanc, tel and fax: (03) 5989 2708.

The Art Shed
The Art Shed is located at RMB 1712 Arthurs Seat Rd (formerly Red Hill Rd), opposite Professors Lane. They display unusual works by local artists in a renovated apple shed. Items include hand-dyed and painted silks, bronzes and metal sculpture, pottery, baskets woven from local vine cuttings and furniture from local recycled wood. There is also a garden nursery. The Art Shed is usually open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Friday to Sunday, on public holidays and by appointment. However, it is closed in August and otherwise only open on weekends in winter, tel: (03) 5989 2285.

The Vines
The Vines is located at 150 Red Hill Rd. It has a cellar door for sales and tastings and a substantial restaurant with open log fires and a sunny Tuscan terrace overlooking 20 hectares of vineyards, immaculate lawns and a private lake. Modern international cuisine made from local products is available for lunch and dinner. The cellar door is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday and daily over the summer, tel: (03) 5989 2977. Jazz is played at The Vines between 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month.

Main Ridge Estate
Main Ridge Estate, established in 1975, is the Peninsula's oldest winery. It is scenically located amidst gardens at 80 William Rd. Traditional wine-making techniques are employed with low-yield results, producing classic chardonnay and pinot noir. Lunch is served every Sunday with a special long lunch and jazz is played on the Queen's birthday weekend. The cellar door is open from midday to 5.00 p.m. on weekends and from midday to 4.00 p.m. on weekdays, tel: (03) 5989 2686 or fax: (03) 5931 0000. The email address is mainridg @ satlink.com.au

Morning Clouds Wines
Morning Clouds Wines is located at 15 Ocean View Ave. They produce chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon and are open by appointment only, tel: (03) 5989 2044.

The Giddy Bullfrog Gallery
The Giddy Bullfrog Gallery is located nearby at 38 Ocean View Ave. It has Australian crafts and a tea room and is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends from October to April and on Sundays only during the rest of the year, tel: (03) 5989 2224.

The Villa Primavera Vineyard
The Villa Primavera Vineyard, established in 1988, is located at RMB 6666 Mornington-Flinders Rd, which runs south off Arthurs Seat Rd. It produces aged methode champenoise, chardonnay and alcoholic citrus beverages such as limoncello and mandarincello. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and preserves, wood-oven breads and sweet delicacies. It serves lunch on weekends and evening meals on Saturday nights. During the summer it also opens on Friday nights. Villa Primavera also makes a range of Italian preserves and other produce which is for sale. The cellar door is open from 10.00 a.m. every weekend and every day from Boxing Day to Australia Day, tel: (03) 5989 2129, or fax: (03) 5931 0045. The email address is genarostable@villaprimavera.com.au

Massoni Main Creek Vineyard
Massoni Main Creek Vineyard is a small vineyard on the Mornington-Flinders Rd producing chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine. The cellar door is open by appointment only, tel: (03) 5989 2352.

The White Hill Gallery
The White Hill Gallery is located at RMB 3800 on the Mornington-Flinders Rd at Red Hill. They have exhibitions of hand-painted silks, ceramics, painting, glass and sculpture, jewellery and leather goods, along with silk-painting, pottery and watercolour workshops. There are also simple refreshments. The gallery is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday and every day in school and public holidays, or by appointment. It is set in a native garden overlooking Port Phillip Bay, tel: (03) 5989 2483.

The Marion Rosetzky Gallery
The Marion Rosetzky Gallery is located in a bush setting at 650 White Hill Rd, Red Hill, and it is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 5989 2557. On display are hand-painted tiles in a range of designs and colour combinations, along with hand-crafted ceramic, glass, jewellery and wood works. Tiles can also be commissioned to your own design. Coffee is available.

Noel's Gallery/The Artist's Cafe
Noel's Gallery and The Artists' Cafe are located in a spacious 1912 British kit home at RSD 6651 Mornington-Flinders Rd. This cottage-gallery and restaurant features alfresco dining, a lavender garden, fine arts, quality hand-made crafts, antiques and a lavender garden with fresh lavender and lavender products. They are open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from December to Easter and in all school and public holidays. At other times of the year they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The restaurant is also open Saturday nights, tel: (03) 5989 2538.

Ellisfield Farm
Ellisfield Farm, on McIlroys Rd, offers the chance to pick your own cherries (including morello cherries) from November to January and quinces in March and April. During these times they are open on weekends from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and on weekdays by appointment, tel: (03) 5989 2008.

RED HILL SOUTH
Red Hill Cool Stores and Gallery
The Red Hill Cool Stores and Gallery is an outlet for local wines, food, art and craft and Red Hill gourmet coffee. It is located at 165 Shoreham Rd at Red Hill South and is open daily, tel: (03) 5931 0133.

Paringa Estate
Paringa Estate Winery and Restaurant, established in 1985, is located at 44 Paringa Rd, Red Hill South and it is open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. They produce pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and an award-winning shiraz. There is a restaurant offering al fresco dining. It is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and on Friday and Saturday evenings, tel: (03) 5931 0136, or fax: (03) 5931 0135. The email address is paringa@cdi.aom.au

The Duke Vineyard
Established in 1989, the Duke Vineyard specialises in premium pinot noir and chardonnay vines of various vintages - all made from the vineyard's grapes. They are located at 38 Paringa Road and are open every weekend, along with school and public holidays, from midday to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5989 2407.

Brinalon Winery
Brinalon Winery opened its cellar door in January 2001. It offers excellent views of Western Port Bay and specialises in quality pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, and sauvignon blanc, and it is located at 181 Paringa Rd, tel: (03) 5989 2105, or fax: (03) 5989 3159. The email address is seager@cdi.com.au

Montalto Wines
Montalto Wines, at 33 Shoreham Rd, is a picturesque winery of olive groves, wetland walks, streams and vineyards that has provided an award-winning chardonnay, along with pinot noir and riesling. Ring (0429) 829 558 for opening times. Otherwise fax the company at (03) 9826 9484 or email them at johndmitchell@montalto.com.au

Red Hill Estate
Amongst a string of awards, Red Hill Estate won the 1998 Australian Tourism Award for Best Winery and a Gold Medal at the 1998 Royal Melbourne Wine Show. They produce chardonnay, pinot noir and methode champenoise and are located at 53 Shoreham Rd. The estate, established in 1989, offers fine views over Western Port to the Nobbies and Phillip Island and it is open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m, tel: (03) 5989 2838, or fax: (03) 5989 2855. The email address is info@redhillestate.com.au. Max's Restaurant is open daily for lunch and in the evenings on Friday and Saturday. From January to March it is also open Thursday nights and at other times by appointment, tel: (03) 5931 0177.

Tuck's Ridge Winery
Tuck's Ridge Winery, established in 1987, is located at 37 Red Hill-Shoreham Rd which heads south off Red Hill Rd winding its way south down to Shoreham on the coast. Offering fine views, it is open daily from midday to 5.00 p.m. and offers a range of wines including an award-winning riesling and pinot noir, along with chardonnay, semillon, merlot and methode champenoise. There are barbecue facilities, tel: (03) 5989 8660, or fax: (03) 5989 8579. The email address is tucks@satlink.com.au

Wyldcroft Estates
Wyldcroft Estates, at 98 Stanleys Rd, Red Hill South, are open weekends and public holidays from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5989 2646. Established in 1987, they produce pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

MAIN RIDGE
Main Ridge is an attractive rural area with a 1996 population of 900. It is possessed of pastoral and coastal views and features a number of wineries and galleries.

Walking Tracks
There are several good walking tracks in the Main Ridge area. The Waterfall Gully Track (1 km return) starts at the car park in Waterfall Gully Rd. This can be extended to Seawinds Gardens (4 km return). A 3-km return walk starts from the car park in Arthurs Seat Rd (take the dry bush track to, and around, the secluded dam). Baldrys Circuit (3.4 km) starts at the picnic area by the creek crossing on Baldrys Rd. It leads through remnant forest. Another enjoyable walk starts from the end of Eatons Rd, which runs off Arthurs Seat Rd. The trail passes through tall bush on the hillside and offers periodic glimpses over Dromana and the bay.

Ryland River Winery and Fly Fishing
The Ryland River Winery produces tawny port, muscat, a dry white blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc and a cabernet sauvignon blended with merlot and shiraz. There are picnic-barbecue facilities, tea rooms and souvenirs. The cellar door is open every day from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from December to March and from Friday to Sunday during the rest of the year, tel: (03) 5989 6098.

An associated endeavour at the same address (Lot 2, Main Creek Rd) is a fly-fishing venture. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout (from 1 to 6.5 kg). There is a catch-and-release policy with a bag limit of two per person. Equipment is available and fishing can be undertaken for a half-day or a full-day. A tutor is available at all times for a fee. Those wishing to fish outside of the winery hours should ring Alex Austin on (03) 5987 3829 in advance.

Miceli Vineyard
Miceli, established in 1991, is a family winery which produces pinot noir, pinot grigio, an unwooded chardonnay and an oak-matured chardonnay. They are located in Main Creek Rd and are open from midday to 5.00 p.m. on the first weekend of the month, every weekend in January and for special events (the Melbourne Cup weekend, Easter and Queen's Birthday weekend), or by appointment, tel: (03) 5989 2755, or fax: (03) 5989 2755.

The Poplar Bend Winery
The Poplar Bend Winery, established in 1988, is a small vineyard which specialises in pinot noir, though a sparkling chloe, chloe cabernet, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz are also produced. It is located at 465 Main Creek Rd and is open weekends and public holidays from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. They are also open by appointment, tel: (03) 5989 6046, or fax: (03) 5989 6279.

T'Gallant Winery
T'Gallant Winery, established in 1990, is located at the corner of Shands Road and the Mornington-Flinders Rd. They produce a range of wines including chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, gewurztraminer, muscat and pinot grigio, and there is a trattoria. T'Gallant is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily or by appointment, tel: 03) 5989 6565, or fax: (03) 5989 6577. The email address is tgallant@satlink.com.au

Peninsula Ridge Vineyards
Peninsula Ridge Vineyards, at 111 Roberts Rd, is a small boutique vineyard which produces cool climate wines inspired by Burgundy, such as chardonnay and pinot noir. There are barbecue facilities and they are open on the first weekend of each month, plus long weekends, from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5989 6084, or fax: (03) 5989 6599. The email address is andmcc@surf.net.au

The Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm
The Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, at the corner of Shands and Flinders Rds, offers you the chance to pick your own strawberries from November to February. Other fresh produce grown on the farm includes cherries, raspberries, peaches, plums, beans, corn, peas and avocadoes. Fruit wines, sparkling wines and berry liqueurs are available at the Strawberry Centre which also offers freshly-made ice-cream and Devonshire teas. The complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from November to April. From May to September the Strawberry Centre is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays, tel: (03) 5989 6273.

Mantons Creek Winery
Mantons Creek, on Tucks Rd at Main Ridge, is a picturesque winery on 50 acres which produces pinot noir, chardonnay, tempranillo, pinot gris and pinot meunier. The cellar door is open daily from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm. They also offer indoor and alfresco dining at their restaurant which is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday and on Friday and Saturday evenings. Accommodation is available, tel: (03) 5989 6264, or fax: (03) 5989 6060.

Maritime Estate
The Maritime Estate, established in 1988, is located in Tucks Rd at Main Ridge and is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends, public holidays and every day from December 31 to 26 January. They offer award-winning chardonnay, pinot grigio and pinot noir, along with cabernet sauvignon, tel: (03) 5989 2735, or fax: (03) 9882 8325.

The Pine Ridge Car and Folk Museum
The Pine Ridge Car Museum features a range of cars, motorcycles, bowsers, signs and other automotive memorabilia housed in a 1940s-style garage. There is also a gallery and tea room with a teapot collection, tel: (03) 5989 6320. It is open daily in January from 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. At other times it is open on weekends, school and public holidays but closed entirely in July and August. The museum is located at RMB 8558 in Purves Rd which heads south off Arthurs Seat Rd.

Arthurs Seat Riding School
Arthurs Seat Riding School is located in Purves Rd, tel: (03) 5989 6124.

Greens Bush
Greens Bush is the largest section of remnant bushland on the Peninsula. It is an island of native forest and wildlife amidst a sea of farmland. There are many birds (including honeyeaters, parrots, the wedge-tailed eagle, kites and wrens), along with kangaroos (which can be seen feeding on the grasslands at dawn and dusk), the swamp wallabies of the forests and nocturnal mammals such as ringtail possums, sugar gliders and bats.

To get there follow Purves Rd to its southern end. There is a roundabout where Purves Rd, Browns Rd and Baldrys Rd meet. Turn into Baldrys Rd, which heads south from the roundabout and you will soon come to Baldry Crossing. A 1.6-km circuit track leads through eucalypt forest. The 3.6 km circuit track penetrates deeper into the forest, across creeks and into fern gullies.

The Two Bays Walking Track is a 30-km bush corridor between Cape Schanck and Dromana. It takes in eucalypt forest, 200-year-old grasstrees, tea-tree thickets, fern gullies and open grasslands. A leaflet is available from Parks Victoria (tel: 131 963) or the Dromana Information Centre.

Drum Drum Farm
Drum Drum Farm sells freshly-picked blueberries from January to February. They are open from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. in season only and can be found in Davos St, tel: (03) 5989 6208.

	Hotels
	Lindenderry Private Hotel 142 Arthurs Seat Rd via Red Hill Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2933 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2936 Email: Irh@lindenderry.com.au Rating: *****
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Glenvale Bed & Breakfast 160 Shoreham Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2625 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2759 Rating: ****1/2
	Langdons of Red Hill 52-54 Arthurs Seat Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2965 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2355 Rating: ****
	Orchard Luxury Accommodation 45 Thomas Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 3152 Facsimile: (03) 5989 3153 Rating: ****1/2
	Red Hill Retreat 81 William Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2035 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2427 Rating: ***1/2
	Ridgefield Country House 97 Stanleys Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2116 Rating: ****
	Rosebank Cottage 144 Red Hill Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2870 Rating: ****1/2
	Rosehill Bed & Breakfast 125 Shoreham Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 3110 Facsimile: (03) 5989 3110 Rating: ****1/2
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Wendy Fleetwood Meadowood Beaulieu Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2368 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2804 Rating: ****
	Cottages & Cabins
	Azimuth Country Estate 426 Arthurs Seat Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2807 Facsimile: (03) 5981 4010 Rating: *****
	Ellisfield Farm 109 McIlroys Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2008 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2804 Rating: ****
	Tallowood Cottage 92 Donaldsons Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2165 Facsimile: (03) 5989 3036 Rating: ***1/2
	Wendy Fleetwood Meadowood Beaulieu Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2368 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2804 Rating: ****
	Restaurants
	Johnnie Come Lately's Shoreham Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2326
	Lindenderry Private Hotel 142 Arthurs Seat Rd via Red Hill Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2933 Facsimile: (03) 5989 2936 Email: Irh@lindenderry.com.au
	Max's at Red Hill Red Hill South Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5931 0177
	Paringa Estate Winery & Restaurant 44 Paringa Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5931 0136
	Poffs Restaurant Red Hill Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2566
	The Linden Tree Restaurant 142 Arthurs Seat Rd Red Hill VIC 3937 Telephone: (03) 5989 2933