FLINDERS and Cape Schanck
Flinders Pier rests in the middle of
With streets names like
Tr i p t h e
the open boat harbour, & between
Spindrift, Bluff, Coastal Cove,
Cook and Bass, it's not hard to
Christmas and winter this is the
Light
work out the focus of Flinders.
place to buy fresh mussels. Yes,
Even the pre-school has a couple
just out of Kennon Cove there are
Fantastic
of tinnies in its playground
mussels being farmed in the waters.
(get them started early?).
...at Cape Schanck
Mornington Peninsula National
Lighthouse this
This town is as far from tacky sea-
Park hugs the coast and abuts the
summer with a
side resort as you can get. Before
Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary
twilight tour.
reaching the coast, Flinders breaks
of Bass Strait.
When ten or more
out in green fields, & even the roads
Back on Flinders main street,
friends book together
have wistful views over Westernport
Flinders Bakehouse cafe has
to go around the
to Philip Island.
reopened the old bakery and
Lightstation site, they
The town points towards the water,
now serve up local bread and the
receive a full tour of
with cows, timber clad homes and
prominence of local artists' work on
the lighthouse with
gardens with room for more than one
their walls makes you feel like you're
commanding views
pony (in fact some have several graz-
sipping a coffee in a gallery.
over Bass Strait.
ing away) joining the town's twenty
Flinders is a town where you can
The lightstation site consists of an operational lighthouse with
or so shops, cafe's and antique
peruse antiques in intimate antique
a maritime museum and three historic light keeper's cottages
stores which spread gently along the
that are used as accommodation.
shops and have 'just one more
main road.
coffee' with a piece of cake while
Conducted tours include access to the museum,
When the beach is covered with thick
watching honey-eaters crane their
with an optional extra of climbing the 59 steps to the top
wads of seaweed, seagulls patrol the
necks down sugar containers.
of the lighthouse, with its stunning 360 degree vista out over
shoreline and brown and blue willy
the ocean.
wagtails patrol the seaweed, clicking
Flinders is understated which
and flicking through the multi-col-
To be able to visit such a place so close to Melbourne is an
makes Flinders just fabulous.
-Jayne D'Arcy
oured kelp.
opportunity not to be missed and summer is the time to do
it, when the weather is warm and the sea breezes cool.
The Cape Schanck Lightstation runs tours of the historic
Flinders is a great place for a day trip, a relaxed
lighthouse daily. There are also bushwalks nearby with sea
weekend away, an extended stay or just a
views, together with local birds and wildlife.
quiet drink with friends set amidst some of the
You can also purchase a picnic hamper filled with delectable
most spectacular scenery on the Mornington
cheeses, tapenades, meat, salad and vinaigrettes. Dessert,
Peninsula. Enjoy stunning views of Westernport
condiments and cutlery are included. 48 hours notice required.
Bay and Bass Strait, play golf on some of the
world's most spectacular courses or visit some
Cape Schanck offers the complete stopover, spectacular
of our finest wineries.
scenery, wildlife and historic accommodation with food and
wineries nearby.
And what better place to stay than the recently
Tour Cost - Adults $14, Kids $11, Family $38 (inc. guided tour
refurbished Flinders Hotel (pictured right). Enjoy
of the lighthouse, entry to museum, bushwalks)
superb food in a relaxed welcoming atmosphere
then stay in 1 of 9 modern accommodation
$40 per person for a picnic basket (just ring 48 hours ahead),
units, without the worry of driving home.
Evening tour minimum price $250.00. Bookings - 5988 6184
CH
E S AN
Historic Accommodation
P
CAPE SCHANCK
LIGHTSTATION
IG
HTHOUS
e historic
eninsula with th ur base
Explore the P
htstation as yo
ape Schanck Lig
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Daily tours of the Lighthouse
Romantic accommodation available in 4 cottages.
Twilight evening tours available for groups - Bookings Essential
Phone: 03 5988 6184
2005 Winner Unique
Accommodation & Hall of
Fame HMAA Accommodation
420 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck Mel Ref: 257 E9
Industry Award for Excellence.
127
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