A local couple’s travelling bookstore has quickly grown into a series of literary events, bringing together the community to gather around books. Bookneck was started in June by Carolyn Watson and David Moore, who began their careers as writers.
Following her first shoot with a mermaid at Rosebud beach, mother, registered nurse and underwater fine art photographer Jaye Selga was obsessed. That obsession grew into a distinct visual language built on breath-hold, fabric, movement and natural light, with portraits that sit somewhere between photography and painting.
Frankston portrait artist, Lorna Wheele of Pop-Up Pawtraits captures the essence of her subjects in just ten minutes. Even more impressive, she does it in the vibrant atmosphere of an outdoor market. The clients who commission Lorna routinely comment on how accurately she conveys the unique personality of their dog, cat or the occasional chicken.
In eighteenth-century Venice, a young girl did something almost unthinkable: she spoke out about sexual abuse. Against the odds, her testimony resulted in a landmark legal victory that challenged the conventions of the day. Centuries later, this extraordinary true story inspired Christine Balint’s fourth novel, A Single Witness.
The Peninsula Light Operatic Society, as it was first known, was born in 1962. Today, the name has changed, the venues have changed, and the repertoire has evolved dramatically, but the DNA remains the same: talented people from across Melbourne and the peninsula, working together to put something extraordinary on stage.
Though not every couple chooses to walk down the aisle these days one thing is for sure, the ones that do, ranging from traditional to unique and unpredictable, are full of excitement and joy. Gone are the days when you could predict how the day was going to pan out as a guest. The new wave of wedding etiquette has arrived, and these highly-produced events are rewriting bridal culture and couture from the moment you receive the ‘Save the Date’.
I’m no famous designer, but when I style a vision that can reach the masses through an image, social media or a magazine, my work feels validated and seen. If I can evoke a reaction to my interpretation of beauty and art through fashion, it makes me extremely happy.
Reality check…it’s winter! Well, we can’t have our cake and eat it too. Colder days are here and they are going past so quickly I can’t keep up with the changes I need to make in my wardrobe.
Suits have long been associated with looking powerful and professional. They create an assumption that we are polished, credible, trustworthy and carry an air of success or standard. I think they look sharp! I love a good piece of tailoring and, though I wear more blazers than two-piece suits, they are a fabulous canvas for self-expression.
Shoppers are too often complaining that nothing stands out, they can’t find what they want, sizes are all over the place and nothing looks unique. Are designers losing their spark and just making what sells and competing with one another?
Mt Martha garden designer Andrew Stark has made an unforgettable debut at the 2026 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, receiving the prestigious Silver Gilt medal and the People’s Choice Award for his first-ever show garden, ‘Urban Luxe’.
Janette Bendle moves through her Mornington Pilates studio with the ease of someone who’s been teaching an impressive 26 years. While she didn’t find romantic love on The Golden Bachelor, she discovered something else entirely.
After a pivotal chat with her life coach aunt, Dance Academy star Dena Kaplan had what she calls a “huge creative download.” By day’s end, she had designed The Self Retreat—intimate wellness weekends now transforming women’s lives on the Mornington Peninsula.
When Mount Eliza anti-vaping campaigner Lily Ford began, she had only one objective – to help others. It came as quite a shock when she received hateful trolling on her social media accounts and online hate despite the mountain of evidence outlining the very unique hazards of this insidious device
Frankston odd couple, Trixi and Tabitha, are not your average dogs. Both girls can surf. Tabitha enjoys launching herself off the jetty onto a board, while Trixi takes a subtler approach. They can also commandeer the little boat their owner, Gina Proietti, built for them. Tabitha has the added skill of surf lifesaving which she rapidly deploys on command.
Pastry chef Jessinta Fantauzzo is the peninsula’s Pied Piper of Sicilian cannoli and other traditional Italian desserts. People come from all over to eat her delicious fresh-made pastries. Jess is a stickler for perfection, just as her Nonno (grandfather), Lino, taught her.
Onda, the new coastal Mediterranean dining room built on pylons over Port Phillip Bay inside the brand-new Sorrento Ferry Terminal, is the kind of place that seems almost too good to be true with floor-to-ceiling windows, uninterrupted water views, and a pizza oven crackling at the heart of the kitchen.
Ric de Vries has spent a lifetime around the water. It started when an 18-year-old Ric moved to Cape Paterson and landed a job with Fisheries. That was the beginning of a love affair with the water that eventually led him to Mornington and his true passion: abalone diving.
Black figs carry deep meaning in Aboriginal ways of knowing. They’re associated with birthing, nourishment, and community gathering, so it seemed the right name for a café built to do exactly that.
Mornington Peninsula chef Andrew Ballard took centre stage at the Good Food & Wine Show in Melbourne last month curating the Singapore Airlines VIP Lounge menu and unveiling an exclusive Japanese-inspired lamington.
From coastal sculpture parks to bushland galleries and working studios, the Mornington Peninsula is home to remarkable outdoor art experiences. Take a journey along the Arts & Heritage Trail, where sculptures sit among vineyards, gardens and native bushland. Discover world-class installations, meet working artists and experience creativity woven into the Mornington Peninsula landscape.
As the sun climbs higher and the days heat up, you might be wondering what it’s like to visit Peninsula Hot Springs during summer. While known for warmth and relaxation, summer is one of the most refreshing times to visit.
Whether visitors come to unwind, explore, or play, spring at Ashcombe Maze & Gardens is all about connection and adventure. It’s the perfect place to make memories, embrace the outdoors, and celebrate the season in full bloom.
Renowned for its world-class courses, breathtaking coastal views, and laid-back charm, the Mornington Peninsula stands out as one of Australia’s top golfing destinations. Here, we shine a light on two must-play courses you won’t want to miss.
As spring breathes new life into the landscape, McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery invites you to immerse yourself in a month of creativity, sound, and wonder.
From his first primary school cross country race, to the start line at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Archie Hewett’s path to representing Australia has demanded everything he has.
A whole lot of talent, training and perhaps some help from her lucky number has taken Mornington long jumper, Geena Davy, all the way to the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, after she sealed her spot on the Australian team with a qualifying jump of 6.27 metres.
Mount Eliza competitive cyclist, Bizzy Butterworth is at one with the world when she’s on two wheels. “I’m a very visual person. When I’m riding I love to see the changing light, the hues of green in the leaves. I love the smells. I love to breathe it all in”.
Paralympic gold medallist Heath Davidson has one of the most remarkable comeback stories in Australian sport. After abandoning wheelchair tennis for 11 years, he returned to the court at the age of 28 and won gold at the Rio Paralympics just 11 months later.
Melissa Warren is not one to be told she can’t do something. “There is this incorrect perception that sailing is unobtainable, or inaccessible, but nothing is further from the truth,” said Melissa. “You don’t need a large budget; you just have to have passion.”
While in Dromana, head down to the beach with its white sands and calm waters, enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many cafes, or taste an award-winning drop at one of the local distilleries. Later, catch a movie at the Dromana Drive-In.
Savour local brews, distilleries, and expertly roasted coffee. Families can enjoy a day out at Dinosaur World, while shoppers can explore Somerville Plaza, Centro Somerville, or browse through a range of charming specialty stores.
Strolling on Mornington’s Main Street, you’ll quickly understand the appeal of the town. Alfresco cafés, diverse restaurants, and cosy spots for cocktails or an after-work beer with friends line the streets, inviting you to savour the cosmopolitan vibe it exudes.
Stroll along the Frankston waterfront precinct extending from the boat ramp at the base of Olivers Hill, crossing the Landmark Bridge, and ending at Waves restaurant. Take a walking tour through the city streets and take in many building exteriors adorned with eye-catching murals.
Sorrento offers something for everyone – from scenic walks like the Artists Trail and Millionaires Walk, to dolphin swims, historic sites, and even ghost tours. Explore rock pools at the back beach, take the ferry to Queenscliff, or wander the foreshore, pier, and vibrant main street, where beach life, heritage, and galleries come together.
