Lot's Wife Edition 2 2016

CULTURE
Peninsula Hot Springs.
As the weather begins to cool, it’s only natural to
want to feel warm again! Well, you can do so naturally at
Peninsula Hot Springs in Fingal, Mornington Peninsula.
Hot Springs like this occur due to the fact that centre of the
Earth’s temperature is equivalent to the surface temperature
of the sun and just like the sun, heat radiates outwards,
and warms up any water sources with which it comes into
contact. The pools and baths at this award winning location
contain these natural thermal mineral waters and provide
ultimate relaxation. This hot springs experience will set
you back $35-40 for Bath House bathing, or $55-60 for the
pricier Spa Dreaming Centre option. Keep in mind though
concession prices are available. Depending on the day and
time you go you may have to book online first so be sure to
check the website for details.
Trentham Falls
Far away in the distant Daylesford area lies a spectacular
waterfall tucked away from human activity. Trentham
Falls is the longest single drop fall in Victoria which formed
5 million years ago. It lies one and a half hours away from
Clayton, North East of the city. The cooler months are a
great time to visit waterfalls as the water supply is abundant,
creating a wonderful flow, compared to the summer
trickle. The steep cliffs block out the sweltering sun for a
relaxing, cool shelter. The viewing point for the waterfall is
about 100 metres from the parking destination, and despite
multiple signs saying “NO ACCESS” beyond this point,
many people still continue down the cliffs to the base of the
waterfall for a soothing swim.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, a crescentic-shaped beach only 30
minutes from Monash is located in the suburb of Black
Rock. Being only 350 meters long and quite protected from
harsh sea waters, Half Moon Bay is a safe place to explore.
This sandy sea shore is the perfect place for tanning, relaxing,
fishing, swimming and surfing. The bay is surrounded
by impressive cliffs, where divers are often spotted taking a
plunge into the blue sea. If the scenery looks familiar to you,
it may be due to the fact that the beach was often shot in
everyone’s favourite 90’s children’s show Round the Twist.
The beach’s charm was also featured in the classic Mad Max.
Fruit Picking
If you feel like doing something that does not include
water then why not try fruit picking? Take advantage of
the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies available at farms
and paddocks close to Melbourne. Many find this activity
relaxing and satisfying, and, of course, you get to eat what
you collect! Although make sure you search each fruit picking
farm the day before you venture out to ensure that the
fruits are still in season.
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm – Strawberries
(Nov-May) 244 Shands Rd, Main Ridge.
Paynes Orchads – Apples (March – May) 372
Bacchus Marsh Rd
Blue Hills Berries – Strawberries (Nov-May) 27
Parker Rd, Silvan Victoria
Fairy Cove
No fairies have been spotted (yet) at Fairy Cove,
but the beauty of this isolated, serene seashore is enough
to be wondered by. Hidden in the vast region of Wilsons
Promontory lies a beach so secret that google maps doesn’t
even register its existence. The trek to Fairy Cove includes
a drive to the Darby River where there will be parking, and
then about an hour’s walk on the Tongue Point Track to get
to Fairy Cove.
Lake Eildon National Park
This national park is the furthest location on this list,
as you will need two and a half hours to reach your destination.
However, to make up for the distance, Lake Eildon
provides us with a plethora of things to do at this versatile
location. You can hire a houseboat and float across the
dam, or decide take a swim or even water ski if you're lucky
enough to have one. If fishing is your thing, get there early.
And I mean early, like 6am early. If you’re in the mood for a
naturistic walk with wondrous sights, attempt the Blowhard
Summit walking trail, which should roughly take another
2.5 hours. Once you reach the summit you will be rewarded
with a spectacular view of Mount Buller in the distance.
Lot’s Wife | 49