The Peninsula: a season of growth

5 mins reading

The Mornington Peninsula has enjoyed a Summer season like no other. The region has emerged from a challenging two years, with historically high demand for property, strong holiday visitation and more and more people deciding to make the permanent move. 

Encouragingly too, new businesses have emerged. From cafes to retail, art and homewares, here is an introduction to just some of the newcomers calling the Mornington Peninsula home.

AESTAS

AESTAS is a celebration of summer inspired by travel, nature and free-spirited femininity. A modern resort brand designed for the global nomad, Aestas is uncompromising on quality and uses only natural fibres and luxury finishes with a sustainable focus. The jewellery is handmade in Jaipur, the epicentre of India’s jewellery making tradition that stretches back some 5,000 years. Aestas works closely with artisans to ensure fair trade and the craftsmanship of our pieces is exceptional.

Founder and creative director Sophie McCabe studied fine art in Melbourne then attended the London College of Fashion before returning to Australia where she spent more than 15 years across both design and trend roles. Growing up near the coast on the Mornington Peninsula, Sophie was immersed in nature, creativity and travel from an early age. Aestas was born from a desire to combine these passions in a values-based label embodying an eco-friendly philosophy.

The recently launched Flinders boutique carries the complete AESTAS range of resort wear and jewellery, alongside some of our favourite makers and brands from Australia and around the world.

The selection of brands has been handpicked, to share unique fashion, beauty, accessories, and design with you.

Visit and discover a world of luxury resort essentials, everything you need for summer under the sun.

AESTAS Boutique – 62a Cook St, Flinders

AESTAS, Flinders

Bonny Blairgowrie

Blairgowrie locals and holiday makers have welcomed a fresh new café to the strip with open arms – Bonny Blairgowrie.

Opening their doors just prior to Christmas, the décor is fresh and simple and the menu is inventive and varied. From Chilli Scrambled Eggs in the morning to Kingfish Ceviché in the evening, Bonny Blairgowrie has definitely made an impression over the holiday period.

The introduction of Bonny Nights has been a revelation. Settle in under an umbrella and watch the sun go down over the Bay, while indulging in Asian Street Food and a well paired cocktail, wine or crips ale.

Bonny Blairgowrie is open 7 days, from 6.30am.

Bonny Blairgowrie – 2827 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie

Bonny, Blairgowrie

Source Photographica

Source Photographica, was established by Philip Kulpa who has been an active participant in both the Australian and International visual arts industry for 30 years.

As investor, seller and observer, what started out originally as a vintage photography collector’s passion, has seen Philip develop into a compelling authority on the Australian and international photography market.

Philip travels regularly to important shows globally: Paris Photo, AIPAD New York. He has contacts and relationships with many auction houses worldwide and his formidable knowledge is now recognised internationally. It is this reputation that has increasingly seen Philip called on to curate for several important private collections in Australia and abroad. Philip also represents many emerging and established locally and internationally.

At the end of 2021, Source Photographica relocated to Sorrento with the opening exhibition: Nick Brandt, The Day May Break. The exhibition can be viewed until February 21. 

Philip is available to offer clients sales and advice on photography from the Sorrento gallery by appointment.

Source Photographica – 18 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

Source Photographica, Sorrento

Red Hill House

Red Hill House is something of an institution on the Mornington Peninsula. Located amongst Red Hill’s beautiful wineries, restaurants and gourmet food stores, the store stocks everything from homewares, books, kitchenware, clothing and children’s toys. 

While most people endured and merely survived lockdown, Red Hill House expanded, filling the neighbouring store with more treasures.

With a rustic ambiance, the new store offers a charming range of homewares, local olive oils, skin care, unique gifts and an outdoor range of pots, plants and furnishings.

Red Hill House is a must-visit store while exploring the Mornington Peninsula, but be warned, you most definitely won’t leave empty handed.

Red Hill House -169 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South

Red Hill House, Red Hill