Episode 35: 18 October
It's definitely the time of the year to start getting out and about in Melbourne, with longer days now daylight savings is upon us. There is nothing better than a day spent around our beautiful bay and an evening on the foreshore, which is exactly what the Postcards team enjoys on this week's episode. From Portsea to the Bellarine Peninsula, food to wine, and of course all the water-based activities you can imagine, tune in for some terrific weekend-around-the-bay ideas.
Queenscliff fishing and accommodation
There's no better way to see the bay than on a boat and a great place to get on board is in Queenscliff. Tim Biviano from Queenscliff Fishing Charters takes Giaan on a fishing expedition aboard the Kyena. The Kyena's been operating out of Queenscliff for more than 35 years, so she doesn't have to worry about any red herrings. Best of all, when you charter the Kyena, everything is included, from the rods and tackles, right through to the bait. Everything you catch is cleaned, filleted and bagged for you on board. So it's as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.
And with her catch all ready to go, all Giaan needs is someone to cook it. Chef Tyler Vakidis is the executive chef at Queenscliff's oldest operating guest house, Athelstane House. The cheery restaurant with its blond, beachy tones is constantly winning awards. Giaan falls for Tyler's salt and pepper calamari with a lime and chilli aioli and Asian herbs, hook, line and sinker.
Queenscliff Fishing Charters
Ph: 0458 504 058
www.queensclifffishingcharters.com
Athelstane House
4 Hobson Street Queenscliff
Ph: 03 5258 1024
www.athelstane.com.au
Moonraker seal and dolphin swims
If you'd like to take a dip inside the bay and get face-to-face with some of the locals, the best way to do that is with the team at Moonraker Charters. Tours operate from the Sorrento car ferry terminal. The Moonraker is a serious luxury vessel that has undercover seating on the lower deck, a fully licensed bar, sun deck upstairs and even runs on bio diesel to cut carbon emissions.
Within 20 minutes from the jetty Glen and the crew arrive at Chinaman's Hat just in time to catch up with the very friendly and inquisitive seals. Once you've finished with the seals it's over to the Popes Eye Marine Park for a quick visit with all the sea birds that live there and underneath the water. You'll find plenty of fish like the Australasian Gannets, but make no mistake, Glen goes to see some dolphins and that's exactly what he gets. There are over 100 bottle nosed dolphins living in Port Phillip Bay, so this tour is guaranteed to be an amazing experience.
Moonraker Charters
Ph: 03 5984 4211
www.moonrakercharters.com.au
Delgany Portsea and sea kayaking
Brodie has found a new way to enjoy the bay thanks to Port Phillip Bay's calm waters and sea kayaking. Pedalling is a great way for families with young children to explore the nooks and crannies of the curvaceous coastline. Best of all, you've got your own personal guide along for the ride. Bayplay's pedal kayak tour is about a five kilometre round trip and takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Delgany Portsea is a heritage-listed castle, built in 1925 by well known architect Harold Armytage. It has been an army hospital, a convalescent home and a school for the deaf, but these days, it's the ultimate beachside getaway. There are 18 luxurious apartments and nine townhouses at Delgany now and many of them are available for long and short-term stays. Located in the original historic limestone walls of the Castle, the three and four-bedroom apartments are perfectly designed for families. And though Delgany Portsea is not a hotel, that doesn't mean you're missing out when it comes to facilities. The estate has a fully-equipped gym, swimming pool and a beautiful day spa, where guests can treat themselves to a pampering treatment.
Bayplay
3755 Point Nepean Road, Portsea
Ph: 03 5984 0888
www.bayplay.com.au
Delgany Portsea
Ph: 03 5984 4000
www.delganyportsea.com.au
Twilight boat tour
Jillian's Fishing Trip is a cracking way to unwind after a day at the beach or a day in the office. Local lad Pete Gregson has been fishing these waters most of his life so he's perfectly qualified to offer a charter service along the Peninsula's coastline. First port of call is the South Channel Light, a shipping marker once used to navigate ships through the narrow entrance of Port Phillip Bay.
Despite the evening's bracing conditions the bay views certainly make for a superb sight. So too is the well celebrated South Channel Fort, an artificial island six kilometres north-east of Sorrento. Made of 14,000 tonnes of bluestone concrete and sand, it still has rusty remnants of its original military fire power but now it's just one big birds nest. Another old shipping channel marker is today home to the Australian fur seal.
With the sightseeing done and dusted it's time to get down to the serious business of fishing. A great fisherman is always optimistic and with the weather now looking its stunning best the entire boat gets its ample share of nibbles.
Jillian's Fishing Trips
Ph: 03 5985 2272
www.thejillian.com.au
Bellarine Taste Trail
The Bellarine Taste Trail is one of the newest things for foodies. It involves touring the region, which is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Choose from 32 farm gates, cellar doors, restaurants and specialty properties. Suzie's first stop is Drysdale Cheeses, which you can only visit by appointment. It is run by Corinne Blacket and her husband Peter and they produce a range of cheeses as well as yoghurt from their goats, which recently took out top honours at the Royal Melbourne Show.
Our next venue is McGlashan Wallington Estate, where you can enjoy wines by the glass along with a gourmet platter. There's also the Maritime and Automotive Memorabillia Display and Classic Car Exhibition on the property. The winery is run by husband-and-wife-team Russell and Jan McGlashan.
Then it's off to one of the Grande Old Dames of Queenscliff, the Queenscliff Hotel. You can stay the night in this nineteenth century building but on this occasion we go to try their Heritage Menu, which can be enjoyed on the Bellarine Taste Trail.
Bellarine Taste Trail
www.visitbellarine.org
What's on
ANL Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition
Set sail for the Docklands and check out The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, where the annual ANL Maritime Art Prize and exhibition will run until 25 October.
Where: Mission to Seafarers Victoria, Docklands
When: Until 25 October 2009
More: Visit www.missiontoseafarers.com.au
Lorne Sculpture Exhibition
If you're looking for an art fix along the Great Ocean Road over the next few weeks, have a look at the Lorne Sculpture Exhibition.
Where: Lorne's Mountjoy Parade
When: Until 8 November 2009
More: Visit www.lornesculpture.com
Tatts Cox Plate
This year's spring carnival is well and truly off and racing, so make sure you get in on all the action of next Saturday's Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.
Where: Moonee Valley Racing Club
When: Saturday 24 October 2009
More: Ph 1300 797 959 or visit www.mvrc.net.au
