TRAVEL DIARY: THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Long story short, I was fortunate enough to win an all-expenses paid trip to last weekend's AFL Grand Final early in the year, thanks to the West Coast Eagles (how's that for luck!). Instead of just going for a couple of nights, Brad and I decided to make the most of the holiday and stay all week. After visiting family in Healesville, we road-tripped down to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, where we stayed at the picturesque St. Andrews Beach. Our accommodation had the most incredible panoramic views, with its utilisation of floor-to-ceiling windows (check it out here).

As if we weren't already lucky enough, we were blessed with the most incredible spring weather for the most part, a far cry from what we've been experiencing in Perth. With bare legs Brad and I explored the yellow beaches of Port Phillip Bay lined with colourful bathing boxes, experienced the thunderous Bass Strait, discovered the steep cliffs of Point Nepean and tasted the culinary delights of Red Hill, including 5-star rated winery Montalto (I highly recommend a glass, or three, of their Pinot Gris).

While I've visited Melbourne numerous times throughout my travelling life, I'd never been to the Mornington Peninsula previously, yet was delighted by its many facets. It occurred to me that while many of us young Aussies put a huge focus on exploring the world, we're missing out on seeing our own beautiful and diverse country, myself included. And while my aim to 'see the world' remains a huge focal point throughout my twenties (and beyond), I look forward to also seeing more and more of what Australia has to offer.