Located beside spectacular West Head on the heel of the Mornington Peninsula, where the calm waters of Western Port Bay meet the sometimes-rough seas of Bass Strait, Flinders is a pretty seaside town of less than 1000 people.
The town of Flinders, Victoria borders the Mornington Peninsula National Park, whose rugged basalt cliffs and wild ocean beaches extend to the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and beyond. Its long pier, perfect for fishing and diving, extends into Westernport Bay. The Golf Course, open to the general public, has a drop-dead gorgeous setting along the cliffs, while wineries cover the rolling hills of the hinterland. Amidst all this natural grandeur, the town has retained a village feel, with old-fashioned shopfronts housing a general store, cafés, boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
Where to stay in Flinders
Quarters at Flinders Hotel
A contemporary boutique hotel with 40 airy, spacious rooms inspired by the coastal landscape. This 4½-star hotel features local artworks, mini bars stocked with local produce and a gourmet breakfast that’s included in the room rate.
flindershotel.com.au
Arleston Cottage
This place is a one-bedroom luxury retreat furnished with French antiques, opening onto a sunny garden deck with barbecue.
arlestoncottage.com.au
Flinders Cove Motel
For something both cheap and cheerful, check out this centrally located establishment which has a solar-heated pool. It’s perfect for touring different wineries, restaurants, markets and the Peninsula Hot Springs.
flinderscovemotel.com.au
Wining and dining in Flinders
Donna Maria
This establishment entices with its compact menu of well-priced classy Italian dishes, such as hand-made penne Bolognese with Wagyu, black pepper and Grana Padano or gnocchi, braised lamb, cavalo nero, cherry tomatoes and pecorino. It has a small list of local and Italian wines.
donnamaria.com.au
The Deck Bar and Bistro at Flinders Hotel
Located within the hotel, The Deck offers an innovative seasonal menu alongside pub classics. Dine outdoors in warm weather or stay close to the open fireplace in winter. There’s also a children’s playground onsite.
www.flindershotel.com.au/the-deck
Georgie Bass Café & Cookery
Set among kitchen gardens and herb boxes, the uber-healthy establishment offers all-day dining and terrific hands-on cooking classes.
georgiebass.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Sporting an excellent selection of hand-crafted couverture chocolate, this place also offers sublime Italian gelato and a brownie bar, as well as hands-on chocolate-making workshops. Its truffled chocolates, including chilli and tequila and tangy lime caramel, are particularly popular.
mpchoc.com.au
Flinders Sourdough
This restored historic bakery sells naturally fermented organic sourdough bread fresh from its wood-fired Scotch oven. For a hands-on experience, visitors can try the traditional bread-making classes.
flinderssourdough.com.au
Pier Provedore
This casual eatery offers a blackboard menu of healthy breakfast and lunch dishes based around fresh local produce. You can also buy Flinders mussels directly off a punt on the Flinders Pier when the sandwich board is out.
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Flinders Bakehouse Café
This iconic café continues its long tradition of serving casual meals in a classic Edwardian house with huge fireplace and courtyard bar. Homemade pies and wood-fired pizzas are a specialty.
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Best bars & cafés in Flinders
The Village Café & Wine Bar
Start the day with house-roasted coffee and fabulous homemade cakes, settle in for a long lazy lunch, or sample wine and tapas in the evening. In summer the sun-filled courtyard is ideal, while a cosy fireplace keeps things warm in winter. They have a range of local beers and ciders on tap, plus nearly 500 wines (sourced locally and internationally) – not to mention locally produced Bass & Flinders gins.
villagecafeflinders.com
Zigis Bar at Flinders Hotel
Located at the Flinders Hotel, this relaxed venue has a white-washed interior, an artisanal bar made from Flinders pier timbers and turquoise fish-scale tiles, all adding up to a laid-back coastal aesthetic. Fresh local seafood, in bite-sized dishes, goes down a treat with a drinks list that features the best Mornington Peninsula wines, beers and cocktails.
flindershotel.com.au/zigisbar
Nazaaray Estate Winery
The southernmost vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, this winery is owned and run by Indian-Australian couple Param and Nirmal Ghumman, who, in addition to cellar door wine tastings, sometimes offer fabulous Indian feasts called Tiffin Time, paired with their wines.
nazaaray.com.au
For more hotel and restaurant recommendations in Victoria, check this out.
