Autumn calls – time to explore the amber and rust coloured days ahead, the tumble of leaves underfoot, cooler climate and shorter days where the daylight becomes precious. Stain your fingers pink with mouthfuls of late-season raspberries and the last of the lovely sweetness of strawberries from warmer months—time to enjoy the tart, tangy flavour of seasonal apples or juicy pears.
Take a day, or perhaps a few, to meet the people who grow and make our local farm produce. Find the best of the Mornington Peninsula at the abundant farmgates found across our region. You will not be disappointed when you experience the flavours of farm-fresh.
Torello Farm grows a spectacular array of produce, including heirloom vegetables, specialty potatoes, tree-ripened fruit, harvested daily and sold from their farm gate. In their farm gate shop, Torello stocks homemade pickles and preserves, including beetroot relish, bread and butter pickles and preserved lemons, as well as a tasty variety of take-home meals made with Torello's grass-fed beef, lamb, and seasonal vegetables.
Hawkes Farm is a family-owned vegetable farm with a bustling farm gate growing vegetables and strawberries open seven days a week. On weekends, they offer guests access to a food truck, coffee, tractor tours and kid-friendly veggie patch.
Main Ridge Dairy is a farmhouse cheese factory and goat dairy, offering a true paddock to plate experience. Milking the herd twice daily, they pride themselves on producing milk of the highest quality that is handmade into a range of award-winning cheeses. Be sure to visit Billies for a grazing board offering like no other, complimented by French inspired interiors and a beautiful Australian bush outlook.
Mock Red Hill is a fifth-generation, family-owned and operated apple orchard. Much like past generations, the modern Mock family nurtures and nourish the land they live upon and produce a range of premium bio-dynamic (enhanced organic) apples, pears, avocados, and cherries. In addition to fruit production, Mock Red Hill is also well-known for its beverage line, including alcoholic ciders, sparkling and cloudy juices, and apple cider vinegar. Join them in their cider and tapas lounge situated in the converted '1940's wooden cool store onsite. Serving modern cuisine, local wines, and of course, all the products from their farm, Mock Red Hill is the perfect place for a weekend luncheon surrounded by history and authentic produce.
For real free-range eggs that are true 'farm fresh', visit Somerville Egg Farm. Enjoy viewing the hens that lay the eggs and catch a glimpse of other farm animals such as goats, alpacas, emus and Maremma dogs. Family owned and operated; they are passionate about ensuring their hens are always comfortable because they know that happy hens lay the best eggs. With luscious golden yolks, their eggs are nutritious and flavoursome - you will taste the farm-fresh difference.
Come along for a free tasting to find your favourite honey and to read all the amazing facts about bees and the honey farm. Pure Peninsula Honey uses beeswax and honey to make related products such as lip balms, candles, moisturiser, and soap. Pure Peninsula Honey has a mock-up of an apiary and displays of tools that beekeepers use in their work. See into the inner sanctum of the bee world in complete safety.
Explore the fields and taste Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm’s essence at the largest producer of strawberries in Australia. Based in the heart of the thriving wine region, explore the fields, and pick your own world-famous strawberries between the months of November and May. Be tempted by their homemade fruit ice creams, heavenly berry inspired desserts and refreshments while relaxing in the cafe. Local gourmets produce and quality giftware available from the retail emporium.
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Looking for more Mornington Peninsula flavours? Discover food sensations like a local: