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Shocking twist on teen accused of pushing elderly man off pier

<p>Just hours after a 14-year-old boy was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/teenager-arrested-after-shoving-elderly-man-off-pier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested for allegedly shoving an elderly man </a>off the Mornington Peninsula pier, the teenager has been accused of previously assaulting a woman. </p> <p>Jamie Tilbrook, 35, was allegedly bashed by the same group of teens who pushed the 79-year-old off the pier. </p> <p>Shocking CCTV footage of the alleged attack showed two boys throwing a series of punches towards Ms Tilbrook's head in broad daylight, after she confronted them for vandalising a bus and tipping bins over. </p> <p>"I said, 'What the f--- are you doing?' They turn around and jump me," she said. </p> <p>"Two boys just come and started smashing me in the head. I was telling my girlfriend to get away, like, I didn't want her to get attacked."</p> <p>The 35-year-old had to be rushed to hospital after losing consciousness and spent a night at The Alfred, where doctors had to glue her wound shut. </p> <p>Ms Tilbrook told <em>9News</em> that she no longer goes out and night and has to constantly watch her back after the alleged assault. </p> <p>The incident came just two months before the alleged attack of the elderly man, and the 14-year-old boy was on bail when he pushed the man off the pier. </p> <p>Ms Tilbrook revealed she was "disgusted" that the same boy who was charged after allegedly assaulting her, was now accused of pushing a fisherman off the pier. </p> <p>His friends had filmed the horrific incident before posting it online. </p> <p><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-news-teen-who-allegedly-pushed-elderly-man-off-melbourne-pier-was-on-bail/db6c8d5e-7e49-4ccc-ab47-cb4738979dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>9News</em></a> revealed that the teenager has since been charged over the assault and allegedly breaching his bail conditions. </p> <p>He will reportedly face children's court at a later date.</p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Teenagers who were lost at sea speak about terrifying experience

<p dir="ltr">The four teenagers who were lost at sea after paddling out on inflatable boards at the Mornington Peninsula have spoken about their terrifying experience.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two 18-year-old males, an 18-year-old female and a 19-year-old female from Glen Waverley, were paddling at the beach just off Point Nepean Rd in Rosebud, Victoria when they were swept out to sea.</p> <p dir="ltr">They joined their boards together to ensure no one would be left behind and drifted through the icy night on their journey of more than 30 kilometres.</p> <p dir="ltr">Around 2 am they finally saw some land, arriving at the Australian Defence Force facility on Swan Island.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking out since the horrific ordeal, the four teenagers said they never lost hope that they would be eventually found.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were just trying to stay alive, and we started trying to call out to passing boats,” Rong Shi told 7NEWS.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sally Liu was worried about spending the night floating on a paddleboard and if they would survive the conditions.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m thinking ... do we have to stay for the night on this paddleboard and how can we survive?” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought maybe it was my last night ... because for myself I am not a good swimmer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another survivor, Shi Rui Heng, said she just wanted to go home back to her mother after getting into a fight with her earlier that day.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was thinking about my mum because we’d had a fight the day before, I just wanted to go home and apologise to her,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve never been that cold before, it was pretty scary.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite their circumstances the four tried to make the best of the situation and appreciated the scenery around them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There were stars in the sky and there were shiny little fish in the sea ... so it was pretty,” Rui Heng said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The group are truly lucky to be alive after the strong current swept them from Rosebud Beach to Swan Island in the Queenscliff area before they were eventually found.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’ve gone from here (Rosebud) to where we are straight across Port Phillip Bay ... it’s a fair way,” Acting Inspector Terence Rowlands said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“People are going to die”: Over 1000 uncared for after council aged care services end

<p dir="ltr">More than 1000 elderly residents on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have been left without care after the local council stopped providing care services and made more than 110 staff redundant.</p> <p dir="ltr">In July, private aged care service providers took over the care of more than 3500 residents who had previously been cared for by the council, with 2063 people transferred to Mecwacare and 1554 to Bolton Clarke, per <em><a href="https://www.watoday.com.au/national/victoria/nobody-s-checked-i-m-alive-more-than-1000-stranded-as-council-retreats-from-aged-care-20220808-p5b81l.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WA Today</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Aimee Bonfield, a spokeswoman for Bolton Clarke, said “essential services” were being provided for 300 residents, with services starting or scheduled for another 200.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All remaining clients have been contacted and we remain in touch on a regular basis to update on progress and to address any immediate needs,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Bolton Clarke has a strong track record of understanding local needs and supporting wellbeing and independence for older people on the Mornington Peninsula.”</p> <p dir="ltr">But, at least 1000 residents have been left without care, including Barbara Rimington, who has a fused back from spinal surgery and has undergone surgery for lung cancer and was receiving assistance with cleaning from the council.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since Bolton Clarke took over on July 1, the 77-year-old said she hasn’t received any care and is “one of the luckier ones” because she is still relatively independent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The council said they are monitoring,” she said. “Pig’s arse they are. Nobody has contacted me to see if I am still alive.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Rimington said she was worried for others who needed help with shopping, since there are limited delivery options available on the peninsula.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Are any of these people eating?” she said. “People are going to die. Some people are totally isolated. It’s an indictment on the whole of society.”</p> <p dir="ltr">89-year-old Michael Nolan said he and his wife, 85, were left in the lurch by Mecawacare and haven’t received care for more than a month.</p> <p dir="ltr">The council used to provide assistance to Nolan once a fortnight, helping with cleaning and tasks around the home, such as checking smoke alarms, changing light bulbs, and changing bed sheets.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Mecwacare] has been on the job since July 1 and nothing is happening,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We have to try and do the cleaning ourselves and we tackle it a little bit at a time, but it takes us days and days to do because I can’t bend down, otherwise I fall over.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Mecwacare has had months and months to prepare for this. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is typical of the former federal government, they want to give everything over to private enterprise.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Anthony Marsh, the mayor of Mornington Peninsula, said the council decided to “transition” away from using its own staff to prepare for the federal government’s open-market system, and that the council had no say in the providers that would replace them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The peninsula had no provider other than council delivering these services and we needed to ensure our residents had choice and the advantage of a competitive market environment,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We did not get a say in the appointment of new providers; that was done by the federal government.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Marsh said the council was assured by both providers and the government that essential services would continue from July 1, and that an offer to keep some staff on “to help with the transition” was turned down.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The welfare of our older residents is a major priority for council, and we will continue to advocate to the federal government to make sure older people receive the support they need to remain independent and involved in the community,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">A government spokesman said the government was “continually reviewing” the transition and selection process for councils that chose to exit the Commonwealth home support program and was aware of the situation on Mornington Peninsula.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e0887fa8-7fff-732a-46d4-1c85b94eac52"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“The department is aware of the transition of clients from Mornington Peninsula Shire council to Mecwacare and Bolton Clarke and is actively working with My Aged Care and the providers on outstanding transition issues,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Marine protected area is long overdue: Humans threaten the Antarctic Peninsula’s fragile ecosystem

<p>Antarctica, the world’s <a href="https://media.nature.com/original/magazine-assets/d41586-018-07183-6/d41586-018-07183-6.pdf">last true wilderness</a>, has been protected by an <a href="https://www.ats.aq/e/antarctictreaty.html">international treaty</a> for the last 60 years. But the same isn’t true for most of the ocean surrounding it.</p> <p><a href="https://www.asoc.org/advocacy/marine-protected-areas">Just 5%</a> of the Southern Ocean is protected, leaving biodiversity hotspots exposed to threats from human activity.</p> <p>The Western Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost part of the continent and one of its <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0011683">most biodiverse regions</a>, is particularly vulnerable. It faces the cumulative threats of commercial krill fishing, tourism, research infrastructure expansion and climate change.</p> <p>In an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02939-5">article</a> published in Nature today, we join more than <a href="https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/about/">280 women in STEMM</a> (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) from the global leadership initiative Homeward Bound to call for the immediate protection of the peninsula’s marine environment, through the designation of a <a href="https://www.antarcticanow.org/">marine protected area</a>.</p> <p>Our call comes ahead of a meeting, due in the next fortnight, of the <a href="https://www.ccamlr.org/en">international group</a> responsible for establishing marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean. We urge the group to protect the region, because delays could be disastrous.</p> <p><strong>Threats on the peninsula</strong></p> <p>The Southern Ocean <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-the-antarctic-circumpolar-current-helps-keep-antarctica-frozen-106164">plays a vital role</a> in global food availability and security, regulates the planet’s climate and drives global ocean currents. Ice covering the continent stores 70% of the earth’s freshwater.</p> <p>Climate change threatens to unravel the Southern Ocean ecosystem as species superbly adapted to the cold struggle to adapt to warmer temperatures. The impacts of climate change are especially insidious on the Western Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming places on Earth. In February, temperatures reached a record high: <a href="https://theconversation.com/anatomy-of-a-heatwave-how-antarctica-recorded-a-20-75-c-day-last-month-134550">a balmy 20.75℃</a>.</p> <p>The peninsula is also the <a href="https://theconversation.com/humans-are-encroaching-on-antarcticas-last-wild-places-threatening-its-fragile-biodiversity-142648">most-visited part of Antarctica</a>, thanks to its easy access, dramatic beauty, awe-inspiring wildlife and rich marine ecosystems.</p> <p>Tourist numbers have doubled in the past decade, increasing the risk of introducing invasive species that hitch a ride on the toursts’ gear. More than <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/470576496/Polar-Perspectives-No-1-Is-it-time-for-a-paradigm-shift-in-how-Antarctic-tourism-is-controlled#download&amp;from_embed">74,000 cruise ship passengers</a> visited last year, up from 33,000 in the 2009-10 season.</p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-wants-to-build-a-huge-concrete-runway-in-antarctica-heres-why-thats-a-bad-idea-139596">The expansion of infrastructure</a> to accommodate scientists and research, such as buildings, roads, fuel storage and runways, can also pose a threat, as it displaces local Antarctic biodiversity.</p> <p>Eighteen nations have science facilities on the Antarctic Peninsula, the highest concentration of research stations anywhere on the continent. There are 19 permanent and 30 seasonal research bases there.</p> <p>Another big threat to biodiversity in the peninsula is the commercial fishing of Antarctic krill, a small, shrimp-like crustacean which is the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2017.2015">cornerstone of life</a> in this region.</p> <p><strong>A cornerstone of life</strong></p> <p>Krill is a foundation of the food chain in Antarctica, with whales, fish, squid, seals and Adélie and gentoo penguins all feeding on it.</p> <p>But as sea ice cover diminishes, more industrial fishing vessels can encroach on penguin, seal and whale foraging grounds, effectively acting as a competing super-predator for krill.</p> <p>In the past 30 years, colonies of Adélie and Chinstrap penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula have <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/41242231?seq=1">declined by more than 50%</a> due to reduced sea ice and krill harvesting.</p> <p>Commercial Antarctic krill fishing is largely for omega-3 dietary supplements and fish-meal. The fishery in the waters of the Western Antarctic Peninsula is the largest in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-2979.2011.00406.x">Southern Ocean</a>.</p> <p>The krill catch here has <a href="https://www.ccamlr.org/en/fisheries/krill">more than tripled</a> from 88,800 tonnes in 2000 to almost 400,000 tonnes in 2019 — the third-largest krill catch in history and a volume not seen since the 1980s.</p> <p><strong>How do we save it?</strong></p> <p>To save the Antarctic Peninsula, one of critical steps is to protect its waters and its source of life: those tiny, but crucially important, Antarctic krill.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838471/antarctica-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b40e7f32cd174fa39cb137d91ce94e0f" /></p> <p><span><em>Image caption: </em></span><em><u>A map of the current and proposed marine protected areas under consideration. Cassandra Brooks, Author provided</u></em></p> <p>This can be done by establishing a marine protected area (MPA) in the region, which would limit or prohibit human activities such as commercial fishing.</p> <p>An MPA around the peninsula was first proposed <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336888437_Protecting_Antarctica_through_Co-production_of_actionable_science_Lessons_from_the_CCAMLR_marine_protected_area_process">in 2018</a>, <a href="https://www.ccamlr.org/en/science/mpa-planning-domains">covering</a> 670,000 square kilometres. But the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (the organisation responsible for establishing MPAs in the Southern Ocean) has yet to reach agreement on it.</p> <p>The proposed MPA is an excellent example of balancing environmental protection with <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-take-marine-areas-help-fishers-and-fish-far-more-than-we-thought-119659">commercial interests</a>.</p> <p>The area would be split into two zones. The first is a general protection zone covering 60% of the MPA, designed to protect different habitats and key wildlife and mitigate specific ecosystem threats from fishing.</p> <p>The second is a krill fishery zone, allowing for a precautionary management approach to commercial fishing and keeping some fishing areas open for access.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838472/antarctica-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/be0da721223d49479b289f835fa16b2b" /></p> <p><span><em>Image caption: </em></span><em><u>A map of the current and proposed marine protected areas under consideration. Cassandra Brooks, Author provided</u></em></p> <p>The proposed MPA would stand for 70 years, with a review every decade so zones can be adjusted to preserve ecosystems.</p> <p><strong>No more disastrous delays</strong></p> <p>The commission is made up of 25 countries and the European Union. In its upcoming meeting, the proposed MPA will once again be considered. Two other important MPA proposals are also on the table in the East Antarctic and Weddell Sea.</p> <p>In fact, for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/02/antarctic-marine-park-conservationists-frustrated-after-protection-bid-fails-for-eight-time">eight consecutive years</a>, the proposal for a marine park in Eastern Antarctica has failed. Delays like this are potentially disastrous for the fragile ecosystem.</p> <p>Protecting the peninsula is the most pressing priority due to rising threats, but the commission should adopt all three to fulfil their <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269874896_Competing_values_on_the_Antarctic_high_seas_CCAMLR_and_the_challenge_of_marine-protected_areas">2002 commitment</a> to establishing an MPA network in Antarctica.</p> <p>If all three were established, then more than 3.2 million square kilometres of the Southern Ocean would be protected, giving biodiversity a fighting chance against the compounding threats of human activity in the region.</p> <p><em>Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marissa-parrott-561432">Marissa Parrott</a>, University of Melbourne; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carolyn-hogg-1166504">Carolyn Hogg</a>, University of Sydney; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cassandra-brooks-419939">Cassandra Brooks</a>, University of Colorado Boulder; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/justine-shaw-299755">Justine Shaw</a>, The University of Queensland, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-cristina-marquez-1166518">Melissa Cristina Márquez</a>, Curtin University. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/humans-threaten-the-antarctic-peninsulas-fragile-ecosystem-a-marine-protected-area-is-long-overdue-147671">The Conversation.</a> </em></p>

Cruising

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Mornington Peninsula homes hit downsizer sweet spot

<p><strong>A range of new single-level houses, specifically designed to meet the needs of downsizers, have been released on the popular Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne.</strong></p> <p>The two and three bedroom homes - each with their own property title - form part of the 31-dwelling <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/property/sale/49063/sublime-single-level-living-designed-for-the-downsizer">Waterfall Gardens estate</a> currently under construction at Rosebud. </p> <p>Real estate agent Robert Bowman, of Bowman and Company, said the estate’s developer Masterline would have been able to increase the dwelling yield at the site by building two-storey terraces, for a wide range of potential buyers. </p> <p>Instead, he said, the developer had opted for lower-yield single-storey homes, specifically to meet demand for this type of home from downsizers who were keen to age-in-place. Each of the homes features its own outdoor deck and small garden area.</p> <p>The Waterfall Gardens homes are in line with <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/657/Three-beds-small-garden-Australias-ideal-downsizing-home-revealed">the housing aspirations of downsizers, as outlined in a report released in February by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. </a></p> <p>The report finds that Australians over 55 reported the highest level of satisfaction (66 per cent) with three bedroom dwellings, closely followed by a 59 per cent satisfaction rating for two bedroom dwellings. In addition, the report shows many downsizers are still keen for a small courtyard-style garden.</p> <p>However, the report also found that many downsizers find it difficult to access these types of homes.  </p> <p>Mr Bowman said three bedroom homes at the estate started from $589,000, with two bedroom homes starting at $549,000.</p> <p> “The developer of these homes has been developing for 50 plus years, and he is in the later years of his career and life, and has designed these homes for the retirees,” Mr Bowman said. </p> <p>“We could have got a higher yield on the site by putting on two-storey homes but we decided not to do that. </p> <p>“The person who buys these homes is a definite downsizer - we don’t get investors or first home buyers - so you are entering into a community of like-minded individuals. Everyone that has purchased in the estate so far has been a retiree.”</p> <p>“These homes are a higher grade specification, they are all brick veneer, which means they are lower maintenance for the retiree and they are not going to require constant upkeep.”</p> <p>Mr Bowman said the estate was an alternative to retirement villages, given that owners retain all capital gain, pay less in fees compared to villages and own the property title to the dwelling and land.</p> <p>However, unlike the situation with some retirement village properties, stamp duty is payable. </p> <p>Downsizing.com.au recently <a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/656/Australias-most-popular-retirement-locations-unveiled">named the Mornington Peninsula as one of the top three downsizing destinations for 2019 in Victoria.</a> </p> <p>The Waterfall Gardens properties are across the road from Bay Views Golf Course and a stroll from local cafes.  </p> <p><em>Written by Mark Skelsey. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.downsizing.com.au/news/665/Mornington-Peninsula-homes-hit-downsizer-sweet-spot"><em>Downsizing.com.au.</em></a></p>

Downsizing

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See Australia: Visiting the Yorke Peninsula

<p>An abandoned mining town might seem like an unlikely place for a back-to-nature holiday, but a combination of an unbeatable location in the middle of a national park that harbours some of South Australia’s best coastal scenery, along with fantastic heritage accommodation, makes Inneston an ideal base to explore the beautiful Yorke Peninsula in South Australia’s deep south.</p> <p>A remarkably intact gypsum mining village that was once home to 200 people but abandoned in the 1970s, Inneston has seven historic buildings, including the former manager’s lodge, post office and gatehouse, that are now self-contained accommodation. There’s a heritage walk around the village that attracts a few day-trippers, but late in the afternoon or early in the morning, chances are the only signs of life you’ll see are the resident emus prowling the deserted streets.</p> <p>Spend your days exploring the surrounding national park, which has a number of good coastal walking trails, including the two-hour return walk to Royston Head – highlights include panoramic coastal views of offshore reefs and islands and Dolphin Beach, where you can swim in water so clear it’s almost invisible.</p> <p>There are more than 40 shipwrecks in the coastal waters – the most famous is The Ethel, which ran aground in 1904 during a storm, and you can still see traces of the half-buried three-masted iron barque at Ethel Beach – but there are also a number of much more modern relics lying forgotten on various bays and beaches. Where there are wrecks, there are lighthouses – there are three in the park – and the one at West Cape is stunning. Built of stainless steel, it gleams by day but is at its most impressive just before dusk when the setting sun paints it gold.</p> <p>On a map the Yorke Peninsula looks a bit like a boot, with Innes National Park on the toe, and the</p> <p>fishing village of Edithburgh at the heel. In between is a coast-hugging drive east to Troubridge Point along the sole of the foot that makes for a fabulous daytrip, past beautiful deserted beaches, gleaming salt flats, cliff-top lookouts and the towering Troubridge Hill lighthouse made from red clay bricks. Dangle a fishing line from the jetty at Edithburgh – once one of the busiest ports in the country when windjammers and ketches loaded up with cargo bound for England jostled for space at the wharf – or cool off with a swim in the sea-water swimming pool.</p> <p><strong>WHERE IS IT?</strong></p> <p>Innes National Park is on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, approximately 300km west of Adelaide.</p> <p><strong>WHY GO?</strong></p> <p>Scenery.</p> <p><strong>WHEN TO GO?</strong></p> <p>Temperatures are moderate most of the year. Summer is usually much drier than the winter months, although winter is a great time for salmon fishing.</p> <p><strong>HOW LONG?</strong></p> <p>2–5 days (minimum 2-night stay in lodges).</p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>Australia’s Best Nature Escapes<em> by Lee Atkinson published by Hardie Grant Books [39.99] and is available in stores nationally.</em></p> <p><em>Photographer: © Lee Atkinson </em></p> <p><img style="width: 250px !important; height: 300px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822217/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d253436738eb4bf18dd1036c78be3910" /></p>

Domestic Travel

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Destination focus: Mornington Peninsula

<p>It’s just an hour from Melbourne but the Mornington Peninsula feels like a world away. Here’s everything you should see and do in the Mornington Peninsula.</p> <p><strong>Do</strong></p> <p>The Mornington Peninsula proudly claims to be Australia’s number one golfing destination, so be sure to bring your clubs. There are 20 courses across 15 clubs, a number of which are in the country’s top 10. The huge Moonah Links complex has two world-class courses and The Dunes offers an exclusive private club-style experience that’s open to the public. Many of the courses hug the rugged coastline, making for jaw-dropping views from every hole.</p> <p><strong>Explore</strong></p> <p>The Mornington Peninsula owns more than 10 per cent of Victoria’s total coastline, so it makes sense that there’s plenty to do on (and under) the water. Snorkel along the Octopus’ Garden trail, a signposted 200-metre dive site along the Rye Pier. Experiences divers can try one of the 60 shipwrecks that lie submerged in the water or explore the Pope’s Eye, an artificial reef built in the 1880s. Then there’s standup paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, fishing and sailing. And did we mention you can swim with dolphins?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34429/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (121)"/></p> <p><strong>Relax</strong></p> <p>Holidays are about down time, so where better to relax than at Victoria’s first natural hot springs centre? At Peninsula Hot Springs natural thermal mineral water is pumped from deep underground into communal pools or private baths. There are more than 20 wellness experiences on offer including a traditional hammam, reflexology walk, cave pool and a hilltop pool with 360-degree views over the surrounding bushland.</p> <p><strong>Eat &amp; drink</strong></p> <p>There are more than 50 wineries scattered throughout the Mornington Peninsula, producing incredible pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, pinot gris and pinot grigio. Then there’s the fresh caught seafood, artisanal cheese, crusty bread and heavenly honey, all to be bought directly from the producers. If you want to get a snapshot of the best the region has to offer, the local tourism board has a number of trail maps themed around wine, cider, food, farms and more that you can download.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34430/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (122)"/></p> <p><strong>Stay</strong></p> <p>If you plan to play a lot of golf, then check in to one of the stylish resorts attached to the best clubs like Peppers Moonah Links, Mercure Portsea or RACV Cape Shanck. There are some great caravan parks and campsites around the region, some of which let you pitch a tent almost on the beach. There’s even a plush glamping experience that will set up a vintage caravan or luxury tent for you to camp with class.</p> <p>What’s your favourite thing to do in the Mornington Peninsula? Share your travel advice in the comments below.<em><strong> </strong></em></p>

International Travel

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Cosy cottage tucked between the bush and beach

<p>We’ve mentioned it before, but the Mornington Peninsula is a great holiday location for a weekend, week or maybe even longer. And thanks to <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/8021432/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_tootgarook" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">today’s Airbnb property</span></strong></a>, there’s another great reasons to visit this absolutely beautiful part of Australia.</p> <p>Located in Tootgarook, a coastal town about 80km from Melbourne, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/8021432/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_tootgarook" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">cosy cottage</span></strong></a> is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to relax, unwind and forget your troubles.</p> <p>The self-contained cottage is luxuriously furnished with a barbecue and deck for a couple to enjoy alfresco dining, a morning coffee or even just a lazy glass of wine.</p> <p>As far as location goes you couldn’t be better. You have easy access to all the wineries and foodie places on the Peninsula, as well as being a short drive from the beach and a range of incredible bushwalks and nature spots. Tootgarook Wetland is also close by, and is worth visiting to witness the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna that call it home. You’re also close to the Peninsula’s famous hot springs, which is the perfect place for a soak.</p> <p>To find out more or book the cosy beach cottage, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/8021432/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_tootgarook" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Have you ever holidayed on the Mornington Peninsula? What advice would you give to anyone headed out that way? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/the-best-place-to-stay-on-the-great-ocean-road/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The best place to stay on the Great Ocean Road</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/waterfront-home-with-best-view-in-tasmania/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Waterfront home with the best view in Tasmania</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/traditional-ocean-shack-the-perfect-tassie-retreat/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Traditional ocean shack the perfect Tassie retreat</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Cosy beach cottage on the Mornington Peninsula

<p>If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful place in Victoria to spend a weekend in spring, you really can’t do much better than the Mornington Peninsula. From leafy streets to glorious, sandy beaches, there’s a lot of reasons to visit this picturesque part of the country.</p> <p>And, as you can see from the gallery above, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/10710095/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_cosybeach" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">today’s property</span></strong></a> is another one.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/10710095/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_cosybeach" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">cosy beach cottage</span></strong></a> is located in Shoreham, a quiet village nestled among the gum trees and bush, which is a short 10 minute walk from the local beach.</p> <p>The property itself was meticulously designed and constructed by local craftspeople, with features like the reclaimed timber kitchen and wood fire providing a homely touch.</p> <p>You’re a short drive from Flinders, Merricks, Balnarring and even Red Hill, Mornington and Mt Martha a little further afield and not too far from the Peninsula Hot Springs.</p> <p>To find out more or book the cosy beach cottage, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/10710095/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_cosybeach" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Even if you’re not headed to Victoria any time soon, make sure you scroll through the gallery above to see just how incredible this property is.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/the-best-place-to-stay-on-the-great-ocean-road/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The best place to stay on the Great Ocean Road</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/waterfront-home-with-best-view-in-tasmania/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Waterfront home with the best view in Tasmania</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/tassie-apple-pickers-cottage-charming-writers-retreat/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tassie apple picker’s cottage now a charming writer’s retreat</strong></em></span></a></p>

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An architectural marvel on the Mornington Peninsula

<p>In case there wasn’t enough of a reason to visit the Mornington Peninsula, this architectural marvel clad in 13.5 km of flat metal bar is a striking addition to the region!</p> <p>As you can see in the gallery above, it’s really something.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11611662/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_metalhouse"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Metalhouse</span></strong></a> is an architectural marvel, easily accommodating 13 people in surrounds that would suit even the most discerning traveller. With a barbecue at one end and a pizza oven at the over you’ll have no problem entertaining.</p> <p>While the distinct design of your accommodation, which features 13.5km of flat metal bar held in place by 36,000 screws, is an attraction in and of itself, you’re not going to be short of things to do. The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations for its beaches, wineries and outdoor activities and when you’re staying at the Metalhouse you’ll be a prime position to discover everything the beautiful region has to offer.</p> <p>To see pictures of the <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11611662/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_metalhouse" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Metalhouse</span></strong></a> scroll through the gallery above. Even if you don’t have any holiday plans on the cards, it’s worth it (if only for the daydreaming)!</p> <p>And to book a stay at the Metalhouse or learn more, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/11611662/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_metalhouse" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Have you ever been to Mornington Peninsula and if so how did you find the experience? What would you recommend to anyone headed there?</p> <p>Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_auhomepage" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/07/train-carriages-converted-into-serene-rural-retreat/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Train carriages converted into serene rural retreat</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/07/100-year-old-converted-log-cabin-in-yarra-valley-cottage/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>100-year-old converted log cabin in Yarra Valley cottage</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/07/cosiest-winter-retreats-in-the-blue-mountains/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cosiest winter retreats in the Blue Mountains</span></em></strong></a></p>

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Beach bush caravan makes the ideal hideaway

<p>The Mornington Peninsula is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations and when you see the view offered by this caravan hideaway it’s easy to see see why.</p> <p>Providing easy access to some of the best beaches, inland wineries and outdoor activities in the country, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">beach and bush caravan hideaway</span></strong></a> has a little bit of something for everyone, and provides comfortable, private holiday lodgings for any traveller. </p> <p>Spend your days discovering some of Australia’s most scenic walking trails, exploring the beautiful bayside, sampling local produce at craft markets or taking a dip in the wild ocean beaches. You’re also close to the region’s famous hot springs to relax and unwind.</p> <p>The caravan itself is beautifully appointed and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day spent sampling some of the greatest activities on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re planning to stay for a week, weekend or maybe even longer, this <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">beach and bush caravan hideaway</span></strong></a> is the perfect accommodation. To find out more <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/3499537/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60_beachbush" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Even if you’re not headed to Victoria any time soon, make sure you scroll through the gallery above to see just how incredible these properties are.</p> <p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/?af=61160407&amp;c=apac_au_over60" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Whether you want to make money by renting your place or to find affordable accommodation options and stretch your travel budget further, head over to Airbnb now and have a look around.</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/tassie-apple-pickers-cottage-charming-writers-retreat/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tassie apple picker’s cottage now a charming writer’s retreat</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/07/inside-the-farm-shed-converted-into-a-luxury-rural-retreat/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Inside the farm shed converted into a luxury rural retreat</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/08/waterfront-home-with-best-view-in-tasmania/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waterfront home with the best view in Tasmania</span></em></strong></a></p>

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