Red Hill is a lush rural region set amid the Mornington Peninsula’s rolling inland hills. Named for its fertile red-hued clay, this small town is widely known for its cool-climate agriculture and delicious local produce. Visit apple and cherry orchards, sprawling vineyards and dairies to experience Red Hill’s exquisite flavours, straight from the farm to the table.
Red Hill’s main road, Arthur’s Seat Road, is a scenic thoroughfare through hillside farms bordered by drooping eucalyptus trees. Here, you’ll find the local hub around the Red Hill Recreation Reserve. This park hosts the famous Red Hill Community Market, a fresh produce and craft market held on the first Saturday of the months between September and May. Visit the extensive market to meet with local traders, sample delightful seasonal produce such as apples, cherries and olives, pick up beautifully handcrafted souvenirs and dine on gourmet refreshments. The reserve is also the location for the Red Hill Show, a fun-filled annual event held in March. Check out Red Hill’s agricultural and horticultural talent at this exciting show.
Explore Red Hill’s other arterial road, Mornington-Flinders Road, to visit roadside cherry, strawberry or apple farms. Many farms offer tasty farm-fresh dishes featuring the latest seasonal crop or will allow you to pick your own fruit for purchase. Visit a local vineyard and sample cool-climate wines, such as pinot noir and chardonnay, from the cellar door. Keep an eye out for picturesque cafés and small art galleries showcasing the work of local artists as you drive through the hills and eucalyptus forests. Pamper yourself with a visit to the Red Hill Spa on Mornington-Flinders Road.
Red Hill is located around 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway or the coastal Nepean Highway. To reach Red Hill via public transport, make the 1-hour train journey from Flinders Street to Frankston and connect with a local bus. Combine your trip to Red Hill with a visit to the calm waters of Safety Beach, 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) north or the surf breaks of Point Leo, 8.5 kilometres (5.3 miles) southeast.
