Things to do during your stay
Discover the vibrant array of activities near Shelby Beachhouse that cater to every taste and interest. Enjoy delightful dining options with local favorites just a stone's throw away, offering everything from fresh seafood to cozy cafés. For adventure seekers, explore scenic trails, engage in water sports, or relax on the pristine beach. Whether you're looking for a fun-filled day or peaceful retreat, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal area.
Wildflower cafe, McCrae beach
One of our favourites, only a short walk from Shelby. Wildflower Cafe (665–667 Point Nepean Road, McCrae) is a charming seaside spot opposite McCrae Beach, known for its relaxed pastel décor, generous portions, and friendly service. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s the perfect place to enjoy loose-leaf teas, indulgent cakes, and hearty meals at reasonable prices, with a warm community vibe and pet-friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Redgum American BBQ, Redhill
Red Gum BBQ (87 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill VIC 3937) delivers a genuinely Southern-style BBQ experience in a rustic, family-friendly warehouse setting. Famous for its slow-smoked, free-range meats—including tender brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and house-made sausage—paired with creamy mac-and-cheese, buttery cornbread, and vibrant coleslaw, it’s a feast for the senses. The venue is welcoming to all, with communal bench seating, an indoor play area for kids, a well-stocked bar serving Victoria’s craft beers and local wines, and a warm, lively atmosphere that makes every visit memorable. https://redgumbbq.com.au/
Bass & Flinders Distillery, Domana
Bass & Flinders Distillery (40 Collins Rd, Dromana VIC 3936) is a charming, family-owned artisanal distillery tucked into the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. Renowned as the region’s original “Distillery Door” since its founding in 2009, it crafts distinctive vine-to-glass spirits—gins, brandies, and liqueurs—using locally sourced Victorian wine as the base, producing smoother, richer flavours . Open Friday to Sunday from around 11 am, visitors can sample award‑winners like the aged “Ochre” brandy, enjoy gin flights or cocktails on the terrace, savour grazing platters, or get hands‑on in a Gin Masterclass or Gin High Tea—all amid a relaxed, rustic‑chic setting that’s pet‑friendly, family‑friendly, and fully licensed.
https://www.bassandflindersdistillery.com/
Heronswood gardens and cafe, Dromana
Located only a few hundred metres from Shelby Beachhouse at 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana. Set in the foothills of Arthurs Seat and commanding spectacular views across the bay, Heronswood House features a gigantic Cook Island Pine (Araucaria columnaris) and a Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) that are both in excess of 150 years old. Dating back to about the same time that Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens were being planted out by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller (more than 100 years before the famous English gardens Sissinghurst and Hidcote). Showcasing the best flowers and plants for Australian conditions, the garden changes throughout the year and peaks in summer with wonderful planting combinations of summer perennials and heirloom vegetables.
The cafe inside the heritage home, has a tasty array of sandwiches and baked goods.
McCrae Beach
A 10 minute walk from Shelby Beachhouse, McCrae Beach (Point Nepean Road Service Road, McCrae VIC) is a serene, family-friendly stretch of white sand along Port Phillip Bay, framed by high cliffs and shaded by native woodland—ideal for leisurely walks even on cool days . The beach is beloved for its row of charming, colourful beach boxes, soft sand, and gently sloping shoreline—you won’t need to wade far before you’re immersed . Open to the public at all times, it offers convenient amenities like a car park, picnic areas, and public toilets . Kids love collecting shells or playing in the sand, while parents enjoy the ease of access and proximity to cafés, restaurants, and the iconic McCrae Lighthouse across the road .
Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Fingal
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa (282 Browns Road, Fingal VIC) is a luxurious, serene escape nestled among native bushlands on the Mornington Peninsula. This world-class wellness sanctuary features over 30 contemporary geothermal pools—from rain, botanical-infused, forest, and sunset pools to private rooftop and terrace options—all thoughtfully integrated into its expansive landscape.
Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm (closed only on Christmas Day), Alba invites guests to immerse themselves in healing mineral-rich waters in a peaceful, design-rich environment. Enhance your visit with indulgent spa treatments—ranging from full-day packages and body rituals to soothing facials, massages, and even Vichy showers, all delivered in a dedicated spa sanctuary with 22 treatment rooms .
Cap off your experience with a meal at Thyme, the on-site restaurant by celebrated chef Karen Martini, serving a seasonal, locally sourced menu in a stylish, indoor-outdoor setting overlooking the pools .