Jan 27 2015 at 4:03 PM

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Red Hill is essentially a somewhat diffuse rural borough located in the Mornington Peninsula's hinterland which is in fact an entirely different world to the calm foreshores of Port Phillip Bay and the rugged coastline on the southern side of the peninsula. As you head into the middle of the peninsula, from either side, there is a major change in the natural environment as you climb up into virtual high country which is characterised by gum trees, quiet lanes, hilly terrain, dirt roads, farms, orchards, small general stores and, tucked away amidst the trees and hills, some cafes and restaurants and plenty of galleries and vineyards. There has been a profusion of the latter in recent years as the terrain, temperate climate and fertile soil have proved ideal for oenology. The area is noted for its pinot noir, shiraz and chardonnay. Land here is quite expensive and so an air of exclusivity hangs in the air. Former prime minister, Malcolm Fraser, has recently taken up residence in the area.

Red Hill was first settled in 1862 and became known for its fruit orchards. With a 1996 population of 960, it is located 73 km south of Melbourne and about five kilometres east ofDromana. To get there head out of Dromana via McCulloch Rd which passes under the freeway then take a right turn onto Arthurs Seat Rd which becomes the Red Hill toShorehamRd.

Middens on the peninsula indicate that Aborigines used the area on a seasonal basis for hundreds if not thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first white settlers at what is now Red Hill were James Wideman and John Arkwell who arrived in 1862.

The Red Hill Community markets are held in Red Hill Rd on the first Saturday of each month from 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., September to May. The Red Hill Agricultural Show is held each year in March, the Cool Climate Wine Show in April, Art Red Hill in May, the Queen's Birthday Winter Wine Weekend in June, the Red Hill Garden Festival in October and the Red Hill Country Music and Truck Festival in December.

Tourist Information The Dromana Visitor Information Centre is located on Point Nepean Rd atDromana, tel: (03) 5987 3078 or (1800) 804 009.

Walking Track The Red Hill to Merricks Walking Track (8 km return) starts from the car park at Blue Moon Junction in Red Hill, near the shops. It follows the old railway line through forest and farmland and past wineries to Merricks Station Reserve on Merricks Rd.

Eldridge Estate Eldridge Estate, established in 1986, is located in Arthurs Seat Rd (formerly Red Hill Rd), 100 m east of Andrews Lane. They specialise in chardonnay and pinot noir but also produce a fruity gamay and a sparkling pf. The cellar door is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends but every day in January and most school holidays or by appointment, tel and fax: (03) 5989 2644. The email address is fizz@ eldridge-estate.com.au

Darling Park Vineyard Darling Park Vineyard, established in 1987, is a boutique vineyard located in Red Hill Rd, between McIlroys Rd and Stanleys Rd. It is open weekends, public holidays and every day in January from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5989 2324, or fax: (03) 5989 2254. They produce a range of wines - merlot, cabernet merlot, querida (dry rose), pinot gris, shiraz, chardonnay (dry and late-picked), pinot noir and 'Decadence' (desert rose). Tartes flambees are served from a wood-fired oven on weekends, public holidays and by special request.

Read more:

Red Hill, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do