I recently won a spot on a Qantas Holidays, Tourism Victoria and Novotel Melbourne, Australian Open 2011 Experience. As part of the prize, I enjoyed a fabulous 3 night educational to the Australian Open and the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Upon arrival in Melbourne the city was buzzing, our group met in reception and we were taken to Madame Brussels for pre-theatre drinks and nibbles, before arriving at the Princess Theatre to watch the smash-hit musical Hairspray! This musical with its elaborate sets, amazing costumes and upbeat music was absolutely fabulous and my eyes were glued to the stage for the entire show!
The next morning we headed to the Mornington Peninsula, while stopping at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm for strawberry picking and homemade ice cream.
We had lunch at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove and then checked in to our accommodation at Lindenderry at Red Hill. The highlight of my trip was our morning at the Peninsula Hot Springs, where we were treated to a bath in the mineral springs and a spa treatment.
After our relaxing and rejuvenating morning we headed back to Melbourne. That afternoon we experienced The Langham’s signature Chocolate Indulgence afternoon tea before making our way to the home of the Australian Open; the Rod Laver Arena. I had a fantastic night watching the opening of the grand slam, the atmosphere was electric! We watched 2 matches that evening with the first involving Australia’s Jarmilla GROTH. The next day we attended the Australian Centre for the Moving Image as they hosted a Disney Classic Fairy Tales exhibition, we enjoyed a farewell lunch at St Peter’s Restaurant before catching our transfer to the airport.
