Picturesque Scenic Views at Basils Farm

Having driven past Basils Farm so many times en route to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, I was quite intrigued and curious as to what it was actually like, as not much could be seen from the main road driving by.

On this particular day, some friends wanted to meet for brunch and it was the perfect opportunity to finally visit this popular Bellarine destination that I kept seeing and following on social media.

Upon arrival, we were surrounded by nature. Lovely lush gardens, native coastal birds, organic produce garden, calming and serene ambience, and panoramic views across Swan Bay with Queenscliff also in the distant background. Indeed blissful that's for sure!

When we visited, it was unfortunate that there was only a temporary menu at the time, as there was a new menu commencing in the coming days.

Regardless of the menu, it was evident the food was fresh, using natural ingredients that are grown on the premises in the lovely, well maintained on-site herbs and vegetable garden. We even caught a glimpse of the chef walking by with a gathering of fresh herbs that he had just picked, taking them back to the kitchen.

Overall a scenic and serene location for all ages, which I highly recommend that you make the time to stop by, even for just a glimpse, or to enjoy some coffee, wine, breakfast, brunch or lunch and make the most of absorbing the natural views in this corner of the Bellarine.

Click here to visit Basils Farm Facebook page.

Visit Basils Farm Website.

Life On The Bellarine FB page.

Australian Women's Choir workshop

Life On The Bellarine certainly has a plethora of events, entertainment, community spirit and scenery that you could never get tired of!
My blog to you today comes from coastal St. Leonards. I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by Fran Mitchell from Franscene Bellarine to stop by and take some photos at the Australian Women's Choir workshop held at the St Leonards Memorial Hall.

The Australian Women's Choir was started in 2014 by well known, highly skilled entertainer Wendy Stapleton, who has been a professional performer since the young age of nine.
The Choir provides unique opportunities for women of all ages to experience for themselves the delights in singing and performing. The passion that Wendy has, along with the choir members is certainly evident and visible.

The moment I arrived, even before I set foot in the hall itself, I could feel the positive and energetic vibe that was filling the room. The welcome I received by Wendy Stapleton herself and the 80 plus attendees was incredibly overwhelming. I was very much looking forward to my time here, capturing the joyous spirit that filled the room. My timing was perfect, as we could gather everyone for a number of photos prior to breaking for lunch, which was made possible and put together by local volunteers.

There was no shortage of laughter and excitement at this event, oh and of course singing!
"The only thing better than singing is more singing". - Ella Fitzgerald

How wonderful was this turnout? In attendance were 46 ladies from Bellarine (and surrounds), plus 35 Australian Women's Choir members coming together at our local St Leonards seaside location.
The fun and inspirational workshop was lead by Wendy Stapleton, Paul Norton and Ally McNaughton. The attendees were in full play, singing, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying their time here at this event. Be sure to add this on your to-do list when there is another workshop, everyone is welcome!

Ally McNaughton - Choir co-ordinator.
Paul Norton - Musical Director
Wendy Stapleton - Principal, The Australian Women's Choir

Visit Australian Women's Choir Facebook page and Website.

Visit Franscene Bellarine Tours and Transport Facebook Page.

Ally McNaughton - Choir co-ordinator. 

Paul Norton - Musical DirectorFran Mitchell - Franscene Bellarine

Wendy Stapleton - Principal, The Australian Women's Choir

"Blessings and opportunities are all around us, all you have to do is open your eyes and heart, and be drawn to moments of gratitude and embrace the gifts around you." - E.M.

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Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group

The Queenscliff Lighthouse Theatre Group is based on our wonderful, diverse Bellarine Peninsula. It is run solely by volunteers, is a not for profit group, and receives no Government assistance.
They take pride in sharing their passion for theatre, consistently doing a fabulous job delivering a variety of fabulous entertainment to our communities, for all ages to enjoy.

The Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre group started with just eight founding ladies with a passion for performing from Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale 18 years ago, back in 2001.








Have you seen any of their productions?
Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group has staged a number of well known musicals and plays, including Annie, The Sound of Music, The King and I, The Adventures of Peter Pan, Oliver!, Aladdin, Dimboola, Calendar Girls, Secret Bridesmaids Business, also several successful variety shows.

Today, the Theatre Group stages between 2-6 theatre productions a year, and there are over 80 volunteers ranging in age from early teens right through to eighties. Perhaps this might be something of interest to you? (Click here to find out more)
Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group provides an abundance of opportunities for members to perform on stage or to assist with off stage duties such as wardrobe, props, lighting and front of house, with a common united synergy to entertain the people of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group Committee 2018

I'm certain you are now excited to find out more, so be sure to stop by again soon, or Click to Follow this blog, as I share details and photos on their upcoming exciting Production, that you most certainly will not want to miss!

Click here for QLTG Facebook Page.

Rockwall At The Pier serving up continuous beach views

When deciding on somewhere to go for a relaxing, casual coffee, beer or wine, you cannot look past Rockwall at the Pier. Just a few metres across from our scenic Portarlington beach and harbour, you are always guaranteed plenty of harmonious and contrasting scenic views of sky, water, nature and coastal activity.

Although quite regular visitors with friends and family, on this particular day Miss Niece 9 requested a milkshake. Three milkshakes were ordered, as we relaxed on the super comfortable couches inside, admiring all the decor, wall art and framed photos. The background music was very enjoyable, as was the warm, relaxing ambience

Our milkshakes arrived, served by a friendly, smiling waiter, and little niece was full of smiles. What was her verdict? ... "Yum, this milkshake is delicious!" as she happily sipped away, looking a lot smaller than her usual petite self, sunken in the comforts of the large couch, gazing blissfully out the windows as she continued to drink her delicious milkshake.  It's the little things that bless us each day! Appreciate everything, regret nothing. 

Although I have not dined here as yet, it's definitely on my list. The menu looks inviting so I plan to have lunch or dinner here one day soon. I will let you all know about my experience, so until then have a wonderful week, and please keep checking back for more on "Life On The Bellarine"

Rockwall at the Pier is fully licensed, and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

** Please Note:
Rockwall At The Pier has since closed and a new development is coming soon at that location.

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My first Collection of Instagram photos

The joy and fulfilment that I feel when I take photos cannot be put into words, along with my feelings of humbleness and gratitude when I am complimented for my work.

I am so excited to announce that I have put together my first online publication!! (still a work in progress)

Click here to browse my first collection of Instagram photos I have put together.
Enjoy!

Beach Terrace Cafe

Visiting Ocean Grove, we were looking for a brunch spot to have a bite to eat with the family. With a plethora of choices, we opted to try out Beach Terrace Cafe.

 

Upon entering, we were greeted by jovial friendly staff, and were made to feel very welcome. There was a comforting warm ambience about this cafe, with a genuine feel-good vibe.
The decor has a quirky nautical reference, and there are a few booths for that added privacy if you would like to read, or do some online navigating making the most of the cafe's free wi-fi.

The menu itself is impressive with it's usual inclusion of cafe style selections such as:
-All Day Breakfast
-Pancakes
-chicken parma
and more

The menu also boasts incredible in house Asian influenced dishes such as:
-Korean Chicken Salad
-Chicken, vegetable and rice noodle Spring Rolls
-plus daily featured specials.


We started off with coffees both hot and cold, all perfectly made!
Our meals arrived, looking quite impressive and tasting super delicious. I always look out for freshness with no wilting or discolouration in salads and food, and these meals looked perfect.

The Spring rolls were surprising in size, light and crisp, not oily nor overcooked, served with a lovely salad and spicy peanut sauce.

You could see the freshness of the ingredients with the Caesar Salad, highlighting Cajun style chicken breast slices and a lovely in house made anchovy mayonnaise dressing. I'm not a fan of anchovies, but this dressing was not pungent or strong in flavour, and very delicious!




Overall: Lots of smiles, lovely background music playing from the CD player, Best coffee, friendly ambience, delicious fresh food, great menu selection.

Do I recommend Beach Terrace Cafe? YES!
Will we visit again? Absolutely!


Click here to visit Beach Terrace Facebook Page.

1/85 THE TERRACE OCEAN GROVE
Ocean Grove, Victoria




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