BALNARRING

Lifestyle

Located in the heart of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Balnarring offers a lifestyle that marries coastal beauty with small-town warmth, with the convenience of Melbourne being just over an hour away. Residents revel in a laid-back atmosphere, embracing the town's slower pace and natural beauty that surrounds them.

This once sleepy seaside hamlet, which boasts Balnarring Beach as its local surf spot, is now a bustling community that’s much loved for its excellent wineries, charming village atmosphere, and yearly picnic races.

Residents love that you can get almost anywhere in this town on foot, including Balnarring Beach, also known as Tulum Beach. The beating heart of the community, this stunning beach has been dubbed “the cleanest beach in Victoria” by the Keep Australia Beautiful committee. It is a safe spot to enjoy a swim or simply marvel at the sweeping stretch of coastline. If you get here early enough, you can spot the local racehorses being trained on the beach.

The Balbirooroo Wetlands are another place locals gather to enjoy gentle strolls along the track. The wetlands are populated with an abundance of flora and fauna, and animal spotting is a lovely way to pass the time. 

Balnarring is a winery hotspot, with the area dotted with everything from boutique wineries such as Quealy Winemakers to larger institutions like Marinda Park Vineyard. Foodies lap up the scene here, and it’s easy to spend a weekend hopping from winery to winery.

Diverse property offerings abound – modern homes on standard blocks, revamped beach shacks exuding vintage charm or ready to a revamp, and spacious acreages tailored for hobby farmers.

Balnarring Primary School is a well-respected local primary school, while buses into Mornington and Mount Eliza mean quality high school options are also obtainable. 

The Emu Plains Market is a local favourite held every month over the summer. With over 240 stalls featuring amazing gourmet food from around the world, local arts and crafts, and live music, the much-loved event draws in residents and tourists.

Another large part of the community is the Balnarring Picnic Races. With six meets a year from November until April, this lively, family-friendly event celebrates picnic racing and brings everyone together.

Despite its slower pace, Balnarring is well-connected. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, making it an ideal local for those who value a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing the conveniences of city life.