For Merry People, the Mornington Peninsula has been a big part of the story, and it’s where things really took off for our brand. It’s the place where Dani started working monthly markets, developed the merry community and pivoted the brand from a working idea into a real business. So it seemed only natural to start there.
To tell our story, and harnessing both brands’ sense of adventure, we made our way down the Mornington Peninsula, visiting some of the spots that have played a part in the early days of Merry People.
So grab your boots and come on a day trip with us!
EMU PLAINS - BALNARRING
Our first stop was at the place where it all began! The infamous Emu Plains Market in Balnarring. Hosted by the Balnarring Racecourse, Emu Plains is a patch of Australian bush filled with tall stringy bark gum trees and native animals. It’s also said that emus once ran on the Balnarring plains, giving the area its name!
Emu Plains holds a monthly market which showcases local creators from the area. This is where Merry People had their first regular market stall outside of the city. It was also where Merry People started to develop a following, and where Dani found and developed her community. Dani would set up her stall and meet merry customers all day long!
SOMERS BEACH
Next we made our way to Somers Beach - a vast and beautiful beach on the eastern side of the peninsula. Usually filled with stormy large waves, on this particular day the ocean was totally calm, offering sweeping views of neighbouring Phillip Island - another tourist spot located at the entrance to Gippsland; Dani’s home!
Peaceful Somers Beach used to be Dani’s spot to unwind after a busy day of market hustle and is a beautiful place to stop and slow down. It was also the location of Merry People’s first photoshoot, many years ago!
MERRICKS GENERAL WINE STORE
It was time for lunch! There’s no better place to stop than Merricks General Wine Store, who is also a Merry People stockist during the winter season.
Showcasing some of the peninsula’s finest produce, Merricks General Wine Store stocks local products, wine and art. You can also take some time to relax on their verandah with a glass of local wine and fresh plate of food - which is exactly what we did!
Local food, cooked to perfection, it really is the peninsula’s little slice of heaven.
QUEALY WINES
It wouldn’t be a day on the peninsula without a stop off at one of the wineries.
We finished our day at Quealy Wines, one of the oldest in the business. This wife and husband duo have really made a name for themselves and are true pioneers of the wine scene down in the peninsula. The casual setting and down to earth approach makes it a lovely, authentic place to taste some of what the peninsula has to offer.
Keep reading: Merry People x Karen Walker Collab
