Westworld Alberta

responds with a wry grin, "Even if they're from good racing stock, sometimes they put the legs on backwards." The peninsula is becoming renowned for its outstanding food scene, and nowhere is this more evident than at nearby Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove – considered to be the region's finest restaurant – where we stop for lunch. The low rammed-earth building overlooks vines, undulating green hills and lawns studded with contemporary artworks (the estate holds an annual sculp- ture prize, with the winner's work taking up residence on the grounds). The rabbit pie with fi gs and French baby peas is sublime, as is the caulifl ower souffl é. But after being joined by owner John Mitchell, we're most intrigued by a meal that was prepared last week: the fi rst truffl e ever grown on the Mornington Peninsula was cooked in this very kitchen. The dinner was a multi-course celebration of the dog that found the famous fungi, the oak that grew it and the region in general, which now has another badge of sophistication. Truffl es are all well and good, but after asking about the region's seafaring history I learn that John has in his possession a far RENEE HERMAN AMA Travel Specialist | Australia To properly explore all of Australia, it would take you a few months. So if time is tight, I recommend spending a few days in Melbourne, Australia's second city. Melbourne isn't as brash and in-your-face as Sydney, but it does offer culture and sophistication. For accommodations, the four-and-a-half-star Swanston Hotel-Grand Mercure does not disappoint. The stylish, modern rooms are spacious and relaxing. Plus, the hotel is steps away from Bourke Street Mall, a pedestrian- and tram-only street. Once you've fi nished your shopping, head to Federation Square. Anchored by a controversial art complex, the square houses the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and several restaurants. If you have time, you can sign up for a tour of Melbourne's Golden Mile, an exploration of the city's history that takes you past narrow alleyways, historic buildings and interesting characters. Tours depart daily from Federation Square. Another Australian destination that I always recommend is Port Douglas, about an hour north of Cairns (in the northeast corner of the country). Because Port Douglas is close to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy – everything from scuba diving to forest tours. The rainforest is teeming with wildlife, such as bandicoots, tree frogs, crocodiles and even pythons. While in Port Douglas, I stayed at the luxurious Mercure Treetops Resort and Spa. The hotel entrance looks like any other, but inside, amid the lagoon waterfall pool and restaurant surrounded by lush rain- forest gardens, it's like a different world. Since Port Douglas is surrounded by ocean, you're sure to see seafood on the menu at most restaurants. My favourite meal was barramundi fi sh. I couldn't get enough of it – much like beautiful Australia. Need help planning or booking a trip to Australia? Contact Renée at 1-888-989-8426 or email: WWTravelSpecialist@ama.ab.ca. WESTWORLD >> NOVEMBER 2011 39

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