About
Hi there, I’m Jen…
I am the founder, writer and explorer here at Morn Pen and Beyond.
I moved to the Mornington Peninsula with my fiance in 2018. In 2019, my daughter was born, she is what you’d call, a Morn Pen native!
I am originally from Melbourne, about a 70-90 minute drive from the Peninsula, and have visited this gorgeous part of the world all my life. So you could say I know a thing or two about this place!
I am the type of person who gets bored very easily and can’t stand being inside for too long. So no matter what the season, you’ll either find me flying solo, or dragging a friend, my daughter and/or partner along, to explore the many beaches, hiking trails, national parks, wineries, restaurants and coffee shops, that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.
My goal is to leave no stone unturned here! My goal is to see and experience absolutely everything the Morn Pen has to offer, and to share each and every experience with you, so that you can plan the perfect trip here, to suit your needs and and to suit your budget.
A little bit more about my journey…
There is a little bit more to my life, than being a Mornington Peninsula expert! So, if you’re interested (but, absoloutely no offence if you’re not), here are a few little facts about me, Jen Richards:
- I moved to the Mornington Peninsula from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne in 2018 with my boyfriend of the time, who is now my fiance. His name is Dave. We moved here when Dave started working at Tarilnga Estate in the town of Shoram on the western side of The Peninsula. In case you were wondering, Taralinga Estate produces world class olive oils that are hands down the best I’ve ever tasted.
- I’ve not only lived on the Peninsula and in Melbourne, but also lived in far North Queensland in both Cairns and on Magnetic Island. I also spent 18 months living in London and five months living in the French Alps.
- I am a qualified teacher and have worked as both a permanent, and an emergency teacher, at many primary and high schools all over the Peninsula, Melbourne and also in the UK.
- I’ve interspersed my teaching career with odd jobs at cafes as both a waitress and a barista. Coffee is my religion!
- I’m a keen hiker and walker and love nothing more than being active and outdoors.
- Photography is a HUGE passion of mine. Whether it be portraits or landscapes, I’m there! My daughter practically begs me to put my camera away most days. All photos on this website are my own, unless stated otherwise.
- I’ve been writing this website on the side, while working at my current job, which is an administrative, work-from-home role, with a large medical company.