Explore Australia Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Taste Trail

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Not just another Mornington Peninsula winery tour: a day trip from Melbourne of wine and beer tasting and sightseeing, sampling beer, food and wine with the picturesque scenery of the Mornington Peninsula.

Days

9.5 hours

Age

Adults only

Group size

Small group, max 21

Start / finish

Melbourne / 688 Bourke St, Melbourne

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Mini-coach from Melbourne

Meals

Winery lunch at Montalto

Route

Map of Explore Australia Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Taste Trail

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Included experiences

Pt Leo Estate — wine tasting and clifftop sculpture park
T'Gallant Vineyard — wine tasting
Montalto — wine tasting and lunch
St Andrews Beach Brewery — tasting paddle
Arthurs Seat — Murrays Lookout
Mornington Peninsula — bathing boxes

Explore Australia Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Taste Trail

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: MELBOURNE TO POINT LEO ESTATE

Your guide collects you in central Melbourne and heads down the Mornington Peninsula, whose cool sea breezes make it one of Australia's best regions for pinot noir and chardonnay. First stop is Point Leo Estate at Merricks, on the clifftops above Western Port with Phillip Island on the horizon. After a tasting at the cellar door, you stroll the sculpture park, where more than 50 large works by Australian and international artists are set across the lawns. The building, with its long, wave-shaped concrete roof, is worth a look in its own right.

MIDDAY: LUNCH AT MONTALTO

Lunch is at Montalto in Red Hill South, up on the ridge that runs down the middle of the peninsula. The estate grows olives as well as grapes, and a sculpture trail winds through the vineyard and wetlands below the restaurant. You share pizzas, with a glass of Montalto wine, looking out over the rows of vines. Is there a better way to spend a weekday lunchtime? Leave a little room, because there's more wine and a beer paddle still to come this afternoon.

AFTERNOON: T'GALLANT AND ST ANDREWS BEACH BREWERY

At Main Ridge, T'Gallant is the winery that did most to make pinot grigio popular in Australia in the 1990s, and its tasting takes in views across the vineyard. From the high ground you drop towards the ocean side of the peninsula to Fingal, where family-owned St Andrews Beach Brewery serves a tasting paddle of its craft beers. Find a table in the outdoor beer garden, which on a warm afternoon fills with locals as much as visitors.

LATE AFTERNOON: ARTHURS SEAT AND THE BATHING BOXES

Arthurs Seat rises 314 metres above the bay. Lieutenant John Murray named it in 1802 after the hill above Edinburgh, and from Murrays Lookout the view runs across Port Phillip to the Melbourne skyline on a clear day. It's the highest point of the day. Last comes a photo stop at the colourful bathing boxes overlooking Port Phillip. Bathing boxes have lined Port Phillip's beaches since the late 1800s, when bathers needed somewhere to change out of sight. Most still have no power or water, yet they rarely come up for sale. Then you're driven back to Melbourne for the evening.

Map

Good to know

Finishes: 688 Bourke St, Melbourne.
Fitness: Relaxed.
Suits: Couples and young adults; adults only.
Dietary needs: Vegan, dairy free and vegetarian meals are available.

What to bring

Refillable water bottle
Sun hat
Sunscreen

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

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