A bay cruise and wine stops in one day. This full-day Mornington and Bellarine food-and-drink route pairs Scotchmans Hill winery views with a Port Phillip Bay ferry ride plus the iconic Bathing Boxes.

I like that you get real variety, not just one type of pour. You’ll do wine and beer tastings with lunch, and you also get scenic breaks at viewpoints like Murrays Lookout. One thing to think about: part of the day is a beer paddle at St Andrews Beach Brewery, so wine-only folks should be ready for that.

Key things to know before you go

• Two peninsulas, one day: Mornington and Bellarine highlights without the hassle of driving.
• Lunch is built in: You’re not left hunting for food between tastings.
• Port Phillip Bay ferry time: A Devonshire tea break with a chance to spot dolphins.
• Old-school setting for tastings: Scotchmans Hill is in a French provincial-style barnhouse.
• Craft beer at a former training facility: St Andrews Beach Brewery has a horse-training past.
• Small group feel: Maximum 21 travelers with pickup from central Melbourne.

Mornington and Bellarine in a single, well-fed day

This tour works because it’s shaped like a loop. You start in Geelong, then fan out across the Bellarine Peninsula for a classic winery experience, and later shift over to the Mornington side for beer, lookouts, and those picture-perfect Bathing Boxes.

With a day that runs about 10 hours (starting at 8:30am), it’s the right kind of “packed” for people who want a lot of variety without spending their vacation map out. The big win is that tastings and meals are folded into the schedule, so you’re not standing around wondering what to do next.

Also, the group size matters. With a maximum of 21 people, the pacing tends to feel human. You’re moving through multiple stops, but you’re not stuck in a huge herd.

Pickup from central Melbourne means you can relax

You get pickup and drop-off from central locations in Melbourne, and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s more than comfort. It’s time saved. If you’ve ever tried to DIY this kind of day across two peninsulas, you know how quickly it turns into traffic stress, parking hunts, and “wait, where’s the entrance?” frustration.

You’ll also have a mobile ticket, which helps if you’d rather not manage paper paperwork while you’re in motion.

Practical tip: since snacks aren’t included, I’d plan on eating the lunch you’re given and bringing a small backup snack (and water) if you tend to get hungry between stops.

Geelong Waterfront: start with sea air and an easy walk

The first stop is Geelong’s waterfront, with about 30 minutes to walk along the esplanade. This is a smart warm-up. You’re not rushing straight into wineries; you’re getting your bearings with sea air, open views, and that “okay, we’re really out of the city” feeling.

It’s also a low-pressure chance to grab photos and stretch your legs before the day tightens into tasting mode.

Scotchmans Hill Winery: French barnhouse charm plus real views

Next comes Scotchmans Hill Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula. You’ll get around 30 minutes here for a tasting, set among the vineyards and in an old French provincial barnhouse.

That building detail isn’t just pretty wallpaper. It changes the vibe. A barnhouse-style venue tends to feel relaxed and rustic, so the tasting doesn’t feel like a formal production. And because the winery sits with big Bellarine views, you’re tasting with scenery rather than staring at a wall.

If you’re planning your day’s pace, this is a good first tasting stop. You haven’t been drinking all morning, you’re still fresh, and you can actually pay attention to what you like.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard: lunch is the reset button

After the first tasting, you head to Jack Rabbit Vineyard. You’ll get about an hour here, including lunch at the Jack Rabbit Café area and tasting notes tied to the meal. The day includes a glass of wine at this stop.

This is one of those places where lunch does more than fill you up. It resets the rhythm. Instead of doing back-to-back tastings, you sit down, eat something seasonal, and let the day catch up with you (in a good way).

What I appreciate about this stop is that it balances the day. You’re still on a food-and-drink route, but the emphasis shifts to actually eating, not rushing.

Port Phillip Bay ferry from Searoad Ferries: dolphins and a Devonshire tea

Then you get to the part that often turns a good food tour into a memorable one: the ferry. At Searoad Ferries in Queenscliff, you’ll sail on Port Phillip Bay for about 45 minutes, and the cruise includes Devonshire tea.

Even if you’re not a tea person, this stop is valuable because it adds a moving viewpoint. From the water, the coastline and bays feel different than they do from roads. And there’s also a good chance of wildlife sightings—dolphins get specifically mentioned, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re outside.

A quick practical note: ferries can feel cooler than you expect, especially when the wind kicks up. If you run cold easily, bring a light layer.

St Andrews Beach Brewery: beer paddle in a converted stable

On the Mornington side, the schedule includes St Andrews Beach Brewery, with about 45 minutes on site. This is a craft brewery, and it used to be a world-class horse training facility.

That past matters. Converted stable spaces often have character: higher ceilings, a sense of history, and a more laid-back feel than a brand-new tasting room. And here you’ll join the locals for a beer paddle tasting.

I like this stop because it stops the day from feeling wine-only. But I’ll be straight with you: if you strongly prefer wineries and don’t care about craft beer, this is the single most likely “wait, why is this here?” moment. It’s still part of the tour’s theme—food, wine, and beer together—but it’s the one switch in gear.

Arthurs Seat and Murrays Lookout: the view over the bay

Next is Arthurs Seat, with time at Murrays Lookout for about 30 minutes. This is where you slow down. You’re looking out over panoramic views across the bay toward the city.

This stop is worth it because it gives context. After tastings, lunch, and a ferry ride, your brain needs a wide open horizon to balance things out. It’s also your best chance for photos that look like you spent a full day driving yourself—without actually doing the driving.

Bathing Boxes on the Mornington Peninsula: iconic, fast photo stop

The final visual punch comes at the Bathing Boxes on the Mornington Peninsula, with about 30 minutes there. These colorful boxes are an area symbol of summer, and locals use the beaches around them.

This is the kind of stop that’s simple but effective. You’ll get enough time to wander, take photos, and enjoy the last stretch of coastal atmosphere before the tour wraps back toward Melbourne.

Price, value, and what you’re actually paying for

At $157.08 per person for a roughly 10-hour day, the price only feels fair when you look at what’s included.

You’re not just paying for transport. Your day includes:

• Lunch
• Wine and beer tastings (including specific tastings at the winery and brewery, plus a glass of wine at Jack Rabbit)
• A Port Phillip Bay cruise with Devonshire tea
• Air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes

When you add those pieces up, it’s easier to see the value. A normal day out usually turns into paying for transport, then paying for one or two tastings, then paying again for lunch. Here, they’ve bundled the essentials and designed the timing so you don’t lose half the day between places.

Also, the small group cap (21 people) helps the value feel more personal. You’re not paying the same price to feel cramped.

Timing and pacing: how not to feel rushed

This tour is scheduled from 8:30am to roughly 10 hours later. That’s a long day, but the stops are spaced so you’re not constantly sprinting. You’ll get short walks at the waterfront, tasting time at the winery, a full hour for lunch, and timed scenic blocks at the lookout and Bathing Boxes.

If you’re someone who hates long drives, you’ll still be in a vehicle for stretches. But the trade-off is you’re in comfort and you’re not doing navigation. That’s a win.

Two smart pacing moves:

• Eat lunch like it’s your main meal. It’s your energy anchor.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol, slow down your tasting pace. You can enjoy it without rushing the pours.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want a mix of wine, craft beer, and food in one day, plus classic bay scenery. It’s especially good for first-timers to both peninsulas who want the highlights without piecing together transportation and bookings.

It’s also a great fit if you like structure. Every stop is timed, and the day includes food and tastings rather than leaving you to guess.

I’d consider skipping it if:

• You only like wineries and would rather swap the brewery stop for another winery.
• You want a slow, unhurried day with lots of free time. This is more “guided highlights” than “take your time and roam.”

A quick, real-world packing list

I’m not going to overcomplicate it. For a day that includes walking near the waterfront and lots of outdoor viewpoints:

• Comfortable shoes for short walks and lookout stairs
• Sun protection (it’s a coastal route)
• A light layer for the ferry breeze
• A small snack backup since snacks aren’t included
• Camera (the Bathing Boxes and lookouts are photo-friendly)

Should you book the Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a high-value, low-planning day that covers both Mornington and Bellarine, includes lunch and tastings, and gives you a real Port Phillip Bay cruise. The combo of sea views, winery time at Scotchmans Hill, lunch at Jack Rabbit Café, and the final lookouts makes it feel like more than a “drink tour.”

I’d think twice if beer isn’t your thing, or if you need lots of downtime. The brewery stop is part of the design, and the day runs full from morning to evening.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the easiest decision rule: if you’d rather spend effort on choosing what to drink and eat than on driving and logistics, this tour is built for you.

FAQ

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for about 10 hours and starts at 8:30am.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.

Do you get wine and beer tastings?

Yes. The day includes a wine tasting at Scotchmans Hill, a glass of wine at Jack Rabbit, and a beer tasting at St Andrews Beach Brewery.

Do you go on a cruise?

Yes. You’ll take a sightseeing cruise on Port Phillip Bay with Devonshire tea.

Is pickup and drop-off provided from Melbourne?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from central locations in Melbourne, and you’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 21 travelers.

Are snacks included?

No. Snacks aren’t listed as included, so you may want to bring a small extra snack if you need one.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.