Two peninsulas, one tasty loop. I like that this day rolls through both the Bellarine and Mornington food-and-wine scene, not just one region. You also get built-in scenery breaks, so the tastings don’t feel like a checklist.

I also love the combo of a vineyard lunch with views and a hands-on drink stop at St Andrews Brewery. In the past, guides such as Gary, Matt, and Kyle have helped the day feel relaxed and well-paced, with real local context.

One consideration: this tour isn’t recommended if you have limited mobility, and there are restrictions like no large bags and no baby strollers.

Key highlights worth marking on your calendar

• Two wine regions in one day: Bellarine Peninsula first, then Mornington Peninsula
• Winery lunch overlooking the vines at Jack Rabbit Vineyard
• Beer paddle tasting at St Andrews Brewery, served in a former horse training facility
• Devonshire tea on the bay, which turns the food day into an actual experience
• Arthurs Seat and Murrays Lookout for panoramic clifftop views across to the city
• Peninsula Bathing Boxes for that iconic Mornington Peninsula summer photo

Why this Around the Bay route works so well

This is the kind of tour that makes sense if you want variety without doing the driving math all day. In about 10 hours, you move from Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula, then over to the Mornington Peninsula, with stops chosen for food, drinks, and views—not just “interesting places.”

What I like about the structure is the pacing. You’re not stuck in one venue for hours. There’s a balance of tasting time (Scotchmans Hill and the brewery), sit-down time (winery lunch), and reset time (the bay tea + lookout). It also runs like a loop route, so you’re not bouncing back and forth across the same roads.

And because transport is included, you can focus on enjoying the day. With a price of $155 per person, you’re paying for the tastings, the lunch, the guide, and the round-trip logistics—rather than paying for each stop separately and figuring out timing yourself.

Geelong Waterfront to start: breathing room and sea air

The day kicks off with pickup from selected accommodation spots, then a drive to the Geelong Waterfront. There’s time to walk along the esplanade and get that cool sea-air feeling early on. It’s a smart warm-up before you start making your way through wine and beer.

This first stop also gives you time to get your bearings. You can pair it with practical decisions like: what shoes you’re wearing for the rest of the day, where you want to take photos, and whether you’ll need sunglasses or a light layer. Since there’s no “restock” period later that’s built around shopping, that early orientation matters.

One small thing to note: the tour is designed for day comfort, not heavy luggage. If you’re thinking of bringing a big bag “just in case,” this isn’t the format for it.

Scotchmans Hill Vineyard: a Bellarine Peninsula tasting with serious charm

After Geelong, you head to Scotchmans Hill Vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula. The tasting happens in an old French provincial barn house set among the vines—one of those setups that makes you slow down, even if you’re only there for the wine.

This stop is valuable for two reasons. First, it sets the tone: you start with a proper cellar door-style wine tasting, so you’re building context for what you’ll taste next. Second, the views from this side of the bay area are part of the “why” of the region. You’re tasting the place, not just sipping the product.

Potential drawback? If you’re expecting long wandering time across the property, this is more of a guided tasting stop than a long self-guided tour. You’ll get the experience, but the day stays efficient by design.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard and lunch: where the day becomes food-first

Next up is Jack Rabbit Vineyard, with lunch served at the Jack Rabbit Café. This is the point where the tour turns from drinks-and-view stops into full-on “eat your way through the region” mode.

The lunch is a highlight for good reason. It’s not just about having a meal; it’s about where and how you eat. You’re sitting with a view and tasting local flavors in a setting that matches the Peninsula vibe. If you’re the type who gets cranky when tours skip lunch or make it rushed, this stop is built to avoid that.

It’s also one of the few times where you can settle in and reset before the bay portion and the brewery. I’d treat this as your anchor meal. Eat like you plan to enjoy drinks later—meaning: don’t overdo it on spicy or heavy items if you know you’ll be tasting wine and then doing a beer paddle.

Devonshire tea on the bay: a scenic break that actually matters

Then comes the sail upon the bay with Devonshire tea. This is the part that turns the day into more than just tastings lined up in sequence.

Why it works: you get a change of pace. You’re moving, looking out, and taking in the water views while you have a sweet tea break. It’s a mental reset before the day’s most hands-on drink stop.

Also, tea helps balance the whole flow. After wine tasting and lunch, this gives you something lighter than you might expect—so your palate doesn’t feel fried by the time you reach the brewery.

Practical note: bring layers. Even on pleasant days, the water-air can feel cooler than you expect.

St Andrews Brewery: beer paddle tastings in former horse training stables

Now you shift from wine into craft beer at St Andrews Brewery. This is set on the Mornington Peninsula and was once a world-class horse training facility. That background adds character, and it shows in the experience.

You’ll join locals for a beer-paddle tasting and have the chance to watch brewers crafting and pouring beer right from the stable doors. It’s one of those details that makes the stop feel real. You’re not just consuming; you’re seeing how it gets made.

The beer paddle format is also a smart choice on a day tour. It lets you sample across styles without committing to one heavy pour. If wine is your thing, you’ll still enjoy it. If beer is your thing, the tasting setup makes it easy to find what you like.

Potential consideration: this is still an alcohol-focused stop, so pace yourself. You’ll also need to have a valid photo ID because the tour requires ID to consume alcohol.

Arthurs Seat and Murrays Lookout: clifftop panoramas to the city

After the brewery, you head to Arthurs Seat, with views from Murrays Lookout. This is where the Mornington Peninsula payoff hits: panoramic clifftop coastal views across the bay toward the city.

This stop is important for people who love food tours but also want a view fix. You’ve been tasting and eating for hours—now you get to stand still, look far, and let your eyes recover.

Keep your camera ready. Mornington weather can shift quickly, so if clouds come and go, you’ll want to catch the clear moments rather than wait forever.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, the earlier bay sailing might already have you thinking about it. The good news is that the lookout is on land and usually gives your body a break.

Peninsula Bathing Boxes: iconic color, easy photos, and a local symbol

Finally, you reach the Peninsula Bathing Boxes, the iconic beach boxes that are strongly associated with summer on the Mornington Peninsula. Even if you’re not a big beach person, these boxes are part of the area’s visual identity—and they’re a fun end-of-day photo stop.

This is also a good place to stretch your legs and get some easy shots before you head back. The whole tour ends with return to your starting point, so this is your final chance to grab those memories without rushing.

If you hate standing around for photos, plan to do a quick loop: take a couple shots, then move on. This stop is short enough that you can keep it fun.

Price and what you actually get for $155

At $155 per person for 10 hours, this tour is priced like a full-day experience rather than a “cheap transport + optional tastings” deal.

Here’s what’s included:

• wine and craft beer paddle tastings
• a winery lunch
• Devonshire tea
• national park fees
• a friendly, informative guide
• round-trip transportation to selected pickup locations

What’s not included:

• snacks and other drinks

Value-wise, you’re paying for the coordination: getting you between regions, managing the timing of tastings and meals, and bundling park fees. If you tried to do this independently, you’d spend time planning routes, reserving tastings, and paying for separate lunches. You’re also “buying” the guide’s ability to keep the day flowing.

My advice: budget a little for any extras you want on top of lunch and tea. Since snacks and other drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to keep water and small purchases in mind for comfort.

Drinks, ID, and dietary needs: the stuff that keeps the day smooth

Because alcohol is part of the experience, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID to consume alcohol. If you’re not carrying your ID on the day, it can limit your ability to take part in the tastings.

Dietary requirements matter too. You should inform the operator at booking, so your lunch can be adjusted. The tour offers a winery lunch and tea, but the exact menu handling depends on what you request.

Also watch the “no surprises” rules: luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, and there are restrictions like no baby strollers and no unaccompanied minors. If you need an infant seat or booster, it can be provided on request if you arrange it at least 72 hours in advance.

Who should book this taste trail (and who shouldn’t)

You’ll probably love this tour if:

• you want two regions in one day (Bellarine then Mornington)
• you like structured tasting with guided context
• you care about views as much as food
• you’d rather relax and let someone else drive

You should think twice if:

• you have limited mobility (this tour isn’t recommended for mobility impairments)
• you need room for bulky luggage
• you’re traveling with a baby stroller
• you want a non-alcohol day (there’s no info suggesting alcohol-free alternatives)

It’s also a great fit for groups of friends who enjoy conversation. The route includes multiple shared moments—tasting together, lunch together, tea on the bay, and the lookout at the end.

Should you book the Melbourne Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Trail?

If you want one full day that mixes wine, craft beer, and local food with real scenic stops, this tour is a strong match. The pacing is built to keep you moving while still giving you places to sit, eat, and breathe in the sea air—especially with the Geelong start, the bay tea break, and the clifftop lookout.

If mobility, mobility support, or heavy luggage is part of your needs, you’ll likely find the restrictions frustrating. But if you can travel light and you’re up for a drink-and-food day with panoramic moments, it’s easy to recommend—especially considering the overall 4.8 rating and the repeated praise for the guide experience and the winery plus brewery combination.

FAQ

How long is the Melbourne Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Trail?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

What’s included in the tastings and meals?

You’ll have wine and craft beer paddle tastings, a winery lunch, and Devonshire tea.

Is pickup and transportation included?

Yes. You get round-trip transportation to and from selected pickup locations, and your vehicle is marked with an Explore Australia Tours logo.

Do I need ID to drink alcohol?

Yes. You must be at least 18 and present a valid photo ID to consume alcohol.

Are large bags, strollers, or unaccompanied minors allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, baby strollers aren’t allowed, and unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.