Hot springs and Pinot in one tight day. This private tour combines two Mornington Peninsula wineries with a long, relaxing break at Peninsula Hot Springs, just an hour from Melbourne. I like the plan for wine lovers who also want real down time, not nonstop stops.

Two things I especially like: the 2-course winery lunch (included) and the warm-water reset at Peninsula Hot Springs with entry, towel, and a locker included. One consideration: the day runs about 8 hours, and extra extras like spa treatments cost extra, so you’ll want to choose how indulgent you go.

If you want a smooth day with less fuss, the private setup helps. The guide-driver listed for this experience, Francois, comes through in the reviews as attentive and kind, and that matters when you’re trying to time tastings and a soak without stress. You start at 10:00 am, and you’ll have an air-conditioned vehicle plus a mobile ticket.

Key highlights to look for

• Two winery stops with wine tasting fees included at Paringa Estate and Point Leo Estate
• Peninsula Hot Springs for 2 hours with entry, towel, and locker included
• A 2-course lunch at a winery so you’re not paying for food on the fly
• Guided private day with Francois, described as personable and helpful
• Air-conditioned private transport plus pickup offered for a low-effort start
• A morning sightseeing block with an admission ticket marked free

A full-day in the peninsula: what 8 hours really means

This is an 8-hour day that’s built around two anchors: wine tastings and hot springs. That’s a good structure if you want a memorable day without turning it into a scavenger hunt.

The morning portion is the longer one, then you’ll shift into full relaxation mode. Starting at 10:00 am helps you beat the morning crowds and still arrive with enough daylight for outdoor soaking.

Because it’s a private tour, you won’t have to match your pace to strangers. If your group likes to linger at a view or take things slow after lunch, you’ll usually get that flexibility more easily than on big group buses.

Mornington Peninsula sightseeing time: more than just a drive

The first part of the day focuses on the broader peninsula experience—boutique farms, wineries, coastal sightseeing, and even adventure mazes. It’s not described as a single “one monument” type of stop, so think of this as a guided primer on what makes the Mornington Peninsula feel different from central Melbourne.

This matters for first-timers. You’ll get a sense of the coastline and the vibe of the region before you settle into the winery portion. Even with only part of the peninsula covered, the mix of sights helps you understand why people return again and again.

One small detail to keep in mind: the sightseeing block lists an admission ticket marked free. That’s a nice perk, but it also means you should treat the morning as a mix of viewpoints and activities rather than a single paid attraction.

Paringa Estate: where your tasting starts

Your day includes wine tastings with fees covered at Paringa Estate. This is one of those classic peninsula wineries that’s a great starting point because it gives you a clear baseline for what you’ll likely encounter across the region.

Expect your focus to be on tasting—how the wine smells, how it changes as it warms, and how the flavors line up with what you’ve been seeing outside. When a tour pairs tastings with peninsula scenery, it helps the day feel connected instead of split into separate activities.

If you like Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay, this stop fits the overall vibe of the tour. The supplied tour description specifically calls out those styles as part of the region’s strengths, so it’s a reasonable match for what you’ll probably be poured and compared.

Point Leo Estate: a second winery with contrast

The second tasting stop is Point Leo Estate, also with wine tasting fees included. The logic of doing two wineries is simple: you get a broader sense of the region in one day.

It’s also a practical choice if you don’t want to commit to a full-day “only wine” program. Two wineries gives you variety while keeping the schedule open enough for lunch and the hot springs soak afterward.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to compare—one winery’s style versus another—you’ll probably enjoy the flow. Your tastes will be fresher right after the first tasting, and you’ll have time to regroup before the main relaxation block.

Lunch at a winery: why it’s the value anchor

Lunch is included as a 2-course lunch at a winery. That’s a big deal for value, because a day trip like this can otherwise turn into an expensive food hunt.

More importantly, lunch is timed so you’re fueled for the second half of the day. Hot springs are more comfortable when you’re not hungry, and you’ll also enjoy the meal more when you’re not rushing between stops.

One practical heads-up: additional wine at lunch is not included. If your group tends to order extra glasses, decide in advance if you’ll stick with water/soft drinks after tastings or if you want to budget for extra pours during the meal.

Peninsula Hot Springs: 2 hours of outdoor warmth

After the wineries, you’ll get to Peninsula Hot Springs for about 2 hours. This is described as a warm-water soak with a Japanese-inspired vibe, done outdoors, and set within native Australian bushland.

Here’s what stands out: there are over 50 outdoor spas, with options in view spots and quieter settings. Many spa complexes are impressive, but they can also feel repetitive. With a large number of soaking options, you can vary temperature and atmosphere without leaving.

The description also notes caves and sheltered areas. That’s useful because it gives you places to relax even if the weather shifts. It’s also a reason the hot springs stop is more than just a single pool moment—it’s a choose-your-own-soak experience.

What’s included (and what isn’t) during your soak

Included are the entry fees, plus a towel and locker. That removes two common hassle points: finding a locker option and remembering towels.

Spa treatments are available on request, but they’re not included. If you want a massage or a more formal treatment plan, treat it as an upgrade you choose at the venue rather than something you should expect as part of the base price.

The cost question: is $537.93 per person worth it?

At $537.93 per person for an approx 8-hour private day, you’re paying for three things at once: transport, tastings, and hot springs entry. The value gets easier to see when you look at what’s already covered.

Included in the price:

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Wine tasting fees for 2 wineries
• 2-course lunch at a winery
• Hot springs entry, with towel and locker
• Bottled water

You’ll likely spend money anyway if you do this on your own: you’d need a driver option, pay for tastings, book lunch, and purchase hot springs entry plus gear like towels. I can’t tell you the exact total you’d face booking à la carte, but the included items clearly target the biggest cost buckets of a winery-and-hot-springs day.

The other value factor is private pacing. If you want to stop where your group wants to stop, and not feel like you’re being rushed, that’s part of what you’re buying.

Timing and transport: why pickup and air-conditioning matter

Pickup is offered, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Those are not glamorous details, but they can make or break a day trip from Melbourne.

The start time is 10:00 am, which helps you settle in before the day gets too busy. An 8-hour schedule can feel long, but with comfortable transport and a clear sequence—morning sightseeing, two tastings, lunch, hot springs—it stays organized instead of stressful.

Also, because it’s private, your group is the only group on the schedule. That usually means less waiting around and fewer “we’re all going together” moments.

What your group will likely love most

This tour is a solid match for groups who want a balanced day: wine culture in the morning and real relaxation in the afternoon.

From the included structure and the strong feedback about the guide, Francois seems to be a key part of the experience. He’s described as attentive and kind, which matters when you’re moving between tastings and you want the day to feel guided rather than just driven.

Also, Peninsula Hot Springs is likely the standout for anyone who wants a break from the usual sightseeing treadmill. Two hours gives you enough time to try more than one soaking option, especially when entry and towel/locker are included.

Who should book this (and who might skip it)

Book this if you:

• Want two winery tastings without spending extra to plan and pay for everything separately
• Like the idea of combining wine with an outdoor hot springs soak
• Prefer a private day trip with pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle
• Travel as a couple, small group, or friends who want a smooth, guided pace

You might consider a different option if you:

• Want a longer time at hot springs or more wineries than two
• Expect spa treatments to be included (they’re available, but not part of the included package)
• Have a very tight schedule and can’t spare about 8 hours

Should you book Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs | Winery & Sightseeing Tour?

I’d book it if your ideal day is: a guided peninsula introduction, two tastings at well-known estates, a proper winery lunch, then warm-water decompression at Peninsula Hot Springs. The included items do a lot of the heavy lifting—lunch, hot springs entry with towel and locker, and tasting fees for both wineries—so you’re not constantly doing mental math during the day.

If you’re flexible and your group enjoys both wine and a real soak, this private format is a smart way to experience the peninsula without turning it into logistics. Just go in knowing it’s designed for a full day, and you’ll have the best experience if you treat spa treatments as an optional add-on.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

The Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs | Winery & Sightseeing Tour runs for approximately 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Which wineries are included?

The tour includes visits to Paringa Estate and Point Leo Estate.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes. Wine tasting fees for 2 wineries are included.

What is included for the hot springs visit?

Peninsula Hot Springs entry fees are included, along with a towel and locker.

Are spa treatments included?

No. Spa treatments are available on request, but they are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a 2-course meal at a winery.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.