Melbourne: Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Trail

A day that tastes like locals actually live it.

I love how this route links two wine regions in one day with stops that feel made for wandering, from Geelong’s waterfront to Arthurs Seat’s big sky views. I also love that you get more than tastings, you get a winery lunch with vine views plus a beer paddle and afternoon tea along the way.

One thing to consider first: it is a long, structured day, and it is not recommended for limited mobility, with no large bags or strollers allowed.

Quick hits

• Bellarine plus Mornington in a single loop, so you get variety without changing hotels.
• Scenic tastings at Scotchmans Hill and Jack Rabbit, built around the views, not just the pour.
• Winery lunch and Devonshire tea included, so you do not have to hunt for food twice.
• St Andrews Brewery beer paddle in a craft setup with brewing action right from the facility.
• Arthurs Seat and Murrays Lookout deliver the clifftop panorama moment.
• Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes give you an iconic photo stop with local summer energy.

Around the Bay in 10 hours: the value of a tight food-and-wine route

This is a proper day tour, not a quick sampler. You start with sea air in Geelong, then move through wine and food stops on the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, with a brewery, a clifftop lookout, and the famous Bathing Boxes at the end. If you want a single-day taste of Victoria’s coastal food culture, this kind of route is one of the most efficient ways to do it.

The price is $155 per person for about 10 hours, and you are not just paying for driving. You get round-trip transport from selected pickup points, a winery lunch, a wine tasting, a craft beer paddle tasting, Devonshire tea, and national park fees are included. Snacks and other drinks are not included, so plan to drink water and eat when the stops give you food time.

Geelong Waterfront kickoff: sea air, easy walking, and good energy

You will be collected from your accommodation and travel to the Geelong Waterfront to start the day. Geelong’s esplanade is a smart first move because it wakes you up, lets you breathe out, and gives you a baseline for the bay views you will keep seeing all day.

This early stroll also matters practically. By the time you reach the first cellar door, you are not rushing or overheating in a bus. You can also take a few photos before the day turns into tasting mode.

Scotchmans Hill Vineyard: French provincial barn vibes for your first pour

Your first proper tasting stop is Scotchmans Hill Vineyard on the Bellarine Peninsula. It is set with vineyards all around, and the tasting is in an old French provincial barn house style setting. That mix, rustic character plus vineyard setting, tends to make the wine tasting feel more like a place you stepped into rather than a quick transaction.

Expect a wine tasting at the cellar door, guided by a knowledgeable host at the winery. One tip for this first stop: pace yourself. You will be sampling again later, including at a brewery, so your best strategy is to treat the first tasting as the warm-up. Take notes if you like, but also leave room to compare later wines.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard: lunch with a view and a food-focused break

After Scotchmans Hill, the tour moves to Jack Rabbit Vineyard. This stop is built around a break, and it is a good one. The Jack Rabbit Café setting is known for big Bellarine Peninsula views, and the lunch here is the meal that keeps the day feeling like a food tour, not a drink crawl.

This is also where the day turns from tasting into eating. A lunch break like this gives you two advantages:

• You can reset your palate before the next tasting.
• You avoid the stress of trying to decide what to eat while you are already traveling.

If you have dietary requirements, tell the operator when you book. The tour runs on planned food moments, so your best outcome comes from having needs noted up front.

Bay ride plus Devonshire tea: the calm middle of the day

Next comes a bay sailing portion with Devonshire tea. This section is valuable because it changes the tempo. After wineries and a lunch, you get some lighter movement, fresh air, and a chance to look at the coast from the water.

Devonshire tea is part of the included experience, so you are not paying extra for a mid-afternoon caffeine or tea fix. It also helps balance the day if you are drinking wine, because tea and snacks can smooth out the pace.

A small practical note: bring a layer if the wind picks up. You will likely be outside at least some of the time during a coastal cruise or sailing segment.

St Andrews Brewery: beer paddle tastings in a craft setting

St Andrews Brewery is the craft-beer stop on the Mornington Peninsula side of the loop. The setting is tied to history as a former world-class horse training facility, which makes the brewery feel like more than just a warehouse. You get the beer paddle tasting, and you may even watch the brewers doing the work and pouring from stable doors, depending on what is happening that day.

This is one of the most praised parts of the day in the way the guides run it. For me, what matters is not just the beer. It is the fact that the paddle tasting is structured, so you can sample multiple styles without committing to one full pint early.

If you are planning to buy anything extra, do it thoughtfully. You will still have lookout time and a photo-heavy finish, so keep your comfort level in mind, especially if you are prone to motion sickness.

Arthurs Seat and Murrays Lookout: where the panorama pays you back

Once the beer tasting is done, the tour heads to Arthurs Seat. From there, you get panoramic views from Murrays Lookout across the bay toward the city. This is the big visual payoff, the part that makes the full-day driving feel worth it.

Lookouts are also where you get the most satisfaction out of the earlier tasting stops. You start to connect the dots: vineyards, coastline, bay shapes, and the way food culture grows around places people can actually enjoy outdoors.

Bring your phone, but also bring a bit of patience. It can take a moment to get clear shots, especially if the weather is changeable. And if you are tired, find a comfortable spot and just take it in, this is not a stop you need to rush.

Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes: the iconic end-of-day photo moment

The final stop leans into what makes the Mornington Peninsula feel like a real holiday place, the Peninsula Bathing Boxes. These colorful beach boxes are an easy, instantly recognizable symbol of summer in the area, and they make a fun closing chapter after the structured tastings.

This is also where you will probably see other visitors and locals getting their own photos. The benefit of finishing here is that you can enjoy the photos without the pressure of moving straight into another tasting.

Price and what you really get for $155

Let’s break down value in plain terms. For $155, you are paying for:

• Round-trip transportation from selected pickup locations
• Wine tasting and a craft beer paddle tasting
• Winery lunch
• Devonshire tea during the bay ride
• National park fees
• A friendly, informative English-speaking guide

What you are not getting:

• Snacks and other drinks outside what is included
• Anything like private tastings or extra experiences not listed

So is it good value? For a day that hits two wine regions, includes lunch plus tea, and adds a brewery tasting plus a coastal sailing segment, it is reasonable. The biggest value driver is that you are not paying extra to coordinate all those separate stops yourself, and you do get national park fees folded in.

The best way to stretch value is simple: plan to drink water, eat the included meals, and avoid extra purchases until you know what you genuinely like.

Guides make it: relaxed facts from Gary, Matt, and Kyle

One pattern stands out from the guide feedback: the day works best when the guide keeps the flow relaxed while still giving you helpful context. Names that come up include Gary and Matt, with praise for friendliness, clear information, and an easygoing pace. Kyle is also mentioned for strong knowledge and friendly driving, especially with people having fun along the route.

Why this matters for you: on food and wine tours, the difference between a good and great day is usually how you feel in the car and how the guide handles transitions. When stops run smoothly, you enjoy the views and tasting without feeling like you are constantly sprinting for the next thing.

Practical tips for tastings, timing, and comfort

A few choices can make your day feel more comfortable, especially since it is a full 10 hours.

• Plan for alcohol pacing: You must be at least 18 and show valid photo ID to consume alcohol. If you want to keep things easy, consider alternating with water and tea.
• Wear for coastal weather: Coastal areas can shift quickly. A light layer helps for lookout moments and wind on the water.
• Pack light: Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Strollers are not allowed either.
• Think about mobility needs: The tour is not recommended for limited mobility, and it is specifically listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• Use lunch time well: If you can, eat steadily during the winery lunch stop rather than snacking around it. It helps you enjoy later tastings.
• Tell them about dietary needs: Dietary requirements should be provided at booking, since the food moments are planned.

If you are bringing a child, child fares apply for ages 0 to 15, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats or child booster seats can be provided on request at least 72 hours before departure, and you may also bring your own.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you want a guided, single-day loop that covers wine, craft beer, and coastal scenery without needing a car. It is especially good if you like practical structure: you show up, you get transport, you get tastings, and you get meals that are part of the plan.

It is not a good fit if:

• You have mobility limitations or expect step-free access throughout the day.
• You need to bring luggage or strollers.
• You are not comfortable with a longer day where you are not choosing restaurants freely between stops.
• You are traveling with a minor who would be unaccompanied.

If you fit the target audience, this kind of day tour is a smart way to get a feel for two peninsulas and how the region tastes.

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

Book it if you want one day that checks a lot of boxes: Bellarine and Mornington wine regions, a winery lunch, a brewery beer paddle, Devonshire tea during a bay sailing segment, Arthurs Seat views, and the iconic Bathing Boxes finish. The included meals and tastings help justify the $155 price, and the route is built to keep the day moving without feeling chaotic.

Skip it if you need maximum flexibility in food choices between stops, if you cannot do longer walking or lookout stairs, or if you cannot travel light. Also remember that snacks and extra drinks are not included, so you will want a simple plan to stay comfortable between the built-in eating moments.

If you want the easiest way to experience these coastal food and wine highlights in one shot, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

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

The tour duration is 10 hours.

What’s included in the $155 per person price?

It includes wine and beer paddle tastings, a winery lunch, national park fees, a friendly and informative guide, and round-trip transportation to and from selected pickup locations.

Are snacks and other drinks included?

No, snacks and other drinks are not included.

Do I need to be 18 to consume alcohol?

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

Is pickup from my accommodation included?

Yes. Pickup is included from selected pickup locations. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before departure for smooth check-in, and look for a vehicle marked with the Explore Australia Tours logo.

Are luggage, large bags, or strollers allowed?

No luggage or large bags are allowed, and baby strollers are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable if I have limited mobility?

It is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.