Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip that combines wine tasting, craft beers, beautiful scenery, and some of Melbourne’s most iconic coastal sights, the Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail might just be your best bet. This tour takes you from Melbourne’s city center to the scenic Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas—two regions renowned for their quality produce and stunning views.

What truly sets this tour apart is its ability to blend delicious tastings with spectacular scenery. You’ll get to sample wines at two reputable wineries, enjoy a craft beer experience at a brewery, and take a relaxing ferry cruise—all in one day. Our favorite aspects include the knowledgeable guides who make everything feel effortless and the diverse stops that keep the experience engaging from start to finish.

A slight consideration: with a packed itinerary, there’s limited free time at each stop, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a structured day with plenty of tasting and sightseeing. If you prefer slow-paced, unstructured days, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those who love a lively, taste-filled adventure, this tour fits the bill beautifully.

This experience is ideal for food and wine lovers, scenic seekers, and those eager to explore Melbourne’s coastal regions without the hassle of planning. It offers a great balance of guided convenience, authentic local flavors, and captivating views—perfect for visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Melbourne’s nearby treasures.

Key Points

• Diverse experiences including winery visits, brewery tour, ferry cruise, and scenic outlooks.
• All-inclusive price offers tastings, lunch, and transport, providing excellent value.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Beautiful coastal scenery and iconic sights like the Bathing Boxes.
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning, ideal for all weather.
• Small group size (max 21 travelers) for a more personalized experience.

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Geelong Waterfront

Your day kicks off at Geelong’s spectacular waterfront—an ideal spot to breathe in the fresh sea air before the adventure begins. The walk along the esplanade offers a quick preview of what’s to come: stunning views, the sound of waves, and a sense of the coastal atmosphere that defines this region. It’s a relaxed and scenic start, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Scotchmans Hill Winery: Classic Bells and Whistles

Next, you’ll visit Scotchmans Hill Winery, set on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula. Here, your group is welcomed into a traditional French provincial barnhouse surrounded by vineyards. The tasting experience is straightforward but rich: expect to sample some fine wines while soaking in magnificent views of the estate. Reviewers consistently praise this stop for its quality wine and beautiful setting, with one noting it’s an “old French provincial barnhouse” that adds a touch of charm.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard: A Local Favorite

Lunch takes place at Jack Rabbit Vineyard, famed for its breathtaking vistas and its café that attracts locals. You’ll enjoy a hearty meal amidst scenic surroundings, a perfect way to refuel. Guests often mention the delicious food and the chance to taste some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s best eateries. It’s a lively, welcoming spot where the views are as good as the food.

Searoad Ferries: Cruising Port Phillip Bay

After lunch, you’ll hop aboard the Searoad Ferries for a cruise across Port Phillip Bay. Sitting back with a Devonshire tea—and maybe some scones—is the ideal way to relax while passing by stunning waterscapes. Keep an eye out for dolphins, as some travelers have reported spotting these playful creatures during the cruise. The ferry ride offers a different perspective of the coastline and a memorable moment that separates the land-based portions of the tour.

St Andrews Beach Brewery: Craft Beer & Scenic Tranquility

Your journey continues to St Andrews Beach Brewery, a former horse training facility turned craft brewery. It’s a favorite among visitors for its relaxed atmosphere and good beer tastings. Guests have appreciated the chance to see the brewers at work, and some reviews highlight the beer paddle tasting, which offers a variety of local brews. The setting amid the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula makes it a peaceful yet lively stop.

Arthurs Seat: Panoramic Views from Murrays Lookout

Later, a quick trip up to Arthurs Seat rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, Melbourne city skyline, and beyond. Murrays Lookout provides photo-worthy vistas—ideal for a moment of reflection and photo ops. Reviewers often mention how this stop offers one of the most stunning perspectives of the region, adding a memorable highlight to the day.

Bathing Boxes: Iconic Summer Symbols

Finally, you’ll see the famous Bathing Boxes of Mornington Peninsula—brightly painted, storybook-like beach huts that have become a symbol of summer in Australia. They’re a popular photo stop and a chance to soak in the quintessential coastal scene. Visitors appreciate how these colorful boxes are both charming and photogenic, making for a perfect end-of-day snapshot.

What to Expect and Why It Matters

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather. With a maximum of 21 travelers, the group feels intimate enough for meaningful conversations and personalized attention from guides. The day starts early at 8:30 am, with a pickup from central Melbourne locations, making logistics hassle-free.

Duration and Pacing

Spanning approximately 10 hours, the tour is quite full, balancing sightseeing, tastings, and dining. The itinerary’s chronological flow is well-organized, but keep in mind that stops are timed tightly—about 30 minutes at wineries, 45 minutes for the ferry, and an hour for lunch. This means you’ll get a taste of everything without lingering too long at each stop, which suits travelers eager to pack in a lot.

Cost and Value

At $157.08 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience that includes all tastings, lunch, ferry cruise, and transportation—making it a solid value. Multiple reviews emphasize the good value for money, especially given the variety of activities and scenic stops. It’s worth noting that the tour includes all fees and taxes, removing surprises.

Guided Experience

The guides consistently receive praise for their enthusiasm and local knowledge. One reviewer called Margaret “fantastic,” highlighting how her professionalism made everyone feel comfortable. Such personalized guidance elevates the experience, transforming it from mere sightseeing into an engaging story about the region.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

This tour strikes a good balance between organized guided exploration and authentic local flavor. Visiting family-owned wineries and breweries gives you a genuine taste of local craftsmanship. The ferry cruise and stops at iconic sites like the Bathing Boxes and Arthurs Seat provide authentic scenery that’s true to Melbourne’s coastal identity.

Guests frequently mention how the scenery and views are a highlight. The chance to spot dolphins from the ferry or enjoy stunning panoramic views from Murrays Lookout adds memorable, authentic moments. The quality of tastings at wineries and breweries is highly praised, reinforcing the focus on local produce and craftsmanship.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts looking for a full-day adventure without the stress of planning. It suits visitors who enjoy scenic drives, tastings, and guided commentary. Families, couples, and small groups will find the small group size comfortable and engaging.

If you’re eager to explore both sides of Port Phillip Bay with a mix of tastings and sightseeing, this tour offers excellent variety. However, if you prefer a slower pace or want more free time at each stop, you might find this tour a bit structured.

Final Thoughts

The Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail from Melbourne offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, local flavors, and cultural sights. With knowledgeable guides, diverse stops, and beautiful views, the tour delivers great value for those wanting an all-in-one experience. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who love wine and craft beer, enjoy beautiful coastlines, and appreciate well-organized guided tours.

While the itinerary is packed, it balances fun, discovery, and relaxation. You’ll come away with a good understanding of Melbourne’s coastal wine regions, a full stomach, and plenty of photos. For anyone eager to combine gastronomy, scenic vistas, and local charm, this tour checks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes lunch, wine and beer tastings at Scotchmans Hill Winery, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, and St Andrews Beach Brewery, a ferry cruise, pickup and drop-off from Melbourne, and all fees and taxes.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting around 8:30 am from central Melbourne.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned vehicles to ensure a comfortable journey. The group is limited to 21 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour includes a set lunch and tastings, but it’s best to clarify specific dietary needs when booking, as details aren’t explicitly provided.

Can I expect to see wildlife?
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, some guests have reported spotting dolphins during the ferry cruise.

What stops are included?
Stops include Geelong Waterfront, Scotchmans Hill Winery, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Searoad Ferries, St Andrews Beach Brewery, Arthurs Seat, and the Bathing Boxes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the full day and tasting stops are geared more toward adults. Families with children should consider their comfort with the schedule.

What is the booking process?
The tour can be booked online via the provider, with most trips booked 57 days in advance on average. Cancellation up to 24 hours ahead is free.

In brief, the Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail offers a balanced, scenic, and tasty taste of Melbourne’s surroundings—perfect for those who want to enjoy local wines, good food, and stunning views in one well-organized day.