Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail

Planning a day out around Melbourne’s beautiful bays and peninsulas? The Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail promises a full-day adventure packed with tastings, scenic views, and a good dose of local flavor. This experience, offered by Explore Australia Tours, is ideal for those who want to sample top-notch wines, craft beers, and delicious food without the hassle of planning each stop.

What catches our eye about this tour? First, the variety of experiences packed into one day—from visiting two charming wineries, a brewery, and a vineyard restaurant. Second, the inclusion of a sightseeing cruise on Port Phillip Bay, which adds a relaxing, scenic touch to the day.

One potential consideration is that at around 10 hours long, it’s quite a full-on day, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a packed itinerary and don’t mind a long, energetic day. The price point of roughly $157 per person also offers good value considering the multiple tastings, lunch, and cruise included.

This tour feels perfect for food and wine lovers eager to explore both sides of the bay with all logistics taken care of.

Who would love this? If you’re after a comprehensive taste of Melbourne’s coastal regions, enjoy a mix of wine, craft beer, and scenic views, and don’t mind a full schedule, this tour is a solid pick. It’s great for those who like organized experiences that cover a lot of ground without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining wine, beer, food, and scenic cruising.
• Includes two wineries, a brewery, and a vineyard restaurant—a well-rounded taste of regional flavors.
• Sightseeing cruise offers a relaxing way to see Port Phillip Bay and spot dolphins.
• Comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off from Melbourne’s central locations.
• Duration of approximately 10 hours makes it a full, immersive day.
• Great value considering the tastings, lunch, cruise, and guided experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Geelong Waterfront

Your day kicks off at Geelong’s waterfront, a stunning spot where you’ll breathe in fresh sea air and get ready for the day ahead. The walk along the esplanade is a simple but effective way to start, setting a relaxed tone while soaking in views of the bay. It’s a no-cost, low-key introduction that really gets you into the coastal vibe.

Scotchmans Hill Winery

Next, you’ll head to Scotchmans Hill Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula. This spot is charming—a classic French provincial barnhouse surrounded by vineyards. Expect a wine tasting here, with the chance to sample some of the region’s best wines amid spectacular vineyard views. Reviewers highlight this as a top stop, describing it as a lovely setting for wine connoisseurs or anyone wanting to experience quality local wines in a peaceful environment.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard & Lunch

Then, it’s time for a proper break at Jack Rabbit Vineyard—famous locally not just for its wines, but also its food scene. The house of Jack Rabbit Café offers a great opportunity to have a sit-down lunch. The reviews rave about the location, calling it an “amazing lunch spot” with views that locals love to keep to themselves. You’ll get to taste some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s best eats, paired with a glass of wine, making this a real highlight.

Searoad Ferries & Bay Cruise

Post-lunch, you’ll hop aboard the Searoad Ferries for a 45-minute cruise across Port Phillip Bay. This is a relaxing and scenic part of the day, and according to reviews, it’s quite a treat. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, and enjoy a traditional Devonshire tea while taking in the water views. It’s a great way to slow down and appreciate the bay’s beauty before heading inland again.

Mornington Peninsula: St Andrews Beach Brewery & Arthurs Seat

Next, the tour takes you to the Mornington Peninsula, starting with a visit to St Andrews Beach Brewery. Once a horse training facility, this craft brewery now produces excellent beers, which you’ll taste during a “beer paddle.” The setting is rustic and picturesque, and visitors mention the friendly, local feel here.

The journey continues with a visit to Arthur’s Seat, where you'll take in panoramic views from Murrays Lookout. This spot offers sweeping vistas across the bay to Melbourne, making it a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a brief stop but a treasured one for its scenery.

Bathing Boxes & Local Beaches

Finally, you’ll see the famous Bathing Boxes—those colorful, iconic structures that are synonymous with summer around Mornington Peninsula. This is a fun, picture-worthy stop that encapsulates the relaxed beachside vibe. Reviewers mention the vibrant backdrops as a highlight, and it’s a favorite among visitors for its quintessential summer feel.

The Experience

Logistically, the tour is well-organized.

With pickup and drop-off in Melbourne, you won’t have to worry about driving or navigating. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially on warmer days. The total time of around 10 hours means it’s a full-day commitment, but that’s typical for a comprehensive experience like this.

The tastings are plentiful.

Wine tastings at Scotchmans Hill and Jack Rabbit are included, giving you a good sense of regional varietals. The beer tasting at St Andrews Beach Brewery is a nice change of pace, and the lunch at the vineyard restaurant provides a hearty, satisfying meal. Reviews consistently mention the quality of the food and drinks, emphasizing the value for money.

The cruise adds a special touch.

Many reviews highlight the ferry ride as a memorable part of the tour, especially with the chance to see dolphins and enjoy the leisurely pace. It’s a relaxing way to connect the different locations and see the bay from a different perspective.

Guide and Group Size

While the reviews don’t specify the exact size of the group, the maximum is 21 travelers, which suggests a comfortable, intimate experience. The guide, Margaret, gets praise for making everyone feel relaxed and well-informed, adding a personal touch to the day.

What We Love & What to Consider

Pros:
- The variety of stops offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s food and drink.
- The scenic cruise adds a memorable element, making the tour stand out.
- The knowledgeable guides make the experience educational as well as enjoyable.
- The value for money is clear, with the price covering tastings, lunch, cruise, and transport.
- The beautiful views, from vineyard panoramas to lookout points, are a photographer’s dream.

Potential Drawbacks:
- The long duration might be tiring for some, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
- The day is quite packed, leaving little free time at each stop—if you’re a slow drinker or food-taster, you might wish for more time.
- Since the tour is weather-dependent (especially the cruise), poor weather could impact the experience, though they do offer rescheduling or refunds.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for food and wine enthusiasts eager to explore both the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas in one organized day. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy a full schedule, appreciate scenic views, and want a mix of tasting, sightseeing, and relaxing.

If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely, less structured day, or if you’re traveling with very young children, this might be too full-on. But for those ready to indulge in regional flavors and scenic stops, it offers a great balance of activities and comfort.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from central locations in Melbourne, making logistics easy.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, so plan to be prepared for a long day with lots of stops.

Are tastings included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy wine tastings at Scotchmans Hill, a glass of wine at Jack Rabbit, and beer tasting at St Andrews Beach Brewery, all included.

What kind of food is served?
A substantial lunch is provided at a vineyard restaurant, which is highly recommended by past guests for its quality and setting.

Is the cruise included?
Yes, the 45-minute ferry cruise across Port Phillip Bay is part of the itinerary, offering scenic water views and the chance to see dolphins.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail offers a well-crafted, engaging way to experience some of Melbourne’s most scenic coastline and top regional producers. It’s a solid choice for those who want to combine tasting with sightseeing, all within a day that’s comfortably paced—if a bit full. The inclusion of a ferry cruise, stunning lookout points, and high-quality tastings make it a memorable outing for anyone keen to experience Melbourne’s bayside charm.

If you’re after a tour that balances fun, scenery, and flavor without the fuss of planning, this one delivers. It’s especially valuable if you’re a fan of good wine, craft beer, and scenic water views, all wrapped up in a friendly, guided experience that takes care of the details.

References

Viator - Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail