Wine views with zero driving stress.

This Bellarine Peninsula hop-on hop-off day pairs a Port Phillip Ferry ride with a bus that links some of the region’s best stops, so you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of timing a rental car. I like the small group feel (up to 13 people) and the practical touches like a water bottle and a storage box for any produce you buy. The main catch: you can only visit up to four venues, and tastings are not included—you’ll need to plan ahead and book paid tastings at the places you pick.

One other thing to consider before you commit: this is an adult-focused tour, and it’s not designed for kids under 18. Also, it runs on Saturdays only, so if you’re visiting midweek, you’ll need a different plan.

Quick takeaways before you go

• Ferry + bus combo: you start with a Port Phillip crossing and then switch to the Hop It bus for your venue hops
• Max 4 venues: plan early, because the schedule caps how many tastings/lunches you can fit in
• Tastings are extra: the tour handles transport and commentary; you pay for tastings with each venue
• Small, manageable group: up to 13 travelers, and group bookings are limited to 6
• Built for “buy something” days: storage box plus bottled water, so you can shop without stress
• Guides matter here: people often mention hosts like Sara, Ali, and Jon for keeping things smooth and helping with timing

Your Bellarine day plan: ferry to Portarlington, then your bus hops

This is a full day that starts in Melbourne. You join the Port Phillip Ferry from Docklands at 10:40am (activity start time listed as 10:30am), then you arrive in Portarlington by about 11:50am. From there, you hop onto the Hop It bus and spend the afternoon moving between venues.

The “hop-on hop-off” part is the real freedom. You aren’t stuck touring one winery at a time with a fixed stop order. Instead, you select stops from the timetable according to when the bus arrives. That means you can shape the day around your tastes—wine-heavy, gin-and-whiskey stops, or a bit of cider and craft beer flavor.

The flip side is timing. The experience runs about 7 to 8 hours, and the schedule is designed so you can visit a maximum of four venues from the timetable. If you try to squeeze in too many, you’ll spend the day running for the bus instead of tasting.

Price and value check: what $94.68 buys (and what it doesn’t)

At $94.68 per person, this isn’t a cheap “walk around and snack” bus. It’s also not priced like an all-inclusive tasting package. You’re paying for the structure: transportation, commentary, a storage box, bottled water, and an audio guide app, plus 4 winery stops from the timetable.

What you don’t pay for is the thing most people actually think of as “the tour”—the tastings. Tastings are listed as not included, and many venues offer tastings with separate admissions, booking requirements, or paid reservations. In practice, some stops may require you to arrange tastings directly with the venue ahead of time, so your money and time both work best when you plan your four picks before you arrive.

So here’s the value logic I’d use:

• If you were driving yourself, you’d spend on fuel/parking—and you’d still have to manage the schedule.
• If you were doing a private tour, you’d pay a lot more for fewer choices.
• This sits in the middle: you get a reliable transport plan plus enough flexibility to choose four places that match your day.

Also note: it’s not suitable for children under 18, which keeps the vibe more adult and tasting-focused.

How to choose your four venues without wasting time

The tour gives you a list of possible stops, but your day is capped. My suggestion is to pick a “theme” and a “variety” so you don’t end up with four nearly identical wine tastings.

A smart pairing strategy:

• One flagship wine tasting (a vineyard experience)
• One spirits stop (gin, whiskey, cocktails)
• One food/lunch-friendly stop (if you want a proper break)
• One fun diversion (beer/cider)

Then check the timetable and book tastings where needed. The tour clearly tells you to organize your day in advance and, where tastings are offered, book/arrange directly with each venue. This is how you avoid the most common disappointment: showing up ready to taste and then realizing you needed a reservation.

Stop-by-stop guide to the Bellarine picks (what to expect)

You’ll hop between these venues, with each stop typically giving you about 30 minutes on the ground. Many include lunch options, but those meals (and tastings) are not listed as included—so budget extra if you plan to eat.

Lethbridge @ Hat Rock Vineyard

This is a classic vineyard-style choice with a wine tasting focus. It’s a straightforward entry point to the Bellarine wine scene, and the short time slot works well if you want to get tasting done, take notes, and move on. The admission/tasting is not included, so you’re choosing this stop for the tasting experience—not for a free wander.

Bellarine Estate

If you want variety in one place, Bellarine Estate is a strong option. You can do wine and gin tasting, and there’s also lunch available. This is a good pick when you want your day to include both vineyard wine and the Bellarine’s spirits side without switching venues too many times. Again, tastings aren’t included, so it’s worth checking what you’ll actually book before you commit.

Bennetts on Bellarine

Bennetts is another vineyard stop built around a wine tasting, with lunch options available if you want to stretch the day. In a four-stop day, this can be your “wine anchor”—a place to spend time focusing on the wines rather than chasing cocktails or cider. The short stop duration means you’ll likely want to choose your tasting package ahead of time so you don’t lose time deciding.

Terindah Estate

Terindah Estate stays on the wine track, offering wine tasting plus lunch available. I like it for balancing out a more “spirits or craft” morning/afternoon. If your other three stops include gin, whiskey, beer, or cider, Terindah gives you the vineyard feel in between. As always, tastings are not included, so plan for the extra cost where you actually intend to taste.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard

Another winery that’s mainly about wine tasting, with lunch options available. Jack Rabbit can work well if you want a more relaxed, classic wine day without adding a second spirits stop. It’s also a practical pick because it fits the schedule neatly—you can fit a tasting, ask questions, and then regroup with the bus plan.

The Whiskery

This is your spirits play. The Whiskery offers gin, whiskey, and cocktails, plus lunch options. If your group likes to sample beyond wine, this is the stop to make room for. The only caution: because spirits tastings and cocktails can run longer in practice than a simple wine pour, you should pick the tasting you want ahead of time so you don’t feel rushed when it’s time to board.

Scotchmans Hill Winery

Scotchmans Hill Winery is built for wine lovers with wine tasting and lunch available. If you want a vineyard-focused day with minimal detours, this is a solid “one of the four” choice. The advantage here is clarity: it’s primarily about wine, so it’s easier to plan your day if your priorities are straightforward.

Leura Park Estate

Leura Park Estate continues the wine tasting theme, with wine tasting and lunch options available. In a schedule where you can only pick four stops, this kind of place is useful because it helps you avoid decision overload. Pair it with one fun stop (cider/beer) and one spirits stop, and the day feels balanced.

FarmDog Brewing

This is for the crowd that wants something different from straight wine. FarmDog offers wine, beer, and gin tasting, plus lunch options. It’s a great “variety” stop because it can cover multiple tastes without making you choose between wine and craft beer. If your group has mixed preferences, this is often the easiest compromise.

Flying Brick Cider Co

Flying Brick brings cider and wine tasting, plus lunch available. Think of this as your light, playful break from full-on wine tastings. In a four-stop day, cider is a nice reset—especially if you’re sensitive to wines that can feel heavy. As with every stop, tastings aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for the tasting you choose.

Oakdene Vineyards

Oakdene Vineyards rounds out the lineup with wine tasting and lunch available. If you’re building a more traditional day (mostly wineries), Oakdene can fit as your last stop—just be mindful that if you pick too many wine-only venues, the day can start to feel repetitive.

What’s included that actually makes the day easier

This tour includes more than “just a ride.” The commentary and audio guide app help you understand what you’re seeing and tasting, which turns a random collection of venues into a day with some real context. And the practical items matter on a shopping day:

• Bottled water keeps you from feeling dehydrated while hopping between stops
• A storage box lets you buy produce and take it with you, rather than improvising bags and cramming everything into your tote

It’s also explicitly set up for a no designated driver kind of day, which is one big reason people like group tours like this.

Group size is capped at 13 travelers, and groups larger than 6 aren’t accepted. That means you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a huge herd.

Timing tips that help your day feel relaxed

Because you can only do up to four venues, the biggest risk isn’t missing the bus—it’s picking four places that don’t match your time. Here’s what I’d do:

• Book tastings with your top picks first, then build your schedule around them.
• Choose one “longer tasting” stop (often spirits or places with lots of options), and keep the other three more efficient.
• Plan lunch at one place, not all four. Many venues list lunch options, but you don’t want food to eat your tasting time.
• Leave some buffer in your head. With timed arrivals and 30-minute stop windows, you’ll move faster than you think.

Who this Bellarine hop-on hop-off tour suits best

This works best for adults who want an easy way to explore the Bellarine without car logistics. It’s also a good match if your group has mixed drink preferences, because the stops aren’t all wine-only—there are gin/whiskey/cocktails, beer, and cider options too.

Skip it if:

• You’re traveling with kids (it’s not suitable for under 18)
• You want a long meander with no reservations (tastings are not included and planning is part of the deal)
• You need more than four venues in a single day—this schedule is built for four

And it’s a smart choice if you care about spending your money at the wineries you pick, not wasting it on transport or parking.

Should you book this Hop It Bellarine day?

If your dream day is ferry views, a hop-on bus, and four solid tasting stops (wine, gin/whiskey, plus one craft-style detour), I’d book it. The value is strongest when you treat it like a guided framework for your choices: you pick the four venues that fit your taste, arrange tastings ahead, and then let the transport do the heavy lifting.

If you hate planning or you’re expecting tastings to be included automatically, you might end up paying extra in a way that feels surprising. The good news is that the tour is honest about the rules: tastings are separate, and you only get four venues from the timetable—so your best experience comes from planning before you go.

FAQ

How long is the Hop On Hop Off Bellarine Peninsula experience?

It runs for about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start and how does the day begin?

The start time is listed as 10:30am, and you join the Port Phillip Ferry at 10:40am from the Docklands terminal.

Where do I arrive on the Bellarine Peninsula?

You arrive in Portarlington at around 11:50am.

Can I visit all the stops on the Bellarine timetable?

No. You can visit a maximum of 4 venues from the timetable provided.

Are tastings included in the tour price?

No. Tastings are not included. Some venues may require pre-booked and paid tastings.

What’s included with my ticket?

Your ticket includes transportation, commentary, a storage box for purchases, bottled water, 4 winery stops from the timetable, and an audio guide app.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 18.

What’s the group size limit?

The experience has a maximum of 13 travelers, and groups larger than 6 are not accepted.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine TastingPrivate Tour: Mornington Peninsula Wine, Beer & HotspringsSunset on the Sand DunesMargaret River: Boutique Wine Tour w. Blind Tasting + Lunch