Food tours should taste like locals. This one strings together two big wine areas in a single day, so you move from Geelong waterfront breezes to vineyard barn tastings without the usual backtracking. The day is built around Scotchmans Hill and Jack Rabbit stops, plus a proper lunch break that makes the long drive feel worth it.

I also like that the beer side is real, not an afterthought. At St Andrews Brewery, you get a craft beer paddle while watching brewers work from the stable-style setting, then you finish with serious views from Arthurs Seat (Murrays Lookout) and the iconic Mornington Peninsula Bathing Boxes. One consideration: it’s a packed 10-hour day, and alcohol tasting requires you to be at least 18 with a valid photo ID, so plan your pace and bring what you need for a long day with no snack add-ons.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Two wine regions in one day across the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, with tastings at cellar doors and a winery lunch
• Old-barn tasting at Scotchmans Hill, set in an estate with views that match the wines
• Jack Rabbit Café lunch stop in a spot known for big scenery and local food energy
• Bay sail with Devonshire tea that breaks up the day and adds a relaxing rhythm
• Craft beer paddle at St Andrews Brewery in a former horse-training facility vibe
• Arthurs Seat and Bathing Boxes for clifftop panoramas and that fun seaside photo moment

From Geelong waterfront to the Bellarine Peninsula start line

Most food-and-drink tours start with a dumpy scramble. This one starts with air in your lungs. After pickup, you head to the Geelong Waterfront, where a walk along the esplanade sets a calm tone fast. It’s a smart move: you’re not stuck in traffic yet, and you get a real coastal feel before the tastings begin.

Then the day turns toward the Bellarine Peninsula. On a schedule like this, the “first taste” matters. Scotchmans Hill is your opening act, and it’s the kind of place that makes the rest of the day easier to enjoy: vineyards close by, the tasting space in a historic-style barn, and views that help you slow down even when the group is moving.

One practical point: the tour is about 10 hours, so you want to show up ready for a full day. If you’re the type who needs long bathroom breaks, drink-water breaks, or extra time to browse, you may feel the pace. But if you like a structured day that still leaves you time to look around, the start line at Geelong does a lot of work for the experience.

Scotchmans Hill wine tasting: the barn, the views, the first sip

Your first major stop is Scotchmans Hill Vineyard on the Bellarine. The tasting happens in an old French provincial barn house, positioned among the vines on the estate. That matters because it changes the mood from a quick pour to a more relaxed setting where you can actually pay attention to what you’re tasting.

If you like wine that’s tied to place, this is the kind of cellar-door experience that helps you connect flavor with environment. The Bellarine setup gives you a slightly coastal edge, and having the vines and views in your line of sight helps you understand why these regions taste the way they do.

Also, this first tasting stop is a good test run for the day. Once you know how the guide structures the pours and how your group handles timing, the rest of the route feels more manageable. You’re not guessing whether you’ll have enough time later—you’ll know quickly how the day flows.

If you’re not a big wine drinker, you can still enjoy the setting, learn the basics from the guide, and treat the tastings like a guided “starter kit.” Just keep in mind that the tour is focused on alcohol tastings, so the 18+ rule and ID requirement are not optional.

Jack Rabbit Café lunch plus Devonshire tea on the bay

After Scotchmans Hill, the next key stop is Jack Rabbit Vineyard. It’s paired with a lunch break at the Jack Rabbit Café house, and this is where the tour shifts from tasting mode into meal mode. The appeal is simple: lunch here comes with scenery, which makes the pause feel like a reward instead of a routine schedule break.

The lunch itself is timed as part of the flow of the day’s food focus—local eateries, good stops, and a chance to reset your appetite before the next segment. If you’ve ever done a tour where lunch is an afterthought, this one is designed to avoid that. It’s also a chance to check in with the guide, ask quick questions about what you liked so far, and decide whether you want to lean more wine or more beer later.

Then there’s a bay moment: the tour moves to a bay sail while enjoying Devonshire tea. This is one of those small additions that adds up. It breaks the day into “zones,” so you’re not doing nonstop tasting stops back-to-back. Even if you’re not the type to sit quietly, the bay sail segment gives you time to look at the coastline and let the group energy settle.

A small note from real-world experience: some people have mentioned extra fun ride elements folded into the bay segment. The core promise is the bay sail and Devonshire tea, so even if additional features vary, the pacing should still land well.

St Andrews Brewery craft beer paddle in a former training stable

Next up is St Andrews Brewery—a craft brewery on the Mornington Peninsula. The big reason this stop works is the setting. The brewery sits in a former world-class horse training facility, with that stable-door feel that makes the beer tasting more interesting than a generic warehouse room.

You get a beer paddle tasting here, and you also have the chance to watch the brewers crafting and pouring the brews right from the stable doors. That “watch it being made” element adds context, especially if you’re learning your palate or just want to know what makes craft beer different from what you get at standard pubs.

This is also where many people start balancing the day. If you’ve had wine earlier, the beer stop gives a different texture: more bitterness, more aroma variety, and a different set of flavors to compare. It’s a practical way to keep your brain awake during the second half.

Timing matters too. By the time you reach the brewery, you’ve had lunch and a tea break already. So you’re not arriving hungry or rushed. It’s a steadier point in the day where you can actually enjoy the tasting and the atmosphere.

And yes: remember the ID rule for alcohol. Even though you’re likely to taste small amounts, you still need to be prepared.

Arthurs Seat clifftop views and the Mornington Bathing Boxes photos

After the brewery, the day shifts from food focus to view focus. You stop at Arthurs Seat, then take in panoramas from Murrays Lookout across the bay to the city. This is a great palate cleanser—literally and visually. You’ve tasted wine and beer, then you get a big-sky moment where you can reset and enjoy the coastline from a higher perspective.

From there, you head to the Peninsula Bathing Boxes. These colorful seaside boxes are part of the Mornington Peninsula identity and they’re fun even if you don’t do tons of photos. The key is that they feel like a local symbol, not a random stop. You get to enjoy that light, playful side of the area before the day ends.

One consideration here: if you’re sensitive to walking or uneven ground, check your comfort level. This tour isn’t marketed as a mobility-friendly outing, and the lookout and bathing box areas can involve steps, paths, and time outside.

Still, if you want a day that includes both taste and tangible place, these final stops do the job. They help you leave with memories that aren’t only about flavor.

Price, pacing, and what to pack for a smooth 10-hour Taste Trail

At $155 per person, this isn’t a budget “grab lunch and move on” tour. It’s closer to a bundled day: wine and craft beer tastings, a winery lunch, Devonshire tea, and transport, plus national park fees are included. When you look at what’s bundled, the value starts making sense.

You’re also paying for logistics. You don’t have to map the route between Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Mornington Peninsula, and you don’t have to figure out which tastings are worth your time. That’s real value on a day like this, especially if you’d otherwise rent a car and spend the day worrying about driving.

What you should pack comes straight from the tour rules and the “no surprises” idea:

• Travel light because luggage or large bags aren’t allowed
• Bring a valid photo ID for alcohol tasting
• Plan on no snacks or extra drinks included, so eat your lunch and bring water if you’re the type who gets dry on long days
• If you have dietary needs, tell the operator when booking, because that’s the only way the team can plan for it

Also: the tour isn’t recommended for people with limited mobility, and it’s not suitable for mobility impairments. The structure assumes you can handle outdoor stops and time on your feet.

Should you book this Around the Bay Food & Wine Taste Trail?

Book this if you want a day that feels like a guided food walk across two peninsulas, with tastings that actually include a winery lunch, a beer paddle, and a bay sail with Devonshire tea. It’s a strong choice for couples, friend groups, and anyone who likes learning the local style of wine and beer without doing the heavy planning.

Skip or rethink it if you need a relaxed, unstructured day with lots of free time, or if mobility and walking time are concerns. And if you hate tight schedules, remember: this one is designed to fit a lot into about 10 hours.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts 10 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is pickup and transport included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included to selected pickup locations. You should arrive at least 10 minutes early and look for the vehicle marked with the Explore Australia Tours logo.

What food and drink is included?

You’ll have wine and craft beer paddle tastings, a winery lunch, and Devonshire tea during the bay sail. National park fees are also included.

What alcohol rules should I know before I go?

You must be at least 18 and present a valid photo ID to consume alcohol on the tour.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and other drinks are not included, so plan around the included lunch and tea.

Is luggage allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, so travel light.

Is the tour suitable for limited mobility?

It’s not recommended for people with limited mobility, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What’s the deal with cancellation and paying later?

You get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can hold your spot without paying right away.

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