Food, wine and wellness – Mornington is the ultimate triple threat, just an hour from Melbourne.
Fuel up with a bakery breakfast at Miller's Bread Kitchen
Be warned: the fruit loaf at MBK generally sells out by 10.30am, so we recommend an early start to your day on the Mornington Peninsula. Not a fan of fruit loaf? Then you'll be pleased to know that the pies and sausage rolls are as good as it gets, with the morning's hot food being served with a homemade tomato chutney that's worth the trip alone. All your classic bakery treats – sourdough bread, baguettes, croissants and amazing coffee – are on the menu too, making MBK an unmissable first stop for any Mornington Peninsula adventure.
Enjoy a morning soak at the Peninsula Hot Springs
With over 70 bathing and wellness experiences on offer, the Peninsula Hot Springs is one of Victoria's premier tourist destinations, which is why it's worth heading there early before the crowds arrive. Whether you're after a fancy facial or a soothing soak in the thermal pools, there's no better way to start the day than with a Peninsula-inspired pampering that'll have you feeling relaxed, recharged and ready to explore the wineries. Be sure to visit the Hilltop Pool, which boasts incredible, 360-degree views of the landscape.
Taste Mornington's specialties at Ten Minutes by Tractor
A 2018 fire devastated Ten Minutes by Tractor but now, after a period of rebuilding and renovation, the team is back doing what they do best: high-quality, cool-climate wines and some of the classiest fine-dining on the Peninsula. Pinot noir and chardonnay are the estate's specialties, with the Single Vineyard range being particularly impressive. You'll also encounter pinot gris, rosé and a sparkling blanc de blancs, all sourced from the estate's vineyards, which are, unsurprisingly, just a ten-minute drive by tractor.
Plan a picnic or book a long lunch, at Montalto or Tucks Wine
The Mornington Peninsula is a versatile region, offering plenty for both serious wine-and-food lovers and those looking for more of a fun, casual day in the sun.
After something at the fancier end of the scale? Montalto, with its award-winning restaurant and impressive sculpture trail, may just be the perfect lunch spot for you. The Chef-hatted restaurant serves a three-course set menu showcasing the region's best local produce, while the Piazza offers a tasty feed-me menu as well as pizzas and platters.
Montalto's sister estate, Tucks Wine, is just next door and prides itself on being a pup-friendly destination. Pop in on a sunny day and you'll likely see a number of furry friends hanging out on the grassy slope next to the cellar door. Picnic rugs are provided, so feel free to order a bottle along with a few share plates and relax on the grass (indoor tables are also available). There's a prime photo opportunity here too, so keep an eye out for the hanging swing in front of the cellar door.
Taste a legendary pinot gris at Quealy Wines
@quealywines
Kathleen Quealy is one of the most well-known names on the Mornington Peninsula, having been one of the pioneers of pinot gris/grigio in Australia along with her partner Kevin McCarthy – she's even known as the Queen of Pinot Gris! A visit to Quealy is a pilgrimage in the name of pinot, with an excellent pinot noir being made alongside the grigio Quealy and McCarthy are so celebrated for. Funky skin-contact whites are also a big drawcard, like the Pobblebonk field blend, which is a super-interesting blend of five different white grapes. Anyone who loves a natural, left-field wine would do well to drop in for a tasting.
Treat yourself to an overnight stay at Jackalope
@jackalopehotels
With two restaurants, a bar, a cellar door and a 30-metre infinity pool, Jackalope is the ultimate Mornington Peninsula destination for anyone looking to treat themselves. Doot Doot Doot and Flaggerdoot are, respectively, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant and bar, while Rare Hare is a cellar door and restaurant dishing up all-day dining in a more low-key atmosphere.
To be perfectly honest, you may not even want to leave your hotel room for dinner. There are a number of accommodation options available, but the most memorable has to be The Lair – a large room with sunset views over the vineyard, a Japanese soak bath, a huge terrace and a double-sided indoor-outdoor fireplace. And in the morning? Enjoy a leisurely checkout, then head to the spa for a full body massage or scrub treatment. Now that's how to finish up 24 hours on the Mornington Peninsula.
