Just an hour’s drive south from the cosmopolitan hub of Melbourne lies a scenic shire packed with vinous excursions, coastal scenery and serious charm.With sea views at every turn and a bevy of magical spots to wine, dine and indulge, time spent in the Mornington Peninsula is the perfect way to squeeze every last pleasurable drop from a trip to Melbourne. The picturesque cape, which juts into Port Phillip Bay, has a distinctive laid-back ambience, one that comes with an impressive line-up of things to see and do, and some truly noteworthy places to stay.
Wine lovers in particular will be utterly spoilt on a visit to the Mornington Peninsula. Located in the heart of Victoria's Pinot Coast wine region, more than 50 boutique cellar doors are at your disposal for sampling some exceptional drops. This is one of Australia's coolest winegrowing regions (figuratively and literally) and as such produces some super examples of chardonnay and, of course, pinot noir. For some of the best, take your tastebuds on a vinous adventure, and soak up the atmosphere at award-winning Montalto, where you'll learn about the unique microclimates of the Peninsula and how they affect the vineyards, before tasting it in the glass. Dining at the restaurant here, you'll soon discover the quality of the food matches the wine, for a full gastronomic experience.
For more vine-fuelled magic, coupled with architectural wonderment and panoramic views over vineyards and the coast, you'll want to put Port Phillip Estate high on the agenda too. Exceptional dining goes hand in hand with Mornington Peninsula's winery offerings and Port Phillip's is no exception. Ten Minutes by Tractor, so-called for the tractor ride between its three original vineyards, Laura at Pt Leo Estate, with its bonus sculpture park; and the grand Paringa Estate, all come with superlative foodie credentials and enchanting settings.
If just one day at the vineyards isn't enough you'll want to find somewhere to rest your head in between, and Jackalope Hotel delivers a uniquely stylish option. Set on the 11-hectare Willow Creek Vineyard, the hotel houses a contemporary art collection, floor-to-ceiling windows in the 45 rooms, and two award-winning restaurants. At the degustation option, Doot Doot Doot, you'll be dining under a golden chandelier made up of 10,000 globes, which almost entirely covers the ceiling. Or if you're just popping in on a day out, the Rare Hare does a lunch service on a canopied outside dining space looking over the vineyards. The eye-popping sights don't stop there; be sure to stop by for a drink at the whimsical Flagerdoot bar.
But if you need an even more restorative option, indulge yourself at Peninsula Hot Springs. This award-winning wellness destination has a network of more than 20 pools, waterfalls and hammams, filled with mineral-rich natural geothermal waters. You have the choice here to soak while taking in a concert, or iron out some kinks with one of the many treatment options. For a truly holistic experience, soak your bones and then retire to your glamping accommodation, with its king bed, ensuite bathroom and private deck, and awaken to the sounds of nature. Get up early enough and you could be back in those therapeutic waters in the iconic hilltop pool to watch the sun rise over the region. A gorgeous view to mark an unforgettable trip.