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The Mornington Peninsula is an absolute gem, cradled on both sides by the sea it is a favourite summer escape of Melbournians. Although less well known than the Yarra Valley it's boasts over 200 Vineyards and 60 cellar doors, set amongst some of the most idyllic scenery you could ever hope to pedal past on a bicycle! Mornington offers a wealth of sights, gourmet food producers, stunning scenery and vineyards that produce outstanding wines.
Our day begins with an 8am pick up from central Melbourne and transfer down from the city to the Mornington Peninsula, approx one hour and a quarter drive. We drive to the top of Arthur's Seat to enjoy a glorious lookout over Port Phillip Bay with incredible views from the city to the Bay entrance on a clear day. We'll have morning tea at this amazing lookout and enjoy the view over the Bay beaches strung out like jewels below us.
This is where we start our cycling from and the road leads downhill through forest cover to Red Hill. Turning onto a side road we begin our food and wine trail and enjoy a leisurely cycle past vineyards on either side, berry farms and a speciality cheese maker - where of course we stop to taste some of the wares!
The riding here is idyllic as we pass through rolling countryside, with avenues of cedar trees providing shade from the sun and magnificent views across the Peninsula. After several km's we turn onto unsealed roads, where it seems there is a vineyard waiting around every corner. We call into a local strawberry farm for some sweet treats before continuing on our way.
The last section of our ride continues downhill on unsealed back roads with spectacular views over nearby Phillip and French Islands as we descend towards the coast of Westernport. Our ride finishes at the beach where we pack away our bikes, in total you will have cycled 17km from Arthur's seat to Shoreham beach.
Next prepare to enjoy our gourmet picnic lunch outdoors as a reward for the exercise, with savoury and sweet delights, followed by excellent local cheeses. After lunch we have a stop at the Mornington Peninsula Chocolates for some sweet toothed indulgence! Then it's onto the wine tasting with stops at 3 exceptional vineyards, such as Montalto Wines and Olive Farm with it's art and Scupltured vineyards. Then on the same road we have the fabulous Red Hill Estate and Tuck's Ridge. The experience here is quite intimate and you'll have time to enjoy leisurely tastings with extraordinary views to match the wines. Enjoy some of the brilliant local Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that this area has become famous for and learn all about the distinctive terroir of the Peninsula's vineyards. (Please note Cellar door visits may vary depending on events and other factors)
After we've finished our wine education and tasting we head back to Melbourne via one of the local beaches, so you can have a chance for a cooling dip should you wish to (remember to pack your bathers and a towel!). We usually arrive back in the city around 5:30pm and drop off at the Melbourne arts centre, in the heart of the city.
* Return Transfers from downtown Melbourne
* Guided cycle through the backroads of Mornington Peninsula
* Morning tea to keep your energy up
* Gourmet picnic lunch of local produce
* Experienced & informative cycling guide
* Support vehicle and driver when riding
* Stops at berry farm and Mornington Peninsula Chocolates
* An Afternoon of Wine tastings at our favourite boutique wineries
* Cheese tasting at Main Ridge Dairy (weekends only)
* Small personal groups with a maximum of 10 people.
All necessary cycling and safety equipment provided.
Per person
Operates: Thursdays & Sundays
Departs: 8:00am
Returns: 5:30pm
Bookings essential.
Departs Thursdays and Sundays 8:00am
Minimum group size is 5
Maximum group size of 10.
Contact operator in case of bad weather.
Starts and finishes at Arts Centre, Melbourne. Pickup at 8am and dropoff after 5:30pm.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia