Enjoy the unique experience of wine tasting by horseback on a Mornington Peninsula day trip from Melbourne. Just an hour by road from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its cool breezes, hillside vineyards, olive groves and country estate retreats. On a three-hour horseback ride you'll visit some of the Peninsula’s most celebrated wineries to taste their award-winning wines. In the afternoon, visit the Lavender Gardens and lose yourself at Ashcombe Maze, Australia’s oldest and largest maze. Explore the famous strawberry fields of Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm (November to April) or relax and unwind at the Peninsula Hot Springs (May to October) before returning to Melbourne in the late afternoon.
Highlights
- Mornington Peninsula day trip from Melbourne
Three-hour horseback Mornington Peninsula winery tour
- Visit the Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens
- Pick fresh strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm (seasonal)
Massage your feet in the reflexology pool at the Peninsula Hot Springs (seasonal)
Useful Information
Ashcombe Maze
Travel by air-conditioned minivan to the Mornington Peninsula, only 90 minute's drive from Melbourne.
Start your day exploring the food, wine and scenery of the Mornington Peninsula by horseback. No experience is necessary. This is a leisurely ride on gentle, highly trained horses led by experienced rider-guides.
After being fitted for your horse, set off for a three-hour ride through the Red Hill vineyard region which is well known for growing wine grapes for chardonnays, pinot noirs and pinot grigios. You'll make two stops at select wineries and taste the celebrated wines of the region before enjoying a lunch made from the local produce.
In the afternoon you'll visit the Lavender Gardens and Ashcombe Maze. Originally farm land, this large property has been transformed into a beautiful garden and hedge maze. Let loose and see if you can master every turn through this intricate maze and search for the secret gnome treasure, while taking in the relaxing scents of aromatic lavender.
Your final stop will either be at the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm (November to April) or the Peninsula Hot Springs (May to October).
At the famous strawberry fields of Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, you have the opportunity to pick the freshest strawberries to take home or sit back in the Dessert Cafe and enjoy homemade strawberry sorbet and ice cream.
The Peninsula Hot Springs is the first natural hot spring in Victoria. The ever- flowing thermal mineral waters flow into private baths and pools which provide the idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Here, enjoy massaging your feet as you walk in the unique reflexology pool at Peninsula Hot Springs.
Reviewed by Alexander B, April 2013
Would highly recommend this tour who is looking for a quick escape from the city while hoping to get some good R and R. Kudos to the friendly staff at the wineries, bunyip tours and my horse, Boris, for carrying me safely between wineries!!
Reviewed by Nicholas S, January 2013
The actual Winery tour was great!! The actual tour company that takes you to the winery was very disorganized. Our bus driver was never told to drop us off at a certain point Needless to say we missed40 minutes of our winery. At one winery we got 10 min. everything was rushed.
