Saddle Up for a Horseback Winery Tour on the Mornington Peninsula

You’ve read about Gourmet Pawprints’ Doggy Winery Tours now, thanks to Horseback Winery Tours at Main Ridge in Mornington Peninsula, there’s winery excursions with our equine friends too. Not that the horses will be drinking the wine, that’s purely for the enjoyment of the riders.

Here at Ocean Blue we think a winery tour by horseback is a great idea for a girls weekend getaway or hen party activity whilst staying at our luxury Mornington Peninsula accommodation. It certainly ticks the boxes for a unique and exciting experience for a group of friends who want to try something different!

What could be better than trotting along with your mates, the wind in your hair, the sun on your back and the promise of excellent food and wine? Our Mornington Peninsula accommodation also includes gorgeous beach houses that have heated pools and spas to gently ease away any saddle ache, as well as a host of other luxuries, you can find out more about these at the end of this post.

Keep reading to find out more about the ultimate way to enjoy the beauty of our remarkable food and wine region.

Horseback Winery Tour Rides

Ride through scenic farmland & wineries

There are two types of winery tour rides available to choose from:

• Discovery Ride

Departing at 10am and 2pm, the Discovery Ride is the most popular. The ride is three hours in duration and two wineries are visited.

• Adventure Ride

This is a full day ride of six hours duration and includes lunch at Green Olive of Red Hill and tastings at two wineries. It departs at 10.30am and returns at 4.30pm.

There are also packages that allow you to combine a 3 hour ride with an add-on, such as a meal at a Mornington Peninsula restaurant or a bathe at the Peninsula Hot Springs. An ideal way to extend the enjoyment of your day!

What to expect on a Horseback Winery Tour experience

The ultimate bonding experience

Regardless of whether you choose a 3 hour ride or 6 hour ride, your journey on horseback will be a day you’ll never forget.

Boasting brand spanking new, state of the art facilities, Horseback Winery Tours is situated on a beautiful property at Main Ridge with a new reception building, immaculate stables, tie ups, indoor arena and viewing lounge. This is a world first specialist horse and tourism facility, that takes rider safety and maximum customer enjoyment seriously.

The registration and briefing prior to your ride is conducted with the utmost professionalism. Even if you’ve never ridden before, and your friends have, there’s a gentle horse for you, as well as as an experienced tour guide to provide encouraging instruction. If you’re all experienced riders they match you with a horse and guide to suit your pace, whether its trotting, cantering or both.

You’ll ride through stunning bushland, farmland and wineries, while experiencing award-winning wines from some of Australia’s finest wineries such as Red Hill Estate,  T’Gallant, Green Olive, Manton’s Creek Estate and Mock Red Hill.

Visit Horseback Winery Tours for more information or to book a tour date.

Mornington Peninsula accommodation for a girls’ getaway

Horseback Winery Tours are just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, and close to some of our larger Mornington Peninsula accommodation suitable for groups, so why not book a stay and make a girls’ weekend of it?

Relax in a solar heated pool after your ride!

Ocean Blue Retreat

Secluded Ocean Blue Retreat in Rye is a modern beach house that sleeps eight. It has professional landscaped gardens with a private outdoor lounge and dining area. You and your friends can ease away any tension by:

• a swim in the solar heated pool,


• chatting in the spacious lounge


• relaxing and  in front of the gas log fire or


• enjoying the surround sound audio system.

The property is fully self-catering and has a double remote control garage for your vehicles.

Warrawee

Our Warrawee beach house is located within walking distance of the Blairgowrie cafes and shops, as well as some spectacular cliff top walking tracks. The house is private with a bush setting and can sleep up to ten people. There’s plenty of room and remedy for relaxation including:

• a spacious lounge,


• an entertainment centre and an


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  outdoor heated swimspa.

A real log fire will also keep you cosy at night. It comes with a fully-equipped, modern kitchen if you want to cook up a storm or there are a good selection of restaurants close by in Blairgowrie.

To book one of these Mornington Peninsula accommodation properties for your group, you can do so online via the direct links above or contact Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats, we’d love to host your special occasion!

Saddle Up for a Horseback Winery Tour on the Mornington Peninsula

Food, Wine & Doggy Time at Mornington Peninsula Wineries

If a day out combining food, wine and your dog sounds right up your alley, then check out Gourmet Pawprints; a unique organisation which offers Doggy Winery Tours to Victoria wine regions. The concept was created by director Kerry Watt who, with her dog-loving team, arranges tours for owners and pets to visit Mornington Peninsula wineries (they also cover the Yarra Valley and Bellarine Peninsula). A Doggy Winery Tour is a win-win situation, you get to sample fabulous food and wine in good company, while your dog gets to socialise, play off leash on beaches and enjoy doggy treats. What could be better for owners who’re looking for an adventurous day out with their dog to pet friendly wineries on Mornington Peninsula?

Doggy Winery Tour on the Mornington Peninsula

Off-leash time on Flinders Beach

Sunday 25th May saw a Doggy Winery Tour gathering on our very own Mornington Peninsula. First stop on the itinerary was the verandah of the picturesque Willow Creek Vineyard homestead, McCormick House, where wine and olive oil tasting ensued courtesy of Peter and Kathy. Willow Creek Vineyard is one of the dog friendly wineries on the Mornington Peninsula and it’s situated in Merricks North. It is also known as one of the long running Mornington Peninsula wineries, with vines concentrating on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.

After everyone had their fill of wine and running around on the lawn (dogs not owners) it was back on the bus to Flinders Beach for some off-leash doggy play time (too cold for most paws to be dipped) but as you can see by the photo some brave souls went all in!

Lunch was a mouthwatering two course affair at lovely Pier 10 Winery & Restaurant in Shoreham which offers an à la carte menu, and the group happily sampled mouthwatering seared scallops; plum, chorizo and prosciutto salad; olives; chicken and mango salad and more. Of course delicious Pier 10 wine was also served, this Mornington Peninsula winery specialises in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.

Whilst the owners lingered inside over the food and wine, Gourmet Pawprint’s Robyne looked after the dogs on the lawn, she’s been nicknamed ‘Wine Tour Doggy Whisperer’ so everyone was in good hands, especially as she was giving out the treats.

The tour finished up in Mock Red Hill orchard in Red Hill for homegrown apple cider and cheese tasting. The Mock family are pioneers of Bio-dynamic products and use environmentally friendly methods of processing cider.

Doggy Winery Tour Review

A great day had by owners and dogs!

A great day was had by all, especially Laura and her Staffy Ridgeback Cross, Diesel. Laura won our Mother’s Day competition gift voucher to go on the Doggy Winery Tour. A hard working teacher, Laura’s daughter Sarah felt she should go on the Mornington Peninsula wineries trip with her favourite dog because as she said “she deserves a bit of a luxury as a reward for being a great mum”.

Laura said of the tour “I had such a fabulous day – Kerry you are a wonderful host – lots of heart and a fabulous idea! It was so relaxing being chaperoned everywhere and just hanging out with your dog as well as everyone else’s!”

The next Doggy Winery Tours on the Mornington Peninsula are being held on the 15 June and 20 July. So check out the Gourmet Pawprints website for further information and to book a spot for you and your pooch to visit some of these fantastic Mornington Peninsula wineries.

Food, Wine & Doggy Time at Mornington Peninsula Wineries

Autumn Indulgence: Plan Your Off-Season Escape To Our Luxury Rye Accommodation

March brings cooler temperatures to the Mornington Peninsula but with plenty of fine, sunny days still in store, and so many delicious autumn activities to indulge in when you stay at our Rye accommodation, we doubt you’ll miss summer.

For starters you could plan a gourmet food and wine trail, pick strawberries, take a cooking lesson, go for a coastal stroll or meet the local wildlife on a bush walk. Of course you may need more than two days to fit all this in, so be sure to take advantage of our discounted special offers for longer stays!

Mid-autumn is the time to visit Mornington for stunningly colourful regional parks and gardens on the Mornington Peninsula, and though while our nearby award-winning hot spring spas are perfect at any time of year, they’re especially popular in the autumn months.

As the nights start to draw in, snuggle down for the evening in one of our blue moon cottages with a log fire or private spa bath. Our award-winning Rye accommodation has everything you need to make your autumn escape a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Go Gourmet in Autumn

We think food tastes oh so much better in autumn, when it’s more comfortable to spend longer periods outdoors and you can work up an appetite. Stay at one of our Mornington Peninsula holiday rentals and you’ll be able to take advantage of the many local cafes, restaurants and wineries brimming with fresh produce, mouthwatering speciality goods and award-winning wines.

If gourmet food and fine wine is definitely top of the agenda for your autumn escape then be sure to check out Wine Food Farmgate before you arrive for the best gastronomic discoveries on the Peninsula. Create your own personalised wine and food trail so you can pick and choose the experiences you want to have when you get here such as:

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  selecting wineries for tastings from over 50 cellar doors;

  
  


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  dining at Chef’s Hat restaurants, seafood eateries or boutique pubs;

  
  


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  purchasing specialty chocolates, honey or bread;

  
  


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  or late season strawberry picking.

  
  

Autumn strawberry picking: Denise Krebs[/caption]

Strawberry season runs to 30th April at nearby Sunnyridge Farm where you can pick your own berries, sample cider, purchase gourmet products and wine, or partake of their scrumptious desserts in the Dessert Cafe.

Sweet-tooths are invited to resist the Strawberry Temptation, a home made strawberry and ice cream concoction laced with strawberry syrup and whipped cream. For chocolate lovers, the Belgian Chocolate Fondue and a seriously rich dark chocolate and coffee cream ganache should put paid to any sugar cravings.

A popular highlight of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is the Feast of the Full Moon, this year hosted by Terminus Restaurant at Flinders Hotel on the 16th March from 7pm – 10pm. The feast is a Moroccan-inspired flight of fancy involving a six course meal, wine and a moonlight carriage ride to the beach.

Those inspired to learn some new cooking techniques can do so at Green Olive farm in Red Hill where you can learn how to create your own handmade sausages, make jams & preserves and fresh pasta plus perfect the art of dessert making.

If you’re visiting the Peninsula as a group why not try something different like a Horseback Winery Tour, an ideal Autumn activity as the leaves start changing colour on the hills. You’ll visit nearby wineries such as:

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  Tuck’s Ridge;

  
  


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  Ten Minutes By Tractor and;

  
  


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  Montalto Vineyard.

  
  

Autumn Tours of Mornington Peninsula

Autumn is a marvellous time of year to get out and about on the Mornington Peninsula. As the hot days of summer make way for more comfortable temperatures, half day and full day tours of the region really come into their own. Whether you’re into sightseeing on land – taking in a few wineries and restaurants on the way – or checking out some of the local marine life, the following tours will offer you a great day out from your Rye accommodation.

Mornington Peninsula Experience Tours

MP Experience Tours are Mornington Peninsula winery tours run by Max and Danielle, respectively a restaurateur and winery expert. This brother and sister team have extensive knowledge of Mornington Peninsula and run small private group tours, including:

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  Signature Tour: One day tour of working olive farm, tasting at a winery, degustation lunch, visit a dairy, and artisan chocolate maker.


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  Bliss Feature Tour: One day tour of pampering & relaxation, including chocolate tasting, lunch at Max’s Restaurant, afternoon spent at Peninsula Hot Springs.


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  Other MP Experience Tours: relaxation & indulgence, scenic wildlife, customised tours extending to two days.

Doggy Vineyard tours for ‘food, wine & walks’

PET TIP: Those with four-footed friends in tow should check out Gourmet Pawprints. This organisation is running a Doggy Vineyard Tour on 25 May for ‘food, wine and walks’ on the Mornington Peninsula. Perfect for anyone staying in our pet-friendly Rye accommodation!

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Moonlit Sanctuary is a unique wildlife park offering evening tours to view many of Australia’s endangered and native animals in their natural surroundings. Dusk is when many of Australia’s animals are at their liveliest, so you’ll be sure to see marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas. The tour is accompanied by an informative and entertaining commentary.

Port Phillip Bay Cruises – swimming with dolphins and seals

In early Autumn visitors staying in Rye accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula have the chance to pop on a wetsuit and swim with fur seals and common or bottlenose dolphins. Half-day tours from October to April are run by licensed operators in Port Phillip Bay.

TIP:  You can book Moonraker sightseeing cruises and dolphin swim tours directly through the Ocean Blue website where we have passes for families of four available.

Autumn pampering

Enjoy spa treatments at our luxury cottages & have fun with belly dancing and tarot reading

Now summer’s over you’ll need a treat to look forward to whether it’s a romantic weekend away with your partner or with a group of girlfriends. Stay more than three nights and you won’t even need to get up to make toast in the morning with our complimentary breakfast hampers!

We offer Pamper Party Packages for girls’ weekends away, which are proving to be a big hit. These can be customised to whatever occasion you’re celebrating, a hens weekend, birthday or just some well-deserved time out with friends. Mobile day spa Ellegant You can be booked to come directly to one of our luxury holiday rentals in Rye. You have the choice of a soothing massage, spa treatment, serenity filled yoga session, or perhaps a spot of belly dancing and tarot card reading for something different?

Our Peninsula Hot Springs Packages can turn your weekend into an extra special occasion. Just a ten minute drive from our Rye accommodation, this award-winning day spa is a great excuse to visit the Mornington Peninsula in autumn. The natural mineral waters will soothe away any tension with your choice of bathing experiences including: a Turkish steam bath, massaging shower, cave pools and outdoor hilltop pool with panoramic views; as well as a range of relaxation treatments.

Slightly further away but still just a half hour drive from our Rye accommodation is the Woodman Estate Spa Retreat, a stunning lakeside spa featuring a range of massage, beauty and spa treatments utilising high-quality, all natural Australian products. If you’ve ever wanted to loll around on a day bed or stroll around a lake in a bathrobe, then this is the place to do it!

Autumn R&R on Mornington Peninsula

Autumn is the best time to visit parks and gardens in Mornington: Jason Langlois

Reds, golds, yellows – all the fiery colours we associate with deciduous trees will be on display for you if you visit the Mornington Peninsula in mid-autumn. For those taking in the Melbourne Flower Show at the end of March then why not extend your visit to Mornington Peninsula in early April and experience some of these stunning formal parks and gardens near our Rye accommodation!

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  Seawinds Gardens: Situated in Arthurs Seat State Park, 34 hectares grounds with many species of native trees, lookout points, walking tracks and formal & exotic gardens.

  
  

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  Morning Star Estate: Just north of Mornington township, 22 acres of grounds laid out around a Victorian mansion. Offers a restaurant and vineyards as well as extensive rose gardens.

  
  


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  Heronswood: Formal 2 acre Victorian botanical garden near Dromana with 19th century trees, thatched-roof cafe and retail nursery. Best for picnics and those keen on heritage gardening.

  
  


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  Enchanted Maze Garden: Award-winning whimsical garden near Arthurs Seat with lots of activities for kids and stunning autumn colours in the grande alley when Liquid Amber trees change colour.

  
  

If you’d like to experience any of these autumn highlights be sure get in quick to book one of our Mornington Peninsula holiday rentals, our Rye accommodation is especially popular this time of year. Don’t forget  to ‘like’ our Facebook page and let us know why you love autumn too!

 

Autumn Indulgence: Plan Your Off-Season Escape To Our Luxury Rye Accommodation

Enchanted Family Escape

The Mornington Peninsula is a wonderful place for kids.  Along with beaches to explore summer and winter the Enchanted Maze Garden and Treesurfing Adventure will keep them entertained for the whole day.

Family Accommodation Mornington Peninsula - Stay and Play

This package includes accommodation and family entry to the Enchanted Maze Garden and Treesurfing Adventure, plus breakfast hamper on arrival.

To Use This Package:

1. Select the SELECT PROPERTY button


2. Select Your Property


3. Click on “Availability & Bookings”


4. Choose your dates and the number of guests


5. Enter Promotional Code: BCODE-KIDS
   


6. The proceed with the booking as normal.  There is no need to add anything to the booking the code will have added everything you need in the package.

Enchanted Family Escape

Stay and Play Golf

The Mornington Peninsula golf can be favourably compared to some of the finest Peninsulas for golf in the World. There is an abundance of great golf courses and stunning coastal views from every corner of the Mornington Peninsula.  Situated just an hour outside of Melbourne the golf here is simply awesome.

There are many styles of courses available including links and resort style courses, all are in excellent condition year round.

Mornington Peninsula Golf - Stay and Play

This package includes accommodation and your chosen number of 18 holes of golf at either St Andrews Beach Golf Club, Moonah Links Open or Legends Course or The Dunes, plus breakfast hamper on arrival.

To Use This Package:

1. Select the SELECT PROPERTY button


2. Select Your Property


3. Click on “Availability & Bookings”


4. Choose your dates and the number of guests


5. Enter Promotional Code: BCODE-GOLF (2 rounds), BCODE-GLF3 (3 rounds), BCODE-GLF4 (4 rounds), BCODE-GLF5 (5 rounds), BCODE-GLF6 (6 rounds)
   


6. The proceed with the booking as normal.  There is no need to add anything to the booking the code will have added everything you need in the package.

Stay and Play Golf

Stay & Play

Stay & Play

Gregory Cleave and Andrew Boyd

Dog Friendly Accommodation Victoria

Spent a lovely weekend recently at the Shell Croft. The house is well appointed and is great value for money. Also a good location within easy walking distance to Rye Beach and shopping area. The private and fully enclosed deck and garden was perfect for our 2 little dogs.

We would definitely recommend the Shell Croft to anyone and we look forward to returning there ourselves in the near future.

Gregory Cleave and Andrew Boyd