Food & wine

Leg 4: Phillip Island to Mornington Peninsula
105 km / 65 miles, 1 hr

Surrounded by water on three sides, the Mornington Peninsula offers visitors white sandy beaches that are within close proximity to the fine wines of the region's 50 cellar doors. Some of the Peninsula's best restaurants are found in the vineyards. Try Max's at Red Hill Estate for superb regional food and views over Western Port Bay, or Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove with its outdoor sculpture exhibition and large kitchen garden.

Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Vines of Red Hill, while Salix Restaurant at Willow Creek Vineyard is a multi-award winner. For some history and tradition, visit the 19th-century Morning Star Estate or the grand country retreat of Woodman Estate. Hickinbotham of Dromana, run by the third generation of this winemaking family, has a friendly and casual cellar door for sampling boutique beers as well as wines.

The Rocks Mornington sits right over the water; order live seafood such as oysters or crayfish straight from the tanks. The Peninsula is famed for its local produce, and there are plenty of sweet treats at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm and Mornington Peninsula Chocolates.