Red Hill to Merricks Trail
The walk starts at the picturesque inland village of Red Hill and meanders past undulating countryside, pretty vineyards and tall forests of pine trees dotted with bright red toadstools. Stunning views over Western Port to Phillip Island can be seen along the way as well as pretty rural views. This walk has a distinct local feel and you can often see horses along the track.
After your walk it is time to sample some of the regional wines this area is famous for. The tour heads to charming Stonier Winery, home to some of Australia’s finest cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines to enjoy wine tasting. It is then on to your luxurious accommodation for the next two nights, the superb Jackalope Hotel. Set amongst the hills of the winery, enjoy time to relax or take a swim in the infinity pool before enjoying dinner at the charming Rare Hare Restaurant accompanied with wines from the vineyard.Bushrangers Bay - Cape Schanck Lighthouse. Koonya to Sorrento Beach
Your day two walk takes you from Bushrangers Bay to Pulpit Rock and the basalt cliffs of Cape Schanck. During the walk, you will be able to enjoy stunning views over the sea and rocky bays. You can admire the sea sculpturing effect of the salty wind, which trims the cliff face vegetation, and the landscape created by a lava flow about 60 million years ago. Walk through the banksia forest and try out your bird calls to mimic the local birds. You may even be lucky enough to spot wallabies or kangaroos along the way.
After lunch at Cape Schanck Lighthouse, you will be transported to Koonya Ocean Beach, which is the beginning of the afternoon walk. Take in spectacular coastal scenery as you meander along the beach before ascending to the cliff tops before making our way to Sorrento Ocean Beach. Enjoy a superb dinner at the sensational Doot Doot Doot restaurant, one of the finest local restaurants of the region. The restaurant’s masterchef create luxurious dishes utilising excellent regional produce, perfectly matched with wines from the vineyard.Portsea to Sorrento Artists trail and Point Nepean National Park
On the final day the tour explores Point Nepean National Park. Discover gorgeous natural scenery as well as the rich history of the area as you meander past the almost forgotten Police Point, Quarantine Station, the cattle jetty and the shipwreck of The Cheviot.
After Point Nepean you will be transported to your next walk from Portsea to Sorrento along the Artists trail. During this walk, you will experience breathtaking views along the beaches and coastline expanding across the water to the Bellarine Peninsula, a contrast to the rugged splendour of Bass Strait and the ocean beach side you will have encountered on the peninsula.
As you continue along the trail see reproductions of paintings created by many famous artists of the past, who have come here to paint the spectacular landscapes before you. Meander past colourful boatsheds before arriving for a celebratory lunch at The Baths, an iconic beachside restaurant in Sorrento with spectacular views.
