One day, five Mornington treats. This all-inclusive outing stitches together SUP on Port Phillip Bay, a guided bushwalk, a winery picnic with coffee/tea, hot springs time, and wine tasting. You get a smooth, comfort-first schedule in an air-conditioned WAM van, so the day feels full without feeling chaotic.

What I really like is the mix of effort and recovery: you get out on the water, then you step into warm soaking time at Peninsula Hot Springs. The second big win is the way the day is run by guide Nick, laid-back and attentive, with room for quiet or conversation while still keeping everything moving.

One thing to consider: this is a true active day. You’ll need a moderate physical fitness level, and the hike plus hot springs timing means you should plan on being on your feet for much of the morning and early afternoon.

Key points to know before you go

• SUP lesson and tour on Port Phillip Bay with equipment provided, plus a chance to spot local dolphins
• Guided bushwalk that ends at a secluded beach with rock pools
• Picnic lunch with coffee or tea included, with fresh local-style food
• Peninsula Hot Springs entry and bathing included for a true recovery stop
• Wine tasting at Kerri Greens Winery plus alcoholic beverages included
• Small group size (up to 9) helps the day stay calm and well-paced

Why this Mornington day plan works so well

If you want the Mornington Peninsula in one hit, this format is hard to beat. You’re not picking between activities or spending your day shuttling yourself around. Instead, the tour bundles the best variety: water time, walking time, picnic time, then a soak, then wine.

I like that the day has clear “energy phases.” You start with SUP (active but guided), then switch to walking and scenic stops, and finally land on a relaxation anchor at Peninsula Hot Springs. It’s a smarter way to enjoy the peninsula than doing one big thing and running out of daylight.

The pacing also matters. The day is designed so you can keep moving to schedule without feeling rushed. With guide Nick at the helm, you get that relaxed vibe where you can talk when you want and stay quiet when that suits you better.

Getting to the day: McCrae Lighthouse, WAM van comfort, and a calm start

Your day begins at McCrae Lighthouse, at 676 Point Nepean Rd in McCrae, with a start time of 8:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to stress about where you’ll finish.

Transport is provided in a WAM van, and it’s air-conditioned, which is a real quality-of-life detail when the peninsula is warm. Pickup is offered too, and you’ll use a mobile ticket, which tends to make check-in easier.

Also, keep your day organized around timing. This is a nine-hour-style program, so you’ll want to show up ready to go rather than trying to squeeze errands in first. If you’re sensitive to early starts, Mornington’s early start might feel like the only “work” part of the day.

Port Phillip Bay SUP: what the lesson includes and how to enjoy it

Stand up paddleboarding is the big headline here, and the tour takes you beyond just renting gear and hoping for the best. You get SUP equipment plus a lesson and guided tour on Port Phillip Bay.

For me, the smartest part is that you go with coaching. Even if you’re new to SUP, the presence of a structured lesson means you spend more time learning the basics and less time wobbling in a panic. And if conditions are right, you’ll be in some beautiful open water scenery.

You’ll also be encouraged to keep an eye out for local pods of dolphins. That’s one of those “don’t force it” wildlife tips that actually makes sense on the water: stay aware, watch calmly, and you’ll have a better shot at seeing sea life without turning every minute into a frantic scan.

Practical tip: wear something you can paddle in, and keep your sunscreen habit strong. The tour provides reef-safe sunscreen, but it’s still worth applying early and bringing your focus back to sun protection when you’re out on the water.

The guided bushwalk to rock pools: effort, payoff, and smart footwear

After the paddle, the plan shifts to land with a guided coastal bushwalk. The goal is a stretch along the southern coastline that ends at a secluded beach with rock pools.

This is the part of the day where you’ll feel the “active” side most. The good news is that it’s guided, so you’re not trying to figure out routes or timing on your own. The hiking portion is also built into the full schedule, so you’ll have that sense of progression rather than wandering until everyone’s tired.

What to expect: you’ll be moving through outdoor terrain, and the payoff is the chance to see rock pools up close. Those small, quiet pockets tend to be where the shoreline magic is, because you’re not just looking at water—you’re looking at the details where the rocks do the work.

Drawback to plan around: this is not a stroll. You’ll want comfortable footwear with grip. If you’re prone to blisters or have unstable footing, take that seriously before the day starts.

Picnic viewpoint and Kerri Greens Winery: lunch, coffee/tea, and wine tasting together

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch that includes refreshments like coffee and/or tea. The tour provides the lunch as part of the package, so you’re not juggling food plans mid-activity.

I like that the picnic is positioned after the hike and before hot springs. It becomes a real reset. You can eat without rushing, and you’re fueling up for the warmer soaking segment later.

After that, the day continues to Kerri Greens Winery for wine tasting, along with alcoholic beverages included. The winery stop is described as laid back, which is exactly what you want after water and walking. This isn’t a hard-sell, high-pressure tasting session. It’s more about enjoying the day’s end flavors.

One practical note: if you’re sensitive to alcohol, you’ll still be fine because the day doesn’t require a big win-or-lose tasting. You can take it slowly and keep hydration in mind. The tour also provides bottled water and reusable bottles for the day, which helps.

Peninsula Hot Springs: why it’s the perfect landing spot

The last big anchor is Peninsula Hot Springs, with entry and bathing included. This is your “recovery and reset” moment, and it makes the whole day feel complete.

After SUP and a bushwalk, hot soaking is a logical payoff. Warm water tends to reduce that stiff feeling you get when you’ve been using muscles you don’t always use in everyday life. And because it’s included, you don’t have to decide later whether it’s worth the cost.

The only optional item mentioned is lockers and gowns at the hot springs. Those aren’t included, so if you prefer the convenience, you may want to budget a little extra for those extras.

If you’re going to do this, plan your mindset for relaxation. Keep your pace slow at the springs, and don’t treat it like a quick photo stop.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $207.28

At $207.28 per person, it isn’t a budget half-day. But this price is easier to justify when you look at what’s bundled.

You’re paying for a full day in one coordinated package that includes:

• SUP equipment, plus a lesson and guided tour
• Entry and bathing at Peninsula Hot Springs
• A guided hiking experience
• Lunch plus coffee/tea
• Towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable bottles
• Winery wine tasting and alcoholic beverages
• Air-conditioned vehicle transport and all fees/taxes

So instead of separately paying for gear rental, activity guiding, hot springs entry, and a winery tasting, you get one organized cost. That tends to be better value than trying to stitch the same plan together yourself, especially because the schedule is designed to flow.

Who should book this, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you want variety and you like having plans made for you. If you’re the kind of person who gets bored doing just one activity all day, this is a strong match. The small group size (up to 9) also helps keep the vibe personal and manageable.

You’ll also enjoy it if you like eco-minded day trips and prefer supporting local businesses through the schedule. The day is set up as an active-and-relaxing blend, not a race through the peninsula.

Think twice if you dislike hikes or you have limited balance. The day includes a guided bushwalk and a SUP lesson, so it’s not purely sightseeing. Also, because it’s weather-dependent and requires good conditions, you’ll want flexibility in your travel plans.

Should you book Ultimate Peninsula Adventure?

If your ideal Mornington day looks like sea air plus a little effort, then warm soaking plus winery flavors, I’d say yes—this is built for that exact rhythm. It’s also a smart choice if you want a single organized day with all the essentials covered: equipment, lunch, hot springs entry, towels, sunscreen, and wine tasting.

If you want only easy sightseeing, or you’re not comfortable with a moderate fitness day, then it may feel like too much. But for most people who enjoy an active start and a relaxed finish, it’s a very solid way to see the peninsula without planning every step yourself.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is McCrae Lighthouse, 676 Point Nepean Rd, McCrae VIC 3938, Australia.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 9 hours.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and transport is provided in an air-conditioned WAM van.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with coffee and/or tea. Wine tasting is also included, plus alcoholic beverages.

Do I get SUP equipment and instruction?

Yes. Stand up paddleboarding equipment is included, along with a lesson and a guided tour.

Are towels, sunscreen, and water provided?

Towels are provided, along with free reef-safe sunscreen and bottled water. Reusable bottles are also provided for the day.

Is hot springs entry included?

Yes. Peninsula Hot Springs entry and bathing are included.

What fitness level do I need, and is weather important?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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