Explore Mornington Wildlife Wine and Hot Springs

If you’re looking to experience a slice of Victoria’s stunning coast, vibrant wildlife, and indulgent thermal spas, the Mornington Wildlife, Wine, and Hot Springs tour promises an immersive day. While we haven’t personally joined this exact trip, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and thoughtful design suggest it offers a well-rounded taste of the peninsula’s highlights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines up-close wildlife encounters with scenic vistas from iconic lookout points. Second, the premium wine tasting at Point Leo Estate adds a sophisticated touch, paired with art and sculpture. Third, the thermal springs offer a rejuvenating break from sightseeing, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.

A possible consideration is the full-day duration, which might feel long for some travelers, especially if you prefer more flexibility or a leisurely pace. However, for those interested in a comprehensive snapshot of the area in a single day, this experience is hard to beat.

This tour tends to suit active travelers, nature enthusiasts, and wine lovers who don’t mind a full schedule. If you’re keen on authentic experiences and value expert guides, this trip could be an excellent choice.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Close-up views of kangaroos and koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary offer memorable photo opportunities.
• Stunning Views: Arthurs Seat provides panoramic vistas across Port Phillip Bay, perfect for photo enthusiasts.
• Wine and Art: Point Leo Estate combines cool-climate wines with an impressive sculpture park, elevating the tasting experience.
• Relaxation: The geothermal pools at Peninsula Hot Springs serve as a perfect way to unwind after a busy morning.
• Flexibility: Options in the evening, like sunset views or kangaroo spotting, allow personalization of your experience.
• Value: Including entrance fees, wine tastings, and hot springs, the tour offers a lot in a single package, making the $552.28 cost reasonable for the comprehensive experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Your day kicks off around 9:00 am at Moonlit Sanctuary, an award-winning wildlife park. They’ve designed this visit for intimate encounters with native Australian animals. The sanctuary is located in native bushland, which enhances the sense of being in the wild—though, of course, it’s a curated environment.

Here, you can expect to feed kangaroos and get up close with koalas in a setting that emphasizes conservation and education. As one reviewer pointed out, the guides are knowledgeable, making it easier for visitors to learn about Australia’s iconic animals in a relaxed atmosphere. The admission fee is included, so the focus is on interaction rather than ticketing hassles.

Scenic Photo Stops: Dromana Beach and Arthurs Seat

After wildlife, the tour offers a quick 10-minute stop at Dromana Beach, with its brightly painted bathing boxes. These colorful structures are a classic image of the region’s seaside charm—perfect for capturing that postcard photo.

Next, you’ll head to Arthurs Seat, the region’s most famous lookout point, offering sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. With about 10 minutes here, you can soak in the scenery and snap some memorable shots. This spot is praised for its panoramic vistas that stretch from the Melbourne skyline to distant islands—an Instagram favorite for good reason.

Wine and Art at Point Leo Estate

The highlight for many is the approximately 2.5-hour visit to Point Leo Estate. Set on the coast, it combines premium wine tasting with an impressive sculpture park. We love how the estate offers a blend of sensory pleasures—from tasting refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to wandering through contemporary sculptures in a natural setting.

Guests have called the experience “excellent,” noting the knowledgeable staff and the quality of the wines. This part of the tour isn’t rushed, giving you ample time to enjoy both the refined wines and the surrounding artwork. The included admission fee covers the tastings and sculpture park, so you’re getting a lot of value for your money.

Rejuvenation at Peninsula Hot Springs

In the afternoon, the tour moves to Peninsula Hot Springs—Victoria’s award-winning geothermal retreat. With over 70 different bathing experiences, including cave pools, cold plunge options, and hot mineral baths, it’s a highlight for many travelers wanting to relax.

The 2-hour session here allows for a true unwind; many reviewers mention the therapeutic quality of the mineral-rich waters. As one visitor noted, “The variety of pools kept things interesting, and I loved the cold plunge after the hot baths.” It’s a perfect way to counteract the day’s activity and enjoy some peaceful moments.

Evening Options: Sunset or Kangaroo Spotting

The tour wraps up with a choice: watch the sunset from a scenic lookout or spot wild kangaroos at dusk. Both options enhance the experience’s authenticity—one offering tranquil views, the other a chance to see native wildlife in action.

While reviews don’t specify the exact locations, the flexibility means you can tailor the end of your day to your preferences, making this tour adaptable.

What Travelers Should Know

• Transportation and Group Size: The tour includes pickup from a designated meeting point, and it’s a private experience, so you’ll be sharing the day only with your group. This can be a plus for those wanting a personalized feel.
• Timing and Duration: At approximately 9 hours, it’s a full day. The schedule is packed but includes enough breaks to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
• Cost and Value: At $552.28 per person, the price covers entrance fees, tastings, and the hot springs, offering a comprehensive experience. While on the higher side, the inclusions and curated itinerary provide good value.
• Weather Dependency: As with most outdoor excursions, good weather is key. If canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
• What’s Not Included: Lunch is not included, so you’ll want to bring your own or purchase something during the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded day with a mix of wildlife, scenic vistas, fine wine, and relaxation. It suits those who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and appreciate authentic, local experiences. If you’re a wine lover, the estate visit alone is worth the price. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate the chance to see native animals in a conservation setting.

However, those looking for a more leisurely or flexible schedule might find the packed itinerary challenging. It’s ideal for travelers who want a rundown in one day without sacrificing quality or authenticity.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 9 hours, so be prepared for a full, active day.

What is included in the price?
The price covers admission to Moonlit Sanctuary, sculpture park, Peninsula Hot Springs, and wine tastings at Point Leo Estate.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

Can I customize the experience?
While the tour has a set itinerary, you can choose between different evening options—sunset view or wildlife spotting.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, which enhances personalization.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing for walking and outdoor activities is recommended, along with swimwear if you plan to enjoy the hot springs.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a full-day immersion into Mornington Peninsula’s natural beauty and indulgences, this tour offers a carefully curated experience. You’ll leave with great photos, new wildlife knowledge, and a refreshed spirit from the thermal springs.

It’s best suited for active travelers who appreciate authentic encounters—from kangaroo feeding to wine tasting in a stunning setting—and who don’t mind a busy schedule. The inclusion of multiple key highlights makes it excellent value for those looking to maximize their time in Victoria.

Whether it’s the chance to cuddle a koala, sip award-winning wine, or soak in mineral-rich waters, this tour makes for a memorable day. Just be ready to enjoy every moment—it’s a true taste of what the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.