ACTIVITIES ATTRACTIONS MERRICKS

Australia \\'s oldest and most famous traditional Hedge Maze.
More than 4000 year round flowering lavender bushes planted in our lavender labyrinth & display gardens
25 acres of internationally acclaimed garden settings with over 10 garden displays with individual themes that change with every season of the year.

A Circular Rose Maze the first of its kind planted anywhere in the world! With over 1200 rose bushes of 200 fragrant varieties chosen for colour and perfume.
Enjoy the serenity of abundant water features and diverse birdlife, as you admire nature at its best.
Spacious licensed café with high vaulted ceilings & towering windows overlooking Maze & water gardens.

Elan Vineyard and Winery was established in 1985. The name Elan was inspired by their desire to produce premium wine made with flair from grape varieties both classic and unusual. They make estate grown, hand crafted, small quantities of special wines. Located on the Mornington Peninsula in Bittern, Elan Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the views while sipping on beautiful wines. The Wines they specialise in are Riesling, Chardonnay,Gamay, Merlot, Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz. All at reasonable prices. There is a playground with a cubby over a sandpit and a slide. There is a grassed area for ball games. Gas barbecue facilities are on-site, picnic tables, rotunda overlooking the vineyard, coffee and tea making facilities. "2009 is the thirteenth vintage of Elan Vineyard's exceptionally good Gamay which is a light, dry and fruity red wine made using the primary grape variety of Beaujolais in France. The wine is quite unique, it is light-bodied but surprisingly earthy and is terrific slightly chilled at lunch." Stuart Gregor

Renew, revitalize and relax at Red Hill Spa, the day spa at the heart of the Mornington Peninsula! Red Hill Spa is a tranquil oasis where you can harmonise all aspects of your body. A space where you can rest and refresh your mind, pamper and rejuvenate your body, awaken your senses and expand your spirit. Nestled amongst the gum trees the day spa is approximately one hour from Melbourne and centred evenly between the Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Bay, enabling a short drive no matter where you are on the coast. The luxurious environment includes single and double treatment rooms, a unique wet room with a handcrafted treatment bed, hydrotherapy geisha tub and outdoor treatment bungalows available in summer in their mediation gardens. They can be sure to cater for any individual or groups need. Their wholistic approach to relaxation and pampering is shown in the comprehensive menu providing treatments utilising the finest organic products for facials, massages, body treatments, spa soaks, beauty services, ayurvedic signature treatments, and spa rituals. The therapists with their gift of touch can take you out of this world and allow your spirit to soar with the angels. Come and let the healing energy that is embracing this spiritually charged region wash over you, combined with their assistance in generating your own health and balance, allowing a transformation of self.

The Mornington Peninsula Attraction Pass includes four of the Mornington Peninsula's best attractions. Each attraction is open every day except Christmas Day. Passes are valid for three months from date of purchase. Ashcombe Maze and Lavender Gardens, admission plus self-guided tour and bonus fragrant lavender gift included. The Peninsula Hot Springs, early or late admission to bathing area in thermal pools. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cape Schanck Lighthouse where you can have a personal guided tour of the Lighthouse and complimentary admission to the Lighthouse Museum. Daytime admission to Moonlit Sanctuary, between 11am and 5pm, plus a koala photo opportunity. The Mornington Peninsula is just over an hour's drive from Melbourne, ideal for a day trip from Melbourne or for an extended stay with many exquisite accommodation venues on offer. This picturesque peninsula of green rolling hills is often called 'Melbourne's Playground'. Surrounded by sea, it makes for a memorable stop on the acclaimed touring route between Phillip Island and The Great Ocean Road. More than $100 full retail included in every ticket plus special 10 per cent discount offer at Sunny Ridge Strawberry, Sorrento to Queenscliff Ferry and Box Stallion Winery.

Pick your own Cherries at Red Hill Cherry Farm. Their cherry season starts mid- November and goes through to mid-January. Sour Morello cherries are available from late December to mid-January. Also available for purchase is Cherry Port and Desert Wine so you can enjoy the taste of the cherries all year round. So come and enjoy the fun of picking fresh cherries from trees that are maintain at a low height so everybody can easily reach them. Enjoy mother nature at her best, producing beautiful tasting cherries fully ripened on the trees. With 43 years of pick your own cherries Red Hill Cherry Farm is the oldest in the state and are considered an essential visit when on the Mornington Peninsula. Plan your Mornington Peninsula visit at the beginning of their cherry season. Situated in a secluded valley in the centre of Red Hill, the Holmes family has been farming in Red Hill since the late 1800's. In 1969 they grew 100 trees with three varieties of cherries, now they own 4500 trees, which include 25 varieties. Red Hill Cherry Farm have selected cherry varieties that suitable for their growing area and have a unique intense flavour. Visitors want to pick their own cherries for the intense flavour and freshness from tree ripened fruit. Red Hill Cherry Farm also sell their cherries direct to the public from the farm gate. Cherries develop 60 per cent of their sweetness and flavour in the last week of ripening. The cool Red Hill climate and rich volcanic soil add to the unique flavour of the cherries. They use sustainable growing methods with Bio Dynamic and organic preparations, so no artificial fertilisers are used, they grow green manure crops between the trees to help sweeten the soil.

The grand red-brick entrance of Willow Creek Vineyard denotes the vineyard that was planted in 1989. Predominantly pinot noir and chardonnay, it has been hand tended by the same viticulturist since the beginning. His partnership with renowned cool climate winemaker Geraldine McFaul results in some of the most elegantly crafted wines in the region. At the end of the meandering driveway is the original homestead, McCormick House. Built in 1876, it creates an historical context for the property and sits opposite the entrance to the stylish cellar door and restaurant. Designed by Carr Group, its ambient bluestone and oak interior is a calm, cool oasis in summer and warmed by a crackling fire in winter. And with a purpose built tasting room in the barrel hall, touring groups can discover the intricacies of winemaking in an intimate and dedicated setting. Beyond the cellar door is Salix, with its captivating vineyard view. The bright bistro has a sunny deck for summer dining, while the sophisticated restaurant is a cosy escape in all seasons. 'See how far the Mornington Peninsula wine scene has travelled from its origins as a 'hobby' winemaking region at Willow Creek. Beautifully manicured grounds and imposing old buildings set the scene for the superbly appointed, stylish Salix Restaurant, Bistro, and separate cellar door. An extended deck overlooks a picture-postcard scene of a beautiful, tree-enclosed valley, and carefully tended vineyards spread around. Ex-Stonier's winemaker Geraldine McFaul presides over a range of outstanding benchmark wines, all worthy of the estate's quality credentials.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery is owned by the Aylward family who started producing wine on the Mornington Peninsula in 1997. The focus was top quality wine that suited the climate of the Mornington Peninsula, specialising in making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and recently released a sparkling wine, inspired by the French Champagne. All Ocean Eight's wines are made in small quantities and batches to ensure high quality and a focused style of their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and sparkling wine can be achieved. The winery is located on Tucks Road in Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula. All grapes picked for this small production come from the 17 hectares of vineyard owned by the Aylward family. Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery wines can be tasted and purchased from the cellar door. The cellar door is open four days a week from Thursday to Sunday. For further information please contact Ocean Eight Vineyard & Winery or view their website.

Red Hill Cheese established their small modern cheesery and cellar door on the farm at Red Hill in April 2000, making distinctive, handcrafted regional cheeses to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. They are now joined by a farmer and cheesemaker with their flock of milking sheep, producing wonderful ewe's milk at Moyarra in Gippsland's "Prom Country". An exciting new range of sheep cheese now adds to the flavour experience offered by Red Hill Cheese released under their Prom Country Cheese banner. Connect with the farm and know where your food comes from. A seasonal range of quality cheese is made using fresh ewe milk from their own farm, organic milk from cows at Fish Creek, and goat milk from Main Ridge Dairy. Red Hill Cheese's use vegetarian rennet, and are free from artificial stabilisers and preservatives. Low temperature pasteurising, slow processing and gentle handling help preserve the raw qualities of the clean rich milk, resulting in cheeses with character and great depth of flavour. Sheep milk products display unique qualities in texture, flavour and nutritional value, and are particularly attractive for those consumers who are intolerant to other milks. Cheese from ewe's milk has a smooth texture with back palate softness and delicate, complex flavours. Red Hill Cheese cellar door promises a high-end flavour experience for Serious Cheese lovers, with goat, cow, and sheep cheese. Treat yourself to a tasting plate of the Cheese maker's selection, to enjoy at your leisure on the deck overlooking the forest. Make an informed choice of cheese to purchase to complement Mornington Peninsula wines. No facilities for groups more than 10. Contact Red Hill Cheese for further details.

The family-owned winery, Foxeys Hangout Winery, grows, makes and sells acclaimed cool-climate wines in the beautiful hills of the Mornington Peninsula, just an hour's drive south of Melbourne. Winemaker brothers Michael and Tony Lee are former Melbourne restaurateurs who turned their years of love and knowledge of fine wines into a livelihood when they planted the first of their three small Peninsula vineyards. The brothers personally make the wines on site at Red Hill and specialise in the Peninsula's flagship varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Gris. The Foxeys Hangout Winery range also features Peninsula Shiraz, including the winner of four major wine show trophies, a popular and highly rated sparkling version and a vintage port. The Foxeys Hangout Winery wines have been well received by some of Australia's most respected critics and have won numerous show medals. The Foxeys cellar door and kitchen is located at picturesque Red Hill on a historic farming property. Personally staffed by Michael and Tony, it is an intimate but striking architect-designed space with superb valley views over the vineyard. Tony is also a trained chef and serves wine-bar style appetizers from the cellar door's open kitchen, while Michael oversees tastings and runs Foxeys Hangout Winery unique customised sparkling bottling sessions. "The Lee brothers' experience and instinct for food and wine shows in the Foxeys Hangout winery. The stylish, relaxed cellar door occupies an ultra-smart, airy, wood-panelled room with a wall of glass bringing a vista of pines, eucalypts and a cosy little amphitheatre of vines to the doorstep. Quality wine-bar-type snacks slot well with the very good estate wines, and you can even help make your own sparkling wine." Ralph Kyte-Powell

Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens is home to Australia's oldest and most famous hedge maze, a beautiful circular rose maze, and the year round flowering Lavender Labyrinth, all set among 25 acres of world acclaimed gardens. The traditional hedge Maze is planted with more than 1000 cypress trees and thousands of metres of pathways. Now more than three metres high and two metres thick, the Maze keeper clips the hedges three times a year to keep it sculpted into a curvaceous challenge that will delight and inspire. The Lavender Labyrinth is planted with year round flowering lavender and the view from the centre over the lavender rows is spectacular. More than 3000 lavender plants are planted overlooking the impressive Arboretum, and the Lavender display gardens features more than 40 different lavenders, providing an insight into the history of lavender. Ashcombe's circular rose maze was the first of its kind planted in the world with 1200 rose bushes of over 200 varieties chosen for their colour and perfume. The object is to find your way to the centre and then find your way out. Or you can just stop and smell the roses Visitors are welcome to wander through the gardens on the self guided Garden Discovery Trail. The Famous Great Ashcombe Gnome Hunt is fun for all ages. The Ashcombe Maze Cafe features vaulted ceilings and towering windows overlooking the gardens. The fully licensed café offers hearty breakfasts, light lunches and snacks featuring local produce, great coffee and a selection of delicious cakes and cookies, all homemade on the premises. The famous Ashcombe Lavender scones are a must to try. Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring there is always something beautiful to be experienced at Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens.

Box Stallion Winery, the name is a clue to this winery's original role as a thoroughbred horse stud. 'Operating since 2000, today the handsome stable building with its stallion boxes houses the winery cellar door and a high-quality, but reasonably priced restaurant. An iron stove warms in winter while in summer, tables migrate outdoors where tall hedges, elms, planes and eucalypts frame pastures and wetlands, populated by all manner of water fowl. The good quality wines differ from the Peninsula norm, with eclectic varieties like Arneis, Gewurztraminer and Dolcetto, as well as more conventional fare.' Review by Ralph Kyte-Powell. From the first vintage to the current vintage, many trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals and awards have been proudly gathered, not to mention the always-favourable press. With Box Stallion exporting their wine, America, Canada and China wine drinkers are quietly sharing the pleasures of the diverse range of ultra premium, exclusive wines produced solely from the Box Stallion vineyards by veteran winemaker and industry icon Alex White. Some of Victoria's leading restaurant list their wines and continue to marvel at the reception and quality of the product. The wines can also be found in boutique wine stores. Alex White has a long history of success in the wine industry and he is now focused on producing wines of excellence for Box Stallion. The wines of Box Stallion are new, fun and ambitious. This theme is reflected in the cellar door restaurant, the winner of the 2003 and 2004 Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Small Business Award for Tourism. The cellar door caters for customers looking for a relaxed lunch from a carefully composed menu, in the unique surroundings of the now famous Red Barn. The friendly hospitality includes live music on Sundays from some of the best musicians in the business.

Eldridge Estate of Red Hill is listed as a five-star winery in James Halliday Wine Companion 2010 and listed as a five gold star producer in Rob Geddes Australian Wine Vintages 2010. Renowned for highly-rated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay, a feature of all Eldridge wines is elegance and palate length. Jancis Robinson classified the Pinot as one of six Australian Pinots that have Burgundian style, loving the balance and succulent juicy fruit of the 2006 Pinot. Peter Bourne feels that "Eldridge Estate Pinot Noir is among the region's more subtle and stylish Pinots". Tyson Stelzer on Eldridge Pinot Noir "There is refreshing poise to the cherry blossom and red cherry flavours on parade here. Noted wine writers Sally Gudgeon, Huon Hooke, Rob Geddes and James Halliday have commented that the Eldridge Estate Chardonnay is one of the regions most consistent and best. Ralph Kyte-Powell, writer for Delicious Magazine and The Age has commented that "the Eldridge Gamay should be on everyone's shopping list". At just three hectares, but with some of the oldest vines in the district, the winery is in one of the coolest elevated sub-regions of the Mornington Peninsula. The single-vineyard wines are available from cellar door, online, mailing list and in selected fine restaurants Australia-wide. 'David and Wendy Lloyd, owners of Eldridge Estate, are passionate about wine, and their love of it is infectious. The mature, picturesque valley vineyard provides outstanding Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, and clonal and technical experimentation ensure a quality focus. Gamay, the succulent grape of France's famous red Beaujolais performs well here, a unique companion to Mornington Peninsula cuisine, especially when the weather warms up. The Lloyds also source Shiraz from a small vineyard at Euroa in Central Victoria to make a big, tasty red of great concentration.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Main Ridge Estate is the Mornington Peninsula’s original commercial winery, established in 1975. The 3 hectare cool climate vineyard of 40 year old vines is situated on gentle north facing slopes of rich volcanic soil. It is perfect for high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay viticulture and wine production.

In December 2015, local winemaking pioneers Nat and Rosalie White passed ownership of the property to the Sexton family. The Sextons live on site and continue the Main Ridge Estate tradition of friendly personal service every day in the cellar door. Nat White remains involved as a consultant and mentor to new winemaker James Sexton.

The Main Ridge Estate winemaking philosophies have also been maintained: wines are grown and made entirely on the Estate, yields are held to very low levels to optimise quality, and exacting winemaking techniques are used to ensure fault free and complex wines which express the characteristics of the site, and the Mornington Peninsula region.

The cellar door and sundeck overlook the vineyards and extensive gardens. Light lunches are available during Summer and select weekends, featuring seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. We also present regular intimate concerts and wine dinners in the cellar door.

Our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Merlot can be purchased at the cellar door, through our online shop or by calling or emailing direct. Main Ridge Estate wine is stocked by leading restaurants and wine stores.

Established in 1989, Darling Park has earned a reputation for producing exquisite wines that reflect the cool climate of the Mornington Peninsula. Open for tastings every day of the week, Darling Park specialise in Pinot Gris, Viognier, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and late harvest (Cane-cut) Pinot Gris. Lunch is available daily. 'Darling Park's driveway descends a hill to the cellar door, leaving the bustle of the main road well behind. There's a slight, fairy-tale feel in this forest clearing. The cellar door has a pointy tower, undulating mosaic 'landscapes' grace a little children's area outside, and wine labels feature fantasies by leading artists. Further down, a little grassy sward by Dunn's Creek has picnic tables, and a well-tended vineyard climbs back up the hill from the winery. Wine quality is very good, the atmosphere is magical.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Established over thirty years ago & boasting a 500T capacity winery Dromana Estate is amongst the oldest & largest producers on the Mornington Peninsula. The winery & cellar door sit alongside the rolling hills of the vineyard & the property is conveniently located just off the Peninsula Freeway making it an easy drive for those seeking a wine tasting experience.

A tasting with our Cellar Door Staff will guide you through a number of wines from our various labels including the Dromana Estate range, the flagship label of the company boasting a highly acclaimed Pinot noir & Chardonnay; the Mornington Estate range, showcasing the best varieties this cool climate region has to offer; & the David Traeger Range.

Dromana Estate strives to minimise its ecological footprint on the native flora & fauna surrounding the property & is involved in a number of sustainable farming schemes, including solar power installations on the winery roof by Endless Solar; a long term recycled water supply agreement with South East Water; membership with the Devilbend Landcare Group; & active participation in the Bay to Bay Biolink Project. Visit us & enjoy a glass of Dromana Estate wine with the knowledge that you are supporting a business that endeavours to create premium quality produce whilst remaining in harmony with its surrounds. 

Stonier Wines was established in 1978. They are located on the Mornington Peninsula in Merricks.

They specialise in Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Reserve Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Wines.

Cheese platters are available daily as well as wine tastings. For any further information please contact Stonier Wines.

"Stonier has long been recognised for making excellent varietal wines on the Mornington Peninsula. The standard Pinot Noir Chardonnay are always terrific value, and the Reserve range highly decorated over the years. There can be no doubt that Brian Stonier's original intent of 28 years ago, on concentrating solely on the quality of the wine, continues to this day." Ben Edwards.

She is a one-off original, he is a clever winemaker of the highest order and together husband and wife team, Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy, like to shake things up big time. Their subversive winemaking is positively electrifying. (As described in the Gourmet Traveller Wine. April/May 2016). 

Their property is very laid back Old Balnarring, converted from orchard in the 1980’s, their vineyard is amongst the oldest on the Peninsula. Inside their winery cellar door you can taste soft voluptuous Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir alongside cutting edge natural wines Turbul Friulano and Kathleen’s favourites Pinot Grigio, Pobblebonk – a field blend and Rageous – their Sangiovese blend. As well as their own vineyard, these winemakers operate five premium vineyards in their region, all with a commitment to sustainable farming and allowing full creative reign.

Their tasting style is welcoming, informative and is a true exploration of Mornington Peninsula’s wine region.

The idea for Paradigm Hill was conceived almost 30 years ago. They have always been passionate about food and wine and their 'other' careers have laid the foundation for this adventure.

As with so many other things they have ever tackled, Paradigm Hill was a case of "all or none" and their obsession with the pursuit of quality has meant pushing the boundaries with viticulture and viniculture and to work within the domain of ecologically responsible practices.

It has often been said, great wine is made in the vineyard. They have just over ten acres of north facing gently sloping vineyard. The vineyard has been established with a very low density of vines (average only 500 vines per acre) grafted onto vigour and phylloxera resistant rootstock.

The trellis runs north south and vines have been trained to a 'vision, service, plan' approach with a keen eye on ensuring a balanced vine. They are committed to using only estate grown grapes for on site production of Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

The philosophy of their wine making is to guide the wine with minimal intervention, through the vinification process. The fruit is picked by loving hands, with vintage being a time for celebration.

'This vogueish new cellar door and winery at the end of a long driveway boasts a large timber deck with an eye-pleasing view of vineyards, meadows, stands of bush and rolling hills. An excellent spot to savour very good Riesling, Shiraz, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Tasting plates of savoury delicacies are available to complement the wines. Keep an eye out for some very relaxed cows and deer in the hollow in front of the winery.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.

Prancing Horse Estate is a super premium cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producer that leads the Mornington Peninsula's biodynamic movement. They first introduced cool climate biodynamic farming and winemaking in 2002 together with international expertise in site, soil and clonal selection.

At Prancing Horse Estate they aim to achieve balanced wines with intense flavours and structure. Their imprint on the Australian and French wine landscapes has been achieved through an uncompromising approach using organic and biodynamic principles in their vineyards and in the winery. Throughout the winemaking process, Prancing Horse winemaker, Sergio Carlei oversees the gentlest biodynamic approach.

In the Vineyard, Paul Danaher and his team engage in a rigorous program of biodynamic viticulture. The aim is to improve wine quality and optimise fruit flavours the natural way by continually improving the quality of the soil. These elements have fused and frame their ambition to be regarded as one of Australia's truly great cool-climate producers.

'Rated five red stars, amongst the best in Australia. Outstanding winery. Wines of exemplary quality and typicity.' The Australian Wine Companion 2011, James Halliday.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove is a Mornington Peninsula showplace. Its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are in the best regional mould, and sparkling wine follows the same quality direction.

Wetland habitats and a lake make it a sanctuary for local waterbirds, an olive grove produces luxurious golden oil. Sculpture and artworks dot the grounds, with the Montalto Sculpture Prize an annual high point.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove offers all visitors an experience to remember. They have the dream that all who visit feel rewarded by the time shared.

The thirty acres of vines at Montalto are the source of our premium cool climate wine, with the estate holding the top red five star rating in Halliday's Wine Companion. The focus is on the key Mornington Peninsula varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, however the range has something for everyone, from Sparkling, Pinot Grigio, and Rosé through to Shiraz.

The 1500 mature olive trees on the property produce cold pressed, extra virgin olive oils. estate cured olives, and olive tapenade. Their products are available only from the estate, and can be experienced in their intimate cellar door.

The Chef's Hat rated Montalto Restaurant, acknowledged as the Peninsula's best, serves food inspired by regional France, but anchored in the fresh seasonal produce of the estate and region.

The adjoining piazza offers simple, tasty food with wine enjoyed in a garden or courtyard table setting. Selected sites within the property are available for elegant, fully catered outdoor picnic dining, ideal for a romantic lunch or unique experience.

'A stylish restaurant and a European style alfresco piazza cater for all dining needs, or eat outdoors with a difference - secluded, catered picnic sites offer a quality twist on alfresco food.' Ralph Kyte-Powell

Phillip Island, on Victoria’s South Coast, is home to an amazing wildlife species, including Australia’s largest fur seal colony, the colony of around 32,000 Little Penguins and cuddly koalas.

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, our Private Phillip Island Tour is a full day chartered tour includes nature walks along Phillip Island’s stunning beaches and boardwalks, meeting some of the local faunas such as seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, birds and of course the Penguin Parade.

Enjoy getting close to koalas and kangaroos before joining the Little Penguins at dusk as each night, hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of penguins emerge from the surf and waddle across the beach at the world famous Penguin Parade.

The scenic journey on the luxurious seats of our modified 9-seater VIP minibus is a highlight in itself, as it features spectacular coastal scenery, charming heritage and an abundance of wildlife.

Want the best penguin viewing opportunities in Australia? Take the Penguin Eco Tour for a premium penguin experience that offers a personalized, intimate wildlife experience. Or choose the Underground Viewing option to enjoy the closest possible viewing of the Penguin Parade at eye-level.