A guide to grazing around the Mornington Peninsula

It’s hard to beat the nourishment of sourcing your food straight from the farmers who produce it, and the Mornington Peninsula is brimming with farm gates waiting to be explored. Each stop offers a chance to savour the peninsula’s flavours and immerse yourself in its rich farming heritage. Start at Torello Farm, where you can stock up on flavourful heirloom veggies, tree-ripened fruits and succulent free-range meats. For a hands-on experience, head to Rocky Creek Farm and pick your own strawberries – a sweet and satisfying way to connect with the land.

At Hawkes Farm, you’ll find a bustling farm market brimming with locally grown produce, straight from their fields to your basket. Their Farm Kitchen is a weekend highlight, serving up seasonal dishes crafted with ingredients grown on-site, embodying the farm-to-table ethos. Don’t miss their Meet the Makers Market on the last Saturday of each month, where you can meet local artisans, farmers and creators while sampling fresh, wholesome fare.

Fellow olive lovers won’t want to miss stopping by Green Olive at Red Hill, where their farm gate offers their olive oils, fresh grown produce and signature small-batch wines. Cheese enthusiasts can’t miss Main Ridge Dairy, celebrated for its award-winning, handcrafted artisan French style soft cheeses – perfect for a gourmet picnic. And for a taste of the region’s best seafood, swing by the Peninsula Fresh Seafood Truck, home to the longest standing mussel farm in Victoria. You’ll find this local gem parked at various spots across the region, offering everything from fresh prawns and oysters to crowd-pleasers like their rich, flavourful mussel chowder.

The Mornington Peninsula offers cellar door experiences that seamlessly combine the region’s exceptional wines with outstanding dining. At Avani, enjoy biodynamically grown wines alongside an Indian-inspired share-style menu that pays tribute to owner Devendra’s hometown of Lucknow, delivering a truly unique flavour journey.

For something a little bit special, The Dining Room at Lancemore Lindenderry Estate, a two-hatted gem, celebrates the peninsula’s bounty with elegant dishes crafted from local, seasonal produce, and Trofeo Estate focuses on local and seasonal ingredients which you can perfectly pair with their award-winning terracotta wines, uniquely fermented in traditional amphorae for a distinctive depth of flavour. For a more laid-back but equally indulgent experience, Rare Hare at LL Vineyard, serves up seasonal dishes showcasing the finest local produce, all while you soak in breathtaking vineyard views.

Beyond its incredible food, the Mornington Peninsula region is well known for its abundance of hot springs and bathhouses. And lucky for you, many of these places also offer exceptional dining options as well. After soaking in the thermal springs at Alba, savour a fresh, wholesome meal at Thyme, where award-winning chef Karen Martini curates a menu brimming with locally-sourced seasonal produce. Over at Peninsula Hot Springs, enjoy light meals at their on-site cafés, or better yet, pack up something delicious and unwind in the serene picnic area.

Looking for the ultimate day out? Combine relaxation and adventure with Wild Adventures Melbourne’s Peninsula Paddle Pinot & Pools tour. Glide through tranquil turquoise waters on a stand-up paddleboard, followed by a rejuvenating soak at Peninsula Hot Springs and a delectable lunch paired with local wine. It’s the perfect blend of wellness, flavour and fun.