Mornington Peninsula
By Julia Swift
This Itinerary is a half day and takes place on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Start 11.30am @ Main Ridge Dairy (we spent an hour there)
We started our trip at Main Ridge Dairy in Main Ridge. They are the only large commercial dairy on the Peninsula.
We were first welcomed by some lovely little goats just behind the fence next to the car park. The kids loved having a pat and cuddle with them. You can also purchase a buddle of goat food for $1 and feed them, which the kids really enjoyed.
This lovely little dairy has inside and outside tables, as well as a small collection of toys and colouring print outs, which kept our two kids occupied.
We got an outside table next to the grass so the kids could also run around and explore, and purchased a tasting plate (a small sample of 10 cheeses) and a platter of 4 cheeses and crackers. Their cheeses are just delicious.
You can also purchase a crisp glass of vino or warming coffee to enjoy with your chesses. And once you’ve worked out your favorite cheese (or 2 or 3) you can buy them from the deli on the way out.
Main Ridge Dairy also runs tours of the Dairy $12 for adults and $8 for kids, and cheese making workshops (check their website for dates and to book).
They are currently open Thursda – Sunday from 10am-4.30pm.
12.30pm – Drive just around the corner to Mock Red Hill for a Cider tasting. (We were there for about 30mins)
Here you can purchase a tasting paddle for $10 of 5 ciders in their cute little cider lounge (currently undergoing a reno). We had the sweet paddle of 3 alcoholic and 2 non alcoholic ciders and a giant bottle of apple juice for only $6 for the kids to share. Once you’ve picked you favourite you can sit back and enjoy a bottle of that, or purchase some to take home, including apples, and freeze dried fruit snacks, or apple vinegars.
1.00pm – We headed just down the road to my go to T’Gallant for some sun, wine and lunch. (We were there about 2 hours)
With plenty of outdoor tables in the beautiful gardens over-looking the vines, or cosy indoor tables, it’s very family/group friendly. We set ourselves up on a garden table, and ordered a feast of pizzas, dips and antipasto platters. We took turns to watch the kids while the others took part in the extensive wine tasting in the cellar door. (Note: our food came out quicker than a tasting takes, so maybe order once tastings completed haha ϑ) Kick back and enjoy the sun, food and a glass of wine. Stock up with some bottles for your wine collection and hopefully the little kids have a nap in the car on the way to the next stop.
Around 3.00pm we headed to St. Pauls Road Sorrento for a short walk (15 mins along sandy track) to Diamond Bay. It takes about 30mins to drive from T’Gallant to Sorrento. (We were there about 45 mins)
It’s a lovely walk. This time of year there are lots of wild flowers and lush green growth. Diamond Bay is a stunning little bay with a little sand beach. Sadly, this day was over cast, but on a clear sunny day I’m sure the water would just sparkle. If you don’t wish to do the walk you can park at a car park at the end of Diamond Bay Road.
If you time it right you should get into the township of Sorrento about 4.20pm for a quick stop for a hot drink and cake before returning home. (Most of the township closes at about 5pm).
Julia is a flight attendant and local Mornington Peninsula mum of two young kids. Travelling is her passion, and now with the kids it’s just a fine balancing act of travelling on age appropriate trips, the whole family can enjoy.
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