Girls just wanna have fun! Writing this from the perspective of a 30-something who has enjoyed many a girl’s weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula be it for a birthday celebration, hens party or simply some much needed respite from the everyday stresses in life, I feel well qualified to put this guide together. There is nothing better than getting your besties together, piling into the car with your favourite road trip playlist blaring and creating memories which last a lifetime. Whether you have the full two days or just one epic day to plan I have you covered. This mix and match itinerary will give you options to tailor the trip to your liking.

Day 1 - Saturday

Start your weekend off with a taste of what the Mornington Peninsula is so well known for, but with your own personal spin on it. Foxeys Hangout Winery in Red Hill gives you the chance to blend your own sparkling wine to suit your palate. With an intimate group of up to eight budding winemakers, the team at Foxeys will guide you through their winemaking process making it fun for everyone. Or for the gin lovers among us, you can head to Bass and Flinders Distillery in Dromana for a Gin Masterclass. Here they are well known for their distinctive flair in experimenting with Australian botanicals to create outstanding gin and other spirits. Whichever option you choose you will walk away with a much greater understanding of what makes a great wine or gin, plus your very own blend of wine or gin to take home to savour.

After a morning of learning it’s off to lunch. Not too far down the road from our morning activities, you’ll find options galore for brilliant food fare. Top picks for a special day with friends is a gourmet picnic at Montalto or for larger groups lunch in their piazza. Their share style dishes made with seasonal produce from their kitchen garden are a great way to explore the menu. Here you can also enjoy a wine tasting and wander through their celebrated contemporary sculpture walk in the vineyard. Alternatively, head to one of the newest kids on the block. Many Little Bar and Bistro in Red Hill is the perfect place to share, indulge and feel at home. They have an extensive drinks list with distinctive cocktails like their ‘Avocado Gimlet’ and the interestingly named ‘Moonwalk’. You’ll find a food menu that matches the relaxed convivial vibe of the locale and includes bar snacks a range of enticing entrees and mains that will have you coming back again.

As the day goes on there's a couple of choices to finish off the day. A cooking class at Georgie Bass Café in Flinders where you can forage, learn new techniques, hone in on a niche food area like cooking with shellfish or vegan and gluten-free fare. Or, if you ready to unwind for the rest of the day head to Tucks where you can sit back on the terrace and relax with views over the vineyard. The atmosphere at Tucks is bright, breezy and laid back which is reflected in their approach which makes you feel instantly welcome. Try out their wine cocktail jugs like their ‘Peninsula Punch’ which is made with estate-grown pinot noir.

Day 2 - Sunday

After a good coffee and breakfast at a local cafe (see ideas here) it’s time to get your day started. To get the adrenaline pumping tree surfing at Enchanted Adventure Garden is sure to deliver and is one of the best ways to work off some of that food and wine from the day before. High in the treetops overlooking stunning gardens you’ll be challenged with zip lines and obstacles that will make you want to both laugh and scream at the same time. Otherwise, nothing beats a lazy Sunday morning of relaxation at Peninsula Hot Springs. In 2018 they added 7 new pools in their new bath house amphitheatre and stacks of new experiences. Some top picks for an added fun bonding experience at the hot springs include Clay Ridge where detoxifying mineral clays are painted on the body or the Fire and Ice experience which will really get the blood pumping with a mix of hot and cold therapy.

Whether you choose to relax or be active today, chances are that you have worked up an appetite. For a laid back lunch with a distinct Mornington Peninsula feel about it you can’t go past Green Olive at Red Hill. Before settling in to their tapas style food you can try out their wines and olive oils at the cellar door which looks out across their farm lined with olive groves and vines. Alternatively just up the road in Moorooduc, heading toward Melbourne is Stumpy Gully Vineyard where a Modern Australian menu has been created to perfectly compliment their award-winning wines. Think seared scallops, pan roasted duck breast finished off with a dessert of caramelized white chocolate mousse and passionfruit curd…yes, please!

Depending on where the energy levels are sitting at this point you may want to take it slow or take to the water. If you have ever wanted to try Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding, well now is your chance. Mornington Boat Hire in Mornington offer SUP hire so you can take to the blue bay waters for a paddle and capture some enviable photos for your Instagram. Or spend your last afternoon with us taking in the sights across the bay from a bird’s eye view aboard Arthurs Seat Eagle. Their all-weather gondolas can seat up to eight people each and are a fun way to finish off your visit.  Before heading home make sure you stop by their café for an afternoon coffee and cake or that last sneaky glass of local wine on their sun-drenched deck.

Checklist:

• Music playlist for the car ride featuring your favourite songs
• Multiple outfits for wine tasting, getting active and for the weather
• Snacks and supplies (check out local spots for stocking up HERE>>)
• A rock solid itinerary (plan your trip using this ‘Trip Planner’ tool HERE>>)
• A designated driver, or book transport with a local (see options HERE>>)
• Accommodation with a great entertaining area (see more on this below)

Tips:

1. Find out if anyone in your group has dietary requirements or other needs ahead of time

2. Work to a budget that fits for everyone, allowing for spending money (wine!)

3. Book activities, dining and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment

4. Keep it simple, don’t give the group too many options!

Accommodation:

Barefoot Beach Stays, Dromana | Holiday homes | More>>

Getaway Mornington Peninsula | Holiday homes booking service | More>>

Holiday Shacks Luxury Accommodation | Luxury holiday homes booking service | More>>

Or, browse and book more accommodation options HERE>>

Find more inspiration for this autumn HERE>>

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