A relaxed shore excursion from Station Pier that combines free‑range wildlife encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary with a winery lunch on the Mornington Peninsula. Expect kangaroos, coastal lookouts and a two‑course lunch paired with regional wine.
A relaxed shore excursion from Station Pier that combines free‑range wildlife encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary with a winery lunch on the Mornington Peninsula. Expect kangaroos, coastal lookouts and a two‑course lunch paired with regional wine.
You step off the ship into the sharp sea air at Station Pier and the coach eases away from the city, the skyline shrinking as the coast and peninsula open up. In less than an hour you’re in rolling farm country where kangaroos graze like casual locals and the scrub smells of salt and eucalyptus.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Epicurean Tours · Melbourne, Victoria
You step off the ship into the sharp sea air at Station Pier and the coach eases away from the city, the skyline shrinking as the coast and peninsula open up. In less than an hour you’re in rolling farm country where kangaroos graze like casual locals and the scrub smells of salt and eucalyptus.
The tour pairs Moonlit Sanctuary’s free‑range encounters — kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and the option for a koala photo — with the groomed hills and vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula. The region sits on volcanic and sedimentary geology, shaped by Port Phillip Bay’s fluctuating shorelines; Arthur’s Seat rises above the shoreline as the peninsula’s viewpoint, while Brighton’s Dendy Street bathing boxes punctuate the beach like a row of bright compasses pointing to the city.
Culturally, this coastline is on Bunurong country; modern wineries and Merrick’s General Store sit alongside farming communities that began in the 19th century. Local guides blend animal-care notes with wine tasting and the practicalities of coastal life.
Practically: expect gentle walking and short standing periods for animal interactions and views. Bring sun protection, a light jacket for gusts off the bay, and a camera with a zoom for shy wildlife. Pickup and drop at the port is timed to ship schedules — confirm return timing if you need flexibility. The meal at Merrick’s is locally sourced and paired with a glass of regional wine; notify the operator of dietary needs ahead of time. This is a relaxed, accessible day that stitches wildlife, food and coastal panoramas into one shore excursion.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short periods of standing and easy walking on varied surfaces.
Yes — the tour includes pickup and drop‑off at Station Pier; provide your cruise and arrival/departure times at booking.
Moonlit Sanctuary access is included; koala encounters are often offered as an optional add‑on and may carry an extra fee.
Yes — the restaurant offers local seasonal menus and will accommodate dietary requirements if advised when booking.
Yes — the tour is family friendly; infant seats are available and paths at the sanctuary are stroller accessible.
Mornington Peninsula sits on Bunurong land and developed into a mosaic of farms and seaside villages in the 19th century; small wineries later reshaped parts of the landscape into food and wine destinations.
Moonlit Sanctuary focuses on rescue and rehabilitation and operates with native habitat restoration in mind — visitors should follow sanctary rules to minimize stress on animals and avoid introducing weeds or foreign food.
Epicurean Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You step off the ship into the sharp sea air at Station Pier and the coach eases away from the city, the skyline shrinking as the coast and peninsula open up. In less than an hour you’re in rolling farm country where kangaroos graze like casual locals and the scrub smells of salt and eucalyptus.
You step off the ship into the sharp sea air at Station Pier and the coach eases away from the city, the skyline shrinking as the coast and peninsula open up. In less than an hour you’re in rolling farm country where kangaroos graze like casual locals and the scrub smells of salt and eucalyptus.
The tour pairs Moonlit Sanctuary’s free‑range encounters — kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and the option for a koala photo — with the groomed hills and vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula. The region sits on volcanic and sedimentary geology, shaped by Port Phillip Bay’s fluctuating shorelines; Arthur’s Seat rises above the shoreline as the peninsula’s viewpoint, while Brighton’s Dendy Street bathing boxes punctuate the beach like a row of bright compasses pointing to the city.
Culturally, this coastline is on Bunurong country; modern wineries and Merrick’s General Store sit alongside farming communities that began in the 19th century. Local guides blend animal-care notes with wine tasting and the practicalities of coastal life.
Practically: expect gentle walking and short standing periods for animal interactions and views. Bring sun protection, a light jacket for gusts off the bay, and a camera with a zoom for shy wildlife. Pickup and drop at the port is timed to ship schedules — confirm return timing if you need flexibility. The meal at Merrick’s is locally sourced and paired with a glass of regional wine; notify the operator of dietary needs ahead of time. This is a relaxed, accessible day that stitches wildlife, food and coastal panoramas into one shore excursion.